Milan edge Roma in Serie A thriller - Pavlovic shines, Maignan saves the day

AC Milan's title charge gained serious momentum, as the Rossoneri battled past Roma in a fiery clash at San Siro - a night defined by Strahinja Pavlovic's cool finish on the break and Mike Maignan's penalty save to deny Paulo Dybala.

Stefano Pioli's men are now level on points with Roma, and just a single point behind leaders Napoli after a display of grit and precision against one of Serie A's most dangerous sides.

Roma started like a storm. Within minutes, Bryan Cristante had already gone close after a poor Maignan clearance, and both Dybala and Wesley tested the Milan keeper again as the visitors dominated possession and territory.

But for all their pressure, Roma's finishing let them down, and Milan made them pay.

Alexis Saelemaekers sparked a ruthless counterattack, Rafael Leao burned down the left, and Pavlovic arrived in the box to tap home from close range for his first league goal of the season.

From there, Roma wobbled. Maignan stayed sharp, denying efforts from distance, while Milan nearly doubled the lead through Youssouf Fofana, who somehow missed a golden chance from twelve yards.

Early in the second half, the Rossoneri pushed harder. Leao broke free twice, only for Svilar to keep Roma alive with brave saves, before Nkunku's deflection struck the post from Modric's corner.

Then came Roma's lifeline - or so it seemed. Lorenzo Pellegrini's free kick struck Fofana's raised arm, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Dybala stepped up, but Maignan's psychological duel worked its magic.

The Frenchman waited, stared, guessed right, and stretched to push the ball out of the bottom corner.

Moments later, Dybala pulled up clutching his thigh - a cruel twist for Roma and the final blow on a night when Milan's resilience and discipline prevailed.

With this win, Milan climbs to within touching distance of the top, sending a clear message: Napoli can feel the breath of the Rossoneri on their necks.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 10

Saturday

Udinese - Atalanta 1-0 (1-0)

/Zaniolo 40/

Napoli - Como 0-0

Cremonese - Juventus 1-2 (0-1)

/Vardy 83 - Kostic 2, Cambiaso 68/

Sunday

Verona - Inter 1-2 (1-1)

/Giovane 40 - Zielinski 16, Frese 90+4 og/

Fiorentina - Lecce 0-1 (0-1)

/Berisha 23/

Torino - Pisa 2-2 (2-2)

/Simeone 42, Adams 45+3 - Moreo 13, 29 pen/

Parma - Bologna 1-3 (1-1)

/Bernabe 1 - Castro 17, 68, Miranda 90+2/

Milan - Roma 1-0 (1-0)

/Pavlovic 39/

Monday

20.30: (2.40) Sassuolo (3.10) Genoa (3.20)

22.45: (1.60) Lazio (4.10) Cagliari (6.20)

***odds are subject to change***