AC Milan’s Krzysztof Piatek returned to the starting lineup and got the winner by converting a second-half penalty for a hard-fought 1-0 victory against 10-man Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday.
The Polish striker was dropped by coach Marco Giampaolo for the win over Brescia before the international break but led the line at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi and opened his account for the season in a nervy win.
Verona debutant Mariusz Stepinski was shown a straight red card for a high boot after 21 minutes but the promoted host put in a spirited performance after going a man down.
Piatek went into the game with one goal in his last nine league appearances but made no mistake from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Koray Gunter was penalised for handball.
Davide Calabria was sent off for Milan deep in stoppage time but the visitor held on to climb to seventh place on six points, two points ahead of 11th-placed Verona.
“The team played well in the second half, with the right approach and precision,” Giampaolo told Sky Sport Italia .
“A team that defends with 10 men in their final third are difficult to break down. Verona played their honest defensive game and we were constantly pushing forward.
“We didn’t do it perfectly and of course there is plenty to work on and improve, but the victory helps us to work.
“I won’t just brush the dust under the carpet, I know full well we need to improve and there are issues we have to deal with.”
The results:
La Liga: Valladolid 1 (Hervias 65) drew with Osasuna 1 (Ibanez 81); Betis 1 (Joaquin 73-pen) drew with Getafe 1 (Mata 15-pen).
Serie A: Verona 0 lost to AC Milan 1 (Piatek 68-pen).
