AC Milan kicked off 2026 in style, grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cagliari on January 2 at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Italy. The Rossoneri, under the guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, climbed to the top of the Serie A standings with this result, extending their unbeaten league run to an impressive 16 matches and moving two points clear of city rivals Inter Milan. The match, though not always pretty, was a testament to Milan’s resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to seize their moment when it mattered most.
The decisive strike came just five minutes into the second half. Rafael Leao, returning to the starting lineup after missing the previous three games with an adductor injury, latched onto a clever low cross from Adrien Rabiot. With composure and power, Leao controlled the ball and drilled a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from 12 meters out, leaving Cagliari keeper Elia Caprile with no chance. It was Leao’s sixth goal in 11 league appearances this season—a remarkable return for a player who’s battled fitness setbacks but continues to deliver in crucial moments.
“Rafa is becoming a proper centre-forward,” remarked one report, highlighting Leao’s growing influence in Milan’s attack. Indeed, in this match, he made just 27 touches before being replaced by Niclas Fullkrug in the second half, but it only took one clinical moment to decide the contest. Leao’s performance earned him Man of the Match honors and a player rating of 7, matched only by teammates Rabiot and De Winter.
The assist provider, Adrien Rabiot, was instrumental throughout the night. After a somewhat muted first half, Rabiot’s energy and vision came to the fore after the break. He not only set up the game’s only goal but was pivotal in Milan’s improved second-half display. “Rabiot delivered the cross, and Leao collected it and fired a powerful left-footed shot into the net,” recounted the official match report, underscoring the Frenchman’s impact.
Massimiliano Allegri’s lineup featured a few tweaks due to injuries and illness. Christian Pulisic, still regaining fitness, was limited to a cameo in the closing minutes. Leao, as mentioned, was making his return from injury, and Pavlovic was sidelined with a fever. Despite these absences, Allegri stuck with his preferred 3-5-2 formation, deploying Maignan in goal behind a back three of Tomori, De Winter, and Bartesaghi. The midfield was anchored by Modric and Fofana, with Rabiot adding drive and creativity, while Loftus-Cheek partnered Leao up front.
Cagliari, managed by Fabio Pisacane, started the match with purpose and aggression. The Sardinians pressed high and created a handful of half-chances in the opening exchanges. Prati and Palestra both tested Milan’s defense in the early minutes, and Obert’s dangerous header in the 32nd minute forced a save from Mike Maignan. Rodriguez, Adopo, and Obert stood out for Cagliari, each earning a player rating of 6 for their efforts. Adopo, in particular, recorded an impressive 90% passing accuracy, helping Cagliari control the tempo at times.
Yet, for all their early promise, Cagliari struggled to find a cutting edge in the final third. Their best opportunity—a glancing header from Adopo—was comfortably dealt with by Maignan. As the first half wore on, Milan began to settle, with Saelemaekers and Loftus-Cheek both going close. Still, the Rossoneri’s attacking play was disjointed until the second half, when Allegri’s side finally shifted gears.
The breakthrough arrived in the 50th minute, and from there, Milan managed the contest with increasing composure. Bartesaghi impressed in the back three, while Luka Modric, at 40 years old, continued to defy expectations, influencing play across the pitch and nearly adding a second goal with a late free-kick. Fullkrug, whose loan from West Ham United was made official on matchday, made his Milan debut as a substitute, almost marking it with an assist when he set up Pulisic for a late chance that was well saved by Caprile.
Cagliari’s energy faded after falling behind. Pisacane’s men continued to battle, but Milan’s defensive solidity—evidenced by their tenth clean sheet of the campaign—proved insurmountable. The hosts’ frustration grew as Milan controlled possession and tempo, seeking to see out the result rather than chase further goals. Cagliari’s lowest rating went to Zappa, who struggled defensively and was caught out of position for the decisive goal, while Estupinan received Milan’s lowest mark, reflecting a quiet night on the left flank.
Allegri, who began his Serie A managerial career with Cagliari, cut a frustrated figure during the uneven first half but was ultimately satisfied with the outcome. “He does love performances like this one, doesn’t he?” observed a Milan-focused outlet, referencing Allegri’s penchant for pragmatic, results-oriented football. The coach himself was rated 6.5 for his tactical management, while Pisacane received a 6 for Cagliari’s spirited but ultimately fruitless effort.
The victory not only lifted Milan to 38 points, two ahead of Inter and four clear of reigning champions Napoli, but also injected fresh confidence into a squad managing injuries and squad rotations. The Rossoneri’s unbeaten run now stands at 16 games, and with Fullkrug’s integration and key players returning to fitness, Allegri’s side looks poised for a sustained title challenge.
For Cagliari, the defeat leaves them in 14th place with 18 points. The Sardinians showed flashes of quality and determination but ultimately lacked the firepower to trouble a Milan defense that has become one of the league’s stingiest. Pisacane’s team will need to rediscover their attacking spark if they are to climb the table in the weeks ahead.
With the dust settled on the opening fixture of 2026, Milan fans will be buoyed by the sight of Leao back among the goals and the team sitting atop Serie A. The Rossoneri’s next challenge awaits, but for now, the mood in the red-and-black half of Milan is one of optimism and quiet belief. The title race is heating up, and Allegri’s men have fired the first shot of the new year.
