THE ROSSONERI LEAVE IT LATE TO DRAW
Serie A
AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Pisa at San Siro on Serie A matchday 8. The Rossoneri, following the win against Fiorentina and a good run of form in general, took an early lead through Leão. They then fell behind in the second half, as Cuadraro and Nzola gave the guests the lead. Deep into stoppage time, Athekame scored the equaliser and rescued a bittersweet point. This result means that Allegri's team are on 17 points, still top of the table as it stands, but the chasing pack will be eager to make use of this small slip-up.
It was a hard-fought game, certainly not a routine fixture. AC Milan showed determination and spirit, but they left a little bit more to be desired than usual. The Rossoneri certainly started well, taking the lead through Leão, but they then struggled to control the game and get on the front foot. The entrance of Athekame, who scored his first goal for the Club, resulted in the equaliser. Despite the bitter note, the team reacted well and showed great togetherness, both of which are key components as we look ahead to the coming weeks. We have a short break before we get back to league action away at Atalanta on Tuesday.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v PISA
MATCH REPORT
AC Milan tried and succeeded in taking the initiative, while building up their play in a prudent manner. In the seventh minute, Leão broke the deadlock in a nearly identical way to how he did against Fiorentina: cutting in from a wide position, creating space and shooting. His right-footed shot made its way through a sea of legs to nestle into the far corner. In the 21st minute, Saelemaekers found Leão in the box, but his effort is deflected wide for a corner. Pisa did not threaten too much and AC Milan pushed forward again. In the 40th minute, Fofana’s side-footed effort was denied by Šemper. Modrić’s effort just two minutes later amounted to nothing.
The second half began in the same way as the first, with the Rossoneri in control. In the 50th minute, Gimenez latched onto Bartesaghi’s cross but his effort was dragged wide. The Tuscan side drew level following an incident in the 60th minute as De Winter handled the ball in the box. Cuadrado stepped up to take the penalty and sent Maignan the wrong way to make it 1-1. The Rossoneri reacted right away: in the 61st minute, Saelemaekers had a chance which was off target. In the 64th minute, Fofana played in Leão, who hit the bar. In the 70th minute, Šemper punched Gabbia’s effort away, before producing a brilliant save to deny Saelemaekers from distance. Nkunku had a good chance in the 79th minute but failed to convert. Pisa struck again in the 86th minute as a ball forward fell to Nzola who slot it past Maignan to make it 1-2. The Diavolo did not give in and found the equaliser in the 93rd minute. Athekame received the ball from Modrić and shot past Šemper. 2-2 at San Siro.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 2-2 PISA
AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlović; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modrić, Ricci, Bartesaghi (76' Athekame); Leão, Gimenez (76' Nkunku). Subs: Pittarella, Terracciano; Odogu, Tomori; Sala. Coach: Allegri.
PISA (3-4-1-2): Šemper; Canestrelli, Albiol (46' Calabresi), Caracciolo; Touré, Aebischer, Akinsanmiro, Bonfanti (46' Cuadrado); Tramoni (71' Vural); Meister (71' Moreo); Nzola. Subs: Nicolás, Scuffet; Denoon; Angori, Højholt, Léris, Marin, Piccinini; Buffon, Lorran. Coach: Gilardino.
Referee: Zufferli from Udine.
Goals: 7' Leão (M), 60' pen. Cuadrado (P), 86' Nzola (P), 93' Athekame (M).
Booked: 31' Aebischer (P), 81' Athekame (M), 84' Vural (P), 95' Nzola (P), 96' Gilardino (P) from the bench.
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