After a difficult first half, Milan raise the tempo after the break and secure a crucial away win at the Unipol Domus, decided by Rafael Leão on his return from injury.
Milan opened their 2026 in the best possible way, edging past Cagliari 1-0 in Sardinia to claim three vital points that send the Rossoneri back to the top of the Serie A table—at least temporarily. It was a win built on patience, quality, and a decisive moment from Rafael Leão, supported by another ageless masterclass from Luka Modrić.
The first half was uncomfortable for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. Cagliari played with intensity and organization, pressing high and disrupting Milan’s build-up despite failing to create clear-cut chances. Allegri cut a frustrated figure on the touchline, visibly irritated by repeated technical errors that prevented his team from finding rhythm or threatening Elia Caprile’s goal.
Everything changed after the break. Milan emerged with a different attitude and immediately imposed themselves on the match. The winning goal arrived in the 50th minute from a slick, well-orchestrated move: Saelemaekers held up play in midfield, Fofana found Rabiot between the lines, and the Frenchman delivered a perfect ball into the box. Zappa misjudged his attempt to intercept, allowing Leão to control and unleash a powerful finish past Caprile.
Cagliari tried to respond, showing flashes of promise through Kılıçsoy’s movement and Esposito’s early initiative, but struggled to turn possession into real danger. Milan, meanwhile, managed the game intelligently, leaning on Modrić’s control and experience to dictate the tempo and close out the contest.
The final whistle confirmed a narrow but significant victory for Milan, who begin the new year with momentum and confidence. For Cagliari, it was a disciplined performance undone by a single costly mistake—one that proved decisive against a side with Milan’s quality.
Match Report
Cagliari 0-1 Milan
Goals:
50’ Leão (M)
Cagliari (3-5-2):
Caprile; Zappa, Luperto, Rodríguez; Palestra, Adopo, Prati (61’ Borrelli), Mazzitelli (83’ Cavuoti), Obert (61’ Idrissi); Esposito (66’ Gaetano), Kılıçsoy (83’ Pavoletti).
Coach: Pisacane.
Milan (3-5-2):
Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Bartesaghi; Saelemaekers, Fofana (69’ Ricci), Modrić, Rabiot, Estupiñán (79’ Gabbia); Loftus-Cheek (79’ Pulisic), Leão (69’ Füllkrug).
Coach: Allegri.
Referee: Abisso
Yellow cards: Idrissi, Palestra (Cagliari); Saelemaekers (Milan)
Red cards: None
