A 2-0 lead wasn't enough: Milan lost their heads in Parma.

For hiding: Rafael Leao's goal to make it 2-0 wasn't enough. IMAGO/Gribaudi/ImagePhoto

AC Milan had gone ten competitive matches unbeaten before the clash in Parma. Massimiliano Allegri 's team aimed to extend this run away from home. The home side, Parma, had also gone five games without a win.

Parma coach Carlos Cuesta made four changes after the 1-3 defeat against Bologna : Ndiaye, Sörensen, Lövik, and Cutrone replaced Circati, Estevez, Ordonez, and Benedyczak. Milan coach Allegri made only one change after the 1-0 win against Roma : Estupinan replaced Bartesaghi on the left wing.

At the start of the match, the visitors immediately pressed forward and created several good opportunities across the box, but remained largely ineffective. It wasn't until the twelfth minute that they finally took the lead: Saelemaekers received the ball from Nkunku at the right edge of the penalty area, cut inside a few meters, and finished powerfully into the left corner.

In the following minutes, Parma gained more control and even seemed to have a response: After a corner, Cutrone deflected a shot from Sörensen past the goalkeeper, but was offside (18'). A few minutes later, Rafael Leao put Parma firmly in control with a penalty (25'). Saelemaekers had been brought down by Ndiaye on the right side of the penalty area.

Milan then eased off the gas, and Parma took control of the game with almost 60 percent possession. However, they didn't create any real danger until first-half stoppage time. Then, Bernabé, after a pass from Britschgi, curled a shot into the far corner from the right edge of the penalty area to pull one back for Milan (45+1). A disappointing goal for Milan, who had been in complete control of the first half.

At the start of the second half, things almost went wrong for Milan. After a cross from Cutrone, Pellegrini slid in but failed to put the ball in the net (49'). Parma continued to dominate the game and had further chances to equalize through Bernabé (57') and Pellegrini (60'). Two minutes later, Parma's pressure finally proved too much: Delprato converted Britschgi's cross from the right to level the score (62').

Milan had been virtually nonexistent up to that point in the second half, but then found their way back into the game. However, it wasn't until the 76th minute that the visitors created another truly dangerous chance: Pulisic, after a backheel pass from Rafael Leao, fired wide when one-on-one with Suzuki.

The visitors pressed hard for the winning goal in the closing stages. Their attacks, particularly through balls played behind Parma's defensive line, created numerous dangers. Saelemaekers found himself one-on-one with Suzuki after one of these attacks, rounded the goalkeeper, but then failed to convert the open goal (82').

Even in the final minutes, Milan couldn't find the winning goal, resulting in a disappointing draw in Parma. Their passivity after taking a 2-0 lead ultimately proved their undoing. Nevertheless, Milan have at least temporarily moved into first place – Napoli and Inter are in action on Sunday.

After the international break, Parma's next match is away against Hellas Verona. Milan will face city rivals Inter in the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina.