Round 10: "Milan" revived the battle for first place

2005-10-31 02:09 © EuroFootball.com

Over the weekend, all matches of the tenth round of "Serie A" were played. In the long-awaited leaders' clash, "Milan" triumphed, adding another three points to their tally against the successful "Fiorentina" team that started the season well, while the other championship favorite "Inter" failed to beat the "Sampdoria" team.

"Milan" proved that the club's intentions this season are very serious. Even without their leader Andrej Shevchenko, the club defeated "Juventus" at home by 3-1. The match at the full "San Siro" stadium was similar to what the club did in the Champions League final last year - scoring three goals in the first half. In the host's ranks, C. Seedorf, Kaka, and A. Pirlo stood out. "Juventus" could only respond with a consolation goal scored by D. Trezeguet in the 76th minute.

In other Saturday matches, the other Milan club, "Inter," managed to snatch a point away from "Sampdoria." The hosts took the lead twice, but "Inter" managed to equalize both times. After these matches, the Milan club closed in on the leader "Juventus" in points, but distanced themselves from the second-placed city rivals, "Milan."

The meeting at the "Olimpico" stadium, where the local "Roma" hosted the "Ascoli" team, was very dramatic. The hosts took the lead towards the end of the first half through defender C. Panucci's goal. However, luck smiled on the guests. In the 81st minute, "Roma" from Romania, C. Chivu, was sent off the field, and taking advantage of this, the visitors equalized the score two minutes later. Despite playing with ten men, the hosts showed character and secured victory at the very end of the match through a goal by defender P. Mexes.

The other capital club "Lazio" had no luck as they gifted three points to the home team "Reggina" at the end of the match. "Lazio" managed to defend almost the entire match successfully, but one silly mistake in the 77th minute cost them dearly. "Lazio's" goalkeeper managed to block N. Amoruso's shot, but the ball rebounded off Rome's defender L. Zauri straight into the goal. "Lazio" club is having a very unsuccessful away game this year, and this match was no exception.

"Fiorentina" extended their successful performance in the championship by defeating the "Cagliari" team at home by 2-1. Although the visitors took the lead, the "Fiorentina" club did not give up, and goals by L. Toni and M. Jorgensen brought another victory to the Florence team.

Dramatic matches took place in Verona, where the local "Chievo" played a 2-2 draw with "Empoli." At the very beginning of the match, in the third minute, the hosts took the lead after a precise shot by F. Semioli, but "Empoli" not only managed to equalize but also turned the score in their favor. However, "Chievo" was saved from defeat by S. Pellissier's goal.

The championship outsider "Treviso" suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to the "Siena" team. The visitor's victory was decided by the veteran E. Chiesa's goal scored just before halftime.

The last-placed team in "Serie A," the "Lecce" club, suffered another defeat. This time the team lost at home to the "Messina" team. At the end of the match, the guests scored two goals through G. D'Agostino.

Another team at the bottom of the league table, the "Parma" club, also tasted defeat once again. The team lost away to the surprising "Livorno." The hosts took the lead after 16 minutes through a goal from the team leader C. Lucarelli. The second goal for their team was scored by S. Morrone after twelve minutes.

The last round matches ended without goals. Champions League participants "Udinese" failed to beat the "Palermo" team at home. "Udinese" this season struggles to avoid pitfalls and currently occupies a much lower position in the table than expected before the season.

Matchday 10 statistics: