Sunday 15 September 2013

Super Mario saves Milan's blushes

Mario Balotelli scored a late penalty to earn Milan a 2-2 draw away at Torino despite a raft of defensive injuries.
Massimiliano Allegri was without the injured quartet of Mattia De Sciglio, Ignazio Abate, Daniele Bonera and Giampaolo Pazzini for the Serie A clash, but will be delighted by the battling spirit displayed by his Milan side, who came back from two goals down to earn a share of the spoils in dramatic style.

Second-half goals from Torino duo Danilo D'Ambrosio and Alessio Cerci took advantage of some inept defensive play before Sulley Muntari pulled one back for the visitors with two minutes remaining.
Balotelli then kept his cool to convert an injury-time penalty and grab Milan an undeserved point.
Milan's form this season has been indifferent after their opening-day loss to Hellas Verona, and Celtic - their next opponents - will be hopeful of a postive result when the two sides face each other next week in the UEFA Champions League.
Milan's injury problems in defence meant it was no surprise to see Urby Emanuelson utilised as a makeshift full-back.
The visitors, though, were buoyed by the return of Brazilian Kaka, making his second debut for the club after moving from Real Madrid on deadline day.
Meanwhile, Torino boss Giampiero Ventura made three changes to the side that lost to Atalanta. Cesare Bovo, Matteo Brighi and Italy international Cerci all came into the side.
Milan's injury crisis became alarmingly apparent after 20 minutes. Torino burst into the visitors' final third on two occasions with the Milan back four all at sea, but were not able to capitalise.
Cerci fired in a low free-kick on 28 minutes wide on the right that had the Milan defence again scrambling to clear their lines.
A pacy Torino first-half showing threatened to upstage Kaka's return before Milan finally got a foothold in the game and went close through defender Cristian Zapata three minutes before half-time.
Balotelli was fouled by Emiliano Moretti, but the resulting free-kick was headed wide by the Colombian.
Allegri's injury woes increased when Riccardo Montolivo pulled up on the stroke of half-time and was replaced by Andrea Poli.
The second period quickly saw Milan fall one goal behind after they allowed D'Ambrosio far too much space inside the penalty area.
The 25-year-old was able to turn onto his right foot and lash home a curling shot past Christian Abbiati in the Milan goal.

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