Chukwueze's Milan continue search for first win as Dele Bashiru's Lazio hold them to draw
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Samuel Chukwueze in action against Lazio || IMAGE CREDIT: iMAGO

Chukwueze's Milan continue search for first win as Dele Bashiru's Lazio hold them to draw

Faruq Ibrahim 22:16 - 31.08.2024

Samuel Chukwueze struggled to justify his start, while Tom Dele Bashiru brought his energy from the bench, as Lazio held AC Milan to draw.

Despite leading for a huge chunk of the game, AC Milan needed to come from behind to rescue a point in their 2-2 draw against Lazio.

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Samuel Chukwueze continues to impress Paolo Foncesa, and the Italian manager returned him to the starting lineup after he came on from the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Parma last time out. However, the Nigerian was unable to inspire the Rossoneri, and it took his substitution, along with a host of others for the Milani side to return to the game.

Key match details

The contest was barely underway when Strahinja Pavlovic, who is arguably the Man of the Match, made a crucial intervention, blocking Boulaye Dia's goal-bound effort with a desperate lunge. 

Moments later, the 23-year-old Serbian defender turned hero on the other end of the pitch, heading home Christian Pulisic's corner to give Milan the lead. The Rossoneri dominated the first half but failed to capitalise on their advantage, with Youssouf Fofana squandering a golden opportunity among other guilt edge opportunities.

Lazio remained within striking distance and almost levelled when Filippo Terracciano's deflected effort sailed agonisingly over the bar. However, the visitors' reprieve was short-lived, as Nuno Tavares' surging run down the left flank culminated in Taty Castellanos' equaliser. 

The momentum shifted decisively in Lazio's favour, and they completed the turnaround when Tavares repeated his earlier trick, setting up former Salernita striker Dia for a simple finish. 

Fonseca responded with a host of changes, bringing on his big guns, Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez. The pair, along with new signing Tammy Abraham, combined flawlessly before the Portuguese winger finished past the since sturdy Ivan Provedel. 

Both teams pushed for a late winner but ultimately settled for a share of the spoils. The draw leaves Milan winless heading into the international break, as they drew their season opener against Torino and were beaten by Fabio Pecchia’s Parma in their last outing.

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