Home>News Center>Sports
         
 

Lecce fight back, Milan go second
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-10-28 09:30

Bulgarian teenager Valeri Bojinov scored twice as Lecce continued their impressive start to the season by coming back from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with visiting Inter Milan in Serie A on Wednesday.


Inter Milan's Brazilian striker Adriano celebrates after scoring during the Italian major league soccer match against Lecce at the 'Via del Mare' stadium in Lecce, Italy, Oct.27 2004. The game ended 2-2. [AP]
Inter had led 2-0 after goals from Brazilian Adriano and Nigerian Obafemi Martins before 18-year-old Bojinov's superbly taken goals earned Lecce a point.

Lecce gave up second place to champions AC Milan, though, after Carlo Ancelotti's side moved two points behind leaders Juventus with a 3-0 win over bottom club Atalanta.

Second half goals from Jon Dahl Tomasson, Kakha Kaladze and Serginho gave Milan victory at the San Siro.

Juventus host AS Roma at the Delle Alpi stadium on Thursday.

Lecce's comeback draw was confirmation of the quality of Zdenek Zeman's side but leaves Inter trailing in sixth place after their sixth draw in eight games.

Inter got off to a flying start when they scored after just four minutes with Adriano's sixth league goal of the season.

GREAT TURN

Argentine Esteban Cambiasso burst down the left and slipped the ball inside to Martins who produced a great turn to create space for a cross that Adriano headed home from close range.

Martins then doubled Inter's advantage in the 33rd minute when Lecce lost possession carelessly and after an exchange with Cambiasso, Martins slotted home confidently.

Three minutes later though Bojinov's bending shot from over 20 metres out brought Lecce back into the game.

Having rediscovered their confidence Lecce piled forward after the break and the Bulgarian struck his sixth goal of the campaign with a well-taken shot on the turn that beat Inter goalkeeper Alberto Fontana at the near post.

Inter were furious that Adriano was ruled offside when he was heading goalwards and television replays suggested they had reason to be upset with the decision.

The Brazilian, who has been outstanding this season, also missed a glorious chance in the 72nd minute, blasting over the bar after Juan Sebastian Veron found him unmarked inside the area.

'We have got to learn to finish teams off,' said Inter coach Roberto Mancini whose side also lost a two goal lead recently against Roma.

'We have thrown away points and while we are playing well we have got to start reducing our mistakes,' he said.

HARD GOING

Milan found it hard going against struggling Atalanta, although Brazilian Kaka missed a great chance and then hit the post in the first half.


AC Milan's Kaka shoots against Atalanta during their Serie A match at the San Siro stadium in Milan, October 27, 2004. [Reuters]

Recalled Danish forward Jon Dahl Tomasson got the breakthrough eight minutes after the break with a confident finish after a smart turn inside the area.

Georgian defender Kakha Kaladze made it 2-0 with a close range effort in the 71st minute before Brazilian Serginho made sure of the win with a breakaway goal in injury time.

Chievo Verona's unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-0 home defeat by Sampdoria - Sergio Volpi and Aimo Diana on target for the visitors.

Early season surprise package Messina suffered another setback as they lost 2-0 at Lazio after Christian Manfredini and Claudio De Sousa scored for the Rome side.

Messina slipped to ninth place but Cagliari's positive start continued as Mauro Esposito got the winner in their 2-1 victory over Parma who had defender Paolo Cannavaro sent off in the 42nd minute.



 
  Today's Top News     Top Sports News
 

Making of anti-trust law is speeded up

 

   
 

One-China policy key to talks with Taipei

 

   
 

Powell remarks consistent with policy

 

   
 

Arafat collapses as his health worsens

 

   
 

Police: "Pessimistic" man set off bus blast

 

   
 

IOC warns against Olympic venue delays

 

   
  Vince Carter spends day in, not on, court
   
  Lecce fight back, Milan go second
   
  Maybe time for Red Sox Curse to end?
   
  Chinese soccer body releases reform plan
   
  Owen on the mark again for Real
   
  BoSox beat Cards to lead World Series 3-0
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
Advertisement