Leao brace propels AC Milan over Fiorentina to Serie A lead
On Sunday Rafael Leao propelled AC Milan to the summit of Serie A thanks to two goals one of which was a late penalty during their 2-1 triumph against Fiorentina managed by ex coach Stefano Pioli.
The Portuguese forward sealed the victory for Milan at the San Siro with a composed penalty four minutes from time lifting his side a point clear of city foes Inter Milan along with Napoli and Roma.
This strike marked Leao's inaugural league start this term and followed his equaliser in the 63rd minute a stunning long range shot that levelled the scores.
Milan capitalised on defeats for Napoli and Roma during a weekend of scant scoring in Italys premier division with just seven goals across nine fixtures including four barren stalemates.
Matches involving Cremonese and Udinese will wrap up the seventh round on Monday evening.
Leao's strikes offered respite to Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri amid mounting injury woes notably to vital squad members Adrien Rabiot and Christian Pulisic sidelined from international commitments for several weeks.
The 26 year olds double negated Robin Gosenss 55th minute opener for Fiorentina who under previous Milan boss Pioli remain winless in the league languishing in the drop zone.
Pioli guided Milan to the Serie A crown in 2022 yet he is finding it hard to instil rhythm at Fiorentina though their performance on Sunday showed progress compared to prior outings in the seasons opening phase.
Como defeat Juventus
In an earlier game Nico Paz starred once more for Como netting and assisting in a historic 2-0 success against Juventus elevating the modest outfit to sixth position.
The Argentine midfielder orchestrated Marc Oliver Kempfs early finish in the fourth minute at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia then clinched Comos initial triumph over Juve since 1952 with a superb solo effort 12 minutes from the end.
Backed by tobacco conglomerate Djarum and led by ex Spain and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas aspiring Como sit on 12 points after seven games trailing Milan by merely four.
Signed from Real Madrid last August the 21 year old Paz enjoyed a solid first year in Italy and has been central to Comos robust campaign launch boasting four goals and four assists already.
"He is an exceptional talent I have no doubts about his prospects as I can spot a players drive and the mindset needed to reach elite status rather than fading quickly" Fabregas remarked to DAZN.
Pazs standout showing on Sunday extended Juves barren run since their thrilling win over rivals Inter more than a month back.
Igor Tudors Juventus arrived at the midday clash undefeated this season but enduring five consecutive draws across all tournaments.
The loss capped a challenging week for Juve with starter Gleison Bremer ruled out until years end due to a knee ligament injury plus scrutiny from UEFA over financial fair play violations.
Ahead looms the daunting prospect of Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu where Juve hold just two points from their opening pair of Champions League encounters this term.
Riccardo Orsolini aided Bologna in climbing a point ahead of Como to fifth with his fifth strike of the season in an easy 2-0 away win versus Cagliari.