MILAN, Sep 23: Rafael Leao appears back to his devastating best and the AC Milan forward helped the Rossoneri bounce back from a disappointing week with a 1-0 win over Hellas Verona in Serie A on Saturday.
Leao scored the only goal of the delayed match in the eighth minute to help his team get back to winning ways. Milan was humiliated 5-1 by Inter Milan in the city derby last weekend before being held 0-0 by Newcastle in their UEFA Champions League opener on Tuesday.
It was the third straight league match in which Leao scored. The 24-year-old had a mixed campaign last season as he appeared distracted by off-the-field issues with his contract, which he renewed in June.
Milan moved into second place but could be overtaken when unbeaten Juventus visits Sassuolo later. Lazio also plays later, against Monza.
The match almost did not go ahead, however, as the San Siro pitch was waterlogged following heavy rain and hail in the hour before kick-off. It eased off and the water drained quickly, so the match was able to get underway 25 minutes late.
Lecce edge10-man Genoa 1-0
Upstart Lecce moved provisionally up to second in Serie A with a 1-0 win over 10-man Genoa on Friday.
Remi Oudin scored from outside the area with a deflected shot late in the second half.Genoa was reduced to 10 men when Aaron Martin picked up his second yellow card in the 36th minute.
Lecce moved within a point of league-leader Inter Milan, which visits last-place Empoli on Sunday. Genoa, which finished second in Serie B last season, is 14th.
Promoted Frosinone earned a 1-1 draw at Salernitana, which remained winless. (PTI)
