Milan Edge Torino 3-2 in Thriller.AC Milan staged a thrilling second-half turnaround to secure a vital 3-2 victory over Torino at the San Siro on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Serie A Matchday 30.
The Rossoneri overcame a nervy first half, where Torino held the upper hand, to score twice in quick succession after the break, trimming the gap to league leaders Inter Milan to six points ahead of the Nerazzurri's Sunday clash at Fiorentina.
Strahinja Pavlovic stunned the crowd with a spectacular long-range strike in the 36th minute to give Milan the lead, but Giovanni Simeone equalized just before halftime (44').
Strahinja Pavlovic stunned the crowd with a spectacular long-range strike in the 36th minute to give Milan the lead, but Giovanni Simeone equalized just before halftime (44').In the 54th and 56th minutes, Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana netted in rapid succession to restore and extend Milan's advantage, with Christian Pulisic providing a key assist for Rabiot — his first goal contribution of 2026. Torino pulled one back late via Nikola Vlasic's 83rd-minute penalty after Pavlovic fouled Simeone, but the Rossoneri held firm for a hard-earned three points.
The win moved Milan back into second place (temporarily above Napoli, who beat Cagliari 1-0 on Friday), keeping the Scudetto race alive under manager Massimiliano Allegri. It marked a resilient response after recent setbacks and showcased the team's character in a five-goal thriller.
Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan celebrates his stunning opener against Torino.
Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan celebrates his stunning opener against Torino.
Match Summary and Key Moments
Torino dominated early possession and created chances, with Dusan Zapata testing Mike Maignan. Milan looked sluggish in build-up play, but the breakthrough came in the 36th minute: A Torino clearance fell to Saul Coco around 25 yards out; he nodded it to Pavlovic, who took a touch, let it bounce, and unleashed a ferocious left-footed half-volley that looped over goalkeeper Alberto Paleari, clipped the underside of the crossbar, and dropped in — a moment of individual brilliance from the Serbian defender.
The second half transformed the contest. Milan emerged energized: In the 54th, Pulisic received Luka Modric's pass, drove into the box, and squared for Rabiot to bundle in with his knee at the back post. Just two minutes later (56'), substitute Zito Athekame's cross found Fofana unmarked in the area; he turned and fired a low right-footed shot past Paleari for 3-1 — his first goal since September.
Torino pushed late. Pavlovic was penalized for dragging Simeone down in the box (83'), allowing Vlasic to convert the penalty coolly. Despite added-time pressure and a yellow for Pavlovic, Milan managed the game, with Santiago Gimenez (sub) earning a late booking but no further drama.Christian Pulisic of AC Milan sets up Adrien Rabiot's goal.
Player Performances and Tactical Insights
Strahinja Pavlovic was Man of the Match despite the late penalty — his wondergoal and solid defending (including key blocks) earned praise from Allegri for "showing a lot of improvement" and a "great game."
Adrien Rabiot proved influential again, scoring and linking midfield with composure.Youssouf Fofana added energy and celebrated his goal emphatically.
Christian Pulisic snapped an 11-game drought without goal/assist, providing the assist that sparked the comeback.
Midfielders Luka Modric and Fofana dictated tempo post-break, while the backline (Tomori, De Winter) recovered from early errors.For Torino, Giovanni Simeone was sharp with his poacher's finish, and Nikola Vlasic reliable from the spot. Coach struggled to contain Milan's second-half intensity.
Allegri's halftime adjustments — higher pressing, quicker transitions — turned the tide.
Adrien Rabiot bundles home Milan's second goal.
Broader Implications
The victory kept Milan's title hopes realistic, cutting Inter's lead to six points (Inter on ~68-70 pts pre-Fiorentina; Milan ~63-64). It boosted confidence ahead of the run-in and Champions League qualification push.
Torino remained mid-table (~33 pts, 14th), showing fight but lacking killer instinct against top sides.Post-match, Allegri hailed the "crucial" win: "We sacrificed, were concrete — these are the points we need."
Pavlovic: "Happy with the goal and the three points — team spirit won it."
The match highlighted Milan's resilience, with Pulisic's return to form and French duo Rabiot-Fofana shining. San Siro erupted at full time, turning early jeers into cheers.
Youssouf Fofana scores Milan's third in the comeback.
Fan Atmosphere and Visual Highlights
Over 75,000 at San Siro created electric noise, especially during the quickfire double. Chants for Pavlovic echoed after his screamer.
The game featured viral moments: Pavlovic's missile-like strike replayed endlessly, Rabiot's bundled finish, and Fofana's celebration.This 3-2 thriller underscored Milan's fighting spirit — nervy but deserved — keeping the Scudetto dream alive in a competitive 2025-26 season.
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