In a thrilling Serie A encounter at the Stadio Olimpico, AC Milan fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Lazio, with Rafael Leao playing the role of super-sub. The Portuguese winger, who had been surprisingly dropped from the starting lineup, came off the bench to score the equalizer just 30 seconds after his introduction.
Milan manager Paulo Fonseca made bold changes to his team following a disappointing start to the season, benching key players Leao, Theo Hernandez, and Davide Calabria. New signings Emerson Royal and Youssouf Fofana were handed their first starts for the Rossoneri.
The match began with an emotional tribute to former Lazio coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, setting the stage for an intense battle. Milan took an early lead through Strahinja Pavlovic, who headed home from a Christian Pulisic corner.
Lazio fought back in the second half, with Taty Castellanos and Boulaye Dia scoring in quick succession to put the home side ahead. This prompted Fonseca to make multiple substitutions, bringing on Leao, Hernandez, and debutant Tammy Abraham.
The changes paid immediate dividends as Leao combined with Hernandez and Abraham to score the equalizer moments after entering the field. The dramatic turnaround highlighted the impact of Fonseca’s tactical adjustments and the depth of Milan’s squad.
The draw leaves both teams with work to do in the early stages of the Serie A season. Milan will be relieved to have salvaged a point, while Lazio will rue their inability to hold onto the lead. As the season progresses, both sides will look to build on this result and find consistency in their performances.
Goals: Pavlovic 8 (M), Castellanos 62 (L), Dia 66 (L), Leao 72 (M)
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Lazzari (dal 46′ Marusic), Patric, Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares (dal 90′ Hysaj); Guendouzi, Rovella; Tchaouna (dal 46′ Isaksen), Dia (dall’81’ Noslin), Zaccagni; Castellanos (dall’87’ Noslin).
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal (dal 70′ Theo Hernandez), Tomori, Pavlovic, Terracciano; Fofana, Reijnders (dal 70′ Musah); Chukwueze (dal 70′ Leao), Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic; Okafor (dal 70′ Abraham).
