AC Milan's Rafael Leao gestures at Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on Sunday. Reuters

Gulf Today Report

Rafael Leao scored a fastest goal in the history of the Italian League as he found the back of the net six second from the kick-off to help AC Milan go on top with win over Sassuolo on Sunday.

Milan, chasing a first Serie A title since 2011, launched straight into attack from kick-off, with Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu setting up Leao to slot home the rapid opener.

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The previous fastest goal in the italian top flight had been Paolo Poggi's for Piacenza against Fiorentina in December 2001 after eight seconds of play.

Milan have a one-point advantage on Antonio Conte's Inter who beat promoted Spezia 2-1, with champions Juventus four points behind the leaders in third after a 4-0 win over Parma on Saturday.

Rafael Leao (right) celebrates after opening the scoring during the Italian Serie A football match in Sassuolo. AFP

"We wanted to start the game well because we missed out in the last few," said coach Stefano Pioli whose side had been held 2-2 in both their last two league games against Parma and Genoa.

"We have four-five kick-off patterns. Yes, he (Leao) was prepared. It was an important moment. I often tell young players, there are points that are worth more because they come in delicate moments.

"This match weighed a lot from a mental point of view, we wanted to win and having succeeded gives us a lot of satisfaction." Portuguese Leao, who usually plays on the left wing, started at centre-forward with star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic still out with a leg muscle problem and his replacement Ante Rebic also injured.

It was the 21-year-old's third league goal this season and fourth in all competitions.