Sandro Tonali leads Milan to victory over Salernitana as Serie A returns

Sandro Tonali scored a goal and set up another to guide AC Milan to a 2-1 victory at Salernitana on Wednesday as Serie A returned after a seven-week break for the World Cup and festive season.

Rafael Leão put Milan ahead in the 10th minute, picking up Tonali’s pass and going around goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for a brilliant finish. Tonali got on the scoresheet five minutes later with a long-range strike into the bottom corner.

Brahim Díaz, who twice came close in the first half, thought he had added a third around the hour-mark but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside. Milan could have added more goals but they missed chances, including from Giroud – and almost paid the price as the hosts rallied.

The Salernitana substitute Federico Bonazzoli pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute after he connected with a cross at the back post to beat goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu. But Milan held on to move five points behind Napoli, who face Internazionale later on Wednesday.

Gabriel Strefezza celebrates his equaliser for Lecce against Lazio. Photograph: Giovanni Evangelista/LaPresse/Shutterstock

Lorenzo Pellegrini’s early penalty proved enough for Roma to get back on track with a 1-0 home win over Bologna. José Mourinho’s side moved level on points with Lazio, who fell to a 2-1 loss at Lecce. Ciro Immobile put the visitors in front at half-time, but Gabriel Strefezza and Lorenzo Colombo led a dramatic second-half fightback.

Atalanta also fought back in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw at Spezia. Emmanuel Gyasi and M’Bala Nzola put the hosts 2-0 up at the break, before Ethan Ampadu’s goal was disallowed for offside. Rasmus Højlund pulled one back before Mario Pasalic grabbed a stoppage-time leveller from close range.

Sampdoria earned a vital 2-1 win at Sassuolo to boost their survival hopes, with Manolo Gabbiadini and Tommasso Augello on target. Bottom club Verona led through Milan Djuric but had to settle for a point at Torino.