Lazio dealt a significant blow to AC Milan’s fading title ambitions with a narrow but vital victory at the Stadio Olimpico. Following Inter Milan’s earlier slip, the Rossoneri had a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Serie A table. Instead, the Roman side – buoyed by the long-awaited return of their supporters to the stands – delivered a performance that left Milan empty-handed.

The hosts consistently targeted Milan’s right flank, and that strategy eventually paid dividends. Gustav Isaksen capitalised on a costly mistake from Pervis Estupiñán, raced clear on goal and calmly slotted past Mike Maignan to give Lazio the lead. AC Milan attempted to respond quickly, with Christian Pulisic unleashing a dangerous effort, but goalkeeper Edoardo Motta produced a superb save to keep the advantage intact.

Frustration soon began to surface within the Milan ranks. Rafael Leão reacted angrily to his substitution, visibly clashing with head coach Massimiliano Allegri on the touchline in a moment that summed up a difficult evening for the visitors.

The drama continued late in the game when Lazio thought they had doubled their lead through Athekame, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball after a VAR check. Even the dismissal of Maurizio Sarri during stoppage time for protesting a refereeing decision could not derail the hosts.

2025-26, Italy - Serie A

Lazio - AC Milan 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Isaksen G., 26 (1:0)

Lazio: Motta Ed.; Dele-Bashiru F.; Tavares N.; Provstgaard; Gila; Gil Patricio; Zaccagni (Cancellieri, 83); Taylor Ke. (Belahyane Reda, 90); Marušić; Isaksen G. (Pedro, 67); Maldini D. (Dia B., 67)
Substitution: Pedro (from 67); Dia B. (from 67); Cancellieri (from 83); Belahyane Reda (from 90)
Bench: Furlanetto; Pellegrini Lu.; Hysaj; Lazzari M.; Noslin; Ratkov; Przyborek
Yellow Cards: Motta Ed. 70; Tavares N. 81; Gil Patricio 90; Pedro 90

AC Milan: Maignan; Estupiñán (Bartesaghi, 57); De Winter K.; Tomori (Athekame, 57); Pavlović S.; Fofana Y. (Nkunku, 67); Modric; Jashari A.; Saelemaekers (Ricci S., 84); Pulisic; Rafael Leão (Fuellkrug, 67)
Substitution: Athekame (from 57); Bartesaghi (from 57); Nkunku (from 67); Fuellkrug (from 67); Ricci S. (from 84)
Bench: Terracciano; Odogu
Yellow Cards: Estupiñán 55