Milan secures victory at San Siro against Roma thanks to Pavlović’s goal off Leão’s assist and Maignan’s crucial penalty save on Dybala.
Milan triumphed in Sunday’s big clash against Roma thanks to Pavlović’s goal, brilliantly set up by Rafael Leão, while Maignan proved decisive by saving a penalty from Dybala at a crucial moment.
The match lived up to expectations, with Roma immediately taking control. After just five minutes, Dybala, played in by a moment of genius from Soulé, tried to carve out space in the box but lost the physical duel with De Winter, letting the first major chance slip away.
Roma remained dangerous: a delicate cross from Soulé found Ndicka at the far post, whose header narrowly missed, and shortly after, Dybala controlled with his thigh and unleashed a curling left-footed shot that went just wide. The Giallorossi seemed poised to take the lead.
However, just when Roma looked strongest, Rafael Leão turned the game around. In the 39th minute, Milan took the lead: Leão carried the ball on a counter-attack, reached the byline, and delivered a perfect tap-in to Pavlović, who calmly slotted it into the net. From that point on, Milan created the best chances. Fofana’s shot in motion from Bartesaghi’s through ball skimmed the post and went wide.
The start of the second half was dominated by the Rossoneri. Ricci collected a clearance from the Roma defense and fired first-time just wide, while Fofana found himself close to goal but was denied by a sharp save from Svilar. Leão then unleashed a powerful left-footed strike, again brilliantly stopped by the keeper, and Nkunku hit the post from close range on the following corner.
In the final stages, Milan came close to doubling their advantage multiple times: first Ricci was denied by Svilar, then Leão’s attempt into an empty net was blocked by Hermoso on the line. Ten minutes from the end, Roma had a golden chance: Fofana handled Pellegrini’s free kick, and the referee pointed to the spot. Maignan read Dybala perfectly and saved the penalty, sealing the win.
Despite Gasperini’s final changes and push for an equalizer, Roma could not overturn the result. Milan claimed three vital points, shaking up the standings: Napoli remained top, while Milan, Roma, and Inter now share second place, just one point off the summit.