ATHEKAME SPARES MILAN BLUSHES

AC Milan blundered the opportunity to go four points clear at the top of Serie A on Friday night, as a late Zachary Athekame strike saved Rossoneri blushes in a 2-2 draw with Pisa at the San Siro...

Pre-match context

Milan entered the fixture in good form, having secured their fifth win in seven league games, and sat top of the table going into matchday 8.

The hosts made some alterations from the previous outing: in defence, Koni De Winter started in place of Fikayo Tomori, while up front Santiago Giménez partnered Rafael Leão.

On the night, the San Siro atmosphere was electric with another near‐sell-out crowd - the Rossoneri faithful hoping to see a convincing home win.

Meanwhile, Pisa arrived as a newly-promoted side still chasing their first win of the season

Line-ups & Tactical Setup

AC Milan (3-5-2):
Goalkeeper: Maignan
Defence: De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlović
Midfield: Bartesaghi (Athekame 76'), Fofana, Modrić, Ricci, Saelemaekers
Forwards: Gimenez (Nkunku 76'), Leão
Coach: Allegri

First half

Milan started strongly. Within just seven minutes Leão opened the scoring: a flow of possession out wide, a diagonal ball to Leão on the left, he cut inside and struck past the keeper to make it 1-0.

From that point Milan largely controlled the half (they finished the game with 67% possession) and probed for further openings.

There were good signs: wing play, overlaps, and the midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Youssouf Fofana and Samuele Ricci showing ambition to link defence and attack. However, despite creating chances, Milan couldn’t add a second before half-time.

Second half

Milan remained on top for large spells. In the 60th minute however, the game turned momentarily – Pisa were awarded a penalty after De Winter blocked a goal-bound effort with his hand. The spot-kick converted by Juan Cuadrado, to make it 1-1.

Rather than being rattled, Milan attempted to respond. They created good chances: Leão hit the bar, Saelemaekers forced a good save with a ferocious strike from distance.

Then, late in the game (86th minute) Pisa struck again. M’Bala Nzola broke the offside trap and finished a counter-attack to put the visitors 2-1 ahead. Milan’s defence had been exposed as they pushed for a winner of their own. Athekame the man deemed to have played Nzola onside.

In stoppage time, Milan showed character: Ricci took a short corner, Modrić laid it to Athekame whose shot took a deflection and found the net. 2-2!

They might well have won it too at the death - as Saelemaekers danced his way into the area before poking inches wide of the far post.

A vital point saved, though it felt like two were lost.

Key themes & analysis

• Dominance without killer touch: Milan absolutely dominated large parts of the match in possession, chances created and territory. Yet they only converted the one early goal and paid for not being ruthlessly clinical. The late equaliser arguably masked over a poor second half display.
• Defensive frailties: The second half penalty and the late counter exposing Milan's back-line underlined that when the tempo dropped, Pisa could hurt them. De Winter and the defence will know they were punished for lapses.
• Character shown, but frustration remains: It takes character to recover and salvage a point. Yet from the vantage of Milan, this was an opportunity to assure themselves of top spot for the time being — now they must accept the draw as a “what if” moment.
• Leão continuing good form: The opening goal minutes showed his class; when Milan need moments of inspiration, Leão delivered early. The team will hope he and his attacking partner Giménez - who was quiet again tonight, can be more consistent over 90 minutes.
• Home expectations & the fan factor: With the strong attendance and roaring San Siro behind them, Milan perhaps had the weight of expectation. The crowd will be hungry for wins, not draws against a team who, with respect to Pisa, they should be beating. Maybe a touch of complacency in that performance tonight.

Conclusion & what it means going forwards

A 2-2 draw at home to a newly promoted side is not disastrous in isolation - given the overall start that Allegri's side have made to the season, but for Milan it is certainly a missed opportunity. Given the control they exhibited and the early lead, the feeling around the club will likely be one of frustration more than relief. Coach Allegri will no doubt use this as a learning moment: pressing advantage, finishing chances, and maintaining defensive discipline for the full 90 minutes. Milan's start to the second half was one that will no doubt upset the coach.

The Rossoneri do though extend their unbeaten run to eight, however they must tighten up if they are to keep pace with their ambitions (Champions League qualification, domestic title presence). The next few fixtures will test whether this draw becomes a speed-bump or a sign of things to come, with Atalanta, Roma and a derby della madonnina with Inter all on the horizon in a blockbuster November month!