Ronaldo watches Roma fightback
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Article summary
Watched by imminent signing Ronaldo, AC Milan squandered a two-goal lead to give AS Roma the edge going into next week's Coppa Italia semi-final return.
Article body
The imminent arrival of Ronaldo sparked improved performances from Ricardo Oliveira and Filippo Inzaghi, only for AS Roma to cancel out early goals from the AC Milan forwards and force a 2-2 first-leg draw in this Coppa Italia semi-final.
Medical
The Real Madrid CF forward travelled to Milan on Thursday afternoon to undergo a medical and reach a deal which should see him return to the city for a second time, having scored 49 Serie A goals in 68 games during an injury-marred five-season spell at FC Internazionale Milano. "If everything goes according to plan, Ronaldo will be a Milan player on Monday," said Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani.
Super start
Ronaldo, 30, would have been impressed by his competition for a starting spot in Carlo Ancelotti's preferred XI as Milan made a super start to their home leg. Oliveira took just four minutes to open the scoring, latching on to a long pass from Massimo Ambrosini before controlling the ball and picking his spot. Inzaghi doubled the lead in the 23rd minute from a Marek Jankulovski cross before Roma found finally their feet.
Second legs
The Giallorossi halved the deficit six minutes later, Simone Perrotta touching in Christian Panucci's centre from the right, and drew level in the 39th as David Pizarro embarrassed Dida with a shot from the edge of the area. Inter are on course to reach the showpiece from the other semi-final, having beaten UC Sampdoria 3-0 in Genoa on Wednesday. Both ties conclude next week, with the final scheduled for 18 April and 9 May.
