AC Milan have climbed to the top of Serie A after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Cagliari on Matchday 17, extending their remarkable unbeaten run to 16 matches — the longest active streak in Europe’s top five leagues.

The win moves Massimiliano Allegri’s side two points clear of city rivals Inter at the summit of the table, albeit having played one game more. Still, momentum is firmly with the Rossoneri, who continue to grind out results when it matters most.

The first half belonged largely to Cagliari. Mike Maignan was called into action several times, producing a series of confident saves to keep AC Milan level at the break. The hosts pressed aggressively and looked far more dangerous before half-time.

Everything changed after the restart. AC Milan emerged sharper, quicker and more purposeful — a trademark of Allegri’s best teams. The decisive moment arrived in the 50th minute following a lightning-fast transition.

Adrien Rabiot burst into the penalty area at full speed and drilled a low cross across goal. The ball evaded defenders, slipped awkwardly under the boot of Rafael Leão, and despite the Portuguese forward losing his footing, the deflection proved fatal. Goalkeeper Elia Caprile could only help the ball into his own net.

2025-26, Italy - Serie A

Cagliari - AC Milan 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Rafael Leão, 50 (0:1)

Cagliari: Caprile; Palestra; Luperto; Rodríguez J.; Zappa; Obert (Idrissi, 61); Prati (Borrelli, 61); Mazzitelli (Cavuoti, 83); Adopo; Kılıçsoy (Pavoletti, 83); Esposito Se. (Gaetano G., 66)
Substitution: Idrissi (from 61); Borrelli (from 61); Gaetano G. (from 66); Cavuoti (from 83); Pavoletti (from 83)
Bench: Ciocci; Radunović B.; Di Pardo; Mina; Deiola; Rog M.; Liteta; Luvumbo
Yellow Cards: Idrissi 83; Palestra 90

AC Milan: Maignan; Estupiñán (Gabbia, 79); De Winter K.; Tomori; Bartesaghi; Fofana Y. (Ricci S., 69); Loftus-Cheek (Pulisic, 79); Rabiot; Modric; Saelemaekers; Rafael Leão (Fuellkrug, 69)
Substitution: Ricci S. (from 69); Fuellkrug (from 69); Gabbia (from 79); Pulisic (from 79)
Bench: Terracciano; Torriani; Athekame; Odogu; Pavlović S.; Jashari A.
Yellow Cards: Saelemaekers 90