Brace Hernandez Save Milan From First Defeat In The Italian League

Theo Hernandez (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Theo Hernandez became AC Milan's savior hero by sparing them from their first defeat in the Italian League this season when they hosted Parma in the 11th round match played at the San Siro Stadium, Milan, Sunday local time or early Monday WIB.

The Rossoneri still top the Italian League standings with a collection of 26 points, three points ahead of nearest competitor Inter Milan, while Parma are in 15th place with ten points, Antara notes on the official Italian League website.

We could 𝐍𝐎𝐓 lose this game! #MilanParma #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/XpndrVWHOA

- AC Milan (@acmilan) December 13, 2020

Milan, who are experiencing a defensive crisis, have problems when Matteo Gabbia injured his ankle while tackling Andreas Cornelius. He then had to be replaced by Pierre Kalulu after playing for only five minutes. That opportunity also became Kalulu's debut in the Italian League.

Kalulu then got a trial when Gervinho was able to beat himself on the left, and sent the ball to an unchecked Hernani. Hernani slides the ball into Milan's goal to give Parma the lead in the 13th minute.

Gervinho was again the passer as he sent in to meet Yann Karamoh's header just wide. Milan managed to break into Parma's goal when Brahim Diaz sent a heel pass for Samuel Castillejo's shot. However, a VAR review suggested that Castillejo had been in an offside position when he received Brahim's pass.

Milan were unlucky when they got a chance in the 39th minute. Brahim's curling strike hit Parma's post, and as the move continued Hakan Calhanoglu's strike hit the crossbar for the visitors.

Milan coach Stefano Pioli made several changes at halftime. He entered Jens Petter Hauge and Rafael Leao to replace Brahim Diaz and Castillejo.

Milan's luck has not improved. Calhanoglu shot hit the crossbar. It was the fourth time that a shot by Milan's players had been stopped by Parma's post or crossbar.

⚔️ A tense battle ending with @ TheoHernandez's dying minute equalizer. Read more about #MilanParma 👉 https://t.co/jgr86v0nSs⚔️ Partita intensa conclusa col pareggio all'ultimo di Theo. Scoprite at più nel nostro Match Report 👉 https://t.co/P0Ldx3zBXH#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/rshaH43jwU

- AC Milan (@acmilan) December 13, 2020

When Parma looked more defensive, they doubled the lead on the counter-attack in the 56th minute. Hernani was on the sidelines and sent a cross that bounced past Cornelius and was met by an unchecked Jasmin Kurtic header.

Milan narrowed the gap two minutes later. Calhanoglu's corner was met by Hernandez's header which slipped between the two Parma defenders to produce the return goal.

As Milan looked to end their run without defeat in the Italian League since March, they equalized in the 91st minute.

Parma goalkeeper Luigi Sepe used his foot to block Ante Rebic's shot, but he was unable to prevent Hernandez from grabbing the ball for Parma's goal. The goal also marked Hernandez's first brace since becoming a professional player.

Unlucky night. We deserved more but have to settle for a draw. We just never give up! 👊Una serata sfortunata. Ci dobbiamo accontentare del pareggio: ma che reazione! 👊 # MilanParma 2-2 # SempreMilan @ emirates pic.twitter.com/UMR1IYyTe6

- AC Milan (@acmilan) December 13, 2020

The composition of players according to the official Italian League page:

AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma, Davide Calabria, Matteo Gabbia (Pierre Kalulu 5 '), Alessio Romagnoli, Theo Hernandez, Franck Kessie, Ismael Bennacer (Sandro Tonali 75'), Samuel Castillejo (Rafael Leao 46 '), Hakan Calhanoglu, Brahim Diaz (Jens Petter Hauge 46'), Ante Rebic

Coach: Stefano Pioli

Parma (4-3-3): Luigi Sepe, Simone Iacoponi, Yordan Osorio, Bruno Alves, Riccardo Gagliolo, Hernani (Maxime Busi 87 '), Gaston Brugman, Jasmin Kurtic (Simon Sohm 74'), Yann Karamoh (Wylan Cyprien 67 '), Andreas Cornelius (Roberto Inglese 67'), Gervinho

Coach: Fabio Liverani