Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri reveals he rejected offers from two national teams to remain at Cagliari and says he quoted club legend Gigi Riva before today’s 2-0 win over Sassuolo, which keeps the Sardinians in Serie A.

The Sardinians needed a win from their final two games to be sure of Serie A safety and got it at the Mapei Stadium this afternoon, thanks to Matteo Prati off the bench and a late Gianluca Lapadula penalty.

“The last feat is always the best one,” Ranieri told Sky Sport.

“The first time I secured survival with Cagliari was in 1991 and it came on May 19 in Emilia Romagna, like today. It brings good luck.”

It is an extraordinary achievement for Ranieri, who had already scraped promotion in last year’s Serie B play-offs at the last minute against Bari.

“Before the game against Bari, I received a call from Gigi Riva,” Ranieri recalled.

“He told me to tell the lads that an entire region was backing them. I passed on his message and I did the same today.”

Rough ride for Ranieri

Ranieri started badly this season, with three points in the opening nine rounds. He then handed in his resignation mid-season, only for the players and club to convince him to change his mind.

“This team needed a shock at a difficult moment. I wanted to leave, but the lads stopped me because they said they wanted to continue with me,” the coach explained.

“Usually, when you say something like this, the players keep their heads down and just accept it. This time they rebelled and asked me to stay. So I said, ‘ok, I’ll stay, but you have to wake up.’ I received offers from two national teams, but I said no and I decided to stay. I’ve always followed my heart and I have more enthusiasm than on my first day.”

It is the second time Ranieri has gone on this journey with Cagliari, taking them to promotion and securing safety 35 years ago.

Cagliari have scored 14 goals from players who came off the bench in Serie A this season and 20-year-old Prati is the latest. Ranieri’s contract with the Sardinians runs out in June 2025.

“I have another year left in my contract, but let me rest now. We’ll see. The President said it depends on me,” the coach concluded.

L’hai fatto ancora, Mister pic.twitter.com/L9NeSS1uy2

— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) May 19, 2024

Cagliari have guaranteed their Serie A safety after Matteo Prati and Gianluca Lapadula grab victory at the Mapei Stadium, as Sassuolo are now on the verge of relegation.

This was a huge battle to avoid the drop, as the Neroverdi were in penultimate place, but only four points behind the Sardinians. Domenico Berardi and Samu Castillejo were still out of action, while Jakub Jankto and Antoine Makoumbou didn’t make the trip, but Gianluca Gaetano and Tommaso Augello returned from suspension.

There were 4,000 Cagliari fans at the Mapei Stadium, knowing a win would guarantee their Serie A status.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Ruan Tressoldi risked a disaster in the opening six minutes, mis-kicking a clearance and then bundling into Gianluca Lapadula, but the striker went down too easily in the penalty area.

Martin Erlic hobbled off with a bruise to the small of the back, but Sassuolo had the first real chance with Andrea Pinamonti steering a free header inches wide.

Gianluca Lapadula saw his angled drive flash across the face of goal to skim the far post and Eldor Shomurodov fired over. Cagliari started to push after the restart, the Gabriele Zappa strike smothered by Andrea Consigli and Zito Luvumbo hesitating on the counter-attack.

Lapadula was brought down in the box, but only after wandering offside, and Pinamonti’s acrobatic bicycle kick flashed off target.

Cagliari took the lead in front of their many away fans when a free kick was pumped into the box, the Lapadula strike was charged down and Yerry Mina eventually laid it off for substitute Matteo Prati to drill home.

Ibrahim Sulemana should’ve added a second, firing wide when set up by a Nahitan Nandez solo run down the right.

Cagliari did seal it when Marash Kumbulla was surprised by an odd bobble on the pitch and clattered into Lapadula for a penalty, which Lapadula converted, even though Yerry Mina had wanted to take it.

The Sassuolo situation got to Matheus Henrique, who was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession, both for dissent. They could even be mathematically relegated this afternoon.

Sassuolo 0-2 Cagliari

Prati 71 (C), Lapadula pen 91 (C)

Sent off: Matheus Henrique 93 (S)

19-05-2024 11:30

MatchDay 37

Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo

Cagliari

0 - 2

Player statistic

2nd half

Kristian Thorstvedt		54'
		61'		Alessandro Deiola
		71'		Matteo Prati (Assist: Alberto Dossena)
		76'		Alberto Dossena
Andrea Pinamonti		79'
Matheus Henrique		90+3'
Matheus Henrique		90+3'
		90+1'		Gianluca Lapadula

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

7

Total shots

13

Shots on target

3

4

Shots off target

5

3

Blocked shots

5

5

Corners

6

1

Offsides

8

14

Fouls

9

Sassuolo

Cagliari

Starting lineups

47

Andrea Consigli

Goalkeeper

2

Filippo Missori

Defender

46'

13

Gian Marco Ferrari

Defender

43

Josh Doig

Defender

5

Martin Erlic

Defender

19'

44

Ruan Tressoldi

Defender

62'

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

57'

7

Matheus Henrique

Midfielder

6

Uros Racic

Midfielder

57'

9

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

22

Simone Scuffet

Goalkeeper

4

Alberto Dossena

Defender

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

27

Tommaso Augello

Defender

86'

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

67'

70

Gianluca Gaetano

Midfielder

67'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

8

Nahitan Nández

Midfielder

89'

61

Eldor Shomurodov

Attacker

46'

9

Gianluca Lapadula

Attacker

Substitutes

23

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

21

Mattia Viti

Defender

11

Nedim Bajrami

Midfielder

28

Alessio Cragno

Goalkeeper

22

Jeremy Toljan

Defender

25

Gianluca Pegolo

Goalkeeper

15

Emil Konradsen Ceide

Attacker

8

Samuele Mulattieri

Attacker

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

19

Marash Kumbulla

Defender

19'

92

Grégoire Defrel

Attacker

46'

14

Pedro Obiang

Midfielder

57'

24

Daniel Boloca

Midfielder

57'

3

Marcus Pedersen

Defender

62'

18

Simone Aresti

Goalkeeper

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

1

Boris Radunović

Goalkeeper

32

Andrea Petagna

Attacker

5

Marco Mancosu

Midfielder

23

Mateusz Wieteska

Defender

17

Pantelis Chatzidiakos

Defender

37

Paulo Azzi

Attacker

19

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

34

Kingstone Mutandwa

Attacker

77

Zito Luvumbo

Attacker

46'

10

Nicolas Viola

Midfielder

67'

16

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

67'

33

Adam Obert

Defender

86'

99

Alessandro Di Pardo

Defender

89'

Midway through the penultimate round of Serie A fixtures for 2023-24, six teams still run the risk of being relegated to the second division, including Sassuolo, Empoli, Frosinone, Cagliari, Udinese and Hellas Verona.

Five of those teams are in action on Sunday, while Verona are due to play already-relegated Salernitana at 17.45 BST on Monday evening.

Excitingly, four of the teams at risk of relegation will play each other directly on Sunday, as Sassuolo host Cagliari at 11.30, with Udinese-Empoli following at 14.00.

It’s important to remember that if teams in 17th and 18th finish level on points, head-to-head and goal difference becomes irrelevant. The teams will instead contest a relegation play-off, as happened with Verona and Spezia in 2022-23.

This year onwards, though, the play-off will take place over two legs, rather than a one-off 90 minute match.

Here’s what the teams all need to avoid the drop to Serie B …

What Sassuolo need to stay in Serie A

As the lowest-ranked team who are still in with a shout of survival, Sassuolo certainly have their work cut out for them. They have 29 points with two games remaining and currently sit three points from safety.

They could technically be relegated by the end of Sunday. That would happen if Sassuolo lose or draw against Cagliari, and if Udinese (15th place) pick up at least one point against Empoli, and if Frosinone (17th) beat Monza.

If Sassuolo beat Cagliari, they can not be relegated on Sunday, and the standing will depend on results on the final day, next weekend.

What Empoli need

From 18th place upwards, it becomes more open as no other team can be mathematically relegated on Sunday. A win for Empoli against Udinese at 14.00 will massively boost their survival hopes, and will lift them out of the bottom three and likely drop Udinese into the relegation zone in their place, depending on the result in Monza-Frosinone.

What Frosinone need

As Frosinone sit level on points with Empoli in Serie A, it’s effectively the exact same situation as before. They will not be relegated, and can not confirm safety on Sunday either way, but a win against Monza will be massively valuable. Their final position will come down to the final day.

What Cagliari need

It’s a much clearer picture for Cagliari. A win today against Sassuolo will mathematically confirm Serie A safety.

A Cagliari will send them up to 36 points, which, in turn will relegate Sassuolo. Sky Sport Italia confirm that a win in either of their final two matches will be enough to keep Cagliari up.

What Udinese need

Similarly to Cagliari, a win against Empoli on Sunday will confirm Serie A safety for Udinese. A draw or loss means that it will come down to the final day, when they play Frosinone.

What Verona need

Verona need two points from their final two games of the season to avoid relegation. In fact, as they play on Monday, they could be confirmed as safe by the end of Sunday without having to play themselves, depending on results elsewhere.

A win against already-relegated Salernitana on Monday will mathematically confirm Serie A safety regardless of other results, but a single point may also be enough to do it depending on Sunday’s matches.

It is looking increasingly likely that relegation to Serie B might be decided by a play-off, as Udinese’s victory at Lecce saw them leap out of the drop zone.

Salernitana are already doomed to the drop, but the other two places are still to be decided with only two rounds left in the Serie A season.

Udinese earned a 2-0 win away to Lecce this evening, propelling them from 18^th place to 15^th, now equal with Cagliari on 33 points and one clear of both Frosinone and Empoli.

Verona are just one point above them, so while Sassuolo look isolated now in penultimate place on 29 points, the other five teams fighting to stay up are all crammed within a two-point radius.

Serie A fixtures include showdowns

The final Serie A 2023-24 fixtures funnily enough do provide some crucial head-to-head clashes, specifically Sassuolo-Cagliari and Udinese-Empoli this weekend, while Frosinone-Udinese is in the last round.

If two teams finish level in 18^th place, they will go to a play-off.

This already happened last season, but while Verona beat Spezia on neutral turf in a one-off match, this year it would be a home and away tie.

If three or four Serie A teams are level on points, then a table will be drawn up of their head-to-head records, with the bottom two going into the play-off.

Verona and Sassuolo fumbled leads to suffer defeats and now there are six teams crammed in a five-point radius, with two going down to Serie B.

The race is increasingly tight to avoid relegation from Serie A, although Lecce have guaranteed their safety on 37 points, even before tomorrow’s game with Udinese.

Verona would’ve been safe too with a win today and were leading against Torino at the Stadio Bentegodi before capitulating 2-1 this afternoon.

That leaves them on 34 points, only one clear of Cagliari and two ahead of both Frosinone and Empoli.

Serie A relegation race hots up

Udinese could take a huge leap forward tomorrow, as if they beat Lecce, then they’ll clamber from 18^th place to joint 15^th on 33 points, the same as Cagliari.

Sassuolo had the opportunity to catch up too, but remain in penultimate place on 29 points following a 2-1 defeat to Genoa, a match they had been leading at half-time.

Next week’s fixtures look as if they could be decisive, specifically Sassuolo-Cagliari and Udinese-Empoli, while Verona visit doomed Salernitana.

Claudio Ranieri explains what Cagliari got wrong in the 5-1 defeat to Milan and recognises the importance of next week’s relegation showdown with Sassuolo.

The Sardinians knew it would be tough to pick up points here, but had given their best against the big clubs in recent weeks, beating Atalanta, then holding both Inter and Juventus to 2-2 draws.

They were only trailing 1-0 here to Ismael Bennacer’s opener, then 2-1 when Nahitan Nandez replied to Christian Pulisic.

However, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing some tough Marco Sportiello saves proved the luck Milan needed to run riot and win 5-1.

“The result seems a little harsh, but Milan scored five goals because they are talented. We were a bit too timid in the first half and should’ve tried to cause them more problems,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

“In the second half, we pushed harder, created chances, hit the woodwork and forced saves, but then Leao and Theo Hernandez ran riot in those open spaces, we knew they could hurt us in those situations.

