The excellent start of Santiago Gimenez at AC Milan does not surprise Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The top club's technical director said this after the Mexican striker scored the only goal in the clash against Hellas Verona, his second goal for Milan already.
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AC Milan secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona, with Santiago Gimenez once again proving decisive for the Rossoneri.
The Mexican striker, who has quickly adapted to life in Italy, scored the only goal of the match, securing three important points for his new club. His impact has been immediate, and his performances have not gone unnoticed, especially by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who now plays a key role as Milan’s technical director.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the game, Ibrahimovic expressed little surprise at Gimenez’s success, emphasizing the striker’s natural ability to find the back of the net. He explained that Milan’s playing style suits him perfectly, allowing him to thrive in the penalty area. "I expected it to go well because Gimenez loves to score, and this is a team that delivers the ball into the box. You need someone there to put it in. It's not easy to adapt to Italian football, but we're helping him get used to it and become stronger step by step," said the Swede.
The match itself was a dominant display from Milan, although the scoreline suggested otherwise. Verona, known for their compact defensive structure, came to the San Siro with a clear strategy: to frustrate their opponents and capitalize on any mistakes. Milan, however, remained patient, controlling possession and creating chances. When the opportunity arose, Gimenez was in the right place at the right time, converting with the instinct of a true poacher. His goal not only secured the win but reinforced his growing reputation as a reliable scorer in Serie A.
Off the pitch, the night carried an emotional weight. Head coach Sergio Conceição was too distraught to address the media after the game, following the passing of Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the long-serving president of FC Porto. Pinto da Costa was an influential figure in Conceição’s career, having supported him both as a player and a coach at the Portuguese club. In his absence, it was Ibrahimovic who stepped in front of the cameras, speaking not only about the team’s performance but also about the broader significance of the victory. "This is a very important victory. We only scored one, but we dominated against a team that came here to defend. That makes it difficult to play," he said, acknowledging the challenges posed by Verona’s defensive approach.
Despite the focus on Gimenez’s goal, Ibrahimovic was quick to stress that Milan should not become dependent on any one player. The club’s philosophy is built on squad depth and rotation, particularly in a demanding season where games come thick and fast. "We are Milan: if we depend on one player, we are in trouble. The more players you have, the more alternatives there are, and every coach must rotate when playing every three days. Otherwise, players burn out and risk injuries," he stated.
The media response to Gimenez’s performance has been overwhelmingly positive, with Italian newspapers dedicating their front pages to the striker’s decisive goal. Gazzetta dello Sport ran the headline, "The Mexican strikes down Verona," highlighting his growing influence within the team. The paper reassured Milan fans that there was no reason to worry about their attacking firepower Gimenez was taking care of business. His presence in the lineup has provided Milan with a new attacking dimension, one that seems to be perfectly in sync with the club’s style of play.
Milan’s focus now shifts to their upcoming Champions League knockout round playoff against Feyenoord. The Dutch club holds a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, meaning Milan will need a strong performance to overturn the deficit and progress to the next stage of the competition. Given his current form, all eyes will be on Gimenez to see if he can once again deliver when it matters most. The Mexican forward has already made a name for himself in Serie A, but now he has the chance to make his mark on the European stage, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising strikers in the game.
Updated: 12:47, 16 Feb 2025
