After scoring on his Roma debut in last weekend’s away win over Torino, Donyell Malen came into this contest with hopes of netting on his first home appearance for the club. With that in mind, the Aston Villa loanee would have been disappointed with his failure to convert one of the promising opportunities that fell his way in the first period.
The forward was denied by the resolute Mike Maignan on two occasions and dragged another shot wide from a dangerous position.
The Milan goalkeeper was required again on the stroke of half-time, reacting quickly with a strong right hand to keep out Zeki Celik’s instinctive shot, ensuring the visitors went into the break on level terms for the eighth time in 11 Serie A road trips.
Despite their team’s encouraging first-half display, the Roma faithful would have been concerned that the failure to capitalise on their dominance would come back to bite them after the interval. And that fear became a reality when the Rossoneri took full advantage of a corner situation just past the hour mark.
Luka Modric cleverly created a better angle for the cross with a short set-piece, whipping a dangerous delivery in for Koni De Winter to direct a downward header beyond Mile Svilar.
De Winter’s first Milan goal persuaded Gasperini to make a double change, including the introduction of midfielder Pellegrini, who was quickly presented with an opportunity from the spot after Davide Bartesaghi was penalised for a handball.
The 29-year-old kept his cool to drive a precise strike just out of Maignan’s reach and net his third league goal of the campaign. Ultimately, though, neither outfit were able to carve out a winner as Roma climbed up to third with a point, while Massimiliano Allegri’s side remain in second and are now five points adrift of leaders Inter Milan despite a 21st consecutive Serie A outing without defeat.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
