Modric leads Milan, but Gatti rescues Juventus in stoppage time

A late header from Federico Gatti denied Milan victory on Sunday, earning Juventus a 1-1 draw in a match that remained cautious and tightly controlled for much of the afternoon.

Luka Modric set the tempo for Milan and stood out in midfield, but Juventus generally took the initiative. The home side controlled possession and created more opportunities, although neither team produced a clear chance during the opening 45 minutes. The game had the same subdued feel as several recent meetings between the clubs, four of the previous six of which had ended 0-0.

The match finally accelerated after the 60th minute. Some of the main attacking figures, including Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos, faded from the contest, but Milan found the breakthrough in the 68th minute. Alphadjo Cisse received the ball from Chukwueze and finished with quality to end the threat of another goalless draw.

Juventus responded by increasing the pace, and Gatti levelled in the 91st minute. The result ended Juventus’s perfect start after wins over Frosinone and Parma, while Milan also dropped points after victories against Torino and Venezia. Milan will travel to Rome to face Lazio next, and Juventus will meet Sassuolo.

The match also featured tributes to Franco Baresi, who died on July 31 aged 66. Juventus supporters honoured the former Milan captain for a gesture he made toward the club’s fans after the Heysel tragedy, in which 39 people died in a crush.