AS Roma 0 - 0 AC Milan - AC Milan claim Serie A title

Posted Saturday, May 07, 2011 by PA

AC Milan got the point they needed to clinch their first Serie A title since 2004 with a goalless draw at Roma.

The hosts dominated the opening half but the Rossoneri were the better team after the re-start and had several chances, including Robinho's 46th minute strike that hit the post.

The result at the Stadio Olimpico has left Milan nine points clear of Inter Milan, who host Fiorentina on Sunday, with two rounds of games remaining.

Milan have a better head-to-head record in their games against Inter this season, which means the Rossoneri would end up in first if the two sides were to finish level on points.

Roma went into the game needing a win to enhance their Champions League qualifying hopes but without suspended midfield pair Simone Perrotta and Daniele De Rossi, they struggled to get past AC Milan goalkeeper Cristian Abbiati.

The draw lifted the Romans into fifth place, level on 60 points with fourth-place Lazio. Udinese, who are sixth, host Lazio on Sunday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the starting XI after serving a three-match ban. The Swedish striker partnered Robinho in Milan's attacking line.

Roma almost went in front in the 14th minute. Marco Cassetti got past his marker and fed Mirko Vucinic inside the area but the Montenegrin's close-range effort was saved by AC Milan goalkeeper Abbiati.

Roma coach Vincenzo Montella was then forced to make an early substitution, with Aleandro Rosi replacing the injured Matteo Brighi.

Milan had a chance when Ibrahimovic headed towards goal but Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni had an easy save.

Midway through the first half, Milan defender Alessandro Nesta did well and stepped in front of a pass to an unmarked Vucinic when the Roma striker was in place to break the deadlock.

On the stroke of half-time, Abbiati came off his line to clear a dangerous pass from Francesco Totti towards an unmarked Fabio Simplicio.

Milan showed more aggression after the break and were unlucky not to score one minute into the second half as Robinho struck the post with a right-footed strike from the edge of the area.

In the 52nd minute, Doni came off his line to clear before Ibrahimovic could get to the ball.

The Swedish forward demanded a penalty but the referee waved play on.

On the hour mark, Kevin-Prince Boateng should have put the visitors ahead but with only Doni to beat he fired just wide of the far post.

Then Ibrahimovic's stinging drive from 30 yards was punched away by Doni.

With 15 minutes remaining, Alexandre Pato replaced Robinho as Milan searched for the winner but Roma defended well.

Milan's players celebrated as the Rossoneri sealed the 18th league title in the club's history.