Milan beat Roma 1-0 as Pavlović scores and Maignan saves penalty

AC Milan beat Roma 1-0 at San Siro on Sunday, Strahinja Pavlović scoring just before half time and goalkeeper Mike Maignan preserving the lead with a late penalty save, a result that moved Milan to within a point of Serie A leaders Napoli. The victory extended Milan's unbeaten run across all competitions and tightened an already close title race.

The match's decisive moment came in the 39th minute. A quick counterattack saw Rafael Leão burst down the left before cutting the ball back across goal for Pavlović to tap in from close range. Milan had chances to double their advantage before and after the break but failed to convert, while Roma peppered the hosts with opportunities in the opening stages.

Roma dominated early possession and created several promising openings. Paulo Dybala had one of the first clear chances but fired wide, and goalkeeper Mile Svilar kept Roma in touch with several late first half and early second half saves. Milan responded through Leão and Christopher Nkunku, the latter rattling the post shortly after the interval. Substitute Mario Hermoso produced a goal line clearance from a Leão attempt in the second half to prevent Milan from extending the lead.