AC Milan struck twice in the dying moments to secure a vital 2-0 Serie A victory away to Cremonese, keeping pressure on at the top of the table ahead of next weekend’s derby with Inter Milan. The result leaves Milan 10 points adrift of the league leaders but provides a timely boost after last week’s setback.

Following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Parma, AC Milan arrived in Cremona determined to respond against a side struggling for form. However, the hosts had already stunned the Rossoneri earlier in the season with a 2-1 win at San Siro and showed early signs of belief.

Federico Bonazzoli, scorer of the winner in that reverse fixture, nearly repeated the feat when he met Giuseppe Pezzella’s inviting cross, only to steer his first-time effort agonisingly wide.

Milan soon had a golden opportunity of their own. Rafael Leao found himself clean through on goal but dragged his shot wide when it appeared easier to find the corner.

Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero ensured the contest remained goalless at the break, producing sharp saves to deny Christian Pulisic and Fofana in quick succession.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Milan wasteful in the final third. Leao squandered another one-on-one after being set up by Adrien Rabiot, lifting his effort over the bar, before later firing tamely at Audero after bursting through the defence.

As time ticked away, Milan’s frustrations grew — until the breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute. Strahinja Pavlovic reacted quickest inside the area to divert home after Koni De Winter had flicked on Luka Modric’s inswinging delivery from a short corner.

Moments later, Leao atoned for his earlier misses, calmly finishing into an empty net from Christopher Nkunku’s squared pass to seal the win.

The late double secured Milan’s first head-to-head victory over Cremonese in 30 years and extended the hosts’ winless league run to 13 matches, while giving the Rossoneri renewed momentum ahead of a defining week in the title race.