AC Milan took a huge step to securing the Serie A title on Sunday (May 15) evening, as second-half strikes from Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez earned them a 2-0 victory over Atalanta.
AC Milan lead Inter Milan by two points going into the final day of the Serie A season as both sides won on Sunday.
Theo Hernandez's superb goal sealed AC Milan's 2-0 victory over Atalanta to put them on the verge of their first Serie A title for 11 years. The French left-back's solo run and finish sparked wild celebrations at a raucous San Siro, with Rafael Leao having already scored for the hosts. But reigning champions Inter beat Cagliari 3-1 to keep the pressure on.
Milan will win the Scudetto with a draw at Sassuolo next Sunday as they have the superior head-to-head record in matches against their city rivals this season, with Inter needing to beat Sampdoria and hope Milan lose.
A tense affair had seen Milan initially struggle to break down a well organised Atalanta side chasing a European place.
However, Junior Messias' second-half introduction as a substitute reaped immediate dividends. The Brazilian's second touch sent Leao through on goal and the Portugal forward drove an effort through the legs of visiting goalkeeper Juan Musso to put Milan in front.
While there were several anxious moments for the hosts in defence, Hernandez's sublime goal settled any nerves.
Stefano Pioli's side are now unbeaten in their last 15 league matches. If Inter had failed to beat Cagliari, the title would have been Milan's, but Simone Inzaghi's side won to take it down the wire.
Matteo Darmian headed Inter ahead and Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead with a clinical finish.
Charalampos Lykogiannis gave Cagliari – and Milan – hope but Martinez's late dinked effort sealed the win.
