AC Milan staged a sensational stoppage-time comeback to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Parma at San Siro on Sunday. Tijjani Reijnders and Samuel Chukwueze struck late to overturn what seemed destined to be a frustrating defeat for the hosts in Serie A.
Match Recap
First Half
Parma took an early lead in the 24th minute when Matteo Cancellieri unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, beating Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Milan responded before halftime, with Christian Pulisic converting a penalty in the 38th minute after a handball in the box. The equalizer set the stage for a tense second half.
Second Half
Parma regained the lead in the 80th minute when Enrico Del Prato pounced on a rebound after Maignan saved Drissa Camara’s initial effort.
Milan thought they had equalized late through Strahinja Pavlovic, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Stoppage-Time Heroics
In the second minute of added time, Tijjani Reijnders leveled the score. Played in by Yunus Musah, Reijnders showed composure to slot past Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The drama reached its peak in the 95th minute when substitute Samuel Chukwueze bundled home the winner. Pavlovic’s downward header found Chukwueze, who used his thigh to steer the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations at San Siro.
Key Takeaways
AC Milan’s Resilience
Milan avoided back-to-back Serie A defeats for the first time since early 2023, showing determination and grit in the dying moments. The victory moves them to sixth in the standings with 34 points.
Parma’s Defensive Struggles
Parma’s inability to close out games continues to haunt them. They have now conceded 10 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season, the second-worst record in Serie A behind Como (11).
Chukwueze’s Impact
Chukwueze’s decisive strike was his first Serie A goal since October, and it came at a crucial moment for Milan. His late heroics underscored his value as a game-changer off the bench.
Parma’s Pain
The defeat extends Parma’s winless streak to four matches and leaves them precariously close to the relegation zone, sitting 17th with 20 points.
Statistical Highlights
- Expected Goals (xG): Milan 2.69 – Parma 1.77
- Parma have now lost four consecutive league games, with late collapses becoming a recurring theme.
- Milan’s dramatic win adds to their reputation for thrilling finishes, with this being their latest turnaround in recent memory.
Looking Ahead
AC Milan will look to build on this momentum as they push for a top-four finish, while Parma must regroup quickly to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle.
