Rafael Leão scored on his return from injury as AC Milan edged past Cagliari 1-0, extending their unbeaten run and moving top of the Serie A table.

Rafael Leão marked his return from injury with the decisive goal as AC Milan claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Cagliari, a result that lifted the Rossoneri to the top of the Serie A standings and increased the pressure on title rivals Inter Milan and Napoli.

Milan began the new year in sluggish fashion, producing a flat first-half display in Sardinia that allowed Cagliari to grow into the contest. The hosts were unable to take advantage of several promising moments, leaving the game finely poised at the interval.

Marco Palestra went closest early on when he broke in behind the Milan defence but dragged his effort wide, while Michel Adopo registered the first shot on target with a tame header. Luca Mazzitelli later flashed an effort past the near post, summing up Cagliari’s frustration in front of goal.

Milan briefly thought they had a chance to go ahead just before half-time when the referee awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned after an offside was spotted in the build-up, ensuring the sides went in level.

The visitors found a breakthrough just five minutes into the second half after a rousing interval team talk from Massimiliano Allegri. Adrien Rabiot delivered a precise low cross that Leão controlled at the far post before firing past Elia Caprile.

The goal, Leão’s sixth in 10 Serie A appearances against Cagliari, proved decisive, with the winger later making way for Niclas Füllkrug, who made his Rossoneri debut following his loan move from West Ham United.

Cagliari goalkeeper Caprile was called into action late on to deny Luka Modrić and then turn away a driven effort from Christian Pulisic, but Milan held firm to secure a narrow win, extend their unbeaten league run to 16 matches, and end Cagliari’s three-game unbeaten streak at home.