Tijjani Reijnders celebrates after scoring against Verona. Tijjani Reijnders celebrates after scoring against Verona.

Paulo Fonseca was delighted to see AC Milan overcome a series of absences to halt their poor run of form with a 1-0 Serie A victory at Hellas Verona. (More Football News)

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A second-half goal from Tijjani Reijnders secured a 1-0 win for Milan, who are up to seventh after just their second win in six games.

Milan have now won their last eight matches against Verona in Serie A – only against Siena (nine) have the Rossoneri won more straight games in the competition.

Fonseca's side had to cope without injured duo Alvaro Morata and Christian Pulisic, while Theo Hernandez was again limited to the role of substitute. 

"The first half was somewhat inevitable with so many players missing and not winning the most recent match, so we were sluggish," Fonseca told DAZN after the game.

"Without so many players at the moment and our current form, I am satisfied with the victory, which was the most important thing. 

"It was a much-deserved win, we kept a clean sheet and showed more stability in defence."

Milan enjoyed 65% of the possession, only racking up 0.81 expected goals (xG) but only allowing Verona to create 0.68 at the other end.

Milan have won without conceding in an away Serie A match for only the second time this term, after a 1-0 triumph at Monza in early November.

"It is a great honour to be nominated for the FIH Player of the Year Award again," the Indian defender stated in a Hockey India release.

"It's true that we did not allow Verona much and dominated possession, but without being aggressive in the final third," Fonseca said.

"We made too many wrong decisions, that is also down to a lack of confidence, because we had the ball so often near the penalty area and should’ve done better."

Fonseca said the injury sustained by Rafael Leao in the first half was not too serious despite the Portugal international limping off.

"I spoke to Rafatayabet, it doesn't seem to be anything particularly special. It's nothing major," Fonseca said.