AC Milan start 2026 at the top of Serie A

The 2026 Serie A season kicked off with an 18th-round match between Cagliari and AC Milan. The Rossoneri secured a 1–0 victory, which allowed them to temporarily move to the top of the league table — ahead of Inter’s match against Bologna on January 4.

The only goal of the game was scored by Rafael Leão in the 50th minute after an assist from Adrien Rabiot. The Portuguese forward was named Man of the Match.

Despite numerous injuries and missed games, Leão has already scored six goals in Serie A and currently sits third in the league’s top scorers list.

In the January 2 match, AC Milan also saw the debut of German national team striker Niclas Füllkrug, who recently joined the Italian club on loan from West Ham until the end of the season. He came on in the 69th minute, replacing Leão.

After 18 rounds, Massimiliano Allegri’s side have 38 points. Inter have 36 points and a game in hand.

Notably, AC Milan are now unbeaten in the league for 16 consecutive matches.