Serie A: Nkunku scores double as Milan cruise past Verona to claim top spot

AC Milan moved top of the Serie A table with a controlled 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona at San Siro on Saturday, with Christian Pulisic opening the scoring before Christopher Nkunku struck twice to seal the points.

The Rossoneri made two changes from their Supercoppa Italiana semi-final defeat to Napoli, as Davide Bartesaghi replaced Pervis Estupiñán and Luka Modrić returned to the starting XI in place of Ardon Jashari.

Verona, meanwhile, left Gift Orban out of their attack, opting instead for Daniel Mosquera and Giovane up front.

Milan dominated territory but struggled for penetration for much of the first half, with Verona organised and comfortable in possession, limiting the hosts largely to set-piece situations.

Pulisic breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough finally arrived in first-half stoppage time. Modrić swung in a delivery from the left, Adrien Rabiot flicked it on, and Pulisic reacted quickest at the back post to finish from close range.

The goal took the American to eight league strikes for the season, level with Lautaro Martínez in the Serie A scoring charts.

Nkunku delivers decisive double

Milan doubled their advantage almost immediately after the restart when Nkunku was fouled in the penalty area. The French forward converted the spot-kick calmly for his first Serie A goal.

Four minutes later, Nkunku struck again. Modrić hit the post with a long-range effort, and Nkunku was the most alert player in the box to convert the rebound and make it 3-0.

The result lifts Milan to the top of the standings, two points clear of Inter, who can reclaim first place with a win over Atalanta later on Sunday.

Verona, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone after another damaging defeat.