“We knew this was a Joker in the pack, whatever happened we would accept it. For long spells we did play well, albeit without the confidence to attack them, as by the time we did the spaces had opened up and they took full advantage. They cut into us like a knife through butter.

“It’s a pity, as we could’ve made more of our situations, especially a counter-attack where Zito Luvumbo passed it backwards rather than sending Shomurodov on goal. He’s young, but very talented and still learning.

“I feel like we scored the right number of goals this season, but conceded a few too many for my liking.”

Ranieri on crucial game for Cagliari

Lecce are now mathematically safe from relegation, but Cagliari have a tough run-in against Sassuolo and Fiorentina.

“Now there is a huge game against Sassuolo and I think a lot will be decided then. There are two matches left, we will prepare well and try to do our best.”

Both sets of players marked Mother’s Day by having their maternal surnames on their jerseys this evening, so Ranieri was asked if his beloved mother Renata would have some advice on how to deal with this tense end to the season.

“She’d say just do what you always did. She would say nothing more. She used to tell me off for not playing Duff at Chelsea!”

Ranieri was a coach for Stefano Pioli, so gave him a warm hug on the touchline.

“I am always glad to see him. I’m sorry he is going through these current difficulties, but we coaches know this is part of the game, when you win you are the best, when things don’t go right, we get all the blame. We accept it and carry on.”

Ranieri also spoke to DAZN and was asked about the fact his old Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy was in the stands for Como’s promotion to Serie A last night. Should Vardy come to Italy to play?

“He’s already getting on a bit and knows the English defences very well, so it’s best he stays there.”

Stefano Pioli insists he has ‘not met with the club’ to discuss his Milan future yet, but admits criticism and speculation on his replacement is ‘part of the job.’

The Rossoneri were without a win in six and played in an eerie silence as the fan protest expanded, but eventually got supporters on their feet with a 5-1 victory over Cagliari at San Siro.

It included an Ismael Bennacer strike, Christian Pulisic brace, Tijjani Reijnders rocket and Rafael Leao running from his own half to walk it into the empty net.

“It is very important, because we were not accustomed to going this long without a victory. Clearly, after Europa League elimination and defeat in the derby, we had a delicate moment and suffered in that situation,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.

“Being able to win tonight and improve our position in the table is important. It wasn’t the greatest performance, but the lads showed sacrifice and focus to get out of this moment.”

However, it was only 1-0 at the break amid jeers, changing gear once Rafael Leao and Noah Okafor came on at half-time, though one was forced on Pioli with Samuel Chukwueze injured.

“You journalists, but also players, read everything as personal. It’s not the case. I had to change something, it has been a long and tough season, so some are feeling less sharp than others. An exclusion for one game does not change my opinion on a player and they reacted the way I expected, ready to step up and prove themselves when called upon.”

This victory means that Milan are mathematically guaranteed second place and will play in the 2024-25 edition of the Supercoppa Italiana, which is now expanded to the runners-up of the Scudetto and Coppa Italia trophies as well as the winners.

Is it fair to say that the new signings this season were not as disappointing as the old guard?

“I do not agree. No team managed to maintain the incredible level of performance and results that Inter did. This is a squad that gave its all, but couldn’t maintain the same consistency as Inter and therefore could not stay close enough to keep it open during those decisive moments of the campaign. We also lost confidence, but Inter were a level ahead of everyone, not just us.”

Pioli defends rapport with Milan

Did Pioli ever feel as if he was left isolated or unsupported by the club?

“No, honestly no. I got along very well with Paolo Maldini, Ricky Massara and Zvone Boban, who of course took me to Milan, but also with the current directors like Moncada, Furlani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has changed role.

“We are a big club, there are big expectations, so ferocious criticism is to be expected, just as ebullient praise is expected when you win. That is part of the job, you have to accept it all or you do a different profession.

“I try to help the team to overcome difficult moments and play as well as possible, sometimes it worked, sometimes I got things wrong.”

The most damaging part of the season for Milan fans was the Europa League quarter-final exit to Roma, followed swiftly by handing the Scudetto to rivals Inter.

“We have players who have an incredible potential, sometimes they manage to express that on the field, sometimes they do not. It’s true that individual talents help you to overcome difficult moments, but we always approached matches as a team,” insisted Pioli.

“Our performances against Roma were perfectly normal, but we needed more at that level and to show more belief. It was an important moment of the season, but I also feel like we threw away the Champions League by putting in good performances without managing to make our chances count. We were wasteful in both European competitions.”

The fan protest could well continue, but will it be suspended so that Milan supporters can thank Pioli for all he has done over these years when it is his final game at San Siro?

“I am really sad about this situation, as we were so proud to create that symbiosis with the fans, which passed on positivity, energy and confidence. I hope for the future of Milan that things can be resolved, and I’m sure it will be,” added the coach.

“As for whether it will be my last game, I have not yet talked to the club. We have another two rounds to go, the season is not over yet. I hope everyone around Milan can rediscover that harmony, enthusiasm and energy that helped us to achieve things that perhaps nobody believed was possible.”

The favourite to replace Pioli is Sergio Conceicao, so the Sky Sport Italia presenters joked that was why Rafael Leao was on the bench tonight.

All the players wore their maternal surnames on the jersey this evening in honour of Mother’s Day and so Leao was wearing Conceicao 10.

“I didn’t know that was the name! This too is part of the job,” laughed Pioli.

“I repeat, I have not met with the club, I don’t know if we’ll do it before the end of the season. We’ll see.”

Milan took a while to get going, but eventually crushed Cagliari 5-1 including a Christian Pulisic brace, Tijjani Reijnders rocket and Rafael Leao run from midfield.

Stefano Pioli dropped Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, Fikayo Tomori and Davide Calabria, with Mike Maignan, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Simon Kjaer injured. The Sardinians were three points clear of the drop zone, with Tommaso Augello and Gianluca Gaetano suspended, Jakub Jankto and Antoine Makoumbou injured.

In honour of Mother’s Day, both sets of players wore jerseys with their maternal surnames on the back rather than paternal.

See how the game unfolded on the Liveblog.

There was an eerie silence at San Siro, as the ultras again refused to chant or cheer on their players, this time the protest spread throughout the stadium.

Simone Scuffet made a tough early save on the spectacular Alessandro Florenzi volley, while Cagliari penalty appeals were rejected as Malick Thiaw’s arm was flush against the body when the ball was deflected onto it.

Milan opened the scoring when Christian Pulisic’s cross was deflected and Scuffet got behind a Samuel Chukwueze effort, but Ismael Bennacer was ready to turn in the rebound.

The luck is on Ismaël Bennacer's side as deflection lands at his feet

AC Milan take the lead just before half-time

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/mQ31jJDA6m

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 11, 2024

Chukwueze went off injured at half-time, one of three changes made by Pioli, and Rafael Leao almost made an immediate impact when sliding in at the back post to fire a Pulisic cross against the bar.

Marco Sportiello’s first big save on Eldor Shomurodov wouldn’t have counted due to the offside flag, but the second did as he got down to fingertip a Matteo Prati daisy-cutter round the post.

However, Milan doubled their lead when Rafael Leao started the counter from his own final third and shrugged off a defender before the slide-rule pass to release Pulisic one-on-one.

BRILLIANT counter-attack from Leao and Pulisic!

The American forward has his 1⃣4⃣th goal of the season across all competitions.

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/HBiPgHLxAA

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 11, 2024

Sportiello remained busy, making a tough double save on the ferocious Alessandro Deiola free kick and the rebound.

He was eventually beaten moments later when Nandez was allowed to run undisturbed through the Milan defence to meet a Gabriele Zappa cross from the right.

The Rossoneri restored their two-goal cushion, as after a rapid counter-attack again sparked by Leao won a corner, Tijjani Reijnders hit a right-foot rocket into the far bottom corner from 25 metres out.

Cagliari had a huge opportunity to get it back to 3-2 on 79 minutes, managing to hit the frame of the goal twice in the same move. First Zappa’s in-swinging corner thumped the upright, then Shomurodov’s follow-up was deflected onto the crossbar and substitute Fikayo Tomori also had to make a desperate block.

Bennacer won back the ball in midfield and immediately sent Leao running from the centre-circle, where the Portuguese talent shrugged off defenders, dribbled around the goalkeeper and deposited into an empty net.

Cagliari crumbled, as Leao also wasted a lazy lob, then Okafor rolled across from the left for Pulisic, whose finish was not cleared off the line in time by Yerry Mina as Milan ran out 5-1 winners.

Milan 5-1 Cagliari

Bennacer 35 (M), Pulisic 59, 86 (M), Nandez 64 (C), Reijnders 74 (M), Leao 83 (M)

11-05-2024 19:45

MatchDay 36

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Milan

Cagliari

5 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Ismaël Bennacer		28'
Matteo Gabbia		33'
Ismaël Bennacer		35'

2nd half

Christian Pulisic (Assist: Rafael Leão)		59'
		63'		Nahitan Nández (Assist: Gabriele Zappa)
		69'		Yerry Mina
Tijjani Reijnders (Assist: Theo Hernández)		74'
Rafael Leão (Assist: Ismaël Bennacer)		83'
Christian Pulisic (Assist: Noah Okafor)		86'

Match statistic

66

Possession %

34

17

Total shots

13

10

Shots on target

7

4

Shots off target

1

3

Blocked shots

5

6

Corners

3

1

Offsides

4

11

Fouls

9

Milan

Cagliari

Starting lineups

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

42

Alessandro Florenzi

Defender

68'

28

Malick Thiaw

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

46'

20

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

4

Ismaël Bennacer

Midfielder

84'

14

Tijjani Reijnders

Midfielder

80

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

9

Olivier Giroud

Attacker

46'

21

Samuel Chukwueze

Attacker

46'

22

Simone Scuffet

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

4

Alberto Dossena

Defender

76'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

88'

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

76'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

16

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

8

Nahitan Nández

Midfielder

76'

61

Eldor Shomurodov

Attacker

82'

77

Zito Luvumbo

Attacker

Substitutes

2

Davide Calabria

Defender

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

38

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

30

Mattia Caldara

Defender

15

Luka Jovic

Attacker

7

Yacine Adli

Midfielder

85

Kevin Zeroli

Midfielder

96

Lorenzo Torriani

Goalkeeper

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

46'

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

46'

17

Noah Okafor

Attacker

46'

19

Theo Hernández

Defender

68'

32

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

84'

18

Simone Aresti

Goalkeeper

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

1

Boris Radunović

Goalkeeper

32

Andrea Petagna

Attacker

10

Nicolas Viola

Midfielder

5

Marco Mancosu

Midfielder

99

Alessandro Di Pardo

Defender

17

Pantelis Chatzidiakos

Defender

9

Gianluca Lapadula

Attacker

76'

37

Paulo Azzi

Attacker

76'

19

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

76'

34

Kingstone Mutandwa

Attacker

82'

23

Mateusz Wieteska

Defender

88'

Milan ultras have intensified their protest against the club with a series of banners criticising the lack of ambition and an eerie silence during their game with Cagliari.

The Rossoneri had already been in an awkward atmosphere for the 3-3 draw with Genoa, as the Curva Sud sat in silence throughout, then walked out with 15 minutes to go.

This time around, the protest seems to have spread to other areas of the stands, as different fan groups joined in the silent show of force.

It was considerably more quiet, as last time considerably more Genoa supporters made the trip and were at least cheering on their team.

Milan protest spreads

There were also quite a few empty seats at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza for one of the final home matches of the Serie A season.

The ultras did continue to put up a series of banners making clear that they were not angry specifically with coach Stefano Pioli and the players so much as the club hierarchy.

“We demand and deserve a strong and winning club. Milano does not settle,” read one banner.

