Milan look good for next round

Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi inspired Milan AC to a 2-0 win over Sporting Clube de Portugal in the first leg of their UEFA Cup third-round tie.

Serginho on form
Hosts Milan dominated the match from the start and had chances to score before they took the lead at the San Siro stadium. The best chance fell to Serginho who seemed back to his skilful best. On the half hour, the Brazilian hit the bar for Milan.

Delicate chip
Seven minutes later, Ukrainian international Shevchenko finally put Carlo Ancelotti's side ahead with a delicate chip after he had latched on to a sublime through ball from Demetrio Albertini.

Inzaghi doubles lead
Sporting frequently threatened in attack, but as the game wore on it seemed as if there was to be no further scoring. However, with 13 minutes to play Serginho again produced some fine footwork to wriggle free of two defenders. He slid in a cross which Inzaghi clipped home with deceptive ease.

No away goals
Milan now take a two-goal advantage to Lisbon for the return in a fortnight. Ancelotti will be more pleased that his side kept a clean sheet, and prevented Sporting getting an all-important away goal.