Overview
- AC Milan opened Round 18 with a 1-0 win at Cagliari, sealed by Rafael Leao’s 50th-minute strike from Adrien Rabiot’s assist, to move on 38 points and temporarily lead the table.
- Como beat Udinese 1-0 at the Sinigaglia through a Lucas Da Cunha penalty, consolidating sixth on 30 points, with Cesc Fabregas urging greater ruthlessness and noting Nico Paz was short of condition.
- Juventus are set to host Lecce with Luciano Spalletti leaning toward a 3-4-2-1 and indicating Loïs Openda and Jonathan David will both feature, while Lecce’s Eusebio Di Francesco serves a two-match ban after naming a 24-man squad.
- Inter prepare for Bologna as Cristian Chivu calls the title race a five-team contest, while Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano says goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski should return in about 7–10 days and will miss Inter, Atalanta and Como.
- Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino framed the Roma visit as team-versus-team rather than a duel with Gian Piero Gasperini, as fixtures pile up and absences from injuries and international duty shape choices.