#MilanCagliari
Continua la protesta della #CurvaSud

NOI PRETENDIAMO E MERITIAMO UNA SOCIETA’ FORTE E VINCENTE pic.twitter.com/kTw83IKmHt

— Martin Sartorio (@MartinSa1988) May 11, 2024

{end, 21:39, That’s all for the Liveblog}

#ACMilan 5-1 #Cagliari

Milan took a while to get going, but eventually crushed Cagliari 5-1 including a Christian Pulisic brace, Tijjani Reijnders rocket and Rafael Leao run from midfield https://t.co/WMsyuomJhn #MilanCagliari #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM #USMNT

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 11, 2024

{live, 21:37, FT: Milan 5-1 Cagliari}

Bennacer 35 (M), Pulisic 59, 86 (M), Nandez 64 (C), Reijnders 74 (M), Leao 83 (M)

{live, 21:35, Leao goal}

Rafael Leao almost walked this goal in pic.twitter.com/48stVN42DE

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 11, 2024

{live, 21:30, Milan 5-1 Cagliari: Christian Pulisic!}

Okafor got down the left, cross found Pulisic totally isolated in the box, Yerry Mina goal-line clearance did not come in time, as the referee’s watch buzzed.

{live, 21:29, Leao lob}

Leao really should’ve scored that one too, but the lob was the wrong choice and too weak.

{live, 21:28, Milan sub}

Pobega on for Bennacer.

{live, 21:26, Milan 4-1 Cagliari: Rafael Leao!}

Leao does it all himself! Runs onto the Bennacer slide-rule pass, shrugs off a defender, dribbles around the goalkeeper and deposits into the empty net.

{live, 21:26, Cagliari sub}

Mutandwa replaces Shomurodov.

{live, 21:25, Leao on target}

No power or conviction behind that finish, straight at Scuffet.

{live, 21:23, GENERAL CHAOS}

Cagliari hit the frame of the goal twice in one move! First the corner directly thumps the near post, then Shomurodov follow-up deflected onto the crossbar, then Tomori makes a desperate block.

{live, 21:22, Reijnders goal}

TIJJANI REIJNDERS ALL THE WAY FROM THE NETHERLANDS pic.twitter.com/Z92GVsSbAn

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 11, 2024

{live, 21:19, Cagliari subs}

Azzi, Oristanio and Lapadula on, Dossena, Sulemana and Nandez off.

{live, 21:18, Milan 3-1 Cagliari: Tijjani Reijnders!}

Goodness, that was a scorcher! Corner cleared to outside the area, where Reijnders decides to simply hit a right-foot rocket into the far bottom corner!

{live, 21:17, Milan move}

Rapid Milan counter-attack, again Leao starts from inside his own half, slide-rule pass for Theo, who tries to roll across for Okafor, but it’s intercepted.

{live, 21:13, Tension}

Nandez and Leao get into a bit of a row…

{live, 21:13, Yerry Mina booked}

Mina booked for holding back Okafor, is furious with Zappa for not covering.

{live, 21:12, Milan sub}

Theo Hernandez replaces Florenzi.

{live, 21:09, Pulisic goal}

BRILLIANT counter-attack from Leao and Pulisic!

The American forward has his 1⃣4⃣th goal of the season across all competitions.

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/HBiPgHLxAA

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 11, 2024

{live, 21:07, Milan 2-1 Cagliari: Nahitan Nandez!}

Milan defence caught napping! Zappa cross from the right, Nandez is allowed to run through a Grand Canyon in the Rossoneri defence – Musah lost his man – and not much Sportiello can do on that deft finish.

{live, 21:06, Double Sportiello save!}

That got a response from the crowd, a round of applause for the goalkeeper who parries first the ferocious Deiola free kick, then the follow-up too.

{live, 21:03, Milan 2-0 Cagliari: Christian Pulisic!}

Assist from Rafael Leao as he goes on the counter from inside his own half, shakes off a defender, slide-rule pass releases Pulisic, who gets around Scuffet to score!

{live, 21:02, Cagliari close}

On the resulting corner, Shomurodov prods wide of the near post.

{live, 21:01, Sportiello save!}

That one did count! Prati daisy-cutter from outside the box, Sportiello has to get down and fingertip it round the far post for a corner!

{live, 21:00, Pulisic shot}

Pulisic cuts inside from the right, shot charged down.

{live, 20:58, Sportiello save}

Offside flag up anyway for Nandez before the low cross for Shomurodov and astonishing Sportiello save, but still entertaining to watch.

{live, 20:55, Game opening up}

And thank goodness, so says everyone watching. Cagliari set play, Prati shot charged down, Milan then waste the counter-attack.

{live, 20:53, Leao off the bar!}

Pulisic cross from the right, Leao catches Nandez napping to come sliding in at the back post and thumps it onto the crossbar!

{live, 20:49, 2nd half kicks off: Milan 1-0 Cagliari}

{live, 20:44, Milan subs}

Rafael Leao, Okafor and Tomori on, Chukwueze, Gabbia and Giroud off.

{live, 20:42, Appeals}

Remember the timid Cagliari penalty appeals? Thiaw arm was flush to the body, so no spot-kick.

#MilanCagliari | chiesto timidamente dai rossoblù un calcio di rigore al minuto 21 per un tocco di mano in area di #Thiaw ( DAZN). I replay confermano la sensazione già avuta in diretta: il tocco c’è ma il braccio destro è congruo lungo al corpo.

Vede bene Sozza: play on. pic.twitter.com/f6J7z92QEp

— Denis Errori Arbitrali (@erroriarbitrali) May 11, 2024

{live, 20:32, Half-Time: Milan 1-0 Cagliari}

Bennacer with the goal, but Chukwueze is injured and went down the moment the half-time whistle was blown. He’s probably not coming back after the restart.

{live, 20:32, Cagliari attempt}

Prati runs onto a through ball, manages to turn his defender, but also prods it straight at the goalkeeper.

{live, 20:26, Milan push}

Pulisic accidentally gets in the way of a Bennacer strike, then Florenzi scuffs the rebound horribly wide.

{live, 20:25, Bennacer goal}

The luck is on Ismaël Bennacer's side as deflection lands at his feet

AC Milan take the lead just before half-time

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/mQ31jJDA6m

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 11, 2024

Ismaël Bennacer with his first Serie A goal of the season pic.twitter.com/a4PIoz0ef2

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 11, 2024

{live, 20:21, Milan 1-0 Cagliari: Ismael Bennacer!}

Pulisic down the left tries to cross, it is deflected into the air, Chukwueze tries to pounce and it is parried by Scuffet, but Bennacer is ready to fire in the rebound.

{live, 20:19, Gabbia booked}

That was very risky for more than a yellow, Gabbia went lunging in…

{live, 20:17, Those shirts}

To celebrate Mother's Day, AC Milan players are displaying their mothers' surnames on the back of their shirts against Cagliari

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/0oyvQz9HQP

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 11, 2024

{live, 20:14, Bennacer booked}

It was two-footed, but he largely got the ball.

{live, 20:13, Milan shirts}

A tribute to mums everywhere #MilanCagliari #SempreMilan #MothersDay #FestaDellaMamma pic.twitter.com/pT7SVgmQeS

— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 11, 2024

{live, 20:12, Milan protest}

Milan ultras have intensified their protest against the club with a series of banners criticising the lack of ambition and an eerie silence during their game with Cagliari https://t.co/ZdRZCEfqgE #ACMilan #SerieA #MilanCagliari #SerieATIM #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 11, 2024

{live, 20:11, Mina vs. Giroud}

After Giroud tore his shirt in two, Mina went down off the ball under a nudge in the back. Mina clutching the back of his head as if he’s been punched. He hasn’t.

{live, 20:09, Oh dear}

Well the Milan fans are making some noise – they are jeering that Musah move. Musah got down the right, had several options, chose the worst one to spark a counter-attack, where Luvumbo just fired straight at Sportiello. Luvumbo has a slight muscular problem too.

{live, 20:05, Cagliari appeals}

Appeals for handball after a free kick into the box pinballs around, but nothing comes from it. Musah then gets down the left and pulls across, but there is nobody ready to meet it.

{live, 20:01, Scuffet alert}

Milan corner, series of headers in the box as it pinballs around and Scuffet manages to smother.

{live, 19:58, Florenzi over}

Florenzi free kick over the bar from the edge of the area.

{live, 19:56, Save on Florenzi}

What a goal that would’ve been, it came down from a big height, acrobatic volley kept low from distance and parried off the line.

{live, 19:54, Milan win a corner}

Kalulu back-heel flick deflected out for a corner. Yerry Mina has to change his shirt, as it is completely torn down the centre. Giroud looking slightly guilty.

{live, 19:50, It’s eerie}

So silent you can practically hear the thump of boot on ball. It’s like being back in the pandemic…

{live, 19:45, We have kick-off in Milan vs. Cagliari!}

{live, 19:43, Minute’s silence}

Before all games this weekend, a minute’s silence for the victims of a work accident in Palermo last week. Because nobody should go to work and not come back.

{live, 19:41, Out come the teams!}

Milan: Sportiello; Kalulu, Thiaw, Gabbia, Florenzi; Musah, Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Giroud, Pulisic

Cagliari: Scuffet; Mina, Dossena, Obert; Zappa, Prati, Sulemana, Deiola, Nandez; Luvumbo, Shomurodov

(Although those aren’t the names on the shirts, in honour of Mother’s Day they have their maternal surnames instead)

{live, 19:27, Stefano Pioli}

Stefano Pioli explains why he dropped big stars for Milan’s match against Cagliari this evening and urges the fans to remain ‘united’ behind the team https://t.co/6lqvXhHKd9 #ACMilan #SerieA #MilanCagliari #SerieATIM #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 11, 2024

{live, 19:09, Napoli in silence}

Nobody from Napoli will speak to the media.

{live, 19:08, Cagliari also with maternal names}

Le maglie di oggi #MilanCagliari pic.twitter.com/JXlDuTqBkQ

— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) May 11, 2024

{live, 19:05, Milan fans still on strike}

Milan ultras are again going to sit in silence and, if last week is anything to go by, walk out 15 minutes before the end.

{live, 19:01, Milan vs. Cagliari line-ups}

Remember, for Mother’s Day both teams are wearing special shirts with their maternal surnames on rather than paternal. This might lead to some confusion.

Milan: Sportiello; Kalulu, Thiaw, Gabbia, Florenzi; Musah, Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Giroud, Pulisic

Cagliari: Scuffet; Mina, Dossena, Obert; Zappa, Prati, Sulemana, Deiola, Nandez; Luvumbo, Shomurodov

{live, 18:56, Milan vs. Cagliari warm-ups}

Watch the Milan vs. Cagliari warm-ups LIVE on the Lega Serie A YouTube Channel.

{live, 18:53, Match report}

#Napoli 0-2 #Bologna

Napoli never recovered from a nightmare start to this match, trailing 2-0 after 12 minutes and seeing a Matteo Politano penalty parried, but Bologna are heading to the Champions League https://t.co/5hqXs8ihIH #NapoliBologna #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 11, 2024

{live, 18:52, FT: Napoli 0-2 Bologna}

Bologna are practically in the Champions League! Napoli might not get into Europe at all…

{live, 18:51, Di Lorenzo over}

Napoli free kick from Raspadori, Di Lorenzo flicks it over with his head.

{live, 18:48, Into stoppages}

4 minutes at the Maradona.

{live, 18:45, Oh dear}

A long and rather futile Napoli passing move ends with Mazzocchi scuffing wide.

{live, 18:41, Zirkzee update}

Bologna are on edge after star striker Joshua Zirkzee limped off practically in tears following a muscular injury against Napoli https://t.co/mDwAPdtm6T #Bologna #Zirkzee #SerieA #NapoliBologna #SerieATIM #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 11, 2024

{live, 18:40, Bologna sub}

El Azzouzi on, Freuler off.

{live, 18:38, Napoli subs}

Traore, Simeone and Mazzocchi on, Anguissa, Kvaratskhelia and Olivera off.

{live, 18:33, Zirkzee in a bad way}

He was practically weeping.

