Milan title ambitions left in limbo

AC Milan's title aspirations were dealt a heavy blow after they were held at home draw by UC Sampdoria, while US Città di Palermo's defeat by AC Siena cost coach Luigi del Neri his job.

Severe blow
Milan's hopes of catching Juventus in the Italian title race are now in the balance after a 1-1 draw left them nine points adrift of the leaders, who have a game in hand. Andriy Shevchenko gave his side the lead after 13 minutes from the penalty spot following Sergio Volpi's clumsy challenge on Filippo Inzaghi. But Sampdoria struck back before the break when Dida failed to keep out a relatively straightforward Andrea Gasbarroni shot, and the mistake proved costly.

Del Neri dismissal
In the day's other game, Albanian Erjon Bogdani scored a hat-trick for Siena as Luigi de Canio's men won 3-1 at Palermo. Bogdani's goals were all well taken but so harshly did they expose Palermo's continued defensive frailties, that they resulted in Del Neri's dismissal after the game. Palermo performed better in attack but Denis Godeas' goal came too late to save his side from defeat or his coach from receiving the axe.