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Milan and Sassuolo face off at San Siro in the lunchtime match of the 15th round of Serie A. The game ends in a draw, with a score of 2-2.

Many goals and twists in the lunchtime match at San Siro. But in the end, Milan can only manage a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo coached by Fabio Grosso. The Rossoneri immediately fall behind to a goal from Ismael Konè. It’s the Canadian midfielder’s second consecutive goal after scoring against Fiorentina, putting the Neroverdi ahead at San Siro.

Milan responds in the first half by equalizing to 1-1 thanks to Davide Bartesaghi, scoring his first Serie A goal. But that’s not the end of his fantastic afternoon: the 19-year-old full-back, who came through Milan’s youth system, also nets the 2-1 goal early in the second half. However, the Rossoneri fail to close out the match, and Grosso’s substitutions inject new life into the Emilians. In particular, the introduction of Laurienté changes the game: the Frenchman scores the equalizer for the final 2-2 result, coming close on multiple occasions to grabbing a 3-2 lead.

A draw that feels like a disappointment for Milan. Once again, Allegri’s team fails to secure a home win against a newly promoted side, as previously seen with Cremonese and Pisa. While awaiting the results of Napoli and Inter, who are facing Udinese and Genoa today, the Rossoneri take a small step forward, reaching 32 points. On the other hand, Sassuolo earns a valuable point, climbing to 21 points, overtaking Cremonese and edging closer to the European spots.

Milan-Sassuolo, 1st Half

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan in action during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 23, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images)

Milan starts the game strong under Allegri, very aggressive and forcing Sassuolo to defend deep. However, a poorly played defensive set piece by the Rossoneri unlocks the match for the Emilians. Sassuolo takes the lead thanks to Konè’s second consecutive goal, showing skill to get into the penalty area on Pinamonti’s flick and beat Maignan with a low shot under the goalkeeper. Milan struggles to find a way past the vigilant opposition defense after conceding the goal.

Rabiot provides the spark: the French midfielder presses hard, steals the ball from Fadera, dribbles into the box, and faces Muric: the goalkeeper makes a great save. Rabiot’s play reignites Milan, who find the deserved equalizer 3 minutes later: a cross-shot from Loftus Cheek on the right finds Bartesaghi at the far post, who arrives at the right moment to beat Sassuolo’s goalkeeper.

2nd Half Commentary

The second half starts without changes from the two coaches in the starting lineup. And Milan quickly turns the match around, taking a 2-1 lead. Once again, Bartesaghi, the left-back from Milan’s youth ranks, seals an unforgettable afternoon with a personal brace. The left-sided player scores from Nkunku’s through ball, striking powerfully at the near post to surprise Muric.

At 57′, Pulisic’s potential 3-1 goal is disallowed from a corner kick. Loftus Cheeck’s interference with Candè is deemed active offside, nullifying the goal. Grosso makes his first changes after the scare of going 2-1 down. Doig and Lauriente come on for Cande and Fadera. Gabbia is substituted out for De Winter due to a physical issue in Milan.

The substitutions rejuvenate Sassuolo, who push forward into the offensive zone. The Neroverdi test Maignan, who makes a good save to deny Thorsvedt’s attempt. Another goal is disallowed for the hosts due to offside. Loftus Cheek’s goal is ruled out for Rabiot’s offside position. Allegri makes his second substitution at 73 minutes: Pulisic is replaced by Ricci. However, this change lowers Milan’s intensity, allowing Sassuolo more room and leading to the equalizer.

In the 77th minute, the Neroverdi score a goal after a great team move involving Lauriente and Konè, with number 45 finding the equalizer by beating Maignan with a curling shot at the far post. Sassuolo seems more likely to win the game in the final stages. Lauriente comes very close to scoring the winner on two occasions. A soft pass from Waluciewicz in the center, Lauriente beats Tomori but fails to hit the target from close range. The French winger is unstoppable: on a counterattack, Lauriente hits the post with a powerful strike from outside the box.

In stoppage time, Allegri makes two more changes: Atekhame and Estupinan come on, replacing Bartesaghi and Saelemakers. An entertaining extra time follows, with chances for both teams. In the 6 minutes of added time allowed by referee Crezzini, Loftus Cheeck, Cheddira, and especially Nkunku try to break the deadlock, but without success. Milan-Sassuolo ends with a 2-2 draw.