AC Milan have taken a 2-0 lead into the break in their Serie A match against Sampdoria at the San Siro.
The visitors almost went ahead in the first minute when Roberto Soriano was afforded space and time on the edge of the box, but his effort was well saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Milan came close to taking the lead as Carlos Bacca burst through a couple of tackles on the edge of the box and fired low towards the bottom corner, Emiliano Viviano made the save but Alessio Cerci turned home the rebound, only to see the offside flag raised.
However, the home side went in front in the 16th minute when M'Baye Niang raided down the flank and sent a low ball across the face of goal that was converted at the back post by Giacomo Bonaventura.
Niang came within inches of doubling his side's advantage when he surged towards the edge of the box and struck a low effort towards the bottom corner, but his shot drifted just wide of the post.
Milan were handed the chance to extend their lead when Bonaventura was brought down in the box by Lorenzo De Silvestri and a penalty was awarded. Niang took the spot kick and buried his effort into the bottom corner.
Simon Sinclair
