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Subs score to propel Roma to win against AC Milan

Roma's Mirko Vucinic, left, celebrates with team-mate Daniele De Rossi after scoring against AC Milan during their Serie A match in Rome's Olympic stadium on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

An inspired double substitution from AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti propelled the Champions League quarter-finalists to a vital 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Spalletti sent on Mirko Vucinic and Ludovic Giuly just past the hour mark with his team trailing 1-0 and both scored to seal three points for the hosts.

It means Roma closed the gap on leaders Inter Milan to just three points while Milan, who dominated large parts of the match, remain in fifth spot.

After a tepid first half Milan took total command at the start of the second period with Seedorf playing in Kaka only for Doni to save.

Doni was then down smartly to stop a Seedorf shot at the near post but Roma finally cracked on 56 minutes.

Andrea Pirlo released Massimo Oddo down the right and he clipped the ball into the box for Kaka to volley home left footed.

Spalletti sent on Vucinic and Giuly and the move paid dividends as Giuly arrived in the right place at the right time on 78 minutes to volley home a chip from Perrotta after the Milan defense were all drawn to the ball, leaving Giuly in acres of space at the back post.

Three minutes later and Vucinic latched onto a long ball to fire low past goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac.

In the day's other match Udinese drew at 2-2 home with Lazio.
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