Rabiot fires AC Milan past Verona to verge of Champions League return

TL;DR

Adrien Rabiot scored the only goal in AC Milan's 1-0 victory over Verona, boosting their chances of returning to the Champions League. The win places Milan second in Serie A, eight points ahead of Como and Roma.

Key points

Adrien Rabiot scored the only goal for AC Milan.
AC Milan is now second in Serie A.
Milan has an eight-point cushion over Como and Roma.
Verona is facing almost certain relegation.

Mentioned in this story

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

AC MilanVeronaComoRoma

Adrien Rabiot's (L) winner at Verona was his sixth goal for AC Milan this season (PIERO CRUCIATTI) (PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP/AFP) Adrien Rabiot boosted AC Milan's bid to return to the Champions League with the only goal in Sunday's 1-0 win at Verona, which moved his team back up to second in Serie A. France midfielder Rabiot swept home the only goal in the 41st minute at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi to give Milan an eight-point cushion on Como and Roma in fifth and sixth. The 31-year-old calmly netted his sixth league goal of the season after snatching possession in midfield and exchanging passes with Rafael Leao, for the only real highlight of a largely drab encounter. Milan took advantage of Como falling to a surprise defeat at Sassuolo on Friday and Roma drawing with Atalanta on Saturday night, and with five matches remaining in the season, the Rossoneri are all-but sure of a top four finish. Coach Massimiliano Allegri said on Friday that he has already started planning for next season with Milan's management -- the 58-year-old ruling himself out of the vacant Italy job. Verona's fifth straight defeat means almost certain relegation, as 's team are bottom of the division and 10 points behind , who sit just outside the drop zone and drew 0-0 at in the day's early fixture. sit in the final Champions League spot and can move five points ahead of Como and Roma with a home win over later on Saturday. td/bc

Q&A

How many goals has Adrien Rabiot scored for AC Milan this season?

Adrien Rabiot has scored six goals for AC Milan this season.

What is the significance of AC Milan's win against Verona?

The win against Verona strengthens AC Milan's position for a Champions League return, placing them second in Serie A with an eight-point lead over fifth and sixth place.

What are the implications of Verona's recent performance in Serie A?

Verona's fifth consecutive defeat puts them at the bottom of the league, making relegation almost certain.