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AC Milan returned to winning ways at the weekend, beating Fiorentina by two goals to one. There was certainly plenty to take from the game.
Whilst it was not a pretty game, Milan were effective in Sunday’s late kick-off, managing to overturn a 1-0 scoreline in around 30 minutes, to return to winning ways after the international break. A huge result for several reasons.
A sloppy goal gave the visitors an advantage 10 minutes after the restart. However, an inspired performance from Rafael Leao saw him score from outside the box and from 12 yards, as the Rossoneri completed a comeback.
Here are the key stats from the game.
Match stats
We’ll start with the most important one, the match stats. Of course, it is best to get clichés out of the way. So, the scoreline is the one that matters most; of course, it would be better if the Diavolo had kept a clean sheet.
However, scoring two from just more than 2.5 xG is a solid return, showing that the chances Milan took were decent. It is not really a case of underperforming or underperforming here, though it is worth mentioning that the star of the show only contributed 0.81 xG, and that includes a penalty. In other words, highlights the quality of his first goal further.
📊 The stats from the win against Fiorentina pic.twitter.com/MBxDSFVp6l
— MilanData📊 (@acmilandata) October 19, 2025
The Rossoneri only had one additional big chance, which they should have scored, but barring that, there is little to point out from these statistics. A solid performance, indeed.
Leao’s moment
We have to discuss Rafa. During the international break, the media were very critical of the Portuguese star, and this was probably always going to be the case after his performance against Juventus.
However, it was clear that the ideas were there, but without game time, the execution was always going to be off. Anyway, he changed that around at the weekend, scoring a vital brace that returns the Diavolo to the top of the league.
His first goals at San Siro since May 24, 2024, something which has also weighed upon him. After all, the counter reached 512 days, as Opta Paolo reports. However, it also shows that when Milan needs him, he can still provide big moments. Perhaps some have forgotten that in recent months and beyond.
Pavlovic’s potential recognised
Finally, a mention has to go to Strahinja Pavlovic, who is really growing this season. Since arriving, the Serbian defender has had questions about him. But he is certainly looking stronger under Massimiliano Allegri.
In a wider role, which mixes the best of both elements of his game, he is really shining in the defence, and Sunday was further proof of that. He had 79 touches of the ball, winning five duels and making three clearances. Importantly, he also provided the assist to Leao’s first.
Of course, he missed that chance too, but given the result, this can be overlooked slightly. Yes, he is still raw. However, he is certainly improving. It can be seen and felt.
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