MILAN (AP) — AC Milan’s lengthy wait could be almost over.
Second-half goals from Rafael Leão and Theo Hernández saw Milan beat Atalanta 2-0 on Sunday and it now only needs one point from its final match to secure its first Serie A title since 2011.
The Rossoneri could even clinch the title earlier if defending champion and fierce rival Inter Milan fails to win at relegation-threatened Cagliari later Sunday.
Milan, which moved five points clear of Inter and has a better head-to-head record, plays at Sassuolo in the final round next weekend. Inter hosts Sampdoria.
There was a heady atmosphere at San Siro, with Milan fans knowing their team is on the brink of ending the 11-year wait.
However, Atalanta managed to frustrate Milan and almost took the lead in the 31st minute but Rossoneri goalkeeper Mike Maignan pulled off a good save to keep out Luis Muriel’s effort.
Milan upped the tempo in the second half and fans were on their feet nine minutes after the restart as they thought Hernández's free kick had gone in but it landed on the outside of the side netting.
They only had to wait two minutes, however, before Leão used his pace to run onto a ball over the top from Junior Messias — who had only just come on — and drill it into the bottom left corner in the 56th.
And Milan all but sealed the match 15 minutes from time with a stunning goal from Hernández, who mazed his way from the edge of his area all the way into the opponents’ area before firing into the bottom right corner.
EMOTIONAL FAREWELL
Lorenzo Insigne bid farewell to Napoli and netted a penalty in a 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Genoa.
It was the final home game for Insigne, who
Insigne originally fired his spot kick onto the post with Giovanni Di Lorenzo netting the rebound. However, it was ordered to be retaken due to encroachment and Insigne thumped his second attempt into the top corner.
The 30-year-old Insigne was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in the final minutes and did a lap of honor after full time.
Earlier, Sassuolo won 3-1 at Bologna.
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