Cesena 1 : 1 AC Milan - Milan held by Cesena

Davide Succi's early goal thwarted AC Milan's bid to return to winning ways as Cesena held Filippo Inzaghi's men to a 1-1 Serie A draw.

The 32-year-old striker handed the hosts the lead before Adil Rami levelled on 19 minutes at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi.

Milan had plenty of chances to claim the spoils from the top-flight strugglers, with Fernando Torres wasting the most straightforward.

Cristian Zapata was sent off for a professional foul in the closing stages to compound Milan's frustrations.

Milan manager Inzaghi had challenged his side to hit back to form after losing 1-0 to reigning champions Juventus and drawing 2-2 at Empoli.

But the Rossoneri were unable to make good on that demand from the former Italy striker.

Chelsea loan striker Torres got off the mark for Milan in that 2-2 Empoli draw, but failed to make any contact with Mattia De Sciglio's smart cross when entirely unmarked in the box in this match.

Cesena took the lead after 10 minutes when Milan keeper Christian Abbiati spilled a routine shot and Succi sneaked in to turn the ball home.

Rami headed home Keisuke Honda's high hanging corner to restore parity, and that left Milan expecting to power to victory.

A combination of poor finishing and sloppy approach play - plus the 73rd-minute dismissal of Colombia defender Zapata - left Milan short once again, however, with plenty of ground already to make up on early pacesetters Juventus and Roma.