18-year-old defender Jan-Carlo Simic marked an unforgettable debut for AC Milan by netting a goal just 17 minutes after substituting for an injured teammate in a 3-0 victory against Monza at the San Siro on Sunday. The youngster received accolades from his teammates for converting a cross from Rafael Leão late in the first half, stepping into action unexpectedly due to Tommaso Pobega’s injury.

Tijjani Reijnders and Noah Okafor also contributed goals for Milan, securing the team’s third-place spot and closing the gap to five points behind second-place Juventus, who drew 1-1 against Genoa earlier in the week. Serie A leaders Inter Milan, with just one point ahead of Juventus, are scheduled to play against Lazio later.

Despite their recent Champions League elimination, Christian Pulisic of the United States exhibited a strong performance for Rossoneri, hitting the crossbar with a powerful long-range shot. Additionally, goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a crucial save from a shot by Monza’s standout player, Andrea Colpani.

This match marked the first encounter between the two clubs since the passing of Silvio Berlusconi in June, the longstanding president of Milan who later acquired Monza. Monza continues to be managed by former Milan vice president Adriano Galliani.

Reijnders displayed skilful dribbling through Monza’s defence to give Milan an early lead, and he also provided the assist for Okafor’s goal in the middle of the second half, before Okafor himself exited the game due to a suspected injury.

Milan performance and stats

Milan is currently 3rd in the Serie A with 32 points.

In the last 16 games, it has won 10 times, drawn twice, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Milan won 3-0 against Monza.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 29 goals and conceding 18.​