AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom-placed Pisa at San Siro, as Athekame’s late goal saved the Serie A leaders from defeat.
AC Milan dropped valuable points in their title charge after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Pisa at San Siro. The Serie A leaders looked set for a frustrating defeat until Zachary Athekame’s stoppage-time strike spared their blushes. Despite dominating for large spells, Massimiliano Allegri’s men lacked precision in both boxes and were punished by a spirited Pisa side.
Rafael Leao gave Milan the perfect start with a trademark curling finish in the seventh minute, continuing his fine return from injury. But Pisa, still searching for their first win of the season, refused to fold. Juan Cuadrado equalised from the penalty spot on the hour mark before substitute M’Bala Nzola stunned the home fans with an 86th-minute goal on the counter. Athekame’s first Serie A goal for Milan, deep in injury time, rescued a point but did little to hide the growing frustration in the stands.
Milan were in control for much of the match but struggled to turn possession into goals. They fired 20 shots and registered 1.74 expected goals (xG), compared to Pisa’s 1.05 xG from only eight attempts. Despite that dominance, defensive lapses proved costly again.
Leao came close to restoring the lead with a thunderous effort that hit the bar, while Pisa goalkeeper Adrian Semper produced a remarkable double save to deny Matteo Gabbia and Alexis Saelemaekers late on. Those missed chances came back to haunt Milan when Ebenezer Akinsanmiro’s long pass found Nzola, who coolly slotted past Mike Maignan to make it 2-1.
Allegri’s men pushed forward desperately in stoppage time, and it was Athekame who finally broke through with a low drive through a crowded box. The 21-year-old’s strike ensured Milan’s unbeaten run stretched to nine games, though the result felt more like a setback than a success.
Leao’s early brilliance once again underlined his importance to Milan’s attack, as he scored in consecutive home Serie A matches for the first time since May 2024. Athekame’s late equaliser may prove crucial in maintaining momentum at the top. Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders impressed in midfield, dictating play and recycling possession effectively.
For Pisa, Cuadrado’s experienced display changed the match. His penalty was calm and precise, and his energy lifted the visitors in the second half. Nzola’s composure for the second goal and Semper’s reflex saves were equally vital, earning Pisa a well-deserved share of the points.
Milan remain top of Serie A with 17 points from eight matches, just two ahead of Inter, and next travel to face Atlanta on October 28th in a key clash that could define their title credentials. Milan will then host bitter rivals Inter Milan on November 2nd. Pisa, buoyed by their performance, host Lazio as they continue to chase their first top-flight victory since 1991.
