When Zachary Athekame, a 20‑year‑old Nigerian midfielder, slotted a late equalizer in the 93rd minute, AC Milan salvaged a 2‑2 draw against recently‑promoted Pisa Calcio at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) on Friday, 24 October 2025.
Match Overview
The Rossoneri entered the encounter as overwhelming favourites. Leader of Serie A with five wins, two draws and a single loss, they sat on 17 points after seven matchdays. Rafael Leão, the Portuguese winger, opened the scoring in the 7th minute, threading a low drive past the Pisa defence.
Pisa, playing their first top‑flight season since 1991, replied through a 60th‑minute penalty converted by veteran Colombian right‑back Juan Cuadrado. The game looked set for a draw until the 86th minute, when Congolese striker M'Bala Nzola latched onto a floated ball, slipped it under Mike Maignan and gave Pisa a 2‑1 lead.
With Pisa on the verge of their inaugural Serie A win, the drama reached a crescendo after a corner kick in injury time. Athekame rose to meet the cross and unleashed a low, driven effort from just outside the box. The ball threaded through a cluster of defenders and kissed the near post, forcing a jubilant roar from the home crowd.
Key Moments and Tactical Shifts
Coach Stefano Allegri opted for a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, dropping Santiago Giménez for Christopher Nkunku midway through the first half to inject more creativity. The change paid immediate dividends, with Nkunku linking up with Leão for the opening goal.
Defensively, Milan relied on the experience of Strahinja Pavlović and Matteo Gabbia at centre‑back, while Koni De Winter struggled to contain Cuadrado’s overlapping runs. The Italian side’s high‑line was exposed on the counter‑attack that led to Nzola’s goal, prompting Allegri to instruct his midfielders to drop deeper in the final ten minutes.
At the other end, Pisa’s manager Alessandro Gattuso (not to be confused with the former AC Milan midfielder) added a second striker, Gianluca Caprari, to press Milan’s back line, but the gamble left gaps that Athekame later exploited.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
After the final whistle, a visibly elated Athekame said, “I never imagined I’d be the one to keep us level at San Siro. It’s a dream for any youngster, especially against a side that’s fighting for survival.” His teammates swarmed him, with captain Sandro Tonali praising the youngster’s composure.
Allegri, speaking to the post‑match press conference, admitted the point was a “gift” but emphasized that Milan must remain focused. “Pisa showed great character. We cannot afford any complacency, especially with Inter, Napoli and Roma breathing down our necks,” he warned.
Pisa’s Cuadrado, still clutching his yellow card, lamented the loss of opportunity. “We fought hard all night. The equaliser was cruel, but we’ll learn and bounce back,” he remarked, hinting at a possible tactical overhaul for the upcoming clash with Genoa.
Statistical Highlights and Records
- It was AC Milan’s 3,100th Serie A appearance – only Inter, Roma and Juventus have reached that landmark before.
- Leão became the sole player since the 2020‑21 season to tally 30 goals and 20 assists in home Serie A matches.
- Athekame is the youngest foreigner to find the net for Milan in Serie A since Chaka Traorè (19 years 15 days) in January 2024.
- Milan extended their unbeaten run to seven matches – a stretch not seen since early 2024.
- Pisa earned their first point after nine games, moving off the bottom of the table for the first time this season.
The match featured 16 yellow cards, reflecting a tense, hard‑fought battle. Maignan, despite conceding two goals, made eight crucial saves, underscoring why he remains Italy’s first‑choice keeper.
Implications for the Title Race and Pisa’s Survival
With the draw, Milan stay two points clear of Inter, Napoli and Roma, but the cushion is fragile. A loss in the upcoming trip to Atalanta BC could see the top‑four swirl.
For Pisa, the point lifts them to four points from nine games, nudging them ahead of Fiorentina and Genoa. Their next fixture at home against Genoa will be a crucial test of whether the new‑look squad can convert draws into wins.
Beyond the standings, the game showcases the rising influence of youth in Serie A. Players like Athekame, Ricci, and the 2000‑born trio of Nicolò Rovella and Lazar Samardžić are reshaping the league’s dynamics, forcing traditional powerhouses to adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Athekame’s goal affect his standing at AC Milan?
The strike thrust the 20‑year‑old into the spotlight, earning him praise from both teammates and the coaching staff. While he remains a squad player, the performance could accelerate his integration into the starting eleven, especially given Milan’s recent injury woes.
What does the draw mean for Milan’s title ambitions?
Milan retain the league lead but lose momentum. With Inter, Napoli and Roma all within two points, every slip is costly. The upcoming away game at Atalanta will be pivotal; a win secures a five‑point cushion, while a loss could see Milan slip out of the top spot.
Will Pisa’s point help them avoid relegation?
The draw lifts Pisa off the bottom, but they remain in the danger zone with only four points. Consistency against fellow strugglers like Genoa and Fiorentina will be essential if they hope to stay up.
What historical significance does this match hold for Milan?
It marks Milan’s 3,100th Serie A appearance, placing them among an elite group of clubs. Additionally, the game extended their unbeaten run to seven matches, matching a streak achieved under former manager Stefano Pioli in early 2024.
How did the tactical changes influence the outcome?
Allegri’s decision to bring on Christopher Nkunku added creative spark that led to Leão’s opener, while his late defensive reshuffle limited Pisa’s counter‑attack, allowing Athekame space for the decisive strike.