Milan pushed on in the battle for a top-four Serie A finish as Ismael Bennacer and Theo Hernandez scored in a 2-0 win over Lazio at San Siro.
Stefano Pioli s side were in full control from the off, though Lazio were masters of their own downfall for the opening goal as Marcos Antonio s error allowed Bennacer to bundle home.
Hernandez doubled Milan s advantage before the break with a terrific solo effort, helping the Rossoneri to fourth in Serie A ahead of Inter s crucial clash with Roma later on Saturday.
However, Milan s victory was marred by the sight of star forward Rafael Leao limping from the field early on, with the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Inter just four days away.
Having rested several players for Wednesday s draw with Cremonese, Pioli may have regretted naming a more familiar lineup when Leao was withdrawn just 11 minutes in – the forward appearing to suffer a groin injury.
Yet Milan made light of his absence as Bennacer pounced on a Lazio mix-up, combining with Olivier Giroud before volleying into the ground and over Ivan Provedel.
Milan doubled their lead from a lightning break 12 minutes later. Hernandez received the ball from Mike Maignan near his own penalty area before driving forward and lashing home from 20 yards via a slight deflection.
DJ Theo
— AC Milan (@acmilan)
Lazio failed to record a single shot on target before the break, and Milan continued to dominate after the interval as substitute Malick Thiaw powered a header over from Sandro Tonali s corner.
Milan were denied a late third when Ante Rebic slotted home from an offside position, but it was of little consequence as they warmed up for Wednesday s Champions League derby in style.
