Ten-man Milan sharpen up for Juventus showdown with victory over Benevento

Rossoneri remain only unbeaten team across Europe’s top five leagues

Milan's Franck Kessie, right, and Rafael Leao, who scored the two goals that gave Milan victory over Benevento, at the end of the game. AP

AC Milan warmed up for a midweek showdown with Juventus by beating Benevento 2-0 on Sunday despite playing most of the match with 10 men, to remain unbeaten on top of Serie A.

Rafael Leao all but secured the victory for Milan with a stunning strike shortly after halftime. A Franck Kessie penalty had given Milan an early lead before Rossoneri midfielder Sandro Tonali was sent off in the 34th minute for a dangerous tackle.

Benevento, managed by former Milan star player and coach Filippo Inzaghi, missed a penalty.

Milan remained the only unbeaten team across Europe's top five leagues. Stefano Pioli's side are one point above Inter Milan, who won 6-2 at Crotone thanks to a Lautaro Martínez hat-trick.

The Rossoneri face arguably their biggest test so far of the season when they host nine-time defending champion Juventus on Wednesday.

“It’s not decisive, it will just be a nice game between teams who are playing well,” Pioli said. “I’m still convinced that Juventus, Inter and Napoli are the strongest teams in the league.

“We have to look at our position in April, if it’s still the same then we can have other discussions.”

Milan were still without injured forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.