Massimiliano Allegri demands AC Milan bounce back against Parma after Como draw

Milan, chasing the Serie A title, fell behind in the 32nd minute after a costly error from Mike Maignan. His misplaced pass was intercepted by Nico Paz, who drove a low finish into the net to stun the home crowd.

Allegri's side responded after the break. The equaliser came in the 64th minute when Rafael Leao capitalised on a mistake from goalkeeper Jean Butez, calmly lifting the ball over him for his eighth Serie A goal of the season. The move began with a precise pass in behind from Ardon Jashari, and Allegri praised the execution.

"In the first half the match was balanced, even dull," Allegri said. "In the second half we attacked the line on the counterattack. Rafa was very good to score, and Jashari gave him a fine, decisive pass."

Milan pushed for a winner, with Leao heading against the underside of the crossbar, while Como threatened through Anastasios Douvikas late on. Allegri was sent off in the closing stages after a confrontation with the Como bench.

"I went there to defend Saelemaekers," he explained. "I believe there was a foul starting a counterattack. Nothing happened."

Despite the frustration, Allegri remained calm. "We were coming from two away wins. It was not simple tonight. We gained a point on Juventus, Napoli and Roma. It is our 24th consecutive positive result. We must stay composed, recover key players and focus on our work."

On Strahinja Pavlovic, who was forced off at half-time after suffering a heavy knock, he added: "Fortunately he is fine."

Milan now turn their attention to Parma at home on Sunday, knowing victory is essential to maintain pressure at the top. "Football can change in a week," Allegri said. "We must continue to work and get results."

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