AC Milan were held 1-1 by Como as Rafael Leão cancelled out a Maignan error, leaving Milan unbeaten in 24 Serie A rounds but seven points behind Inter. Betting impact: punters might prefer value in markets like Leão anytime scorer, Milan to avoid defeat or match total over 1.5 goals, while title bets could favor Inter given the growing gap.
Allegri: “A valuable point” as Milan held 1-1 by Como
AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Como after Nico Paz punished a goalkeeper error, only for Rafael Leão to reply with an exquisite lob. Massimiliano Allegri insisted the result is “a valuable point” as Milan maintain a 24-game unbeaten Serie A streak but now trail leaders Inter by seven points.
Match summary: mistake, response and a fine Leão finish
Como opened the scoring when Nico Paz capitalised on a misplaced pass by Mike Maignan. Milan responded before half-time when Ardon Jashari’s incisive pass released Leão, who produced a superb lob to level. The match was tense and at times cagey, with Milan creating opportunities but unable to convert a match-winning chance.
Postponement background
The fixture had been postponed from February 8 due to San Siro’s role in the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics opening, before being rescheduled for February 18.
Allegri reaction and squad outlook
Allegri played down the damage of the draw, highlighting the bigger picture: “Errors can happen, the team reacted well and we’ve gained a point on Juventus, Napoli and Roma. We must stay calm, keep working and get players back from injury.” He praised substitutes who made an impact and stressed the need to return to winning ways against Parma.
Discipline and touchline flare-up
Tensions flared in the second half, resulting in both Allegri and the Como manager being sent off after a touchline altercation. The incident stemmed from a tug on Samuel Saelemaekers by Cesc Fàbregas near the touchline; video shows Fàbregas pushing Saelemaekers with the ball in play, while Allegri was penalised for leaving his technical area to defend his player.
Injuries and player updates
Saelemaekers and Christian Pulisic returned from the bench, and substitute Alexander Sørloth (Fullkrug in earlier reports) impressed. Strahinja Pavlović, replaced at half-time after feeling a knock, has been assessed as fine and available going forward.
Title race context and betting implications
Milan remain unbeaten but the gap to Inter is growing, easing pressure on the nerazzurri ahead of the Derby della Madonnina. For bettors, the result suggests caution on outright title bets for Milan; more attractive markets may include Leão anytime scorer, Milan to avoid defeat in matches against lesser opposition, or match totals (over 1.5 goals) where attacking talent is present.
Max Allegri insists Milan must see the 1-1 draw with Como as ‘a valuable point’...
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