{live, 18:32, Team News}

#ACMilan vs. #Cagliari line-ups:

Milan drop Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Fikayo Tomori to start Samuel Chukwueze against relegation-threatened Cagliari https://t.co/7trjQ6mv7E #MilanCagliari #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 11, 2024

{live, 18:31, Zirkzee was limping}

Zirkzee looked to be hobbling quite badly as he went off.

{live, 18:30, Milan vs. Cagliari line-ups}

Milan: Sportiello; Kalulu, Thiaw, Gabbia, Florenzi; Musah, Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Giroud, Pulisic

Cagliari: Scuffet; Mina, Dossena, Obert; Zappa, Prati, Sulemana, Deiola, Nandez; Luvumbo, Shomurodov

{live, 18:29, Subs}

Raspadori replaces Cajuste, Bologna introduce Castro and Fabbian for Zirkzee and Urbanski.

{live, 18:28, Lucumi booked}

Cajuste had turned Lucumi, so the Bologna defender had to use his arms.

{live, 18:26, Osimhen chance!}

Oh what a chance. Ngonge gets away from Kristiansen, through ball for Osimhen, the shot from a tight angle grazes Ravaglia’s fingertips and goes inches wide!

{live, 18:24, Mother’s Day XI}

Your #MothersDay special Rossoneri XI #MilanCagliari #SempreMilan #FestaDellaMamma
Brought to you by 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗵𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗿𝗲 pic.twitter.com/U7KmrZjDFV

— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 11, 2024

{live, 18:23, Zirkzee chance}

That was a test! Zirkzee angled drive after taking on Juan Jesus, Meret sticks out a boot to parry and Orsolini can’t make the most of the rebound.

{live, 18:22, Kvara attempt}

Again, on target, but no real test for Ravaglia.

{live, 18:20, Anguissa header}

Weak Anguissa header from a corner, straight at Ravaglia.

{live, 18:18, Napoli sub}

Politano off, Ngonge on.

{live, 18:18, Bologna effort}

Saelemaekers strike from distance bounces in front of Meret, but he smothers.

{live, 18:16, Oh dear}

Politano stands up a cross to the back post, where Kvaratskhelia shins it into the sky.

{live, 18:13, Napoli chance}

Aebischer glancing header on a Napoli free kick, risks an own goal and it skims the upright.

{live, 18:12, Bologna subs}

Orsolini and Saelemaekers on, Odgaard and Ndoye off.

{live, 18:10, Double Ravaglia save}

First gets down to parry the Politano strike at the near bottom corner, then denies the Di Lorenzo follow-up too.

{live, 18:09, Milan arrive at San Siro}

#MilanCagliari – L’arrivo della squadra di Pioli a San Siro @calciomercatoit pic.twitter.com/OhJr9T449o

— Martin Sartorio (@MartinSa1988) May 11, 2024

{live, 18:07, Napoli wide}

Cajuste booked for taking out both Aebischer and Odgaard, then Di Lorenzo fires wide.

{live, 18:03, 2nd half kicks off: Napoli 0-2 Bologna}

{live, 17:48, Half-Time: Napoli 0-2 Bologna}

Those are some LOUD jeers. Ndoye and Posch scored in the opening 12 minutes, then Politano saw a penalty saved by Ravaglia.

{live, 17:47, Osimhen appeals}

Osimhen goes down under an even lighter Aebischer touch than the penalty, makes zero attempt to stay on his feet.

{live, 17:45, Bologna threaten}

Posch down the right, should’ve crossed, instead went for goal.

{live, 17:42, Napoli close}

Lobotka surges forward, lets loose from outside the box and SKIMS the crossbar.

{live, 17:39, Hmm}

Keep an eye on that, as it was the world’s least friendly handshake the referee made them perform. Zirkzee and Juan Jesus still glaring daggers at each other.

{live, 17:39, Tension}

Juan Jesus and Zirkzee having a row. Zirkzee was furious with the defender over his shove on Odgaard.

{live, 17:38, Politano penalty}

Matteo Politano MISSES the penalty!

The first 20 minutes of this game has been pure entertainment…

Watch live on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Hwux30xdbC

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 11, 2024

{live, 17:38, Ouch}

2 – Napoli conceded two goals in the first 15 minutes of play of the first half in #SerieA for the first time since 7 March 2010, also against Bologna (goal by Zalayeta in the 7th minute and by Adailton in the 12th min) . Shock.#NapoliBologna

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 11, 2024

{live, 17:33, Kvaratskhelia booked}

A bit of a tussle with Posch, ref waves play on, but Kvara is booked for his furious reaction.

{live, 17:27, Napoli close}

Napoli corner, Olivera header over the bar!

{live, 17:23, It’s all good}

Ravaglia kept a foot on the line!

{live, 17:22, Politano penalty is SAVED}

Matteo Politano inside of the left foot going to the near bottom corner, but Federico Ravaglia made the save! He was very far forward, was he on the line?

{live, 17:20, Penalty for Napoli!}

Di Lorenzo pulls back from the by-line for Osimhen, who tries to turn in the box and goes down amid a crowd. If there was contact, it was pretty minimal…

{live, 17:19, Posch goal}

BOLOGNA STUN NAPOLI IN NAPLES WITH TWO GOALS IN 3 MINUTES pic.twitter.com/sN2A8nTp3v

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 11, 2024

{live, 17:19, Ndoye goal}

Dan Ndoye get his first Serie A goal against the reigning champs pic.twitter.com/UhYztTOWHx

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 11, 2024

{live, 17:13, Napoli 0-2 Bologna: Stefan Posch!}

The atmosphere in the stadium is getting tense… Zirkzee wins a corner, Urbanski corner flicked on by Calafiori and Posch is allowed really a free header from four yards. Anguissa just standing there…

{live, 17:10, Napoli 0-1 Bologna: Dan Ndoye!}

He hadn’t managed to score all season! Zirkzee shot deflected, loops up, Odgaard stops it going out for a corner, his cross is deflected off Olivera too and it turns into an accidental assist for Ndoye to nod in from point-blank range, despite being behind Di Lorenzo!

{live, 17:06, Calafiori wide}

Calafiori comes forward and drills wide from the edge of the box for Bologna.

{live, 17:04, Risky Ravaglia}

Pass over-hit for Osimhen, Ravaglia had to come right to the edge of his box to gather.

{live, 17:01, We have kick-off in Napoli vs. Bologna!}

{live, 16:59, A minute’s silence}

A minute’s silence before all Serie A games this weekend for the four workers who died on the job near Palermo.

{live, 16:56, Out come the teams}

Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Cajuste; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Bologna: Ravaglia; Posch, Lucumi, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Freuler, Urbanski, Aebischer; Ndoye, Zirkzee, Odgaard

{live, 16:40, Orsonaldo benched}

Skills in his feet and a smile on his face: 𝙍𝙞𝙘𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙤 𝙊𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞 #NapoliBologna pic.twitter.com/XhskG3cTIf

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 11, 2024

{live, 16:35, Napoli leaking goals}

Napoli are without a clean sheet since the 0-0 with Lazio on January 28, conceding in their next 14 Serie A games.

{live, 16:23, Welcome to Naples}

Late afternoon calcio vibes #NapoliBologna pic.twitter.com/3dyd1GavUa

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 11, 2024

{live, 16:10, POLL}

POLL: Who wins #Napoli vs. #Bologna ?

Liveblog https://t.co/3l31NGJcup#NapoliBologna #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 11, 2024

{live, 16:09, Team News}

#Napoli vs. #Bologna line-ups:

Napoli start Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia in a bid to at least qualify for the Europa League as they face Joshua Zirkzee’s high-flying Bologna https://t.co/MaHmu2S9qL #NapoliBologna #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 11, 2024

{live, 16:08, Bologna XI}

Bologna: Ravaglia; Posch, Lucumi, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Freuler, Urbanski, Aebischer; Ndoye, Zirkzee, Odgaard

{live, 16:05, Napoli XI}

Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Cajuste; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Join us for the build-up and action as it happens from today’s two Serie A games, as Napoli-Bologna could decide European ambitions and Milan host Cagliari.

We begin at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT) at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with Napoli hosting fourth-placed Bologna, who have not yet guaranteed their place in the Champions League.

At 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), Milan make changes against a Cagliari side who are trying to escape relegation.

Week 36 kicked off last night with Frosinone 0-5 Inter.

Serie A

Stefano Pioli explains why he dropped big stars for Milan’s match against Cagliari this evening and urges the fans to remain ‘united’ behind the team.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Napoli–Bologna on the LIVEBLOG.

The Rossoneri have practically locked second place down and are already qualified for the Champions League, so Pioli is shaking things up with Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Fikayo Tomori dropped to the bench.

Was this clear-out prompted by physical, tactical or psychological considerations?

“It’s a bit of everything,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have not won in six games, those who played a lot are perhaps not very sharp, while those who didn’t play are more physically fresh and mentally free.

“We need more energy, I made those choices to get a better initial approach, more intensity, as we didn’t do well last time.”

Pioli was asked how the big star names reacted to being left on the bench.

“Obviously, they would’ve been happier to start, but they will be ready to come on if needed.”

Pioli appeal to Milan fans

After last week’s 3-3 draw with Genoa in a strange atmosphere, Milan ultras have again announced they will sit in silence in protest at the recent results and general approach that the club has been taking.

“What we created over these years was fantastic, we were very strong together, we were united and all felt part of a combined energy that went onto the pitch. Finishing second and third is not the same thing, so we need to stick together and the fans will also play their part.”

If Milan finish second in Serie A, they will guarantee participation in the Supercoppa Italiana for 2024-25. Is that the objective?

“The objective right now is simply to win. We haven’t won in six rounds. Cagliari are highly-motivated, but so are we, and we’ve got the quality to win this game.”

Milan drop Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Fikayo Tomori to start Samuel Chukwueze against relegation-threatened Cagliari.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Napoli–Bologna on the LIVEBLOG.

With second place practically locked down, Stefano Pioli rotates the squad with Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Tomori among those dropped to the bench.

Mike Maignan, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Noah Okafor and Simon Kjaer are still injured.

Christian Pulisic is moved over to the left, with Olivier Giroud and Chukwueze completing the trident attack.

Cagliari are three points clear of the relegation zone and gave their best against the big clubs recently, beating Atalanta 2-1, then holding Juventus and Inter to 2-2 draws.

Tommaso Augello and Gianluca Gaetano are suspended, with Jakub Jankto and Antoine Makoumbou injured, while Nicolas Viola and Gaetano Oristanio are carrying knocks.

In honour of Mother’s Day, both sets of players will have their maternal surname on the back of the jersey.

Your #MothersDay special Rossoneri XI #MilanCagliari #SempreMilan #FestaDellaMamma
Brought to you by 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗵𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗿𝗲 pic.twitter.com/U7KmrZjDFV

— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 11, 2024

Milan vs. Cagliari line-ups

Milan: Sportiello; Kalulu, Thiaw, Gabbia, Florenzi; Musah, Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Giroud, Pulisic

Cagliari: Scuffet; Mina, Dossena, Obert; Zappa, Prati, Sulemana, Deiola, Nandez; Luvumbo, Shomurodov

11-05-2024 19:45

MatchDay 36

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Milan

Cagliari

5 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Ismaël Bennacer		28'
Matteo Gabbia		33'
Ismaël Bennacer		35'

2nd half

Christian Pulisic (Assist: Rafael Leão)		59'
		63'		Nahitan Nández (Assist: Gabriele Zappa)
		69'		Yerry Mina
Tijjani Reijnders (Assist: Theo Hernández)		74'
Rafael Leão (Assist: Ismaël Bennacer)		83'
Christian Pulisic (Assist: Noah Okafor)		86'

Match statistic

66

Possession %

34

17

Total shots

13

10

Shots on target

7

4

Shots off target

1

3

Blocked shots

5

6

Corners

3

1

Offsides

4

11

Fouls

9

Milan

Cagliari

Starting lineups

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

42

Alessandro Florenzi

Defender

68'

28

Malick Thiaw

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

46'

20

Pierre Kalulu

Defender

4

Ismaël Bennacer

Midfielder

84'

14

Tijjani Reijnders

Midfielder

80

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

9

Olivier Giroud

Attacker

46'

21

Samuel Chukwueze

Attacker

46'

22

Simone Scuffet

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

4

Alberto Dossena

Defender

76'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

26

Yerry Mina

Defender

88'

14

Alessandro Deiola

Midfielder

76'

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

16

Matteo Prati

Midfielder

8

Nahitan Nández

Midfielder

76'

61

Eldor Shomurodov

Attacker

82'

77

Zito Luvumbo

Attacker

Substitutes

2

Davide Calabria

Defender

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

38

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

30

Mattia Caldara

Defender

15

Luka Jovic

Attacker

7

Yacine Adli

Midfielder

85

Kevin Zeroli

Midfielder

96

Lorenzo Torriani

Goalkeeper

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

46'

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

46'

17

Noah Okafor

Attacker

46'

19

Theo Hernández

Defender

68'

32

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

84'

18

Simone Aresti

Goalkeeper

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

1

Boris Radunović

Goalkeeper

32

Andrea Petagna

Attacker

10

Nicolas Viola

Midfielder

5

Marco Mancosu

Midfielder

99

Alessandro Di Pardo

Defender

17

Pantelis Chatzidiakos

Defender

9

Gianluca Lapadula

Attacker

76'

37

Paulo Azzi

Attacker

76'

19

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

76'

34

Kingstone Mutandwa

Attacker

82'

23

Mateusz Wieteska

Defender

88'

La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport report Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez will start on the bench against Cagliari tonight as Stefano Pioli hasn’t seen the right attitude from the pair over the last few weeks.

