Serie A wrap: Milan, Juventus held to draws

Serie A leaders AC Milan extended their lead at the top of the standings on Saturday – but only by one point after a 1-1 draw at Sampdoria.

In a first half controlled by the visitors, Milan were unlucky to be only one goal up heading into the break.

Brazilian striker Robinho opened the scoring just two minutes from half-time with a stunning volley, but Sampdoria emerged from the interval reinvigorated and thoroughly deserved their equaliser.

Giampaolo Pazzini scored it on the hour mark after some excellent build-up play from Daniele Gastaldello allowed him to beat Milan keeper Christian Abbiati from close range and despite chances to both sides in the final third of the match, the spoils were shared.

The point takes Milan to 30 points from their 14 games – four clear of second-placed Lazio, who play on Sunday.

In Saturday’s other match, Juventus needed a Simone Pepe leveller with just eight minutes left to steal a point at home in a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina.

The hosts found themselves a goal down after just four minutes when defender Marco Motta put an own goal past goalkeeper Marco Storari on the four-minute mark.

Despite creating plenty of opportunities, Juventus had to wait until the 82nd minute to finally beat Fiorentina’s Polish shot-stopper Artur Boruc.

The draw moved Juve into third place on the Serie A standings on goal difference, after pulling level with Napoli on 24 points, while Fiorentina remain in 13th place.