After a fifth-place finish last season led to the resignations of head coach Gennaro Gattuso and sporting director Leonardo, AC Milan’s opening fixture of the 2019-20 Serie A campaign outlined just how difficult the task of improving on that record will be for replacements Marco Giampaolo and Paolo Maldini.
Udinese, 12th-place finishers last year, recorded a shock 1-0 victory over Milan at the Stadio Friuli on Sunday, condemning the Rossoneri to an opening day defeat for the fifth time in the past eight seasons.
The game-winning goal was scored by 23-year-old Brazilian defender Rodrigo Becão, who was making his debut for Udinese after transferring from Bahia for $1.8 million back in July.
Becão scored with a towering header off a corner kick in the 72nd minute. The corner was delivered by Rodrigo De Paul, who had just been subbed on.
The 25-year-old Argentine sprinted onto the pitch to replace Ignacio Pussetto, ran over to take the corner, adjusted the ball and gave it a little kiss of death and delivered an out-swinger to the cabeza of Becão. All of this in 25 seconds.
Udinese vs Milan Full Highlights (08/25/2019)
Despite controlling 60 percent of possession and attempting 14 shots, Milan failed to land a single one on target. The Rossoneri’s home opener is next Saturday against newly promoted Brescia.
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