Milan returned to the Serie A summit with a 2-0 win at Benevento as Stefano Pioli's side survived playing with 10 men for almost an hour.
With rivals Inter having gone top after a 6-2 thrashing of Crotone earlier on Sunday, the Rossoneri responded with a gritty victory at Stadio Ciro Vigorito.
Franck Kessie scored a first-half penalty but Sandro Tonali was dismissed before the interval to make it a potentially uncomfortable evening for the visitors.
However, Pioli's men dug deep and Rafael Leao produced a moment of magic four minutes into the second half, with Gianluca Caprari's missed spot-kick robbing Benevento of a golden chance to get back into the match.
With champions Juventus up next, Milan have a chance to send out a signal to the rest of the division that this really could be their year.
Brahim Diaz flashed an early long-range shot over the crossbar as the visitors, unbeaten in 14 on the road, signalled their intent.
Benevento were the architects of their own downfall as Milan took the lead after 15 minutes, a defensive mix-up ending with Alessandro Tuia felling Ante Rebic in the box, with Kessie coolly converting the subsequent spot-kick.
Roberto Insigne came within inches of pulling the hosts level but saw his fine strike crack the inside of Gianluigi Donnarumma's left-hand upright.
Filippo Inzaghi, who played at San Siro for over 10 years, saw his Benevento side handed a boost when Tonali was shown a red card for a careless lunge on Artur Ionita.
The home side tried to force the issue as Gianluca Caprari and Gaetano Letizia both fired off dangerous efforts, but Milan made it to the break with their lead intact.
Pioli's charges earned the breathing space they so desperately craved courtesy of a fine goal from Leao, who beat Lorenzo Montipo to Rebic's throughball and turned smartly before lifting a pinpoint finish over the stranded goalkeeper.
Benevento's frustrations deepened when Caprari dragged a woeful penalty wide after Rade Krunic had clumsily fouled him in the area, with Milan almost adding a late third when Kessie's low shot hit the inside of the post and rolled across the line.
Rodgers pleased with Engles debut as Celtic continue perfect start
Brendan Rodgers was encouraged by Arne Engels' debut after he scored from the penalty spot to continue Celtic's perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with a 2-0 victory over Hearts.
After dominating the opening exchanges, the hosts were offered the chance to take the lead from 12 yards early in the second half.
Nicolas Kuhn's cross was blocked by the hand of James Penrice, with Engels making no mistake from the spot to net his first Celtic goal since his switch from Augsburg.
Luke McCowan confirmed the triumph in the 89th minute, also scoring his first goal for the club, with Rodgers pleased with the pair, but showering particular praise on Engels.
"He's here playing in the eight position," Rodgers said. "He's here with legs and energy and power, he should be able to score goals for us. A good performance from him."
But the encounter could have taken on a much different complexion after the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own in the first half.
Lawrence Shankland's header came off Liam Scales' arm, only for VAR to overturn the decision, and Rodgers believed the right call was eventually made.
"When the referee gives it, it’s always going to be looked at," Rodgers said.
"The ball hits Liam Scales up towards the shoulder on that sleeve part and that’s not a penalty. By the rule, the officials were correct."
Rodgers' side are top of the table with 15 points, ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference, and return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they welcome Slovan Bratislava to Celtic Park in their opening match of the competition.
Ten Hag hails 'ketchup bottle' Rashford after ending goal drought
Erik ten Hag saluted "ketchup bottle" Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United forward ended his goal drought in their victory at Southampton.
Rashford doubled United's lead at St Mary's when he curled a 20-yard effort past Aaron Ramsdale, while Matthijs de Ligt and Alejandro Garnacho were also on target for the visitors.
It was the 26-year-old's 132nd goal for the club, but first since he found the net in the Red Devils' FA Cup victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Rashford was the subject of criticism for his performance in United's 3-0 defeat against the Reds prior to the international break.
However, Ten Hag felt that "negativity" was unjustified and is backing his forward to build momentum, referencing an analogy once utilised by Cristiano Ronaldo.
"It's very important we don't pay attention to what the outside world is saying, but there was too much negativity about him," the Dutchman said of Rashford.
"He created two great chances in that game [the defeat to Liverpool]. In other games this season, he has played very well.
"He deserved that goal [against Southampton], but he had to work for it. That is what he is doing, and then you get a reward.
"Once, a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle; once it's going, it’s coming more."
"He has already scored so many goals for Manchester United. At his age, the number of goals is amazing, and I'm sure he will score many more goals."
Tivoli Gardens young prospect Delano Daley among three killed in fiery crash
Tivoli Gardens Football Club has been plunged into mourning as one of their young talents, Delano Daley, died in a car accident on Saturday morning.
The tragic loss of Daley, who was signed from Waterhouse Football Club, comes on the eve of the 2024/25 Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, which is scheduled to kick off on Sunday.
Daley’s sister and another relative also perished the incident, which reportedly occurred at the intersection of Eastwood Park Road and Burlington Avenue in the vicinity of the Half-Way Tree Primary School.
Though the identities of the individuals were not initially ascertained, the West Kingston club revealed that Daley and the others were the occupants of the vehicle, which caught fire.
“Our new addition, Delano Daley, was taken from us too soon in a car accident this morning. Our Tivoli Gardens family is heartbroken and mourns the loss of this bright and promising star. His sister and cousin also passed in the tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. May Delano’s memory live on in our hearts,” the club said in a social media post.
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