Pioli will make significant changes to the Rossoneri line-up tonight, given that Theo, Leao and even Fikayo Tomori are set to start on the bench against Cagliari.

Saturday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport on page 11 wrote that Pioli will ‘punish’ Milan big players probably due to their attitude and poor performances over the last few weeks.

Tomori caused a penalty kick in the previous round against Genoa and contributed to Malick Thiaw’s own goal in the final minutes.

Why Milan stars Leao and Theo will go to the bench against Cagliari

Theo and Leao were just as disappointing against the Grifone and the Portuguese star was even booed by fans when subbed off.

‘Tonight’s decisions are a warning for the future,’ wrote journalist Luca Bianchin.

‘Leao, in particular, must reflect, as he’s almost 25 and it still feels like he’s only using 50% of his potential.’

The Gazzetta journalist noted that Pioli has often chosen a soft approach with the Portuguese star this season but ‘one would argue what would have happened if Milan were a little tougher with Rafa.’

Leao has only scored seven Serie A goals this season and has been too inconsistent, leading to Pioli’s decision to leave him on the bench tonight.

According to Gazzetta, Theo’s omission from the starting XI could mean the France international is more likely to leave in the summer, possibly joining Bayern Munich.

Both Tuttosport on page 17 and Gazzetta reported that tension at Milanello has been higher than usual this week and the Turin-based paper added that Leao had previously not been included in the starting XI this season only for rotations and never for technical or tactical reasons.

Milan stars Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao are expected to go on the bench against Cagliari, while Samuel Chukwueze will start with Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud in attack.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET at the Stadio Meazza in Milan.

The Rossoneri have already secured a Champions League place but want to finish second, while Cagliari still need points in the race for survival.

Mike Maignan, Simon Kjaer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Antonio Mirante are not available for the Rossoneri who won’t rely on their ultras’ support given that the die-hard fans in Curva Sud will once again remain silent.

Pioli is expected to leave some of his stars on the bench, especially Theo, Leao and even Fikayo Tomori.

Cagliari are without the suspended Gianluca Gaetano and Tommaso Augello plus the injured Jakub Jankto and Antoine Makoumbou.

It is still unclear whether Claudio Ranieri will use a three- or four-man defence, but both systems can be used with the likes of Yerry Mina, Adam Obert, and Alberto Dossena in the starting XI.

Eldor Shomurodov appears to be the favourite in attack over Gianluca Lapadula, while Inter loanee Gaetano Oristanio is expected to feature in the Sardinians XI as an attacking midfielder.

Milan vs Cagliari – probable line-ups

Milan (4-3-3): Sportiello; Kalulu, Thiaw, Gabbia, Florenzi; Musah, Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Giroud, Pulisc.

Cagliari (4-2-3-1):  Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Dossena, Obert; Deiola, Sulemana; Nandez, Oristanio, Luvumbo; Shomurodov.

Stefano Pioli is reportedly planning to drop Milan stars including Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Fikayo Tomori for the match against Cagliari.

It kicks off at San Siro on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Rossoneri are not yet mathematically guaranteed second place this season, but are practically there following the slowdown in results for both Juventus and Bologna recently.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Pioli intends to rotate the squad and sends several big players to the bench.

Leao was jeered during his most recent performance in the draw with Genoa and could be dropped along with Theo Hernandez, Tomori and Davide Calabria.

Goalkeeper Mike Maignan is not even in the squad, having been left at home due to those recurring muscular issues, so Marco Sportiello will take the gloves.

Pierre Kalulu could make his comeback after a long injury lay-off, with Samuel Chukwueze and Christian Pulisic flanking Olivier Giroud.

As for Cagliari, they are making the trip without suspended Tommaso Augello and Gianluca Gaetano, but coach Claudio Ranieri does get Nicolas Viola back.

Milan vs. Cagliari probable line-ups

Milan: Sportiello; Kalulu, Thiaw, Gabbia, Florenzi; Musah, Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Giroud, Pulisic

Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Dossena, Obert; Deiola, Sulemana; Nandez, Oristanio, Luvumbo; Shomurodov

Serie A clubs Milan, Cagliari, Genoa, Lecce, Torino, Verona and Udinese will celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend by changing the player names on their shirts.

The initiative will see the jerseys switch from their father’s surname to represent that of their mothers instead.

For example, Milan stars Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud will have ‘Conceicao’ and ‘Viviane’ on the back of their shirts.

It is not just for Mother’s Day, as it also marks the anniversary of a change in the Italian law decided by the Constitutional Court in April 2022.

It was considered unconstitutional that a child is automatically given the father’s surname in official papers, so both parents had to agree on the surname given at birth.

Milan lead Mother’s Day initiative

“We are happy and proud of this initiative, born on a special occasion like Mother’s Day to raise public awareness about the equal right to choose the surname of one’s children,” said Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani.

“We are equally pleased with the attention and enthusiasm with which it has been welcomed by Lega Serie A and the participation of several other clubs in our league. An operation in line with AC Milan’s vision, which has always promoted positive values, such as social and gender equality, to contribute to a common and shared cultural change.”

Other Serie A clubs had also hoped to be part of the project, but according to Sky Sport Italia, it was only announced so late by the Lega Serie A that they did not have time to organise it.

Some have already pointed out the curious sight of Leao in a Conceicao jersey when Milan are trying to secure Sergio Conceicao as their new coach.

The Lega Serie A have confirmed the dates and kick-off times for Week 37 fixtures and also announced Atalanta–Fiorentina will be on June 2 – after the season has ended.

This will be the penultimate full round of the tournament and it could not be set in stone until today because they had to work around several issues.

These include the participation of Atalanta in the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen and of Fiorentina in the Conference League Final with Olympiacos.

The Lega Serie A also confirmed the match between Atalanta and Fiorentina, originally scheduled for March 17, will be played in Bergamo on Sunday June 2 at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

It was called off when Fiorentina director Joe Barone collapsed in the team hotel, dying two days later in hospital.

Serie A Week 37

Friday May 17

Fiorentina-Napoli (19.45 UK)

Saturday May 18

Lecce-Atalanta (17.00 UK)

Torino–Milan (19.45 UK)

Sunday May 19

Sassuolo–Cagliari (11.30 UK)

Monza-Frosinone (14.00 UK)

Udinese–Empoli (14.00 UK)

Inter–Lazio (17.00 UK)

Roma–Genoa (19.45 UK)

Monday May 20

Salernitana–Verona (17.30 UK)

Bologna–Juventus (19.45 UK)

Milan ultras will continue their silent protest against the club’s management in their upcoming Serie A match with Cagliari.

The Rossoneri ultras – led by the Curva Sud and the Milan Club Association – staged a silent protest in the recent 3-3 draw with Genoa, making six requests to the team’s management amidst a miserable atmosphere in the Lombardy capital.

The ultras from the Curva Sud put up six banners ahead of the kick-off of that Genoa draw, calling for ‘communication strategy, institutional presence, appropriate signings, cohesion, ambition, and ability’. They are unhappy with the work of Stefano Pioli and the directors working above him.

Milan protest continues

La Gazzetta dello Sport details how the Milan ultras will continue their protest in the upcoming league match with Cagliari, with no chants, flags or banners expected in the stands of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The move clearly had an effect on the players during their draw with Genoa and the players will again have to fight the tensions as they look for victory over the Sardinian side.

{end, 21:42, That’s all for the Liveblog}

#ASRoma 1-1 #Juventus

Gleison Bremer cancelled out the Romelu Lukaku opener in a spectacular match with numerous chances at both ends, but Juventus will feel happier with a point than Roma https://t.co/AY1ywiIbp9 #RomaJuve #SerieA #RomaJuventus #SerieATIM #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 21:41, Serie A table}

Milan 71

Juventus 66

Bologna 64

Roma 60

Atalanta 57**

Lazio 56

** 2 games in hand

{live, 21:39, FT: Roma 1-1 Juventus}

Allegri’s jacket is off, he storms away in a rage.

{live, 21:37, Roma chance!}

Abraham is going clear, he draws Szczesny out, but the goalkeeper manages to make the save anyway!

{live, 21:34, Comedy defending}

Roma cross, Danilo clears it onto Kostic’s face and the ricochet gives away a corner. Even Szczesny found that quite funny…

{live, 21:34, Stoppages}

5 minutes

{live, 21:32, Technique again}

Another fabulous first touch to stop a ball dead, this time from Milik, and shot charged down. Before that, Zalewski counter-attack stopped by Alcaraz sliding tackle.

{live, 21:31, SVILAR!}

Another ridiculous reaction save to push a Kean header over the bar from a corner!

{live, 21:28, Juve sub}

Alcaraz replaces Cambiaso.

{live, 21:27, Abraham booked}

Unintentional, but your classic ‘step on foot’ on Danilo that always gets a card in Italy.

{live, 21:22, What a save!}

Suddenly Juve break free of the siege, a loose ball bounces in the box, Locatelli slips while taking the volley, which gives it a weird loop and Svilar flies to fingertip it over the bar!

{live, 21:22, Roma sub}

Bove on for Pellegrini

{live, 21:21, Zalewski attempt}

Zalewski attempt charged down after handball appeals, but it definitely struck Cambiaso on the stomach and groin, not the arm.

{live, 21:19, Juve subs}

Milik and Kean on, Vlahovic and Chiesa off.

{live, 21:18, Roma corner}

It’s all Roma at the moment, not sure where they are getting this energy from, but they are pinning Juve back with a series of corners and free kicks.

{live, 21:17, Roma chance}

Pellegrini cross deflected just beyond the head of Abraham for another corner.

{live, 21:16, Danilo goal-line clearance}

Wojciech Szczęsny comes up HUGE for Juventus pic.twitter.com/KI1gD9vTKY

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2024

{live, 21:14, Rabiot booked}

Yellow card for the sliding tackle through the back of Kristensen.

{live, 21:13, Actually}

Szczesny did not get to that Kristensen effort, it was Danilo who cleared it off the line!

{live, 21:12, Incredible!}

This game has gone mad! Roma corner creates general chaos, pings back and forth until incredible Szczesny save on Kristensen!

{live, 21:11, Roma subs}

Abraham and Azmoun on, Lukaku and Baldanzi off.

{live, 21:10, Roma chance!}

Baldanzi squirms away down the right, gets away from two to pull back from the by-line, Pellegrini shot from 12 yards deflected inches wide by Bremer!

{live, 21:10, Juve pushing}

Gatti blasts over, then Vlahovic attempt easy for Svilar.

