AC Milan clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Roma at San Siro on Sunday night, claiming all three points in a tense, tightly contested affair.
With both teams boasting strong defensive records this season, it was always going to take something special to break the deadlock and it arrived through an unlikely source.
Strahinja Pavlovic surged forward from defence to join a Milan counter-attack and finished off Rafael Leao’s clever cut-back to net the decisive goal.
The second half turned scrappy, filled with fouls, half-chances, and rising tempers.
Roma had their best opportunity to level the score when Paulo Dybala stepped up to take a penalty with ten minutes left on the clock.
However, the Argentine was denied by Mike Maignan, who guessed right to preserve Milan’s slender lead.
The result sees Milan leapfrog Roma in the Serie A standings and move within just one point of league leaders Napoli, maintaining their pursuit of top spot.
Roma started the brighter of the two sides, carving out an early chance within the opening minute. A misplaced pass from Maignan gifted Bryan Cristante, once of Milan, a shot from close range, but his effort drifted just wide of the right post.
The visitors nearly took the lead again in the 10th minute when a free-kick from the left was recycled and sent back into the box.
Evan N’Dicka rose highest to meet the cross, but his glancing header narrowly missed the far corner.
Milan struggled to impose themselves early on, repeatedly losing possession in their own half as Roma pressed aggressively.
Wesley tested Maignan from a tight angle, though the French goalkeeper was equal to it, keeping the score level as Milan weathered the early storm.
