Substitute Alexandre Pato netted a superb winner after Robinho had scored using the top of his arm as Serie A leaders AC Milan ground out a precious 2-1 win at Chievo on Sunday.
Second-placed Napoli kept the gap at three points thanks to Juan Zuniga’s 25th-minute strike in a nervous 1-0 home win over Catania in which Edinson Cavani also missed a penalty.
While Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was mightily relieved to win on the 25th anniversary of Silvio Berlusconi taking over the club, AS Roma boss Claudio Ranieri was quitting after his faltering side lost 4-3 at Genoa having been 3-0 up.
Sixth-placed Juventus, two points above fellow underachievers Roma, also had another day to forget after losing 2-0 at Lecce.
Milan’s Robinho struck on 25 minutes after dubiously controlling Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s knock-down and prodding home, but a back-post header from Gelson Fernandes 16 minutes after the break looked to have given the mid-table hosts a draw.
Brazil’s Pato had other ideas and, after replacing Antonio Cassano, he cut inside from the left, beat two defenders and scuffed in at the near post eight minutes from time.
Milan showed the same flaws that undermined them in last Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, but sheer determination won the day.
Gennaro Gattuso remained as captain despite his violent altercation with Spurs assistant coach Joe Jordan last week and this time it was Chievo who lost their heads, Cesar being dismissed for a second booking late on.
SS Lazio, in fourth, beat bottom side Bari 1-0 thanks to a early Hernanes goal on Sunday, while their city rivals Roma were following Wednesday’s Champions League loss to Shakhtar Donetsk with another horror show.
Headers from Philippe Mexes and Nicolas Burdisso put them 2-0 up at the break, but as soon as Francesco Totti made it three, Genoa hit back through braces from Rodrigo Palacio and Alberto Paloschi to force Ranieri out with new owners circling.
In other results, goal-shy duo Fiorentina and Sampdoria drew 0-0, Parma stopped the rot slightly with a 2-2 draw with Cesena and Udinese draw a rare blank in a 0-0 stalemate with Brescia.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely