Sandro Tonali scored a goal and set up another to lead AC Milan to a 2-1 victory in Salernitana on Wednesday, as Serie A returned after a seven-week break for the World Cup and the holidays.
Rafael Leao and Tonali struck in the first half as second-placed Milan moved to 36 points, five behind leaders Napoli, who later play off to Inter Milan.
Striker Leao gave Milan a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute as he picked up a clever pass from midfielder Tonali and passed goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for a brilliant finish.
Striker Olivier Giroud then headed wide, but it didn’t prove to be a huge miss for the visitors, as Tonali doubled their lead within five minutes with a long-range strike into the bottom corner after his first attempt was blocked.
Brahim Diaz, who came close twice in the first half, finally found the net around the hour after a set piece, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Milan could have added more goals, but missed opportunities, including from Giroud.
Salernitana substitute Federico Bonazzoli got a consolation goal for the hosts in the 83rd minute after connecting with a cross on the back post to beat goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu.