AC Milan seize Champions League spot on last day

Milan, May 20 (IANS)

SIENA, ITALY – MAY 19: M’baye Niang , Robinho and Gianpaolo Pazzini (L to R) of AC Milan celebrates the victory after the Serie A match between AC Siena and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

AC Milan scored two late goals in four minutes to secure a dramatic 2-1 win against Siena as well as the final Champions League place on the last day of the Italian Serie A season.

Milan had to beat Siena, who had already been relegated, to make sure of a Champions League spot for the next season, but the hosts surprisingly took the lead in the 25th minute through Claudio Terzi Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men then pulled them together minutes before the finish, with Mario Balotelli scoring the equaliser with a penalty kick in the 84th minute.

Three minutes later, Philippe Mexes picked up a free-kick pass to score the crucial winner. Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini and Siena’s Christian Terlizzi were then both sent off for their second bookable offences in the space of two minutes.

Milan’s win made Fiorentina’s 5-1 win at Pescara redundant.

Vincenzo Montella’s side disposed of their relegated hosts with ease thanks to a hat-trick from Adem Ljajic and goals from Steven Jovetic and Matias Fernandez.

Udinese dealt Inter Milan a 2-5 loss at the San Siro to tie down the final automatic Europa League place.

Lazio suffered a 0-1 loss at Cagliari, and Roma beat Napoli 2-1 at home.