AC Milan had to go to the wire on Sunday to shake off Parma. Tijjani Reijnders and Samuel Chukwueze acted as saviors for coach Sérgio Conceição's team.
The match between AC Milan and Parma on Sunday evening will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dramatic encounters in recent Serie A history.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting ambitions but shared a common goal: to secure crucial points. While Milan aimed to maintain their momentum in the race for the title, Parma sought a surprise result to boost their standing in the league. From a slow start to an unforgettable climax, this match had everything that makes football the beautiful game.
The opening phases of the match were marked by cautious play, with neither side willing to take significant risks. Despite Milan's reputation for attacking flair, they struggled to break down Parma’s disciplined defense. Fans at the San Siro grew restless as the Rossoneri’s build-up play lacked urgency, and misplaced passes became a recurring theme. The first shot on target took an unusually long time to arrive, but when it did, it proved decisive at least for the moment. In the 25th minute, Theo Hernández, one of Milan's most reliable players, lost his footing at a critical moment. Parma’s Matteo Cancellieri seized the opportunity, receiving a well-placed pass and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner beyond the reach of Mike Maignan. The goal stunned the home crowd and gave Parma a crucial lead.
Parma’s strategy following their opener was clear: defend in numbers and exploit Milan’s vulnerabilities on the counterattack. Their approach frustrated Milan, whose lack of creativity and cohesion in midfield became increasingly apparent. However, the visitors handed Milan a lifeline through an avoidable error. Zion Suzuki, Parma’s goalkeeper and a rising star linked with a move to Manchester United, made a rash decision during a set-piece. In his attempt to clear the ball, he pushed Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic to the ground. The referee immediately awarded a penalty, and Christian Pulisic stepped up to take it. The American international showed remarkable composure, sending Suzuki the wrong way and leveling the score. Despite the equalizer, Milan’s overall performance remained underwhelming, with little urgency or dynamism in their play.
The second half began with Milan seemingly determined to take control of the game, but their efforts were hampered by slow transitions and a lack of sharpness in the final third. Parma, sensing an opportunity to capitalize on Milan's struggles, began to press higher up the pitch. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Enrico Delprato restored their lead. The goal came after a chaotic sequence in front of Maignan’s goal, where Milan failed to clear their lines. Delprato reacted quickest to a loose ball, sliding it into the net to silence the San Siro once again.
With just ten minutes remaining, it appeared that Milan was headed for a disappointing defeat. Fans began to voice their frustration, and Parma looked poised to secure a famous victory. However, the drama was far from over. In injury time, Milan displayed a level of determination and urgency that had been missing for much of the match. Their relentless pressure finally broke Parma’s resistance. Tijjani Reijnders, who has been in exceptional form this season, stepped up when it mattered most. Positioned at the back post, the Dutch midfielder coolly slotted the ball home to make it 2-2, igniting wild celebrations among the Milan faithful. It was his sixth Serie A goal of the campaign, and arguably his most significant contribution yet.
The equalizer was a turning point, but Milan wasn’t satisfied with just a draw. With seconds left on the clock, they launched one final attack. A scramble in the Parma penalty area ensued, with players from both sides desperately trying to gain control of the ball. Amid the chaos, Samuel Chukwueze managed to prod the ball over the line. The San Siro erupted in euphoria as the Nigerian winger wheeled away in celebration, his goal completing an extraordinary comeback.
This historic victory marked the first time in AC Milan’s history that they won a match after trailing by two goals in injury time. The significance of the result cannot be overstated. For Milan, it demonstrated their resilience and ability to deliver under pressure, even when their overall performance fell short. For Parma, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite their valiant effort, they left the San Siro empty-handed, their hard work undone in the final moments.
Milan’s dramatic win could serve as a turning point in their season. While questions remain about their consistency and ability to dominate games, their capacity to fight until the very end is undeniable. Players like Reijnders and Chukwueze provided glimpses of the team’s depth and potential, giving fans hope for the challenges ahead. As the dust settles on this unforgettable match, one thing is clear: AC Milan’s fighting spirit remains alive and well, and their journey in Serie A is far from over.
