Mansion Sports – AC Milan earned a narrow yet significant 1-0 victory over AS Roma in the tenth week of the 2025/2026 Serie A season at San Siro Stadium. 

The decisive goal came from Strahinja Pavlovic in the 39th minute, marking the difference in a tightly contested and high-intensity encounter.

The match was captivating from the start, with AS Roma dominating the early stages and creating several dangerous opportunities through Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante. However, Milan struck first with a swift counterattack finished expertly by Pavlovic.

In the second half, Roma were awarded a penalty that could have changed the game’s outcome, but goalkeeper Mike Maignan produced a heroic save to deny Dybala from the spot. Milan then displayed disciplined defending until the final whistle to secure the crucial three points.

With this result, both teams now share 21 points, though AC Milan climb to third place thanks to a superior goal difference.

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri successfully guided his team back to winning ways, while Gian Piero Gasperini suffered his third defeat of the season.

First Half: Pavlovic’s Precision Lifts Milan Ahead

The match began at a rapid tempo, with AS Roma pressing aggressively from the opening minute. 

Bryan Cristante nearly gave the visitors an early lead, but his powerful effort drifted narrowly wide of Mike Maignan’s goal. 

Roma maintained their pressure with close chances from Ndicka and Dybala, both of which came close to breaking the deadlock.

Roma exploited the flanks effectively, with Zeki Celik and Wesley delivering several threatening crosses into the box, although their final touches lacked accuracy. 

Dybala attempted a volley following a fine delivery from Matías Soulé, but the ball sailed over the bar.

AC Milan, on the other hand, struggled to escape Roma’s pressing. The attacking duo of Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku had difficulty finding rhythm, while Youssouf Fofana and Luka Modric were more focused on defensive duties to contain Roma’s momentum.

The breakthrough came in the 39th minute through a quick counterattack. Rafael Leao displayed individual brilliance down the left flank, outpacing Ndicka before sending a precise cut-back to Pavlovic. The Serbian defender calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to put Milan ahead 1-0.

That goal shifted the momentum in Milan’s favor. The hosts grew in confidence and nearly doubled their lead before halftime when Fofana’s close-range shot narrowly missed the target. Roma ended the first half frustrated, having controlled the game but found themselves trailing.

Second Half: Maignan’s Penalty Save Preserves Milan’s Lead

AC Milan entered the second half with renewed energy. Early opportunities came from the combination of Fofana and Nkunku, followed by a sharp effort from Rafael Leao that forced Mile Svilar into a save at the near post. AS Roma appeared unsettled as Milan gained control of possession.

In response, Gasperini made tactical adjustments by introducing Leon Bailey and Lorenzo Pellegrini to bolster Roma’s attacking force. 

The changes added pressure on Milan’s defense, yet Pellegrini’s shot lacked power and was easily gathered by Maignan.

The turning point arrived in the 80th minute when Roma were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Fofana’s hand inside the area. 

Dybala stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Maignan read the attempt perfectly and dived to his left to make a crucial save. The San Siro crowd erupted in applause for the goalkeeper’s outstanding intervention.

As the match neared its conclusion, both sides made several substitutions. Allegri brought on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Athekame, and Fikayo Tomori to strengthen the midfield and backline.

Meanwhile, Roma introduced Kostas Tsimikas, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Artem Dovbyk to increase attacking pressure, though their efforts failed to yield results.

Milan maintained a disciplined defensive structure throughout the final minutes. Pavlovic and Matteo Gabbia were resolute in blocking Roma’s attacks, while Maignan exhibited composure and leadership in goal. 

After six minutes of added time, the score remained 1-0, confirming a valuable victory for the Rossoneri.

Match Statistics: AC Milan vs AS Roma