AC Milan Held by Sassuolo Despite Rabiot Opener in Serie A Draw

AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo at the MAPEI Stadium after Adrien Rabiot’s second-half opener was cancelled out within five minutes by Odenthal. Ruben Amorim’s team had 59% possession and controlled long stretches, but a set-piece lapse prevented them from turning territorial dominance into a victory.

Early disruption and Sassuolo resistance

The contest struggled to find a rhythm before the interval, with Milan’s defensive plans disrupted when Matteo Gabbia was taken off on a stretcher after 20 minutes. Koni De Winter entered in his place and settled into the back line, although he was cautioned in first-half stoppage time for pulling Armand Lauriente.

Milan attempted to stretch Sassuolo through the wing-backs and wide forwards, but the home side remained compact in a deep defensive shape. Pervis Estupinan received a booking for a foul on Domenico Berardi in the 41st minute, while Diego Moreira continued after suffering a heavy blow to the head in the 27th.

The clearest Milan openings arrived late in the first half. Goncalo Ramos forced Arijanet Muric into a strong close-range save with a header in the 43rd minute after a Samuel Chukwueze delivery. Moreira then supplied the ball for Strahinja Pavlovic’s near-post header in the sixth minute of added time, only for Muric to deny the defender again.

• Gabbia left the match in the 20th minute because of injury.
• Muric denied headers from Ramos and Pavlovic before half-time.
• De Winter replaced Gabbia and was booked at 45+3 minutes.
• Estupinan was withdrawn at the interval after his 41st-minute caution.

Modric helps create the breakthrough

Amorim introduced Luka Modric for Estupinan at half-time, with Moreira moving across to the left wing-back role. The change brought greater composure and quality in possession, and Modric made the decisive contribution 17 minutes after arriving.

In the 63rd minute, the Croatian played a sharp first-time pass to release Rabiot, who finished powerfully with his left foot from a tight angle. The French midfielder had been Milan’s most influential player, combining control in central areas with a regular attacking threat.

Yunus Musah provided energy alongside Rabiot and helped carry the ball through midfield, although Milan’s final pass often lacked the accuracy required to open Sassuolo up. Christian Pulisic found occasional room between the lines and created an opportunity for Chukwueze after the break, but Sassuolo’s midfield screen regularly closed down the American.

Set-piece error costs Milan

Milan’s advantage did not last. Sassuolo won a corner and the visitors failed to clear the danger, allowing Odenthal to score from close range in the 68th minute. Mike Maignan had earlier made an important sprawling stop to keep out Kieron Bowie, but was unable to prevent the equaliser.

Sassuolo finished with four shots on target and almost claimed all three points late on when Kristian Thorstvedt volleyed into the net. The effort was ruled out, however, following a foul in the move. Mario Gila had won the free-kick in the closing stages that led to the decision, while Pavlovic was booked at 90+1 after a late challenge.

Milan made further changes in an attempt to regain control. Pulisic and Musah departed in the 78th minute for Alphadjo Cisse and Ardon Jashari, while Omari Hutchinson replaced Chukwueze in the 85th. Ramos was booked in the 87th minute for kicking the ball away as frustration grew.

Amorim left to assess dropped points

Modric’s introduction delivered the creative spark Milan had lacked before the break, and Rabiot supplied the finish to match it. Yet the rapid concession from a corner meant the tactical adjustment could not produce the result Amorim wanted.

Gila was Milan’s most assured starting defender in possession, while De Winter gave the side physical cover after Gabbia’s early departure. Moreira remained active throughout despite his first-half knock, delivering a dangerous free-kick that Rabiot headed over as well as creating Pavlovic’s major chance.

For Milan, the draw will feel like a missed chance. They had the greater share of the ball and led in the second half, but Sassuolo’s disciplined defending and Milan’s failure to manage a key set piece left Amorim’s side with only one point.