Italy round-up: Milan revive championship challenge

Third-placed AC Milan kept their title hopes alive with a 2-1 home win against Serie A leaders Juventus FC to move to within five points of their opponents at the top of the table.

Early lead
The home side enjoyed the perfect start, as Portuguese playmaker Rui Costa’s pass freed Andriy Shevchenko and, although the Ukrainian striker’s first effort was saved by Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, the ball ran loose and Shevchenko kept his composure to roll the ball into the unguarded net.

Juventus draw level
It only took Juventus seven minutes to get back on level terms, however, as Czech Republic midfield player Pavel Nedved’s free-kick created confusion in the Milan defence and bounced straight in, with goalkeeper Dida only able to help the ball into the roof of the net.

Inzaghi involved
Filippo Inzaghi almost restored the home side’s advantage after 21 minutes, but shot wide after Rui Costa’s cross had been laid into his path by Shevchenko. However, it was 2-1 four minutes later, as Andrea Pirlo’s pass allowed Inzaghi to break clear inside the Juventus penalty area, and the striker somehow managed to bundle the ball past Buffon.

Important save
Juventus came out strongly after half-time, with forwards Alessandro del Piero and David Trezeguet both introduced as second-half substitutes. Marcelo Zalayeta nearly equalised after 51 minutes but Dida atoned for his earlier mistake with a spectacular save, tipping the shot over the bar with his left hand.

Late chances
Juventus pressed forward in the closing stages, but missed two glorious chances to equalise, as Del Piero found himself with time and space inside the penalty area but saw his shot deflected behind by Martin Laursen. Eight minutes from time, Nedved’s header from a free-kick was touched on to the crossbar and over by Dida as Milan held on to their narrow lead.

Modena move clear of trouble
In Saturday’s early game, Modena FC moved away from the relegation zone with a 2-1 home win against fellow strugglers Reggina Calcio. Modena were forced to play the last hour of the match with ten men after defender Roberto Cevoli was dismissed for dissent after 32 minutes, but took the lead two minutes past the hour as defender Iacopo Balestri scored with a left-foot shot.

Fine goal
Giuseppe Sculli secured all three points in the final minute of normal time as the striker doubled Modena's advantage with a fine solo goal and although Reggina pulled a goal back four minutes into injury time through Gianluca Savoldi, it came too late for the away side and Modena held on for the three points. The victory moved Modena into 12th place in the table, while Reggina remained 14th, one place and one point above the relegation zone.

Sunday action
In Sunday’s games, Internazionale FC have a chance to move level on points with Juventus as they travel to Udinese Calcio, while fourth-placed S.S. Lazio visit Parma AC and AC Chievo Verona in fifth travel to Atalanta BC.