{live, 21:08, End to end!}

After a Roma attack falls apart, Chiesa counters, cuts inside and rolls across the six-yard box, Vlahovic can’t get there in time!

{live, 21:07, Svilar save}

The game has opened up, end to end now! McKennie intercepts a loose ball, then Rabiot scorcher beaten away by Svilar.

{live, 21:06, Roma attack}

Roma counter-attack, Pellegrini strike charged down and deflected into the path of Szczesny.

{live, 21:05, Save on Chiesa}

Chiesa cuts inside from the left and gets the shot away, Svilar palms it round the near post for a corner.

{live, 21:04, Juve sub}

Allegri knows that too and takes Weah off for his own good, introducing Kostic.

{live, 21:03, DAZN verdict}

DAZN refereeing expert Luca Marelli claims that wasn’t even a foul, as he got the ball first, then kept sliding and crashed into Paredes. But seeing as the referee did give a foul, you can certainly see why it would warrant a yellow…

{live, 21:01, Weah in trouble here}

Weah was booked in the opening minutes, he risks another for that challenge on Paredes in midfield. Referee decides a free kick will suffice. Roma enraged.

{live, 21:01, Roma corners}

Series of Roma corners come to nothing.

{live, 20:59, Juve chance}

Corner comes to Vlahovic, who anticipates Kristensen, but volleys it over from close range.

{live, 20:56, Roma pressure}

Series of Roma crosses cleared, eventually one is cushioned back to Szczesny.

{live, 20:53, Cambiaso blasts over}

Series of appeals from both teams, ref lets a lot go, it is helping the intensity of the game.

{live, 20:50, Chiesa off the post!}

What a goal that would’ve been! Chiesa surges forward, unleashes a stunner off the inside of the left boot and it smashes off the inside of the far post, bounces back out!

{live, 20:48, 2nd half kicks off: Roma 1-1 Juventus}

{live, 20:47, Roma sub}

Zalewski on, Dybala off. We have to assume that’s a fitness issue, especially with the Europa League coming up.

{live, 20:46, Zalewski coming on}

Not sure who for yet, but Zalewski is all ready and has a terrible new haircut – let’s call it The Rodrigo De Paul.

{live, 20:35, There’s a trend here}

pic.twitter.com/qqrz2d556A

— Serie A Out of Context (@CalcioNoContext) May 5, 2024

{live, 20:30, Half-Time: Roma 1-1 Juventus}

Bremer header cancels out the Lukaku opener.

{live, 20:29, Dybala over}

Dybala over again, after Juve put the entire team in the wall…

{live, 20:28, Baldanzi brought down}

Roma attack in waves, Baldanzi cuts inside and is brought down by Danilo just outside the area. Roma want a yellow card as well as a free kick.

{live, 20:27, Roma corner}

Technique is so important. Chiesa’s first touch to stop the ball going out for the goal, now Dybala’s take to win a corner. From which Ndicka nods over.

{live, 20:25, Juve chance}

McKennie gets down the right and stands up a cross, which Locatelli nods off target.

{live, 20:23, Dybala close}

Free kick just outside the area, it goes over the wall, but also inches over the bar.

{live, 20:21, Bremer goal}

A perfectly-weighted cross from Chiesa is headed home by Bremer!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/LqCJywugdT

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2024

{live, 20:15, Roma 1-1 Juventus: Gleison Bremer!}

After a Juve corner is not cleared effectively, Chiesa whips a ball into the box and Bremer leaps above the crowd to nod into the far top corner!

{live, 20:11, Roma chance}

Pellegrini looks up, everyone is marked, so he tries a curler and it is deflected for a corner.

{live, 20:08, Juve pressure}

Not really amounting to much, Weah cross into the arms of Svilar. But it’s a reaction. Allegri’s Juve knowing they need a goal do go into panic mode.

{live, 20:05, Lukaku goal}

𝐁𝐈𝐆 goal from Romelu Lukaku to open the scoring vs. Juventus!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/FtMFWXvXe2

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2024

{live, 20:02, Juve attack}

Well, Rabiot attacks, gets to the by-line and pulls back, but there’s no support and Svilar smothers.

{live, 20:00, Roma 1-0 Juventus: Romelu Lukaku!}

That was a real General Chaos goal! Juve defending so deep they were practically off the pitch, Dybala pulls back, Cristante shot blocked by Gatti on the line, but only into the path of Lukaku to tap in!

{live, 19:57, Lukaku over}

Angelino cross finds Lukaku, but he nods it over the bar.

{live, 19:55, Roma hit the crossbar!}

A very long Roma passing move concludes with a cross for Rasmus Kristensen, whose header thumps the crossbar!

{live, 19:51, Vlahovic so close}

Big chance for Juventus! Chiesa dribbles through a crowd of players, manages to roll it across for Vlahovic, who then fires wide!

{live, 19:49, Weah booked}

Timothy Weah press a little too aggressive on Svilar, goes flying in and is booked for fouling the goalkeeper.

{live, 19:48, Juve chance}

Chiesa cuts inside from the left, right foot shot not far over the bar at all…

{live, 19:47, Frantic start}

So much for fatigue, the tempo is frantic from the start.

{live, 19:45, Daniele De Rossi}

Daniele De Rossi explains why he has changed tactics against Juventus and calls on Roma fans to help ‘fire us up’ when energy starts to flag https://t.co/qF99W2lpRm #ASRoma #Juventus #SerieA #RomaJuve #SerieATIM #RomaJuventus #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 19:45, We have kick-off in Roma vs. Juventus!}

{live, 19:42, Out come the teams}

Roma: Svilar; Kristensen, Llorente, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Baldanzi; Lukaku

Juventus: Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Weah, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Cambiaso; Vlahovic, Chiesa

{live, 19:39, Cristiano Giuntoli}

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli proved his ‘Bianconeri DNA’ with a special reminder ahead of the Roma match, but shrugged off all questions about the future https://t.co/VcTCsXg4KQ #Juventus #SerieA #RomaJuve #SerieATIM #RomaJuventus #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 19:19, Timothy Weah (Juventus)}

“It is a difficult match today, it’s important to be concentrated, tactically focused, play all together with confidence. I feel good, I try to help the team as much as I can. I hope it all goes well. I need to attack today, not just defend!”

{live, 19:18, Diego Llorente (Roma)}

“After many matches, I think we have the opportunity to fight for a place in the Champions League and we need to win in front of our fans at the Olimpico. We worked really hard, prepared for the match and every game is different.”

{live, 19:14, CBS build-up}

"If there is any common sense within Juventus management, then it would mean that Max Allegri should not maintain as coach with Juventus." @IFTVMarco & @Bonetti back Thiago Motta as the next manager of The Old Lady pic.twitter.com/VeYQB10J7k

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2024

"I think the jury is very much still out on De Rossi." @MikeGrella10 is not sold on Daniele De Rossi at Roma pic.twitter.com/VcEfCBapH3

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2024

{live, 19:06, Miralem Pjanic on DAZN}

“We used to divide up the free kicks at Juventus, me and Paulo Dybala. Then Cristiano Ronaldo arrived and we just had to put the ball down for him. We stood nearby purely to get into the photograph!”

{live, 19:04, Roma vs. Juventus line-ups}

Roma: Svilar; Kristensen, Llorente, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Baldanzi; Lukaku

Juventus: Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Weah, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Cambiaso; Vlahovic, Chiesa

{live, 18:59, Roma vs. Juventus warm-ups}

Watch the warm-ups LIVE on the Lega Serie A YouTube Channel.

{live, 18:56, Match report}

#ACMilan 3-3 #Genoa

There was a strange atmosphere in this 3-3 thriller with Genoa, as Milan fans sat in silence to protest their season, then walked out 10 minutes from time https://t.co/seXMtn85nG #MilanGenoa #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 18:54, FT: Milan 3-3 Genoa}

Loud jeers from the Milan fans who remain…

{live, 18:53, Giroud over}

Adli free kick floated to the back post, Giroud cannot do much with the header.

{live, 18:52, Milan chance!}

What a goal that would’ve been, ball floated over the top, Theo Hernandez lets it fall over his shoulder and volleys just over!

{live, 18:50, Own goal}

Lega Serie A inspected the footage and gave that Genoa goal as a Thiaw og.

{live, 18:49, Reijnders chance}

Reijnders drills from the edge of the box, it goes wide and there was an earlier foul anyway. We enter 5 minutes of stoppages.

{live, 18:46, Milan 3-3 Genoa: Mateo Retegui!}

Slightly comical goal! Thorsby gets down the right, rolls across, it bounces off both Tomori and Thiaw until it ricochets over the line off Retegui!

{live, 18:45, Genoa subs}

Cittadini and Papadopoulos on, Vogliacco and Ekuban off.

{live, 18:41, Team News}

#ASRoma vs. #Juventus line-ups

This is a huge head-to-head for Champions League qualification, as Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku lead Roma against Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa for Juventus https://t.co/JCn7jdEObk #RomaJuve #SerieA #RomaJuventus #SerieATIM #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 18:40, Milan fans walk out}

Another part of the protest, entire Curva Sud walks out 10 minutes before the end.

{live, 18:39, Triple Milan sub}

Adli, Thiaw and Kalulu on, Florenzi, Chukwueze and Bennacer off.

{live, 18:38, Sportiello saves!}

Thorsby offside anyway, so irrelevant, but Sportiello didn’t know that and had to make a double reaction save on Thorsby and then Ekuban!

{live, 18:36, Roma vs. Juventus line-ups}

Roma: Svilar; Kristensen, Llorente, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Baldanzi; Lukaku

Juventus: Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Weah, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Cambiaso; Vlahovic, Chiesa

{live, 18:33, Milan 3-2 Genoa: Olivier Giroud!}

What a turnaround! Pulisic gets down the right, stands up a cross, Giroud watches it come down and strikes on the volley with the left foot from a tricky angle!

{live, 18:32, Genoa subs}

Strootman and Haps on, Badelj and Martin off.

{live, 18:31, Milan 2-2 Genoa: Matteo Gabbia!}

Florenzi corner and towering header, bounces off the ground into the far bottom corner!

{live, 18:30, Coming up}

Stadio Olimpico. #ASRoma | #RomaJuventus pic.twitter.com/voVR63ZulC

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 5, 2024

{live, 18:28, OH GIROUD!}

Oh dear oh dear oh dear…. Okafor did so well to sprint down the right and roll it across, Giroud alone against Martinez, dinks it WIDE of an open goal. Just… shocking.

{live, 18:26, Milan are trying}

Chukwueze pass for Reijnders intercepted by Martinez, then Florenzi balloons over.

Okafor replaces Rafael Leao, who does not look pleased.

{live, 18:25, Ekuban goal}

TOWERING CALEB EKUBAN PUTS GENOA AHEAD OF MILAN AGAIN pic.twitter.com/DhcC3NnbA3

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2024

{live, 18:23, Save on Theo Hernandez}

He had memories of that goal against Atalanta there, ran from his own half and went all the way, should’ve passed, but instead prodded the weak finish at Martinez.

{live, 18:22, Oh dear}

Rafael Leao loudly jeered after booting an effort into Row Z.

{live, 18:18, Three-way collision}

Chukwueze cross punched off the head of Giroud by Martinez, catching him on the way through, while Leao also goes down after a knock.

{live, 18:16, Milan try}

Reijnders pulls back from the by-line, but Badelj makes a decisive interception.

{live, 18:13, Ekuban hobbles off}

Seemed to cross paths with Tomori and accidentally get his heel trodden on. Not on purpose, but still sore. Needs treatment.

{live, 18:10, Milan goal disallowed!}

Chukwueze was too frantic there, made the run too early and was caught offside for the angled drive.

{live, 18:07, Milan 1-2 Genoa: Caleb Ekuban!}

That was just odd. Long goal kick from Martinez, Milan seem to just forget to track back en masse, they do manage to block the Frendrup strike, but then cross from the right by Vogliacco finds Ekuban to out-jump Gabbia!

