Milan beat Parma 4-3 to go second in Italy
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-09 09:03

CHANCES SPURNED

Inter milan's Figo reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match in Siena. [Reuters]

Despite lacking urgency in the first half, Inter enjoyed greater possession and twice went close to taking the lead as Dejan Stankovic headed narrowly wide from a corner and then an Adriano free kick flew just the wrong side of the post.

Inter upped the pressure in the second half but still let a series of excellent chances go begging

Stankovic blasted Giuseppe Favalli's cutback directly at keeper Antonio Mirante on the hour and four minutes later the Serbian midfielder failed to turn Adriano's low cross into the net from close range.

He made up for his mistake soon afterwards with a precise cross to Obafemi Martins, who was unmarked in front of goal, but the striker headed over the bar.

As the seconds ticked away, Inter coach Roberto Mancini brought on a third striker, Alvaro Recoba, and replaced Adriano with Julio Cruz but the tactic failed to pay off.

Striker Cristiano Lucarelli scored twice as Livorno beat Sampdoria 2-0 to notch up their fourth win in five games and consolidate fifth place in the division on 34 points.

Sixth-placed Chievo Verona beat Lecce 3-1 to move on to 30 points.