What defines a Serie A title contender? Milan just gave the answer after beating Roma | OneFootball

Pavlovic’s first-half goal lift Milan back into the Serie A title race

What defines a Serie A title contender? Milan just gave the answer after beating Roma

AC Milan clinched crucial 1-0 victory over AS Roma on Sunday night at San Siro keeping themselves firmly in the Serie A title race after tense, tactical battle decided by moment of brilliance from Strahinja Pavlovic and vital save from Mike Maignan.

The only goal of the match came in the 39th minute when Rafael Leao tore down the left flank beat his marker for pace and squared the ball to Pavlovic who having surged forward from defence slotted home from close range.

Roma dominated the opening half-hour pressing high and forcing Milan errors in their own half. Bryan Cristante, Wesley and Paulo Dybala all went close with Maignan twice coming to the rescue.

However Milan’s counter-attacking precision flipped the momentum completely before halftime.

The second half followed similar pattern:

The decisive moment came in the 82 minute when Dybala earned penalty after Fofana handled inside the box. But the Argentine’s tame effort was saved brilliantly by Maignan diving low to his left to preserve Milan’s clean sheet and their three point.

Key Stats & Standings

The result lifts Milan to 21 points, level with Inter and Roma but ahead on goal difference just one point behind leaders Napoli (22).

Roma’s defeat, meanwhile ends their unbeaten streak and tightens already thrilling top-four battle.