AC Milan 4-3 Sassuolo: Hosts score three times in nine minutes to rescue the points in a frantic second half

• AC Milan fought back from 3-1 down to beat Sassuolo on Sunday
• Garbriel Paletta completed the comeback with a winning header
• Milan move level on points with third and five points behind Juventus

AC Milan fought back from 3-1 down to 4-3 up in the space of nine minutes in a frantic second half at San Siro.

Former Liverpool defender Gabriel Paletta grabbed the winning goal as the seven-time European champions produced a sensational fightback to earn all three points on Sunday.

Giacomo Bonaventura had given the home side the lead but they conceded almost immediately as Matteo Politano drew Sassuolo level.

Former Milan defender Francesco Acerbi and Lorenzo Pellegrini put Sassuolo seemingly firmly in control with two goals in as many minutes shortly after the interval to silence the home crowd.

But Carlos Bacca reduced the deficit from the spot after M’Baye Niang tangle with Luca Antei in the penalty area.

And Milan drew level when 18-year-old Manuel Locatelli equalized with a stunning long-range strike for his first Serie A goal.

With the visitors tiring following their Europa League exertions away to Genk on Thursday, Vincenzo Montella’s men took control.

Centre back Paletta headed in what was to prove the winner in the 77th minute.

The Italian international raced onto a cross from Niang to nod the ball across opposition goalkeeper Andrea Consigli and into the far corner

Milan coach Vincenzo Montella had been sent off at half time for dissent.

The Italian’s side moved level on points with third-placed Lazio and Chievo Verona, five behind Juventus.

Milan return to action after the international break when they travel to Chievo on October 16 in a fortnight.