In a thrilling Serie A encounter, AC Milan and Cagliari played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw that saw both teams showcase their attacking prowess. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Rafael Leão starring for Milan and Gabriele Zappa emerging as the unlikely hero for Cagliari.
The game burst into life almost immediately, with Cagliari taking a surprise lead after just 70 seconds. Nadir Zortea found the back of the net, capitalizing on a well-worked corner routine. Milan, however, didn’t take long to respond. Rafael Leão equalized with a sublime chip over the onrushing goalkeeper, latching onto an equally impressive assist from Tijjani Reijnders.
Leão wasn’t done yet. The Portuguese winger doubled his tally before halftime, showcasing his blistering pace and composure to round the keeper and slot home. This goal marked Leão’s 50th in Serie A, a significant milestone for the talented forward.
The second half proved just as eventful as the first. Gabriele Zappa, who had been a constant threat for Cagliari, finally got his name on the scoresheet. His goal came courtesy of a defensive error by Milan’s Youssouf Fofana, allowing Zappa to go one-on-one with the keeper.
Milan thought they had secured the win when substitute Tammy Abraham tapped in a rebound from Christian Pulisic’s initial shot. However, Cagliari and Zappa had other ideas. The Italian winger completed his brace with a stunning volley into the top corner, bringing the scores level at 3-3.
While Leão and Zappa stole the headlines, the match also saw 16-year-old Francesco Camarda make his first Serie A start for Milan. The youngster showed glimpses of his potential, even contributing defensively with a crucial goal-line clearance.
In the end, this six-goal thriller showcased the best of Serie A football, with both teams leaving everything on the pitch in pursuit of victory.
Goals: Zortea 2 (C), Leao 15, 40 (M), Zappa 54, 89 (C), Abraham 69 (M)
Cagliari (4-2-3-1): Sherri; Zappa, Luperto, Palomino (73′ Wieteska), Augello; Deiola, Makoumbou (79′ Marin); Luvumbo, Viola (73′ Gaetano), Zortea (79′ Lapadula); Piccoli (79′ Pavoletti)
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal (81′ Tomori), Thiaw, Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze (65′ Loftus-Cheek), Pulisic (81′ Musah), Leao (81′ Okafor); Camarda (66′ Abraham).
