Marseille commence era without De Zerbi following draw against Strasbourg

Marseille kicked off their new chapter post Roberto De Zerbi with a 2-2 stalemate against Strasbourg at home in Ligue 1 on Saturday, even though they held a two goal advantage deep in the second half.

The Italian manager departed the southern French outfit earlier that week after last Sunday's humiliating 5-0 defeat to arch rivals Paris Saint-Germain.

Strikes from Mason Greenwood and Amine Gouiri appeared sufficient to secure interim manager Jacques Abardonado crucial victory points, yet Sebastian Nanasi's effort in the second half sparked tension at the Stade Velodrome, prior to Joaquin Panichelli slotting away a penalty right at the end of added time.

This dramatic late surrender left Marseille stuck in fourth position, trailing the leaders by 11 points.

The result maintained Gary O'Neil's Strasbourg in seventh spot with 31 points.

With vast sections of the terraces vacant as disgruntled Marseille supporters delayed entry until the 15th minute, the away team almost took the lead within the first five minutes when Martial Godo nodded against the frame of the goal.

That early alert spurred Marseille into action, and ex Manchester United striker Greenwood sprinted beyond Andrew Omobamidele to chip the ball over the keeper on 14 minutes, just one minute shy of the Marseille faithful returning behind the goals.

Strasbourg controlled much of the rest of the first half, though they could not penetrate Marseille's defence.

Abardonado's team hit back swiftly after the break, with Gouiri blasting in his fifth league goal of the season barely two minutes in.

The visitors kept possession dominance, but unable to score, O'Neil introduced substitutions.

Nanasi entered shortly past the hour mark and found the net in the 73rd minute following effective play down the flank from Godo.

Marseille seemed poised to hold on for the triumph until Emerson Palmieri fouled Gessime Yassine during a clearance attempt, prompting the referee to award a penalty in the depths of stoppage time.

Panichelli took the kick and coolly converted in the 97th minute, guaranteeing a point each at the Velodrome.

Subsequently, Lens have the chance to reclaim the summit when they travel to Paris FC, after Lille entertain Brest.