Italy round-up: Milan's hopes hit by Roma
Saturday, April 26, 2003
Article summary
AC Milan's hopes of regaining the Serie A title were all but ended by a 2-1 defeat at AS Roma.
Article body
AC Milan's hopes of claiming the Serie A title were all but ended by a 2-1 defeat at AS Roma.
Juventus out in front
The result left Carlo Ancelotti's side nine points behind leaders Juventus FC with four games left to play. Juventus are at home to Brescia Calcio on Sunday, while second-placed Internazionale FC, three points ahead of Milan, play fourth-placed S.S. Lazio.
Early opportunities
Both sides created a number of good goalscoring opportunities in the first half, with Milan midfield player Massimo Ambrosini heading straight at goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli and Vincenzo Montella going close at the other end, turning past Paolo Maldini but dragging his shot wide.
Dida in action
Dida was the busier of the two goalkeepers, as he was tested by Olivier Dacourt's long-range shot before Francesco Totti's low free-kick forced the Milan goalkeeper to turn behind. However, the away side should have taken the lead six minutes before half-time as Kakha Kaladze's left-wing cross found Andriy Shevchenko in space in the penalty area, but the Ukraine international striker headed wide.
Roma chances
Roma also created clear chances either side of half-time, as Totti volleyed over when well-placed and then his pass set Damiano Tommasi clear three minutes into the second period, but having rounded Dida, the midfield player saw his shot blocked by Alessandro Nesta.
Cassano on target
Two minutes before the hour, Shevchenko also found himself in the clear but shot wide with striker partner Jon Dahl Tomasson looking for a pass, and two minutes later the home side took the lead. The ball broke in the penalty area for Antonio Cassano, a substitute for the injured Totti, to roll the ball into the unguarded net.
Headed second
Roma doubled their lead 14 minutes from time as Francisco Lima burst down the left and found Tommasi with his cross, who headed past Dida. Despite pulling a goal back nine minutes from time through Tomasson, Milan were unable to find an equaliser.
Doni on the spot
Earlier, an injury-time penalty from Italy international Cristiano Doni earned Atalanta BC a 2-2 draw at home to fellow strugglers Torino Calcio. Bottom side Torino took the lead after 22 minutes as former Atalanta midfield player Massimo Donati opened the scoring.
Late drama
Doni equalised 14 minutes from time, but Torino seemed to have earned all three points as Donati scored his second of the game a minute from time, curling in a spectacular free-kick, but there was still time for Doni's second equaliser that left both sides with a point each.
Atalanta boost
Torino remained bottom of the table, but Atalanta moved out of the relegation zone on goal difference, above Reggina Calcio, who are at home to Parma AC on Sunday.