Juve penalty cancels out Shevchenko stunner
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Updated: 2001-12-10 09:41

Juventus got a 1-1 draw at AC Milan on Sunday after a controversial penalty converted by Alessandro Del Piero cancelled out a stunning opening strike from Milan's Andriy Shevchenko.

The result helps neither side in their bid to make ground on Serie A leaders Inter Milan but was a fair reflection of a fiercely contested and evenly-balanced game at the San Siro.

Milan are in fifth place, five points behind leaders Inter while Juventus are a further two points behind in sixth position.

Juve started brightly and in the 12th minute Del Piero forced a superb save out of Christian Abbiati with a 25-metre free kick which the Milan goalkeeper did well to push around the post.

Del Piero then saw a fierce volley flash wide before his strike partner David Trezeguet went close with a header from a Lilian Thuram cross.

But then, somewhat against the run of play, Milan took the lead with a goal of rare quality which must surely count amongst the finest ever seen at this famous stadium.

Shevchenko left Edgar Davids for pace, danced past defenders Mark Iuliano and Gianluca Pessotto before lofting a shot, from wide on the edge of the area, high over Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and into the top corner of the net.

Milan went close to a second when Umit Davala saw a header tipped wide by Buffon after some neat Milan approach work, but at the break it was only the magic of Shevchenko which separated the two sides.

At the interval Juve coach Marcello Lippi replaced Pavel Nedved with striker Marcelo Zalayeta and the Uruguayan made an instant impact.

Just 28 seconds after the restart Zalayeta tumbled in the box as he approached Milan defender Paolo Maldini and referee Gianluca Paparesta pointed to the spot, although television replays hardly backed his judgement.

Del Piero converted the penalty with characteristic composure to bring Juve on to level terms.

OUT OF TOUCH

Milan pushed forward as they looked to restore their advantage but with their Portuguese playmaker Rui Costa continuing to look out of touch, their thrusting moves lacked the finesse and imagination that the former Fiorentina man was bought to provide.

Juve also lacked nothing in terms of effort, but like their rivals they were missing a calm and creative touch in midfield.

The result denied Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti a chance to gain revenge over the club which sacked him at the end of last season, although it does maintain his unbeaten record since taking over at the San Siro last month