AC Milan's season is taking shape through sharp contrasts, and Saturday's 2-2 draw at Lazio captured that tension perfectly. Ruben Amorim's side were outplayed for 45 minutes at the Olimpico, trailing 2-0 at half-time against a Lazio side that looked sharper, fitter and more organised in every department. The response after the break told a more encouraging story. Amorim hauled off Modric, Estupinan and Loftus-Cheek at the interval, and the three substitutes he introduced changed the game entirely. Diego Moreira, the 22-year-old Belgian winger signed for close to 65 million euros, scored twice in three minutes to level the match and announce himself to Serie A after a quiet debut against Juventus. Christian Pulisic, absent for the first three rounds of the season, finally made his debut and immediately influenced the game, setting up Moreira's first goal.

The result leaves Milan fourth in Serie A with eight points from four games, one behind the top three. The first half, though, reinforced concerns that have followed the team through the opening weeks. Luka Modric, 41, struggled badly and was substituted at the break after losing possession repeatedly. Amorim has also yet to find a reliable solution in the attacking midfield positions behind the striker, with Pulisic's fitness and Moreira's consistency now central to how the team develops.

Attention now turns to Wednesday's Europa League opener at San Siro against Benfica, Milan's first European campaign in two years.