AC Milan take Serie A lead after fraught win over Lazio
AC Milan climbed to the top of Serie A on Saturday following a tense victory over Lazio by 1-0, securing a one-point advantage over Roma before the Roman side faces Napoli in a key match.
Rafael Leao netted the sole goal in a rather messy match at the San Siro during the 51st minute, latching onto Fikayo Tomoris firm low pass to claim his sixth strike this campaign.
However the outcome depended on referee Giuseppe Collus ruling to reject a late penalty claim for Strahinja Pavlovics handball in added time deep into the game.
Leaos effort stood out in an otherwise lacklustre affair until Collu headed to the sidelines to review the footage, delayed by objections from Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri and disorder among the benches of both sides.
Allegri received a red card for protesting prior to Collu viewing the replay, leaving Lazio furious not over the handball ruling itself but because the official stated that the Serbian centre-back was impeded by Adam Marusic.
This call prompted Lazio to skip post-match interviews, whereas Allegri adopted a calmer approach right away.
"It proved challenging for the referee to reach that call after VAR intervention," Allegri told Sky Sport, maintaining he avoided any abuse towards Collu.
Milan hold the summit barring a Roma triumph against Napoli on Sunday evening or if the holders depart the Stadio Olimpico with a victory by at least two clear goals.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan once more showed his value post his starring role in the recent Milan derby, denying Mario Gilas precise header right after the start.
The French custodians deal runs out at seasons close, yet prior to the game Milans director of football Igli Tare suggested a renewal was imminent.
Lazio remain in eighth with 18 points following their fifth loss this term, trailing seventh-placed Juventus by five points after the Turin club edged Cagliari 2-1 earlier that day.
Yildiz saves Juve again
Kenan Yildiz delivered Luciano Spallettis inaugural home success as Juventus boss via a vital double, the Turkish forwards flair rescuing matters in first-half stoppage time.
This marked Yildizs fifth goal for Juventus this season and followed his equaliser in the 27th minute, moments after Sebastiano Esposito stunned with an opener for Cagliari.
"Yildiz possesses the traits of a top talent, he conjured the victory from thin air," Spalletti remarked.
"I aim to grant him maximum liberty and free him from strategic worries. He excels in confined areas."
Juventus trail Milan by six points after the standout showing from Yildiz.
The 20-year-old entered as substitute to propel Juventus to a 3-2 success at Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday evening, marking the Italian giants first Champions League win this term.
Spalletti expressed excitement about returning to Naples in a fortnight for one of the games most intense derbies.
He may confront Napoli, the side he guided to a landmark third title in 2023, minus Dusan Vlahovic as the Serbian forward appeared to suffer a thigh problem midway through the opening period.
This setback affects Spalletti, who has installed Vlahovic as his preferred striker to motivate the Turin outfit since Igor Tudors dismissal.
Earlier Daniele De Rossi secured his debut victory as Genoa manager when his squad overturned a deficit to defeat strugglers Verona 2-1 and escape the drop zone.
Morten Thorsbys strike provided Genoa with their initial home success since April, as De Rossi maintained his perfect record in charge after succeeding Patrick Vieira this month.