Mansion Sports – A tense and dramatic encounter unfolded at the Stadio Ennio Tardini as Parma forced AC Milan to settle for a 2-2 draw in the 11th week of the 2025/2026 Serie A season, despite trailing by two goals early in the match.

Milan appeared to be in full control after Alexis Saelemaekers scored in the 12th minute and Rafael Leao doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute. 

However, Parma showcased outstanding determination, clawing back through goals from Adrian Bernabe in stoppage time of the first half and Enrico Del Prato in the 62nd minute.

The spirited comeback turned what seemed like a routine victory for Massimiliano Allegri’s side into an open battle until the final whistle. 

The match served as a reminder for the Rossoneri that a two-goal lead is never safe when focus and discipline begin to waver.

Parma’s Relentless Spirit

Parma entered this fixture under challenging circumstances. Carlos Cuesta’s side had collected only two points from their previous five matches and were coming off back-to-back defeats to Roma and Bologna. 

The hosts were also without key players such as Nahuel Estevez, Pontus Almqvist, Gaetano Oristanio, and Matija Frigan due to injuries.

Meanwhile, AC Milan arrived in high confidence after a narrow 1-0 victory over AS Roma, even though they were still missing Adrien Rabiot and Santiago Gimenez.

Milan opened the scoring early through an excellent combination between Christopher Nkunku and Alexis Saelemaekers. 

The Belgian’s low strike beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to make it 1-0. Their second goal came from the penalty spot after Saelemaekers was brought down by Abdoulaye Ndiaye inside the box. Rafael Leao converted calmly, sending the ball into the bottom corner to double the lead.

Parma thought they had pulled one back in the 18th minute, but Oliver Sorensen’s goal was ruled out for offside. 

The hosts finally reduced the deficit just before halftime when Sascha Britschgi won a duel on the flank and delivered a perfect pass to Adrian Bernabe, who struck a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner past Mike Maignan. The goal reignited the home side’s confidence and marked the start of their comeback.

Parma’s Proof and Milan’s Warning

The second half unfolded with high intensity as Parma began to play more aggressively and took the initiative in attack. Patrick Cutrone came close to scoring, but his shot was cleared off the line by Pervis Estupiñán. 

VAR later denied Parma a penalty appeal when the ball struck Samuele Ricci’s hand, ruling that it had first deflected off his leg.

Parma’s persistence eventually paid off in the 62nd minute. A pinpoint cross from Britschgi on the right flank was met by Enrico Del Prato’s well-timed header at the near post, which flew into the far corner. It was an emotional moment for Del Prato, a lifelong AC Milan fan who scored against his boyhood club.

Milan responded with urgency, trying to reclaim the lead. Christian Pulisic, returning from injury, missed a golden opportunity when his shot drifted wide despite being one-on-one with the goalkeeper. 

At the other end, Mike Maignan produced crucial saves to deny Del Prato’s header and a curling free kick from Hernani.

Saelemaekers nearly won the game for Milan with a dazzling solo run, but his shot went agonizingly wide of an empty net.

The match ended in a 2-2 stalemate—a result that felt like a defeat for AC Milan but a moral victory for Parma. 

Carlos Cuesta’s men demonstrated resilience and unity, proving that determination can bridge any gap in quality. For Milan, it was a stark reminder that a match is never over until the final whistle.

Match Statistics: Parma vs AC Milan