AC Milan lose ground in the Serie A title race after being held to a 1-1 draw by Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

AC Milan’s Serie A title push took a hit on Sunday night as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that ended the hosts’ hopes of a fourth straight league win.

Roma started brightly and could have taken control of the contest inside the opening period, with Malen at the heart of their best chances. The Dutch forward, who scored on his debut against Torino last weekend, was denied twice by Mike Maignan and dragged another effort wide when well placed.

Milan’s goalkeeper was once again called into action on the stroke of half-time, reacting sharply to push away Çelik’s instinctive strike, ensuring the visitors went into the break level despite Roma’s first-half dominance.

That inability to make their pressure count proved costly after the restart, as AC Milan grew into the game and punished Roma from a set-piece just after the hour mark. Luka Modrić worked a clever short corner before delivering a dangerous cross that Koni De Winter nodded down and beyond Mile Svilar.

The goal prompted Gasperini to reshuffle his side, with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini among those introduced. The move paid off when Roma were awarded a penalty after Davide Bartesaghi was penalised for handball inside the area.

Pellegrini stepped up and showed composure, firing a precise spot-kick beyond Maignan to restore parity and score his third Serie A goal of the season with 16 minutes remaining.

Neither side could find a late winner, as the points were ultimately shared. Roma move up to third with the draw, while Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan stay second but now sit five points behind leaders Inter, despite extending their unbeaten league run to 21 matches.