Rafael Leao netted a brace, including an 86th-minute penalty as AC Milan came from a goal behind to beat Fiorentina 2-1 and return to the Serie A summit. 

In what was his first league double since November 2024 against Cagliari, Leao proved to be the difference once again for Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. 

A low-key first half saw both teams fail to threaten at either end, with Fiorentina not registering an attempt at Mike Maignan's net, but they kicked into gear shortly after the break. 

Robin Gosens put the visitors into a 55th-minute lead with a sliding finish on the goal line after Luca Ranieri's header at the back post caused confusion in the Milan defence. 

But Massimiliano Allegri's side restored parity eight minutes later through Leao, who sent a curling finish into the bottom-right corner from outside the penalty area.

Milan continued to turn the screw and only a brilliant point-blank save from De Gea stopped substitute Santiago Gimenez from marking his introduction with a goal. 

And Milan's persistence was rewarded four minutes from time when Fabiano Parisi hauled Gimenez down inside the box, with the spot-kick awarded following a pitchside review. 

Leao assumed responsibility from 12 yards and sent De Gea the wrong way as he picked out the bottom-left corner, moving the Rossoneri a point clear at the top of the table. 

Data Debrief: A long time coming for Leao

After having the start of his 2025-26 campaign hindered by injury, Leao has failed to sparkle for Milan since coming back, but he returned to his very best here to lead his team's second-half revival and finally score in front of the home supporters. 

Indeed, his first two Serie A goals of the season were also his first in 512 days at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, having last scored in front of the Milan faithful back in May 2024 against Salernitana. 

But after a lacklustre opening period, the hosts sparked into life in the second half, registering an expected goals (xG) total of 2.56 from their 14 shots, though only four were on target, compared to Fiorentina's 1.08 from their five attempts.