Misfiring Milan held at Empoli
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Article summary
AC Milan's disappointing Serie A campaign continued as they were held to a goalless draw against Empoli FC while leaders US Città di Palermo lost to a late goal.
Article body
Oliveira chances
The Rossoneri played well during the first half and went close to scoring on several occasions, especially through Ricardo Oliveira. The Brazilian forward hit the bar on 16 minutes and the post on the stroke of half-time, while his header from Clarence Seedorf's corner on 18 minutes was cleared off the line by Empoli defender Davide Moro. Kakà was twice denied after the break by Empoli goalkeeper Daniele Balli, who also saved from Alessandro Costacurta in added time.
Relegation zone
In contrast to their impressive UEFA Champions League campaign, where they lead Group H with ten points, the Rossoneri are floundering in the lower echelons of Serie A after mustering just one point from their last four matches. This latest setback has left Carlo Ancelotti's side, who were docked eight points at the start of the season for their involvement in Italy's football tribunal, hovering just five points above the relegation zone with eight points from 12 matches. Empoli, meanwhile, join a clutch of four clubs in equal fourth place with 16 points.
Palermo loss
In the late evening kick-off joint-league leaders Palermo were undone by a last-minute goal in their away match against Cagliari. The UEFA Cup hopefuls were looking to steal a march on FC Internazionale Milano, who do not play until Sunday, but after the dismissal of Fabio Simplicio at the end of the first half Francesco Guidolin's side were up against it and Cagliari's extra man finally made the difference when Simone Pepe popped up to grab a winner at the death.
