Cagliari 0-1 AC Milan: Ismael Bennacer restores three-point lead

AC Milan survived a late scare at Cagliari to restore their three-point lead at the top of Serie A.

Algeria midfielder Ismael Bennacer volleyed in from Olivier Giroud's lay-off to break the deadlock just before the hour mark.

Leonardo Pavoletti's 90th-minute header struck the Milan crossbar as they held on for a third straight 1-0 win.

Giroud and Brahim Diaz fired wide before half-time, while Franck Kessie's long-range strike hit a post.

Napoli, who earlier came from behind to win 2-1 at home to Udinese, are second in the table.

Udinese led through Gerard Deulofeu, but Napoli's Victor Osimhen made it four goals in two games with a rapid double early in the second half.

Udinese's on-loan Arsenal defender Pablo Mari was shown a red card late on.

Defending champions Inter Milan drew 1-1 at home to Fiorentina to trail rivals Milan by six points, albeit with a game in hand.

Lucas Torreira put Fiorentina in front just after half-time before Denzel Dumfries hit straight back.

Formation 3-1-4-2

Formation 4-2-3-1

Match ends, Cagliari 0, AC Milan 1.

Second Half ends, Cagliari 0, AC Milan 1.

Attempt blocked. Ante Rebic (AC Milan) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Alexis Saelemaekers.

Corner, AC Milan. Conceded by Giorgio Altare.

Attempt blocked. Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ismaël Bennacer.

Ismaël Bennacer (AC Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

Foul by Giorgio Altare (Cagliari).

Foul by Ante Rebic (AC Milan).

Edoardo Goldaniga (Cagliari) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Mike Maignan (AC Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Foul by Keita Baldé (Cagliari).

Attempt blocked. Razvan Marin (Cagliari) right footed shot from the