Adrien Rabiot had given Ruben Amorim’s side the advantage in the 63rd minute, finishing after Luka Modric’s incisive pass. Sassuolo responded five minutes later, with Odenthal finding the net from a crowded situation following a corner.
AC Milan had enjoyed the better opportunities during the first half, with goalkeeper Arijanet Muric required to deny Gonçalo Ramos on two occasions. The visitors also threatened through a Strahinja Pavlovic header, but Sassuolo survived before the interval.
Amorim felt his team had failed to manage the game properly after taking the lead, allowing the contest to become too open.
“After the goal we should have managed the ball better, but instead we tried to press as we had been doing and often found ourselves in one-against-one situations. We conceded a corner, but we cannot concede that goal. In the second half we turned the game into transitions. There are several things to improve,” the Milan coach said.
The equaliser came after Mike Maignan had produced an important save to deny Kieron Bowie. Odenthal was then quickest to react amid the scramble in the area, restoring parity and giving the home side renewed belief.
Amorim rejected the suggestion that Milan needed simply to commit more forwards in search of a winner, arguing that the timing and quality of their decisions mattered more than the number of attackers on the pitch.
“I don't know if it is a question of mentality. I think it is a matter of experience, but we have to close games out, kill them off and take our time when we need to. There are things we should have done better at the start of the season,” he said.
Sassuolo coach Alberto Aquilani was pleased with his players’ response against a strong opponent, although he acknowledged that his team had been less precise than in previous performances.
“I am satisfied because we were facing a strong team, and the way we approached them gives me satisfaction. We started well, then in the final ten minutes of the first half we allowed Milan space. Milan become a very important team when you give them time and room,” Aquilani said.
The draw leaves Milan frustrated at another opportunity to collect three points, while Sassuolo can take encouragement from their resilience and ability to recover after falling behind.