Maignan’s Penalty Save Seals Milan Win Over Roma in Tight Top-Four Clash

In a highly-anticipated clash of Italian giants, AC Milan secured a crucial 1-0 victory over AS Roma at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, boosting their credentials in the title race and delivering a blow to Roma’s momentum. With this result in the Serie A 2025-26 season, the battle at the top has tightened further.

Match Overview

Milan struck in the 39th minute when defender Strahinja Pavlović was on hand to finish a slick counter-attack involving Rafael Leão. 

Roma, despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities, couldn’t convert—and their frustration peaked when a late penalty awarded to them was saved by Milan keeper Mike Maignan after a handball in the wall. 

Milan’s win means they now sit among the top of the table, closing the gap on the leader and strengthening their title-aspirations.

Key Moments

• 39′: Pavlović opens the scoring after Leão’s break forward — a moment of precision under pressure that broke the deadlock.
• ~80′: Roma win a penalty when Youssouf Fofana handled in the wall following a dangerous free-kick; but Maignan dives the right way and denies Paulo Dybala. 
• Several late Roma attacks threatened, but Milan’s defence held firm—one near-line clearance by Mario Hermoso saved the day. 

Player Performances

• Strahinja Pavlović (Milan): Scored the decisive goal and showed a growing confidence on the ball, contributing to attacking phases from his defensive base. 
• Rafael Leão (Milan): Instrumental in the move leading to the goal, continuing his strong streak with key contributions in recent matches. 
• Mike Maignan (Milan): The hero of the evening, his penalty save late on sealed the win—and symbolised Milan’s resolute defensive mindset. 
• Paulo Dybala (Roma): Showed glimpses of danger but ultimately couldn’t convert the crucial chance from the spot.
• Roma’s midfield and forward lines: They had the majority of possession and spot-on chances—but lacked finishing precision and were punished by the counter-attack.

Tactical Breakdown

Under Massimiliano Allegri, Milan adopted a compact defensive base with measured pressing—keeping their shape and inviting Roma to control possession, then exploiting space on the transition. Even though they registered only around 37% possession, their expected-goals (xG) were impressive thanks to quick breaks. 

Roma, coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, sought to dominate the ball and build through wide attacks, but a lack of conversion hamstrung them. Their formation stretched in transition, leaving gaps that Milan exploited for the decisive goal. The penalty incident underscored the risks of committing numbers forward.

Fan Reactions & Atmosphere

At San Siro, the atmosphere was electric: Milan’s home crowd roared with expectation and relieved emotion when the penalty was saved. Roma fans, loud and proud as ever, sang throughout—but their frustration grew as the minutes ticked by without a breakthrough. Social media echoed the mood: Milan supporters celebrated resilience and character, while Roma fans lamented missed opportunities and profligacy in front of goal.

What This Means for the Season

This result is a significant pivot in the Serie A title race. Milan’s win draws them level (or nearly so) with the top pack and sends a message that they are contenders. For Roma, the defeat is a setback: despite strong performances so far, this failure to secure points against a direct rival could prove costly when fine margins decide the destination of the Scudetto or Champions League qualification.