Milan's home woes continue in Roma loss
ROME: AC Milan's desperate home league form continued Sunday as it was beaten 1-0 by title-chasing Roma, losing at the San Siro for the second game in a row.
Having now gone five home games this season without a single victory and just three points, the European champion slumped to 13th in the table, a massive 11 points off leaders Inter Milan and just three points ahead of the relegation zone.
Any hopes Carlo Ancelotti's men had of landing the title before the season began seem to have all but evaporated with only nine games played, and Ancelotti must be starting to look anxiously over his shoulder, particularly with the likes of Jose Mourinho seeking employment.
However, he is trying to stay positive. "We are not depressed, just disappointed. After the game we evaluated the current form," said Ancelotti, who guided Milan to the Champions League title last term.
"It is a tough time, especially on home turf. Today was a balanced match with chances for both sides. They broke the deadlock, although we played just as well."
With Francesco Totti injured, Mirko Vucinic was thrust onto center-stage and he took to the spotlight with aplomb, diving at the near post to head home a right-wing cross from lively Brazilian fullback Cicinho.
And it could have been even worse for Milan as Daniele De Rossi casually chipped a penalty over the bar with 10 minutes left after Massimo Ambrosini had been somewhat harshly sent off following a second yellow card for dragging down De Rossi in the penalty area.
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti was delighted with his team's mental strength. "It was a balanced game, but my team proved it has taken some very clear steps forward in terms of character," he said.
Curiously Milan's home form in the league is in stark contrast to its Champions League displays at the San Siro where it has beaten Benfica and Shakhtar Donetsk.
The win moved Roma up to second in the table, three points behind Inter, which was held to a 0-0 draw at Palermo, and one point above Juventus, who controversially lost 3-1 at Napoli on Saturday.
AFP
(China Daily 10/30/2007 page23)
