Milan continued to struggle for a place in the top four in Serie A when Ismael Bennacer and Theo Hernandez scored goals in a 2–0 win over Lazio at the San Siro.
Stefano Pioli’s side were in complete control from the start, although Lazio masterfully lost the opening goal as a mistake by Marcos Antonio allowed Bennacer to go home.
Hernandez doubled Milan’s lead before the break with a terrific solo effort, helping the Rossoneri to fourth place in Serie A ahead of Inter’s playoff against Roma later on Saturday.
Milan’s win, however, was marred by star striker Rafael Leão limping off the field early and with only four days to go until the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter.
After resting several players ahead of Wednesday’s draw with Cremonese, Pioli may have regretted calling a more familiar squad when Leao was taken off just 11 minutes after the striker suffered a groin injury.
However, Milan took his absence lightly as Bennacer seized on the Lazio mix-up by teaming up with Olivier Giroud before striking the ground and over Ivan Provedel.
Milan doubled their lead after a blitz break 12 minutes later. Hernandez received the ball from Mike Maignan close to his own box, then shot forward and hit the ball from 20 yards down.
DJ Theo #MilanLazio #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/nIFBUbqolX
— Milan (@acmilan) May 6, 2023
Lazio failed to score a shot on target before the break, and Milan continued to dominate after the break when substitute Malik Thiau headed in from Sandro Tonali’s corner.
Milan missed a late third place when Ante Rebic scored from offside, but it didn’t matter much as they warmed up in style ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League derby.