Lazio 2-2 AC Milan | Serie A match report

Lazio and AC Milan played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Italian Serie A on September 13, 2026, with the Stadio Olimpico crowd treated to a tactical battle full of momentum swings. Milan struck first through Rafael Leão, Lazio responded through Mattia Zaccagni and Valentín Castellanos, and Christian Pulisic rescued a late point for the visitors.

Milan Start Strong, Lazio Hit Back

AC Milan began the match with purpose, pressing Lazio’s build-up and forcing turnovers in midfield. Their early pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Leão darted inside from the left and curled a precise shot into the far corner. Lazio’s response was measured rather than frantic. Zaccagni equalized in the 34th minute, arriving late in the box to convert a low cross after a patient passing move.

The second half was more open. Lazio took the lead in the 61st minute when Castellanos met a cross with a powerful header, sending the home support into celebration. Milan pushed more players forward and finally found an equalizer in the 88th minute, with Pulisic finishing calmly after a scramble inside the penalty area.

Key Moments

• 18’ — Rafael Leão opens the scoring with a trademark curling finish from the left.
• 34’ — Mattia Zaccagni equalizes for Lazio after a flowing team move.
• 61’ — Valentín Castellanos heads Lazio into a 2-1 lead.
• 74’ — Milan hit the post as the visitors chase an equalizer.
• 88’ — Christian Pulisic scores late to make it 2-2 and silence the Olimpico.

Tactical Story

Lazio set up in a 4-3-3 and looked to attack quickly through the half-spaces, using Zaccagni and their full-backs to stretch Milan’s defensive line. Milan’s 4-2-3-1 gave them control of possession for long spells, but they were vulnerable to counterattacks when their full-backs pushed high.

The midfield battle was central to the contest. Milan tried to dominate the ball and create overloads on the flanks, while Lazio focused on compact defensive lines and fast transitions. Both managers made attacking substitutions in the second half, and the game became increasingly stretched. In the end, a draw was a fair reflection of a match in which both sides created enough chances to win.

Standout Players

Rafael Leão was Milan’s most dangerous outlet, combining pace, close control, and a decisive finish. Mattia Zaccagni drove Lazio forward with intelligent movement and an important goal. Christian Pulisic showed composure under pressure with the late equalizer, while Valentín Castellanos gave Lazio a physical focal point in the box.

Serie A Table Impact

The dropped points will frustrate AC Milan, especially after taking the lead and creating late chances. In a Serie A title race where every point matters, a 2-2 draw away to Lazio is far from disastrous, but it may feel like two points lost. Lazio, meanwhile, will take encouragement from going toe-to-toe with one of Italy’s strongest sides. The result keeps them in the conversation for European qualification and underlines their ability to compete against top-four opposition.