AC Milan strengthened their Serie A title credentials with a gritty 1-0 victory over AS Roma at San Siro, ending the visitors’ six-match winning run away from home and extending their own unbeaten streak to 10 games in all competitions.
Roma began brightly, showing the confidence of a side unbeaten on the road, with Bryan Cristante and Evan Ndicka both going close early on.
Paulo Dybala also missed a golden opportunity as Milan struggled to gain control in the opening half-hour.
But Milan made Roma pay for their wastefulness, striking against the run of play through a lightning counterattack.
Rafael Leão broke forward and squared for Strahinja Pavlović, who smashed home his first Serie A goal to give the hosts the lead.
Youssouf Fofana spurned a big chance to double Milan’s advantage before half-time, while after the restart, the Rossoneri turned up the pressure.
Rafael Leão saw his curling effort parried by Mile Svilar, before a flurry of Milan attempts somehow stayed out, with the post, the goalkeeper, and Mario Hermoso all denying them a second.
Roma’s hopes were briefly revived when they earned a late penalty after Fofana handled inside the box, but Mike Maignan produced a brilliant save to deny Dybala from the spot and preserve Milan’s narrow advantage.
It proved decisive, as Milan held firm to claim a vital win that moved them up to third, while Roma’s impressive away streak came to an abrupt end with their first defeat on the road this season.
