Federico Gatti scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser as Juventus came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in a thrilling Serie A clash at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday night.
The two Italian giants entered the contest with perfect records after winning their opening two league matches, raising expectations of a fierce battle in Turin. Neither side was willing to surrender its unbeaten start, and the encounter ultimately produced a tense contest that was decided in the final minutes.
Milan appeared to have done enough to walk away with all three points after substitute Alphadjo Cissé gave Ruben Amorim’s side the lead in the second half. But Juventus refused to accept defeat, and Gatti emerged as the unlikely hero when he headed home deep into added time.
The opening half was closely contested, although Juventus created the more threatening opportunities. Francisco Conceição was particularly dangerous on the right, repeatedly causing problems for the Milan defence with his pace and direct running.
Nico González also tested Mike Maignan early on, forcing the Milan goalkeeper into a save, while another Juventus attack saw Conceição combine with Douglas Luiz before again asking Maignan to intervene.
Milan, meanwhile, struggled to create clear openings in the first half. Gonçalo Ramos found it difficult to make an impact against Juventus’ defence, while Luka Modrić and the Milan midfield worked hard to prevent the hosts from dominating possession.
The match remained goalless at the interval, setting the stage for an increasingly open second half.
Juventus came close to breaking the deadlock shortly after the restart. Conceição produced one of the most spectacular moments of the game when his effort in the 55th minute smashed against the base of the post after Yunus Musah lost possession in midfield.
It was a huge warning for Milan.
Juventus continued to push forward, but the visitors eventually produced the breakthrough against the run of play.
Ruben Amorim’s substitutions proved decisive. Samuel Chukwueze, introduced from the bench, immediately made an impact by launching a dangerous counterattack and sending a cross-field pass towards Cissé.
The young forward controlled the ball brilliantly before cutting inside Manuel Locatelli. He then fired a low right-footed effort through Pierre Kalulu’s legs and into the far bottom corner, leaving Juventus goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario with little chance.
Cissé put AC Milan ahead in the 68th minute, controlling Samuel Chukwueze’s crossfield pass inside the box before firing a low finish into the far corner. Chukwueze was credited with the assist.
Suddenly, Milan had the advantage and appeared destined to claim a huge away victory.
The goal was also significant because it ended Milan’s long wait for a Serie A goal against Juventus. The Rossoneri had not scored against the Bianconeri in the league since Olivier Giroud’s goal in May 2023.
Juventus responded by throwing more players forward.
Nick Woltemade made his Juventus debut and came close to making an immediate impact, but his half-volley sailed over the crossbar after Teun Koopmeiners’ free-kick had been returned into his path.
Jeremie Boga also tried his luck, but his effort went straight at Maignan as Juventus desperately searched for an equaliser.
With Milan appearing to have survived the late pressure, Juventus produced one final attack.
And it changed everything.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Koopmeiners delivered an excellent cross from the left towards the far post. Gatti rose above the Milan defence and directed a powerful header into the net to make it 1-1.
The defender’s celebration reflected the importance of the moment. Gatti, who had been expected to leave Juventus during the summer transfer window, had instead remained at the club and repaid that faith with one of the most important goals of the early season.
The final whistle arrived shortly afterwards, leaving Milan frustrated after coming so close to a major statement victory.
The statistics showed how competitive the encounter was. Juventus had 49 per cent possession compared with Milan’s 51 per cent, while the hosts registered 14 shots to Milan’s three. Juventus also had five shots on target and seven corners, underlining their attacking pressure throughout the match.
For Milan, the result will feel like two points dropped after leading until the 92nd minute. For Juventus, however, Gatti’s late intervention could prove valuable as they maintained their unbeaten start.
Both sides now move to seven points from their opening three Serie A matches, leaving them level in the early league standings.
The biggest talking point from Turin, though, will undoubtedly be the dramatic contrast between Cissé’s breakthrough and Gatti’s last-gasp response.
Milan thought they had stolen the victory.
Gatti had other ideas.
