Milan show character to deny Roma

AC Milan twice came from behind to hold unbeaten AS Roma to a 2-2 draw and prevent the visitors moving within three points of the summit.

The contest at San Siro was 13 minutes old when Mattia Destro received Kevin Strootman's pass and finished unerringly for his second goal in as many games since returning from injury. On the back foot for long stretches, Milan wrestled back the initiative on the half-hour, Cristián Zapata turning in Sulley Muntari's deft flick from close range. 

The hosts' momentum was punctured shortly after half-time, though, as goalkeeper Gabriel upended Gervinho in the penalty area, with Strootman keeping his composure from the spot. Only a last-ditch intervention from Urby Emanuelson prevented Adem Ljajić making it three, before midfielder Michael Bradley headed wide when unmarked.

Roma paid a high price for their profligacy 13 minutes from time as Muntari rifled the ball past Morgan De Sanctis after combining with Mario Balotelli. Rudi Garcia's side came close to tasting their first defeat of the season when Balotelli engineered a shooting position after collecting Riccardo Montolivo's through ball, but fired wide. The result leaves the Giallorossi five points shy of frontrunners Juventus, while Milan move up to tenth.