Mexès strikes late as nervy Milan finish third

AC Milan clinched third place and Italy's final UEFA Champions League place in sensational fashion as late goals from Mario Balotelli and Philippe Mexès secured a 2-1 comeback win at AC Siena that left ACF Fiorentina in fourth.

Sitting in third spot before the final round of action in Serie A, Milan had looked set for heartbreak when Claudio Terzi headed relegated Siena in front. With Fiorentina strolling to a 5-1 victory at Pescara Calcio, it seemed Massimiliano Allegri's men were destined to miss out on Europe's premier club competition, especially when Massimo Ambrosini was dismissed on 68 minutes.

Siena lost Cristian Terlizzi to a red card just moments later, however, and Balotelli restored parity from the penalty spot with six minutes remaining. With their hopes rekindled, the Rossoneri then completed a remarkable turnaround when Mexès found the net three minutes from time.

Also on Sunday, Udinese Calcio made sure of fifth spot and a UEFA Europa League berth by prevailing 5-2 at FC Internazionale Milano, who ended the campaign in ninth. Below Udinese, AS Roma saw off SSC Napoli 2-1 to leapfrog capital neighbours S.S. Lazio, who succumbed 1-0 at Cagliari Calcio.