AC Milan top Lazio to boost top-4 hopes but loses Leão

MILAN: Both Milan teams remained in the Serie A fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League ahead of their showdown in this season’s competition. Inter Milan won at Roma 2-0, shortly after AC Milan beat Lazio by the same scoreline. The Rossoneri could be counting the cost of that match, however, as key forward Rafael Leão limped off injured just four days before the Champions League semifinal.

Milan closed the gap to second-placed Lazio to three points after an Ismaël Bennacer strike and a stunning Théo Hernandez goal. Milan were one point behind Inter and Juventus, which play at Atalanta on Sunday. “I’m happy with the performance and for the win, it was too important a match for us,” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said.

“What was important was to play well and we did that even without Leão. “I don’t think it’s serious but we’ll evaluate it tomorrow. He stopped in time, he was very calm and that gives me good hope.” Atalanta and Roma were five points below fourth-placed Inter.

The two Milan clubs meet in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday. The return leg is the following Tuesday. Leão limped off in the 11th minute shortly after pulling up and clutching the top of his right thigh.

Milan nevertheless took the lead six minutes later. Lazio defender Nicolò Casale attempted to pass out from his area but Bennacer stole the ball and played a one-two with Olivier Giroud before firing past Ivan Provedel. Milan doubled their lead in stunning fashion in the 29th when Hernández collected a pass inside his own area from goalkeeper Mike Maignan and raced almost the whole length of the field before unleashing a shot into the top right corner.