Jeremy Menez Proves the Difference as AC Milan Edge out Palermo

Finally, after five months of trying, a win on the road for AC Milan.

The winning goal came from a routine source. Jeremy Menez dashed past two defenders and launched the ball up and over the onrushing goalkeeper. Coach Filippo Inzaghi and his staff rushed to the end of the pitch, going insane. Milan had just come back to win 2-1 over Palermo on Saturday, an Easter present for the fans and a big boost to their Europa League hopes.

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Menez now has 16 league goals this season—almost double his previous best total—and is tied with Carlos Tevez at the top of the Serie A scoring chart. Those goals have saved several points for Milan, keeping them within a shot of Europe in eighth place. He earned two more at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The game could have followed a familiar pattern. Milan had gained the advantage in the first half only to spoil it in the second. Alessio Cerci bundled the ball into the net in the 37th minute—an ugly play, yes, but a first goal in red and black for the on-loan Atletico Madrid winger. 

Then Milan struggled to hold the ball or get it on target. Mattia Destro was particularly frustrating to watch in the penalty area, as he was unable to put the ball under his control. 

As usual, the play shifted to Milan's half. The Rossoneri sat back and invited more pressure. Palermo began to appeal for penalties, and they finally got one when defender Gabriel Paletta stuck out his foot and tripped up Palermo substitute Andrea Belotti.

Paulo Dybala stepped up and scored from the spot. It was Palermo's first goal since February 22. 

Alessandro Fucarini/Associated Press

Milan could have presented another case of dropped points. But, this time, they fought back in the final 20 minutes. They pushed up and pressured Palermo. They were not content to settle for a draw. How refreshing.

Milan have not played with that kind of hunger in months, especially away from home. They had only won twice on the road before. 

They did slip back into old habits—wasting chances and conceding an equalizer—but they were fighting to regain the lead. Menez picked up on that energy and beat two Palermo defenders as he sprinted toward the goal. The deciding strike was next. 

It was the kind of run he likes to make. Sometimes he keeps the ball too long and ends up in a cul-de-sac; other times, like this one, he is a one-man show, delivering the anticipated finish.

So Inzaghi raced to him at the far touchline. The officials told him to go back. But he had something to say to Menez. Maybe a thank you, a few words of encouragement. The Frenchman was Inzaghi's first signing, way back when they met in Ibiza. They have leaned on each other all season.