**FLORENCE** — Mike Maignan produced a goalkeeping masterclass with six crucial saves as AC Milan escaped the Stadio Artemio Franchi with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina, with Christopher Nkunku’s 90th-minute equalizer salvaging a point after the hosts had dominated proceedings.
Fiorentina controlled the encounter from start to finish, registering 20 shots compared to Milan’s 13 while edging possession at 52.1%. The Viola’s aggressive approach saw them receive multiple cards, including a red card for P. Vanoli on the stroke of halftime that appeared to complicate their task.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Fiorentina continued to press forward after the break. Pietro Comuzzo broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, capitalizing on creative work from Albert Guðmundsson, who finished with an assist and two key passes. Nicolò Fagioli orchestrated play brilliantly from midfield, recording five key passes, while right-back Dodô impressed with three key passes and three interceptions.
But Maignan stood between Fiorentina and victory. The French goalkeeper made save after save, keeping Milan alive as the hosts peppered his goal with seven shots on target from eight corner kicks.
Milan manager made wholesale changes, bringing on five substitutes between the 60th and 74th minutes in search of an equalizer. The tactical gambit paid dividends in dramatic fashion when Nkunku struck in the 90th minute, assisted by Youssouf Fofana, to stun the home crowd.
Christian Pulišić and Alexis Saelemaekers provided the creative spark for Milan with three and two key passes respectively, but it was Nkunku’s clinical finishing and Maignan’s reflexes that ultimately earned the visitors an unlikely point.
The result leaves Fiorentina ruing missed opportunities despite their dominant display, while Milan will celebrate their resilience and Maignan’s heroics in securing a hard-fought draw.
