Top News

Sampdoria halts Milan's winning run

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-11-29 08:16

ROME - Sampdoria and AC Milan shared the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Marrassi stadium on Saturday as the rossoneri's four-game winning run came to an end.

Robinho was the star of the show for Milan scoring in a first half the visitor totally dominated before Sampdoria hit back after the break through Giampaolo Pazzini.

Milan stays top but misses the chance to put daylight between it and the chaser and Lazio could close the gap to one point if it wins on Sunday.

Sampdoria remains in European contention despite an eighth draw in 14 matches.

Despite the loss of two points, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was delighted with his team.

"That was one of if not the best game we've played in terms of intensity and the defensive phase," he said.

"We made a mistake at a corner but that can happen, football is like this and you have to accept it, I'm happy with the lads."

Allegri paid special tribute to goalscorer Robinho.

"He's doing very well, other than the goal he had several other chances and created some too.

"We deserved to win but Sampdoria did everything to deny us. We're doing well, the lads are doing great things."

There was only one team in the first half and Robinho was at the center of everything the visitors did.

At times Samp goalkeeper Gianluca Curci was all that was standing between Milan and a rout, or between Robinho and a hatful.

In the first minute, the Brazilian played a one-two with Clarence Seedorf before shooting left-footed but his effort lacked power and Curci held on.

Three minutes later Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng hit a swerving drive from distance that Curci had to punch clear.

The goalkeeper really excelled himself halfway through the period as he dived full length to his left to keep out another Robinho effort with a one-handed save.

Juventus failed to capitalize on Milan's slip as it was held to a 1-1 draw at home to Fiorentina. The Old Lady of Turin remain six points behind

Agence France-Presse