{live, 18:04, 2nd half kicks off: Milan 1-1 Genoa}

{live, 18:00, A long wait}

728 – Alessandro #Florenzi has found the net in Serie A after 728 days without scoring: his previous goal was back on 8th of May 2022 vs Verona. However, he has scored in a Serie A home match for the first time since May 2019 vs Juventus (for AS Roma). Fierce.#MilanGenoa

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 5, 2024

{live, 17:52, Florenzi goal}

A chance that Alessandro Florenzi just couldn't miss!

AC Milan are back level just before half-time

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/XMVQfLqbFU

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2024

{live, 17:48, Half-Time: Milan 1-1 Genoa}

Talk about on the stroke of half-time.

{live, 17:46, Milan 1-1 Genoa: Alessandro Florenzi!}

Chukwueze cross from the right finds Florenzi for a free header from four yards! He had been up there for an earlier free kick and so nobody was really marking him. It’s a Florenzi header – of course nobody was marking him!

{live, 17:42, Odd atmosphere}

It is weird being at San Siro seeing Milan keep the ball for long periods with loud jeers from the crowd, as the Genoa supporters are the only ones making noise. Reijnders is booked, more for the protest than the foul itself. Pulisic earlier had wanted a penalty, but De Winter’s arm was quite low.

{live, 17:40, Another big save!}

Corner kick finds the Theo Hernandez header, Martinez palms it off the line and Vogliacco clears for another corner. On that one, Gabbia nods over.

{live, 17:39, Martinez save!}

Better from Milan, Pulisic surges forward and his scorcher is fingertipped out from the far top corner!

{live, 17:38, Leao attack}

Leao pounces on a De Winter error, cuts inside from the left, but the scuffed finish is deflected to Martinez.

{live, 17:36, Milan misunderstanding}

Cross into the box, Giroud shapes up to volley, but Chukwueze gets something on it instead, leading his teammate to knee it into the arms of the goalkeeper.

{live, 17:34, Milan complain}

First a shove on Florenzi, then Chukwueze goes down under a nudge, referee lets it all go. Neither looked like fouls, to be fair.

{live, 17:31, That Pulisic effort}

CHRISTIAN PULISIC OFF THE POST FOR MILAN pic.twitter.com/4Ou13zsOgb

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2024

{live, 17:29, Genoa opportunity}

Ekuban holds up the ball for Frendrup, who sweeps it first-time from outside the box, just wide of the far post!

{live, 17:26, Milan chance}

Giroud disguised pass sends Chukwueze through, Vasquez makes a decisive tackle! Corner.

{live, 17:24, Reijnders wide}

Leao back-heel flick sets up Tijjani Reijnders, but he blasts it wide from distance.

{live, 17:20, Milan swarming}

The penalty woke them up, anyway. Leao curler charged down, but it’s all Milan now.

{live, 17:17, Poor}

Pulisic free kick into the wall.

{live, 17:15, Oof}

Vasquez brings down Chukwueze, good spot for a Milan free kick.

{live, 17:14, Pulisic off the post!}

Pulisic down the left, right-foot curler smacks against the far post!

{live, 17:12, Milan try}

Cross knocked down, but Leao isn’t ready for it.

{live, 17:11, Retegui goal}

MATEO RETEGUI GIVES GENOA THE EARLY LEAD AT THE SAN SIRO pic.twitter.com/l02Y35EyCx

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2024

{live, 17:08, Pulisic effort}

Pulisic cuts inside, shot deflected into the arms of Martinez.

{live, 17:05, Milan 0-1 Genoa: Mateo Retegui penalty!}

Gudmundsson usually takes the penalties, but Retegui sent Sportiello the wrong way and scored after a 70-day drought!

{live, 17:04, Penalty for Genoa!}

Not the ideal start for Milan! Vogliacco into the box, Tomori is clumsy and late – not for the first time this season.

{live, 17:00, We have kick-off in Milan vs. Genoa!}

{live, 16:57, Out come the teams}

Ultras stay silent here too.

Milan: Sportiello; Florenzi, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Giroud

Genoa: Martinez; Vogliacco, De Winter, Vasquez; Spence, Frendrup, Badelj, Thorsby, Martin; Ekuban, Retegui

{live, 16:55, Stefano Pioli}

Stefano Pioli explains how Genoa change without Albert Gudmundsson and is sure Milan fans will suspend their protest when ‘they see the right attitude’ from players https://t.co/o8bgsBFo1L #ACMilan #SerieA #MilanGenoa #SerieATIM #Calcio

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 16:44, Milan fans in silent protest}

Essentially, they are sulking. Sitting in silence, no banners, no flags.

{live, 16:43, Alberto Gilardino (Genoa)}

“We had been talking for a while, there is now a verbal agreement and over the next few weeks we’ll sit down to formalise the contract, but I am very happy to give some consistency to this work,” Gilardino told DAZN.

“It is always emotional for me to return to San Siro, I spent three years at this club and won a great deal. Returning as coach of Genoa is truly extraordinary. We tried to prepare in the best way against a talented opponent with a lot of quality. Inter have been on another level to everyone else, but Milan’s statistics remain very impressive too.”

{live, 16:32, Watch the Milan-Genoa warm-ups}

Watch live on the Lega Serie A YouTube Channel.

{live, 16:25, POLL}

POLL: Who wins #ACMilan vs. #Genoa ?

Liveblog https://t.co/1eLmmq89ST#MilanGenoa #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 16:13, Milan vs. Genoa line-ups}

Milan: Sportiello; Florenzi, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Giroud

Genoa: Martinez; Vogliacco, De Winter, Vasquez; Spence, Frendrup, Badelj, Thorsby, Martin; Ekuban, Retegui

{live, 16:05, In Serie B news}

Como are not promoted today, as they only drew 0-0 with Modena, while Venezia beat Feralpisalo’ 2-1 in stoppages.

{live, 16:01, Match report}

#Empoli 0-0 #Frosinone

Empoli saw their goal ruled offside, while Frosinone forced several saves, but the 0-0 draw does little for either team https://t.co/Z3eBZ1peEY #EmpoliFrosinone #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 16:00, Serie A table}

Lecce 37

Verona 34

Cagliari 33

Frosinone 32

Empoli 32

Udinese 29*

Sassuolo 29

Salernitana 15*

*game in hand

{live, 15:57, Match report}

#HellasVerona 2-1 #Fiorentina

Verona took a giant leap towards Serie A safety by pouncing on Fiorentina defensive errors with Darko Lazovic and Tijjani Noslin goals https://t.co/A8cXwqU4qI #VeronaFiorentina #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 15:56, FT: Verona 2-1 Fiorentina}

Wild celebrations at the Bentegodi!

{live, 15:54, FT: Empoli 0-0 Frosinone}

A point that does frankly little for either side.

{live, 15:51, VAR checking}

If that wasn’t offside… But it looks like it was.

{live, 15:50, Belotti chance!}

Fiorentina try to equalise, Kouame knocks down a long ball for Belotti, he turns in the box and might be caught, but is offside regardless.

{live, 15:48, Stoppages}

6 minutes in Verona.

{live, 15:47, Empoli off the post!}

Offside flag went up eventually, but Caputo had hit the woodwork anyway…

{live, 15:46, Frosinone attempt}

Soule effort from distance, but easy pickings for the goalkeeper.

{live, 15:45, Team news}

#ACMilan vs. #Genoa line-ups:

Samuel Chukwueze gets a rare start with Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud, as Milan try to lock down second place against a Genoa side missing Albert Gudmundsson https://t.co/kBPDhu66aV #MilanGenoa #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 15:44, Milan vs. Genoa line-ups}

Milan: Sportiello; Florenzi, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Reijnders, Bennacer; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Giroud

Genoa: Martinez; Vogliacco, De Winter, Vasquez; Spence, Frendrup, Badelj, Thorsby, Martin; Ekuban, Retegui

{live, 15:41, Oh Nzola!}

Fiorentina have to score those! Corner flicked on, falls so kindly for him and he volleys over from 12 yards!

{live, 15:39, Milan arrive at San Siro}

Pullman a San Siro: avanti tutta!

L’accoglienza dei tifosi

Federico Parolo per https://t.co/jlTDBgF49e#milangenoa #milanpress pic.twitter.com/ImDE0yPevE

— MilanPress.it (@MilanPress_it) May 5, 2024

{live, 15:34, Tension in Empoli}

Barrenechea head-to-head with Zurkowski, both of them are booked.

{live, 15:32, Fiorentina respond}

Bonaventura dribbles forward, shot charged down.

{live, 15:29, Verona chance}

Fiorentina again make a total mess of a clearance, but Lazovic and Swiderski both go for the same loose ball and collide.

{live, 15:27, Fiorentina throwing on strikers}

Beltran, Kouame, Bonaventura and Mandragora all on.

{live, 15:23, Frosinone chance}

Bit of chaos there, Brescianini stepovers, rolls across from the right, Cheddira back-heel flick blocked by Bereszynski from six yards. Appeals for handball, but he was falling onto it and blocked it with the leg first.

{live, 15:23, Empoli threaten}

Cambiaghi should do better there, but fires wide of the far post. Still 0-0.

{live, 15:20, VAR says all-clear}

Fiorentina furious, but VAR unable to find conclusive evidence that Lazovic definitely touched the ball. As we said, he tried his best.

{live, 15:18, Potential handball}

Trouble here, because Milenkovic complained that Lazovic touched the cross with his flailing arm. However, VAR is unable to confirm it did touch his arm. He certainly tried…

{live, 15:16, Verona 2-1 Fiorentina: Tijjani Noslin!}

He nearly broke the net! Chaotic move, Cross from the right beyond Lazovic, cleared by Milenkovic but not very far and Noslin smashes the rebound in off Christensen’s face!

{live, 15:14, Empoli subs}

Caputo and Maleh on, Niang and Grassi off.

{live, 15:13, Frosinone attempt}

Soule finds Cheddira with his back to goal, turns, but the scuffed finish is easy for Caprile.

{live, 15:12, Verona attack}

Swiderski cross-shot smothered by Christensen.

{live, 15:08, Not reassuring}

Frosinone goalkeeper Cerofolini not the most reassuring punch from a corner…

{live, 15:07, Empoli chance}

Marin gets down the left, cuts inside and drills just wide of the near post.

{live, 15:05, 2nd half kicks off: Empoli 0-0 Frosinone}

{live, 15:02, 2nd half kicks off: Verona 1-1 Fiorentina}

Swiderski replaces Bonazzoli.

{live, 15:00, Castrovilli is back}

His last goal was on May 14, 2023 against Udinese.

{live, 14:47, Half-Time: Empoli 0-0 Frosinone}

Gyasi had scored for the hosts, but it was ruled offside.

{live, 14:46, Half-Time: Verona 1-1 Fiorentina}

Lazovic penalty wiped out by Castrovilli.

{live, 14:43, Frosinone again}

Cheddira again, this is a much tougher save from Caprile on his powerful curler!

{live, 14:41, Verona 1-1 Fiorentina: Gaetano Castrovilli!}

A great goal for the man who was out for the best part of a year with several knee operations! Nzola rolls it across, Castrovilli rides a tackle to go down the left and smashes a left-foot angled drive into the net!

{live, 14:41, Frosinone effort}

Cheddira cuts inside and shoots, well smothered.

{live, 14:36, Verona chance}

Well-worked down the right, pulled back by Lazovic, but Bonazzoli side-foots it straight into the arms of Christensen.

{live, 14:34, Ikone threatens}

Ikone pace causing a few problems for Verona, Montipo’ has to come rushing out.

{live, 14:28, Fiorentina off the woodwork!}

Castrovilli with a lovely bit of footwork to get the space and then bends a low strike from distance that thumps the base of the upright!

{live, 14:26, Fiorentina tradition}

The classic Viola tradition of keeping the ball for long periods without really doing much.

{live, 14:22, DISALLOWED}

Gyasi was offside when the shot was parried into his path.

{live, 14:20, Empoli 1-0 Frosinone: Emmanuel Gyasi!}

That’s a big goal! Free kick from Marin hits the wall, his second attempt is charged down too, Marin floats it over the top, general chaos, shot parried into the path of Gyasi. But…

{live, 14:16, Empoli push}

Save on Niang, but the offside flag was up eventually.

