AC Milan climbed to the summit of Serie A on Saturday following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lazio at the San Siro, a match that concluded amidst dramatic penalty controversy deep into stoppage time.
Leao Strike Decides Tense Encounter
The crucial moment arrived in the 51st minute when Portuguese attacker Rafael Leao netted his sixth goal of the season. The breakthrough came during a scrappy affair, with Leao expertly meeting Fikayo Tomori's powerful low cross to force the ball home.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan proved instrumental once again, replicating his match-winning form from the previous weekend's Milan derby. The French international made a crucial early save to deny Mario Gila's well-directed header, maintaining his clean sheet throughout the encounter.
Late Drama and Penalty Controversy
The match's conclusion descended into chaos when referee Giuseppe Collu was called to review a potential handball by Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic during added time. The decision-making process faced significant delays due to protests from Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and ensuing chaos from both dugouts.
Allegri received a red card for dissent before Collu even examined the video footage. Ultimately, the referee denied Lazio a penalty, not because he deemed there was no handball, but because he ruled that Pavlovic had been fouled by Lazio's Adam Marusic in the buildup.
Aftermath and League Implications
The controversial decision prompted Lazio to refuse all media engagements post-match, while Allegri adopted a more diplomatic stance. "It wasn't easy for the referee to make that decision after being called over by VAR," Allegri told Sky Sport, while insisting he had not insulted the official.
Milan's position at the top depends on Sunday's headline clash between Roma and Napoli. The Rossoneri will maintain their leadership unless Roma secure victory or Napoli win by a margin of two goals or more at the Stadio Olimpico.
In positive news for Milan fans, sporting director Igli Tare hinted before kickoff that the club is progressing toward a contract extension with Maignan, whose current deal expires at season's end.
Meanwhile, Lazio remain eighth in the standings with 18 points after suffering their fifth defeat of the campaign, leaving them five points behind seventh-placed Juventus.
Juventus Secure Victory Through Yildiz Brilliance
Earlier on Saturday, Kenan Yildiz inspired Juventus to a 2-1 comeback victory over Cagliari, delivering coach Luciano Spalletti his first home win. The Turkish forward scored a crucial brace, including a stoppage-time winner just before halftime.
Yildiz equalized in the 27th minute, moments after Sebastiano Esposito had given Cagliari a shock lead. The 20-year-old now has five goals this season, with Spalletti praising his exceptional qualities: "Yildiz has the attributes of a great player—he secured our victory from nothing."
Juventus now trail Milan by six points following Yildiz's impressive display, though they face concerns after striker Dusan Vlahovic sustained what appeared to be a thigh injury during the first half.
