Bartesaghi Double Not Enough as Milan Drop Points at San Siro

AC Milan's grip on top spot in Serie A loosened slightly as the league leaders were held to a pulsating 2-2 draw by tenth-placed Sassuolo at San Siro. The result leaves Milan on 28 points from 13 games, maintaining their position at the summit but offering encouragement to their title rivals after dropping two crucial points at home.

The match exploded into life early when Ismaël Koné fired Sassuolo ahead in the 13th minute, the midfielder converting from close range after Andrea Pinamonti's clever assist set him up perfectly inside the six-yard box. Milan's response came through the impressive Davide Bartesaghi, who leveled proceedings in the 34th minute with a precise left-footed finish from the edge of the six-yard area, converting Ruben Loftus-Cheek's pinpoint cross. The young defender completed his brace just two minutes into the second half, again finding the net with his left foot from the left side of the box after Christopher Nkunku's astute pass. However, Sassuolo refused to surrender, and substitute Armand Laurienté struck the decisive blow in the 77th minute, curling a right-footed effort from the left flank into the bottom corner with Pinamonti once again the provider.

The tactical battle saw Milan dominate possession with 58.7% of the ball, but Sassuolo's compact defensive structure and quick transitions caused problems throughout. Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot controlled the midfield tempo for the hosts, while Christian Pulisic tormented the Sassuolo defense down the right flank before his 73rd-minute substitution. At the back, Fikayo Tomori and Matteo Gabbia stood firm until the latter's injury forced an early exit, with Mike Maignan producing a crucial save from Kristian Thorstvedt in the 62nd minute.

Milan's statistical superiority told the story of their frustration - five shots on target compared to Sassuolo's three, yet they couldn't find the winner their dominance deserved. The visitors defended resolutely and struck twice on the counter-attack, with Pinamonti's creative influence proving decisive in both Sassuolo goals. Seven corners for Milan highlighted their territorial advantage, but Sassuolo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric stood firm when called upon.

The turning point arrived with Laurienté's introduction on 59 minutes, the French winger immediately injecting pace and directness into Sassuolo's attack. His equalizing goal capped a remarkable individual performance that included hitting the post in the 88th minute, nearly snatching an unlikely victory for the visitors during a frantic finale.

Milan will look to bounce back when they host Napoli on December 18 in what promises to be a crucial test of their title credentials. Meanwhile, Sassuolo return home to face Torino on December 21, buoyed by this impressive point that could prove vital in their quest for a top-half finish.