Milan held at home by Lazio
Reuters - Tuesday 01 February 2011, 22:26
MILAN - Injury-hit Serie A leaders AC Milan
were unlucky to be held to a 0-0 draw at home with Lazio on
Tuesday after missing several chances, giving their title rivals
a boost ahead of the rest of the midweek programme.
Midfielder Urby Emanuelson wasted a great opportunity in the
first half and Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the frame of the goal
twice from distance after the break.
Antonio Cassano was then brought on to replace fellow
attacker Alexandre Pato but the Italy man failed to produce the
magic of recent weeks and the Rossoneri only extended their
advantage over Napoli in second to five points.
Third-placed Lazio, seven behind Milan and the surprise
packages in Italy this term, created little but their continued
resilience against the top teams suggests a Champions League
place this term is becoming a strong possibility.
Milan's already crippling injury problems were highlighted
by centre-back Daniele Bonera having to be replaced by debutant
Nicola Legrottaglie, who signed from Juventus on transfer
deadline day on Monday.
Legrottaglie was then substituted with an injury late on
after being caught by Lazio striker Libor Kozak, who was
fortunate to escape a red card given he had already been booked.
Both Legrottaglie and Bonera were taken to hospital for
checks on their neck and head injuries respectively.
Napoli head to Chievo on Wednesday looking to
profit on Milan's slip while fourth-placed Inter Milan, 10
behind their city rivals, visit bottom side Bari on Thursday.