{live, 14:16, Fiorentina react}

Ikone dribbles to the by-line, pulls back and Barak can’t get control of that.

{live, 14:14, Almost 2-0!}

Chance for Verona to double their lead, counter-attack and cross from the right, Bonazzoli comes sliding in and turns wide!

{live, 14:13, Verona 1-0 Fiorentina: Darko Lazovic pen!}

Smashed into the roof of the net!

{live, 14:11, Penalty for Verona!}

What a MESS. Long ball, Christensen and Ranieri both assume the other has got it under control, neither of them do, the goalkeeper then brings down Noslin. That was Christensen’s fault…

{live, 14:10, Fiorentina chance}

Nzola flagged offside eventually, but had seen his shot saved one-on-one by Montipo’ anyway.

{live, 14:06, Frosinone chance!}

Ball cleared to the edge of the area, Mazzitelli scorcher fingertipped over the bar by Caprile!

{live, 14:00, We have kick-off!}

{live, 13:37, Verona vs. Fiorentina line-ups}

Verona: Montipò; Centonze, Magnani, Coppola, Vinagre; Folorunsho, Serdar, Duda, Lazovic; Bonazzoli, Noslin

Fiorentina: Christensen; Faraoni, Milenkovic, Ranieri, Parisi; Maxime Lopez, Duncan; Ikone, Barak, Castrovilli; Nzola

{live, 13:37, Empoli vs. Frosinone line-ups}

Empoli: Caprile; Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto; Gyasi, Martin, Grassi, Pezzella; Fazzini, Cambiaghi; Niang

Frosinone: Cerofolini; Lirola, Romagnoli, Okoli; Zortea, Mazzitelli, Barrenechea, Valeri; Soule, Brescianini; Cheddira

{live, 13:28, Serie A Table}

Lecce 37

Cagliari 33

Verona 31*

Frosinone 31*

Empoli 31*

Udinese 29*

Sassuolo 29

Salernitana 15*

*game in hand

{live, 13:27, Match report}

#Cagliari 1-1 #Lecce

Lecce finally wore down 10-man Cagliari with Nikola Krstovic cancelling out the Yerry Mina opener in this potentially decisive relegation dogfight https://t.co/69e2igJziT #CagliariLecce #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 5, 2024

{live, 13:25, FT: Cagliari 1-1 Lecce}

The Salentini are almost safe now, but Cagliari are back in real trouble…

{live, 13:19, Stoppages}

At least 6 minutes. Meanwhile, Obert replaces Nandez.

{live, 13:17, SIEGE}

Scuffet has to make a double save, first on the Blin scorcher, then the Gendrey follow-up!

{live, 13:16, Lecce hit the post again!}

The 10 men of Cagliari are hanging on for dear life here! Sansone this time with a header off the far post!

{live, 13:14, Lecce off the woodwork!}

It’s not over yet, folks! Lecce denied by the frame of the goal as a Baschirotto header thumps the upright!

{live, 13:13, That could be a huge goal}

Lecce are on the verge of securing Serie A safety, while Cagliari could be right back in danger. But it’s not over, Lecce are pushing and earn a corner.

{live, 13:12, Cagliari 1-1 Lecce: Nikola Krstovic!}

Almqvist gets down the right, flashes it across the face of goal and Krstovic reacts quicker than his marker to tap in at the back post! He got in front of Nandez.

{live, 13:05, Cagliari sub}

Azzi on for Augello. Yerry Mina keeps going down with cramp that he suspiciously recovers from very quickly.

{live, 13:04, Empoli vs. Frosinone line-ups}

Empoli: Caprile; Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto; Gyasi, Martin, Grassi, Pezzella; Fazzini, Cambiaghi; Niang

Frosinone: Cerofolini; Lirola, Romagnoli, Okoli; Zortea, Mazzitelli, Barrenechea, Valeri; Soule, Brescianini; Cheddira

{live, 13:02, Scuffle breaking out}

Cagliari put it out for a corner, some tension on the touchline, Baschirotto and Nandez booked for the consequent scuffle.

{live, 13:01, Verona vs. Fiorentina line-ups}

Verona: Montipò; Centonze, Magnani, Coppola, Vinagre; Folorunsho, Serdar, Duda, Lazovic; Bonazzoli, Noslin

Fiorentina: Christensen; Faraoni, Milenkovic, Ranieri, Parisi; Maxime Lopez, Duncan; Ikone, Barak, Castrovilli; Nzola

{live, 12:59, Lecce subs}

Rafia and Almqvist on, Ramadani and Oudin off.

{live, 12:55, Cagliari sub}

Shomurodov on, Luvumbo off.

{live, 12:53, Save on Pierotti}

Scuffet has to push a Pierotti header out from under the bar following the Gallo cross.

{live, 12:51, Lecce chance!}

Oh that was close! After a corner, Oudin thumps it so well on the volley, but it flashes across the face of goal and beyond his teammates! Scuffet booked for time-wasting. It’s the 63rd minute.

{live, 12:47, Lecce sub}

Pierotti on, Dorgu off

{live, 12:45, Cagliari chance}

Dossena header from a corner straight at Falcone.

{live, 12:44, Yellows}

Ramadani and Sansone booked, earning sarcastic cheers from the Cagliari fans.

{live, 12:41, Yerry Mina things}

Yerry Mina was talking to the ball boys earlier, clearly telling them to slow down putting it back into play. Then he goes down for no reason clutching his stomach, calls for help, then gets annoyed when the medical staff come on and he needs to go off. This game is his wheelhouse.

{live, 12:40, Siege mode}

Cagliari camped out in their own final third, except for Luvumbo, who runs onto a long ball and goes down too easily under a Pongracic nudge.

{live, 12:32, 2nd half kicks off: Cagliari 1-0 Lecce}

Lots of changes.

Wieteska and Sulemana on for Cagliari, Lapadula and Zappa off.

Sansone on, Piccoli off for Lecce.

{live, 12:18, Half-Time: Cagliari 1-0 Lecce}

Everyone needs a cold shower and to calm down a bit.

{live, 12:15, Tension escalating}

Ramadani foul, the crowd calls for a yellow, then the referee sends off someone from the Cagliari bench, a member of Ranieri’s staff. During the VAR review, Ranieri was also booked.

{live, 12:13, RED CARD}

Gianluca Gaetano yellow card switched for a red! It was pretty high… Cagliari are leading 1-0, but down to 10 men.

{live, 12:12, VAR!}

Trouble for Gaetano! It was indeed high and it was indeed studs-up. But was the leg fully flexed? Marcenaro is viewing it.

{live, 12:11, Yellow card}

Gaetano booked for going in late and studs up on Ramadani.

{live, 12:06, Speaking of risky}

Piccoli, already booked for a foul on Mina, catches the defender again and complains vocally. Bet on him getting substituted at half-time.

{live, 12:04, Risky}

Oudin free kick deflected over by Deiola, risking an own goal. Following corner was terrible…

{live, 12:03, Hmm….}

Free kick awarded for foul on Gendrey, right on the outside edge of the area. That was awfully close to the line. A few centimetres and that was a penalty.

{live, 12:02, Lecce trying}

Lecce trying to find a way through the middle, but are struggling to get crosses in.

{live, 11:55, Cagliari 1-0 Lecce: Yerry Mina!}

That one has to count! Corner kick cleared as far as Gaetano outside the box, his shot is wayward, but turns into an accidental assist for Mina to side-foot in from close range! He’s oddly surrounded by 6 Lecce players, but none of them react… Mina goes to the touchline to hug Ranieri.

{live, 11:53, Oof}

Scuffet comes screaming out of his area and uses his chest to clear a long ball, until Piccoli crashes into him.

{live, 11:49, Explained}

When making that tackle on the edge of the area, Deiola had his hand on the ground and the ball struck it, therefore remaining near his foot.

{live, 11:47, DISALLOWED}

Disallowed for handball!

{live, 11:46, Cagliari 1-0 Lecce: Alessandro Deiola!}

Lecce ought to get it clear, but Deiola wins it back from Pongracic and his shot from the edge of the box takes a big deflection to wrong-foot Falcone! But who was it deflected off?

{live, 11:43, Piccoli booked}

Lecce striker late into the back of Yerry Mina, so he will be suspended against Udinese.

{live, 11:43, Lecce over}

Oudin corner nodded over the bar.

{live, 11:39, Lapadula acrobatic}

Luvumbo on the counter, whips in a cross, Lapadula attempts an acrobatic overhead kick and that would’ve been spectacular… He got it on target, but straight at the goalkeeper.

{live, 11:32, That Cagliari jersey}

Special edition marking the revolt of April 1794.

In occasione di “Sa die de sa Sardigna” il Cagliari Calcio ricorda gli avvenimenti della “Sarda Rivolutzione” presentando la Maglia Gara Special Edition realizzata dallo sponsor tecnico @EyeSportWear.

Clicca sul link per tutti i dettagli https://t.co/sG6O7DxvzI pic.twitter.com/YUchcakdNG

— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) April 28, 2024

{live, 11:30, We have kick-off in Cagliari vs. Lecce!}

Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Dossena, Augello; Makoumbou, Deiola, Nandez; Gaetano, Luvumbo; Lapadula

Lecce: Falcone; Gendrey, Pongracic, Baschirotto, Gallo; Oudin, Ramadani, Blin, Dorgu; Piccoli, Krstovic

{live, 11:26, Out come the teams in Sardinia}

Beautiful day!

{live, 11:23, Team news for Milan-Genoa}

Albert Gudmundsson is out with flu symptoms.

{live, 11:13, Luca Gotti (Lecce)}

“It’s a 4-4-2 in our own way, suited to the players we have on the field and their characteristics. We know these are two teams who started in August with the ambition of securing safety and both are looking for important, potentially decisive points. We filled the away section with our fans, despite logistical problems and frankly expense to get here, so it’s wonderful to underline their commitment.”

{live, 11:09, Claudio Ranieri (Cagliari)}

“Genoa deserved their victory, we tipped our hats to them. Lecce are on the verge of safety, I think 36-37 points will be enough for safety, but we need to battle and win. Yerry Mina and Dossena are not at 100 per cent, but we need them and they will have a good game. I expect the usual determined, solid, gritty Lecce and we will try to do our best.”

{live, 10:59, Warming up}

In campo per il riscaldamento #CagliariLecce pic.twitter.com/NhHV30ZVSW

— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) May 5, 2024

{live, 10:48, Serie A table}

Lecce 36*

Cagliari 32*

Verona 31*

Frosinone 31*

Empoli 31*

Udinese 29*

Sassuolo 29

Salernitana 15*

*game in hand

{live, 10:44, Team news}

Nicolas Viola, Leonardo Pavoletti, Jakub Jankto and Marco Mancosu miss out, but Yerry Mina and Alberto Dossena return.

The visitors are without Lameck Banda, Mohamed Kaba and Kastriot Dermaku, but Ylber Ramadani is back.

{live, 10:22, Cagliari vs. Lecce line-ups}

Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Dossena, Augello; Makoumbou, Deiola, Nandez; Gaetano, Luvumbo; Lapadula

Lecce: Falcone; Gendrey, Pongracic, Baschirotto, Gallo; Oudin, Ramadani, Blin, Dorgu; Piccoli, Krstovic

Serie A Super Sunday

Join us for all the build-up and action from today’s five Serie A games, Cagliari-Lecce, Empoli-Frosinone, Verona-Fiorentina, Milan-Genoa and a massive Roma-Juventus.

Sassuolo’s 1-0 win over Inter really shook up the fight to stay in the top flight.

We begin at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT) with a relegation dogfight, as Cagliari and Lecce hope to break away from the drop zone.

At 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), Empoli-Frosinone is another crucial tussle, while Verona host Fiorentina.

Milan take on already safe Genoa at San Siro amid fan protests at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

Finally, a win at the Olimpico at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) would guarantee Champions League football for Juventus, but Roma can close up on Bologna and the Bianconeri instead.