Another stumble against a newly promoted side for the Rossoneri, who are held at San Siro despite a breakout performance from their young left-back.
AC Milan were held to a 2–2 draw by a lively Sassuolo at San Siro, extending a worrying trend against newly promoted teams. Davide Bartesaghi stole the spotlight with a stunning brace, but goals from Ismaël Koné and a game-changing Armand Laurienté earned the Neroverdi a deserved point and left Milan frustrated once again.
Sassuolo struck first midway through the opening half, with Koné continuing his fine run of form by finishing from close range after good work from Andrea Pinamonti. Milan responded through an unlikely hero: Bartesaghi timed his run perfectly to turn in a low cross from Loftus-Cheek, restoring parity.
Early in the second half, the young full-back completed his personal fairytale. Set up by Nkunku, Bartesaghi unleashed a confident left-footed strike to put Milan ahead and seemingly in control. The Rossoneri even thought they had wrapped up the game when Pulisic tapped in a third, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.
Sassuolo, however, never lost belief. The introduction of Laurienté completely changed the rhythm of the match, stretching Milan’s back line and creating constant danger. The equalizer arrived in the 77th minute, as the French winger cut inside and fired a precise right-footed shot past Maignan. Laurienté nearly completed the turnaround late on, rattling the post and exposing Milan’s defensive uncertainty.
The draw could prove costly for Milan in the title race, while Sassuolo leave San Siro with confidence and confirmation of their attacking identity under Fabio Grosso.
Match Report
MILAN 2–2 SASSUOLO
Goals:
14’ Koné (S)
34’ Bartesaghi (M)
47’ Bartesaghi (M)
77’ Laurienté (S)
Milan:
Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia (De Winter), Pavlovic; Saelemaekers (Athekame), Loftus-Cheek, Modrić, Rabiot, Bartesaghi (Estupiñán); Pulisic (Ricci), Nkunku.
Coach: Allegri
Sassuolo:
Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemović, Candé (Doig); Thorstvedt, Matić, Koné; Volpato (Moro), Pinamonti (Cheddira), Fadera (Laurienté).
Coach: Grosso
Referee: Crezzini
Yellow cards: Loftus-Cheek, Fadera, Thorstvedt
Red cards: none
