Roma failed to hold on to their early lead as they drew 1-1 with AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico in the Italian Serie A on Saturday. French defender Philippe Mexes' early goal was cancelled out by a second-half strike from Milan substitute Alberto Gilardino. Roma's hopes of catching up with leaders Inter have almost faded as the Giallorossi are second on 59 points, trailing leaders Inter Milan by 17 points before the Nerazzurri take on Parma later on Sunday. Milan's UEFA Champions League hopes suffered a setback as they lie fifth on 44 points, three behind fourth-placed Palermo. The hosts needed just four minutes to take the lead when Francesco Totti played a tricky corner for Mexes outside the Milan area, and the France defender rifled an unstoppable first-time shot into the roof of the net. Roma dictated the first half for long spells and the Rossoneri did not create enough danger to trouble Doni in Roma goal, as their Brazilian trio Kaka, Ronaldo and Ricardo Oliveira did not seem to be at their best.
Gilardino grabbed the equalizer Carlo Ancelotti introduced Gilardino instead of Oliveira at halftime in an attempt to assist Ronaldo in Milan's frontline. Milan had to thank their veteran defender Cafu who denied Roma a definite second goal in the 58th minute with a brilliant last-gasp clearance that proved to be a turning point in the game. One minute later, Ronaldo used his blistering pace to outrun Marco Cassetti and the defender had no option but to push the Brazilian aside. Gilardino received Andrea Pirlo's superb free-kick with a delicate header past Doni two minutes after the hour mark. Both teams came close to finding the winner as Simone Perrotta blasted over the bar from close range while Gilardino squandered an easy opportunity to finish the game off as he failed to convert Kaka's low cross home.
