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The eighth consecutive victory was won by "Milan" in points with the Turin club "Juventus" again equalizing the title of the Italian champions, defeating the "Roma" team in the 29th round of the "Serie A" matches.
0 - 2
63' [0 - 1] Hernan Crespo
71' [0 - 2] Andrea Pirlo (11m.)
70' Christian Panucci, 90' Francesco Totti (both "Roma") sent off the field
This match was a fight for the gold medals last season, but this year "Roma" is no longer as powerful, and recently changed coaches for the third time this season - the new team strategist is Bruno Conti, who previously coached the youth team.
The hosts started the match more successfully and at first a couple of times V. Montella missed the target, but in the 11th minute his weak shot was caught by goalkeeper Dida. Soon the "Milan" team responded with a dangerous attack - A. Pirlo took a penalty kick and Kakà tried to direct the ball towards the goal, but the goalkeeper managed to push this attempt away.
The remaining first half of the game saw both teams exchanging chances, but often lacking a pass or a more precise shot, or taking advantage of opponents' defensive mistakes.
The visitors threatened the "Roma" team's goal immediately in the second half - H. Crespo received a pass from C. Seedorf and, breaking free from the defender, shot towards the goal, but the goalkeeper G. Curci once again played successfully and kicked the ball away with his feet.
"Milan" slowly took the initiative and soon G. Gattuso's long shot flew over the goal. However, after an hour of play, V. Montella had a good chance on the penalty area, but he was stopped by a great defense from K. Kaladze, and Dida caught F. Totti's subsequent attempt.
The first goal finally came in the 63rd minute - Kaladze broke through the left side and made a pass to H. Crespo, who headed the ball into the goal. The visitors continued their pressure, and G. Curci once again saved his team by deflecting a shot from Kakà and a repeat shot from C. Seedorf, who later also shot wide.
The winner of the match was decided in the 70th minute: H. Crespo shot with his head after a pass from C. Seedorf, and defender C. Panucci cleared the ball from the goal line with his hand. The home team player received a red card for this, and A. Pirlo scored the penalty kick securing the victory for his team.
At the end of the match, "Roma" captain F. Totti, clearly unhappy with the result, lost his nerves and earned a second yellow card for a rough foul, and was sent off the field. "Milan" maintained the advantage and achieved the club's record 11th away victory of the season.
