Pulisic Returns but Milan Settles for Draw Against Parma

MILAN — United States international Christian Pulisic made his return from injury and came close to securing a victory for AC Milan during a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Parma on Saturday. The match saw the visitors squander an early 2-0 lead.

This draw allowed Milan to move level on points with defending champions Napoli, who are set to face a challenging away match against Bologna on Sunday. Both Inter Milan and Roma are just a point behind Milan and will also play on Sunday, against Lazio and Udinese, respectively.

Milan could have ascended to the top of the table with a win, having initially taken the lead in the 12th minute when Christopher Nkunku assisted Alexis Saelemaekers, who skillfully cut inside and struck a precise shot into the bottom left corner.

Saelemaekers played a pivotal role again, earning a penalty in the 25th minute. He was fouled by Iliman Ndiaye while maneuvering towards the byline, allowing Rafael Leão to convert the penalty and double Milan’s lead.

Despite appearing dominant, Milan allowed Parma to regain momentum in first-half stoppage time when Adrián Bernabé curled a stunning left-foot strike into the far top corner from the left edge of the area.

Parma equalized in the 62nd minute through Enrico Del Prato, who headed in a cross from Sascha Britschgi.

Pulisic came on in the 70th minute, marking his first appearance in nearly a month after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during international duty. He nearly made a significant impact six minutes later, racing onto a backheel flick from Leão. However, he narrowly missed the target, firing just past the right post.

This draw was a vital point for Parma, lifting them two points clear of the relegation zone.

In other action, Juventus remained in fifth place, three points behind the top two, following a goalless draw at home against Torino in a derby match. Torino goalkeeper Alberto Paleari executed a quick reaction save to deny a header from U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie, while Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio also made a notable one-handed save against Ché Adams.

Juventus had previously won Luciano Spalletti’s first match in charge with a 2-1 victory at Cremonese last weekend but were held to a draw by Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday.