TWO POINTS DROPPED

Milan went top of Serie A on Saturday night however they will live to regret missed opportunities, as the Rossoneri could only manage a 2-2 draw with lowly Parma.

Pre-match context

Milan travelled to Parma seeking to maintain their unbeaten Serie A streak and push up the table. The visitors appeared confident, with momentum behind them, while Parma were looking to bounce back and make home advantage count.

Line-ups & Tactical Setup

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

First half: Milan dominate and take control

Milan began on the front foot. Within the first 15 minutes they had already asserted superiority and were rewarded:

• In the 12th minute, Milan took the lead. Alexis Saelemaekers found space outside the box and fired a left-footed strike past the keeper, giving Milan a 0-1 advantage.
• Not long after, Milan extended their lead via a penalty. Parma’s defence committed an infringement in the box (with Saelemaekers on the receiving end of it) and it was left to Rafael Leão who calmly stepped up and converted, making it 0-2.

Up to this point, everything was going according to plan: controlled possession, good attacking transitions, and Milan clearly in charge.

However, trending into the later portion of the first half, Milan’s grip loosened. Parma found life, and just before the break the hosts pulled one back. Adrián Bernabé struck with a well-taken shot after Parma dispossessed Estupinan in the defensive zone. 0-2 became 1-2 heading into half-time.

Milan will have felt disappointed to concede just before the interval after dominating for much of the half.

Second half: Parma rise, Milan wasteful

The second period saw an entirely different complexion to the match. Parma emerged with renewed belief, pushed higher, and Milan struggled to maintain composure. When they did get a grip on the game, the visitors missed countless opportunities.

• Milan’s early dominance faded: chances became fewer, their defensive organisation wobbled, and Parma smelled opportunity. Milan ultimately fumbled their lead.
• On the hour mark, Parma equalised. A move down the flank resulted in a cross and Enrico Del Prato guided a header past Maignan to make it 2-2.
• After the equaliser, Milan attempted to regain control: substitutions - with Pulisic brought back into the action, pressing higher, looking to exploit spaces. But Parma were organised, spirited and prevented Milan from getting back in front. Pulisic and Saelemaekers both missed when clean through on goal - with the latter taking far too long to decide what to do when presented with a golden opportunity.

Key players & tactical notes

For Milan:

• Saelemaekers was sharp in the opening period, his goal showing good timing and movement. Overall he was probably player of the match - but even he was wasteful at times tonight.
• Leão’s penalty conversion was composed and effective.
• However, the defensive unit (centre-backs and the wing-backs) looked vulnerable once Parma pressed, especially in the second half. The shift from dominance to being pressed was stark. It's not the first time Milan have begun a second half in such a lethargic manner.
• Attackers perhaps did not capitalise on the early dominance with more goals and when Milan slipped back to 2-2, they again floundered in front of goal when the chances came for a winner.

For Parma:

• Bernabé’s strike just before half-time was a psychological boost.
• Del Prato’s equaliser changed the game.
• Parma’s comeback showed character — moving from being two goals down to earning a point against Scudetto contenders.

Tactical observations:

• Milan’s early tactics of control, possession, and forward swagger worked well — until they became too cautious or passive towards the end of the first half.
• After the lead, Milan might have looked to control the game and go for the kill (which a third goal would surely have done) but instead they allowed Parma to grow into it.
• Parma adjusted effectively at half-time, increased pressure, used the wide channels, exploited Milan’s lapses.

Sentiment & significance

From a Milan perspective, the draw is frustrating. With a 2-0 lead and how the game began, three points looked not just possible but expected. Instead, Milan allowed the initiative to slip away and must settle for a point.

On the upside, the team remains unbeaten (stretching the run to 11 games). But the sense is that the opportunity to assert themselves more forcefully was once again missed. With respect, Milan simply need to do better against the Cremonense's, Pisa's and Parma's of Serie A.

What it means going forward

• Milan must reflect on the second-half fade: maintaining a lead is as important as getting it. Confidence is high, but consistency and mental focus will be required. Allegri will not be happy with the way his side surrendered the lead and control of the game.
• The coaching staff may need to address game-management when leading: how to avoid getting drawn back into defensive posture and regain initiative when needed. For me, Milan should've gone for the kill - scored a third, fourth and fifth... But once again, they seemed to drop back after appearing comfortable at 2-0.
• For Parma, this result will lift morale—taking a point from a heavyweight like Milan can be a building block. For Milan, the message is clear not for the first time this season: the "simple" three points cannot be taken for granted.

Final verdict

A mixed night for Milan. A superb opening 20 minutes, reward for controlled attacking play, followed by a collapse of sorts. Leading 2-0, they should have closed the game but allowed Parma to rally. While the unbeaten run remains, the draw feels like two points dropped.

Final Score: Parma 2-2 Milan

Goals:

• Milan: Saelemaekers, Leão
• Parma: Bernabé, Del Prato

In summary: good attacking signs but defensive lapses, loss of control and a failure to press on and put the game beyond reasonable doubt.