AC Milan scrape a point with Genoa after late penalty drama

MILAN, JAN 9: AC Milan survived late penalty drama to scrape a 1-1 home draw with Genoa on Thursday, a result which allowed local rivals Inter Milan to establish a three-point lead at the top of Serie A.

Nicolae Stanciu ballooned a golden chance to snatch a shock win from the spot for Genoa deep in stoppage time of a thrilling encounter at the San Siro.

Rafael Leao gave Milan a point with his powerful header in the second minute of added time, breaking Genoa's long resistance after the away side took the lead through Lorenzo Colombo just before the half-hour mark.

But moments later Davide Bartesaghi clattered into Mikael Ellertsson, leaving Stanciu with the task of beating France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and taking a shock three points. 

Instead Stanciu smashed his effort over the bar and Milan extended their unbeaten league run to 17 matches ahead of the weekend's trip to another struggling team in Fiorentina.

Milan sit second after Thursday's draw and further away from Inter who beat Parma 2-0 on Wednesday.

This time next week Milan take on high-flying Como -- their game in hand due to their participation in the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.    �"AFP