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Feisty Milan holds Roma to draw
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Roma was held to a 2-2 draw at AC Milan on Monday as it lost more ground on Serie A leader and reigning champion Juventus.
Mattia Destro opened the scoring for Roma in the 13th minute with his second goal in as many matches but Cristian Zapata leveled on the half-hour mark.
Kevin Strootman restored Roma’s lead in the 52nd minute from the penalty spot after substitute goalkeeper Gabriel had needlessly fouled Gervinho.
Tensions began to fray at San Siro and Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was sent to the stands, while captain Riccardo Montolivo was booked for dissent and will miss Sunday’s derby against Inter Milan.
Sulley Muntari rescued a point for Milan 13 minutes from time. It was the first time Roma — which has the stingiest defense in Serie A — had let in two goals in a match all season.
“I talked to the fourth referee but I didn’t offend anyone,” Allegri said. “I’m sorry I left the team on its own but fortunately the lads managed to equalize.
Balotelli’s fancy boots
“We played better technically in the second half, we were braver and took the game more to Roma. Although we risked more and let them have more counterattacks so it was more dangerous for us.”
Milan had several penalty appeals turned down, notably when Mario Balotelli and Mehdi Benatia fell in the area.
“I never comment on the referees decisions,” Allegri added. “I think we played well. It’s a good sign that Balotelli doesn’t react after he is fouled, I think maybe it’s because he’s happier.”
Balotelli will again be talked about after the Milan forward wore boots decorated in the style of newspaper print with various headlines that have been written about him.
Roma remained second but is five points behind Juventus.
“We had many chances so it was a pity we didn’t score a third,” Roma coach Rudi Garcia said. “We’re very ambitious but we need to win games, that’s why we’re a bit disappointed here. We have to do everything to win the last match before the break, in front of our fans. It would be great to close the year with more than 40 points, it would mean we have had a great first half of the season. A team that hasn’t lost in 16 matches has a lot of quality.”
Roma’s talismanic captain Francesco Totti returned after more than two months out with a hamstring injury. He replaced Destro in the 64th minute.
In Spain, Javi Guerra scored three goals in heavy fog on Monday to help Valladolid earn a 3-0 win over 10-man Celta Vigo.
Valladolid moved out of the Spanish league’s relegation zone with the win.
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