On The Continent: Juventus End Six-Year Jinx

JUVENTUS END SIX-YEAR JINX
The game of the week in Serie A, between Juventus and AC Milan, proved to be a real thriller. The Bianconeri had not recorded a victory in this fixture since 2002 and were looking to end that sorry run on Saturday evening against an ageing Milan team that has failed to deliver this season.

Milan boss, Carlo Ancelotti, faced a defensive headache going into the game. Regulars Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze were out suspended, whilst full-backs Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski had picked up injuries and Alexandre Pato was also unavailable.

Alessandro Del Piero capitalised on Milan's defensive frailties in the 12th minute, converting a pass from Mauro Camoranesi, although the lead lasted a mere two minutes. Filippo Inzaghi scored in typical fashion, tapping in at close range following good work from Kaka. The Italian striker pounced yet again in the 31st minute, again a tap in, to take his tally for the season to five.

An entertaining half closed with another goal, this time from Juventus midfielder, Hasan Salihamidzic, the Bosnian eventually firing home after Zelijko Kalac had parried a header from David Trezeguet.

A decisive moment came in the 66th minute. Daniele Bonera committed a horrendous foul on Mohammed Sissoko, studs up on the shin and was rightly dismissed. Milan reacted well to the incident, but were made to pay in the 80th minute when an unmarked Salihamidzic headed home a Camoranesi free-kick. Despite a late fight-back from Milan, Juventus held on for a long-awaited victory.

Ancelotti later admitted that the red-card had taken its toll on his side, stating: "The second half was trickier, especially after the red card.