AC Milan moved within five points of Inter Milan at the top of Serie A after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Torino at the San Siro, extending Il Toro’s winless away run in the league to six matches.

Torino made the brighter start, creating several early chances in the opening 15 minutes, including a close-range header from Ardian Ismajli that was superbly tipped over by Milan captain Mike Maignan.

After a slow opening spell, the hosts began to grow into the contest as half-time approached. A powerful effort from Adrien Rabiot after 36 minutes forced Alberto Paleari into his first real save.

However, Paleari was helpless moments later when Strahinja Pavlović unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that crashed in off the underside of the bar to put AC Milan ahead.

Torino responded immediately and almost equalised through Dušan Zapata, but his close-range effort was denied by Maignan to keep Milan in front.

The visitors continued to press and were rewarded just before half-time. A 20-yard shot from Nikola Vlašić struck the post after a save from Maignan, before the rebound fell kindly to Giovanni Simeone, who slotted home his eighth Serie A goal of the season to level the match.

Massimiliano Allegri’s half-time team talk appeared to have the desired effect as AC Milan emerged strongly after the restart.

The hosts restored their lead in the 54th minute when Adrien Rabiot met a cut-back from Christian Pulisic, converting from close range to make it 2-1. Things quickly worsened for the visitors.

From the very next attack, poor marking from Torino allowed Youssouf Fofana space to shoot, and although Alberto Paleari got a touch, he could not keep the effort out as Milan extended their advantage.

Despite the setback, Torino refused to fold and nearly pulled one back midway through the second half, but Mike Maignan produced a sharp reflex save to deny Giovanni Simeone a second goal.

Late drama followed with 10 minutes remaining as VAR awarded Torino a penalty after Strahinja Pavlović was ruled to have fouled Simeone inside the box. Nikola Vlašić stepped up and calmly fired into the top corner to set up a tense finish.

However, despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, AC Milan held firm to secure three vital points.

The win lifts Milan up to second in Serie A, setting up a crucial clash with third-placed Napoli after the international break. Torino remain 14th, six points clear of the relegation zone.