Fond farewell for Baggio
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Article summary
Brescia Calcio's Roberto Baggio retired as the the Serie A season concluded in dramatic fashion on Sunday.
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Kaká creation
Baggio won the Scudetto with Milan in 1996 but was unable to inspire his Brescia side to victory. Two goals from Jon Dahl Tomasson - both created by the outstanding Brazilian Kaká - Andriy Shevchenko's 24th goal of the season and a well-taken 20-metre strike from Rui Costa ensured a winning end to the season for Carlo Ancelotti's Milan, despite two goals from Brescia's Francelino Matuzalém.
Inter celebrate
While Milan celebrated their 17th Scudetto in style, city rivals FC Internazionale secured a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League with a 3-2 away win against Empoli FC, who were relegated.
Tense finale
The home side had begun well, with Stefano Lucchini's 18th-minute goal giving them the lead. But Adriano headed Inter level on the stroke of half-time and substitute Álvaro Recoba's 70th-minute free-kick swung the game in the visitors' favour. Adriano's mazy run and finish brought Inter's third but Tommaso Rocchi's 83rd-minute strike for Empoli guaranteed a tense finale.
Modena relegated
Modena FC were also relegated after losing 2-1 to S.S. Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. Nicola Amoruso's 84th-minute penalty came too late after Bernardo Corradi and Brazilian César had put the capital club ahead.
Perugia hope
AC Perugia followed up recent victories against AS Roma and Juventus FC by defeating bottom club Ancona Calcio 1-0 to move out of the automatic relegation spots and into a play-off place. Jay Bothroyd scored the game's only goal to set up a crucial encounter with the side that finishes sixth in Serie B.
Gilardino joy
In the day's other games, Parma AC had to settle for fifth and a spot in the UEFA Cup despite a 4-3 win against Udinese Calcio, with the outstanding Alberto Gilardino scoring all four goals. US Lecce also finished on a high, defeating Reggina Calcio 2-1 at home.
Lippi farewell
Marcello Lippi's final game in charge of Juventus ended with a 3-1 away win against AC Siena. Igor Tudor, Fabrizio Miccoli and Marco Di Vaio scored the visitors' goals to give the retiring coach a happy send-off. Elsewhere, AC Chievo Verona defeated Bologna FC 3-1 while UC Sampdoria drew 0-0 with runners-up Roma.