Juventus rescued a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in a closely contested Serie A meeting in Turin, with Federico Gatti scoring in stoppage time to deny the visitors victory.
The result came in the headline fixture of the third round and leaves both clubs on seven points after three matches. AC Milan appeared set to take all three points after Alfadjo Cisse put them ahead in the second half, but Juventus found a late response through Gatti.
Juventus started the match with greater authority and looked the more impressive side during the opening 45 minutes. Luciano Spalletti’s team created the stronger impression as they pressed forward, although AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan stood firm at the crucial moments.
Maignan’s performance prevented Juventus from turning their first-half pressure into a lead. The French goalkeeper dealt reliably with the chances that came his way and ensured AC Milan went into the interval level.
The balance of the game shifted after the break, with both teams committing players to attack in search of the opening goal. AC Milan eventually made their pressure count in the 69th minute.
Alfadjo Cisse made a powerful run into the Juventus penalty area before finishing low and accurately towards the far post. His shot beat the defence and gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
Juventus continued to look for a way back into the contest, while AC Milan attempted to protect their lead. With the match deep into added time, however, the home side finally found the equaliser.
Gatti struck to ensure Juventus avoided defeat and secured a share of the points. The late goal also prevented AC Milan from taking sole possession of the points available from the contest.
Both sides now have seven points from their opening three Serie A fixtures. Juventus had looked on course to suffer their first defeat of the campaign before Gatti’s stoppage-time intervention, while AC Milan were denied what would have been a notable away victory in Turin.
The draw means the two teams remain level following the third round, after an encounter in which Juventus controlled much of the first half, AC Milan took the lead after the interval and the hosts produced the final decisive moment in added time.