In a match that both teams desperately needed to win, Milan and Roma settled for a 1-1 draw at San Siro, leaving neither side satisfied with the outcome. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring for Milan, but Paulo Dybala equalized with a stunning volley, ensuring the points were shared.
Theo Hernandez made a notable return to the lineup, taking on the captain’s armband after resolving previous tensions with coach Paulo Fonseca. With key players like Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Yunus Musah, and Noah Okafor sidelined due to injuries, Alex Jimenez was pushed into a more advanced role. Roma also faced challenges, missing Bryan Cristante but fielding Alexis Saelemaekers against his parent club following their impressive 5-0 victory over Parma.
The match began with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Milan struck first when Youssouf Fofana initiated a swift counterattack, combining with Alvaro Morata before setting up Reijnders for a precise finish from 14 yards. The home side looked poised to double their lead shortly after but Morata missed a clear chance.
Roma responded with intent, and Artem Dovbyk almost found the net early on, hitting the post after a clever exchange with Dybala and Saelemaekers. The visitors eventually found their equalizer through Dybala, who executed a brilliant volley from just inside the box after a deft flick from Dovbyk.
The game remained intense as both teams sought a winner. Milan had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Reijnders collided with Pisilli after collecting a pass from Samuel Chukwueze. Tensions escalated further when Fonseca was sent off for dissent.
In the second half, Ismael Bennacer made his long-awaited return from injury, adding fresh energy to Milan’s midfield. Both sides created chances, but Mike Maignan was forced into action to deny Dovbyk and later made crucial saves from long-range efforts by Bennacer and Chukwueze.
Chukwueze himself suffered an injury and was replaced by Tammy Abraham, adding to Milan’s growing injury list. The Rossoneri pressed forward in search of a winner but faced counterattacks from Roma that kept them on their toes.
As the match drew to a close, Maignan made an impressive save to tip Eldor Shomurodov’s header onto the crossbar. In stoppage time, Dybala nearly clinched victory for Roma but shot just over the bar.
Goals: Reijnders 16 (M), Dybala 23 (R)
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal, Thiaw, Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Terracciano (46′ Bennacer); Chukwueze (62′ Abraham), Reijnders, Jimenez; Morata (’86’ Camarda)
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Hummels (46′ Celik), Ndicka; Saelemaekers (78′ El Shaarawy), Paredes, Koné (46′ Pellegrini), Angelino; Dybala, Pisilli; Dovbyk (’86’ Shomurodov)
