AC Milan began their Serie A season with a 2-2 draw against Torino, despite showing strong form during their preseason tour.
Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, who had promised fans redemption following a disappointing previous season, was unable to make a significant impact, leaving Milan to rely on a late comeback to salvage a point.
This match marked the first competitive game under AC Milan’s new manager, Paulo Fonseca, who opted for an attacking trio featuring Chukwueze, Rafael Leao, and Luka Jovic.
Chukwueze, rewarded for his preseason performances, struggled to replicate that form in this crucial opener.
Torino’s manager, Paolo Vanoli, countered with a forward line of Duvan Zapata and Antonio Sanabria.
The game began with Milan dominating possession, but Torino capitalized on a moment of defensive disarray in the 32nd minute.
After a well-executed move from defense to attack, Duvan Zapata sent in a cross that found Raoul Bellanova.
His header ricocheted off the left post, and a panicked Malick Thiaw inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.
In the second half, Torino doubled their lead with another well-coordinated play.
Valentino Lazaro delivered a precise cross to Zapata, who nodded the ball into an empty net, leaving Milan’s hopes of an equalizer looking bleak.
However, Milan fought back late in the game. First, Tijjani Reijnders’ shot took a fortunate deflection off Alvaro Morata, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net.
Just six minutes later, Yunus Musah delivered a pinpoint cross to Noah Okafor, who drove the ball past the Torino keeper, securing the equalizer.
Despite the home side’s push for a late winner, they had to settle for a 2-2 draw as the final whistle blew, leaving AC Milan with mixed emotions as they reflected on what could have been a stronger start to their campaign.
