The first match of 2026 is in the books. Cagliari-Milan ends 0-1 at the Unipol Domus in the Serie A Round 18 clash. Here’s how the game unfolded.
Cagliari-Milan – First Half:
Cagliari started very strong, dominating the opening minutes both technically and tactically. In the 2nd minute, Palestra immediately made his presence felt, challenging Estupinan with a run behind the Ecuadorian and a right-footed shot from inside the box that went well wide. The first 45 minutes offered few real chances, with Milan failing to test the goal. After the midway point, Milan settled better with a 4-4-2 formation. The half ended 0-0.
Cagliari-Milan – Second Half:
The second half saw a different Milan: aggressive and dominant. In the 49th minute, Loftus-Cheek had a header opportunity, left free to strike without pressure, but Caprile controlled the ball. A minute later, Milan struck: in the 50th minute, Fofana played a deep ball to Rabiot, who delivered a low cross. Zappa missed the ball, and Leao’s left-footed finish beat Caprile for 0-1, as relayed via Milan Press.
The 69th minute marked Fullkrug’s debut, and in the 87th minute he created a chance for a second goal: he set up Pulisic, who shot with his left, but Caprile pushed it wide. In the 89th minute, another Milan chance came through Modric: a low free kick to the near post, nearly caught Caprile off guard, but he managed to save on the line. After four minutes of stoppage time, Abisso blew the final whistle: Milan begins 2026 with a win and returns to first place, at least for two nights.
