Leao scores 2 goals in AC Milan’s draw against Cagliari in Serie A

Associated Press

ROME (AP) — Rafael Leao took full advantage of his place in AC Milan’s lineup following a surprise recent substitution, scoring twice and helping to score the third in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Cagliari in Serie A to prepare.

Yet Milan struggled against relegation-threatened Cagliari in the Champions League just four days after a win at Real Madrid.

The pre-match attention was on 16-year-old Francesco Camarda, called up at center forward following an injury to Alvaro Morata, but it was Leao who made the biggest impression.

Nadir Zortea gave Cagliari the lead in the second minute before Leao hit back with a brace before half-time.

First, Leao scored with a lob after excellent work from Tijjani Reijnders. The Portuguese winger then received a through ball from Youssouf Fofana and dribbled around the goalkeeper for the second time.

Gabriele Zappa equalized for Cagliari shortly after half-time and Milan took the lead again with a goal from Tammy Abraham, who had just come on for Camarda.

On a move that started with Leao in Milan’s half, Abraham redirected a rebound from Christian Pulisic’s shot.

Zappa then completed a brace with a spectacular volley.

Seventh-placed Milan remained three points behind Juventus, which later hosts Turin in a derby.

Parma wins the promoted team’s game

Parma recovered from a goal down to win 2-1 at last-placed Venezia with goals from Emanuele Valeri and Ange-Yoan Bonny. Hans Nicolussi Caviglia gave Venezia the lead five minutes into the promoted team’s game.

Lecce fires Gotti

Relegation-threatened Lecce sacked Luca Gotti after a 1-1 draw with Empoli on Friday. The southern club did not initially name a new coach.

It is the second coaching change in Serie A after Daniele De Rossi was replaced by Ivan Juric at Roma.

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