|
Alberto Fontana saved Kaka's debatable penalty to earn Palermo a point and halt injury-hit Milan's march on the Champions League places.
The Rossoneri had a real crisis on their hands, as eight defenders were out of action for one reason or another. Marek Jankulovski, Alessandro Nesta, Marcos Cafu, Serginho, Paolo Maldini, Kahka Kaladze, Alessandro Costacurta and the suspended Massimo Oddo left Carlo Ancelotti with precious few alternatives.
Palermo weren't exactly jumping for joy either, as Andrea Barzagli and Alberto Fontana were injured and Mattia Cassani sat out a ban, though David Di Michele and Eugenio Corini returned from suspension. The Rosanero were without a win in three.
Alberto Gilardino's shot was charged down and soon after the ex-Parma man ran on to an Andrea Pirlo through ball, but was brought down by Alberto Fontana, although contact appeared to be minimal. The former Inter goalkeeper was also booked, but he made up for it moments later with a save on Kaka's penalty.
There was a blow for the Rosanero, who lost Corini to injury, but Milan kept pushing and Fontana parried Kaka's long-range strike. The Brazilian then nutmegged World Cup winner Andrea Barzagli and drilled wide of the near post.
Roberto Guana performed a decisive tackle on Kaka as he ran into the area with only the goalkeeper to beat, then Mark Bresciano struck the side-netting.
Kaka was inspired and again burst into the area to force Fontana into a brave stop and the 'keeper also parried Clarence Seedorf's solo effort. Aimo Diana drilled a good Palermo chance wide of the near post from eight yards.
Palermo really should have taken the lead straight after the restart, as Diana's wayward shot fell straight into the path of David Di Michele, but he incredibly scuffed the ball with only Dida to beat.
Carlo Ancelotti threw on Ronaldo and Yoann Gourcuff, roundly booed by the Palermo fans. Within minutes Il Fenomeno nearly scored a bizarre goal, as Giuseppe Biava's clearance from his effort thumped the Brazilian's forehead and ricochete on to the crossbar!
Gourcuff fired just over with a free kick, Fabio Simplicio's curler was deflected off target and in stoppages Di Michele wasted a very promising opportunity for Palermo.
| 
