Rafael Leão sends AC Milan top of Serie A with narrow win at Cagliari

Rafael Leão’s second-half strike earned AC Milan a hard-fought 1–0 victory away to Cagliari on Friday night, lifting the Rossoneri to the summit of Serie A.

AC Milan moved two points clear at the top of the table after Leão scored the decisive goal shortly after the interval in Sardinia. The Portugal international finished confidently past Elia Caprile in the 50th minute after being set up by Adrien Rabiot.

The visitors emerged with renewed intensity following the break, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek heading narrowly over before Leão struck the winner. The winger, who had arrived in Cagliari managing a right adductor issue, had earlier seen an effort crash against the crossbar before finally breaking the deadlock.

Christian Pulisic had an opportunity to double Milan’s advantage late on but failed to convert with four minutes remaining. Nevertheless, Stefano Pioli’s side held firm to secure all three points and extend their unbeaten run away from home this season.

The result moves Milan ahead of Inter Milan, who host Bologna on Sunday, while third-placed Napoli travel to Lazio. Cagliari remain 14th in the standings, sitting on 18 points.