Sampdoria move into Champions League spot with AC Milan draw

Sampdoria have climbed into the top three of Serie A courtesy of a 1-1 draw against AC Milan at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Despite coming into the encounter on the back of three league games without a win, it took the visitors just 10 minutes to edge ahead when Stephan El Shaarawy fired home from long range.

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Diego Lopez was called into action to ensure that Milan's lead remained intact, as he pulled off a fine stop to deny Eder's effort.

Shortly after, Sergio Romero also had to be on guard to thwart Giacomo Bonaventura, whose well-struck shot was creeping into the net if not for the keeper's intervention.

The Rossoneri looked as though they were going to hold onto their lead heading into the interval, until Stefano Okaka got onto the end of Manolo Gabbiadini's cross to level up in the dying stages of the half.

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Sampdoria completed the turnaround six minutes after the restart when Eder converted from a rebound, just moments after Okaka saw his attempt come back off the post.

Milan showed real character to take a point from the contest when Jemery Menez levelled from the spot shortly after the hour following Djamel Mesbah's handball infringement inside the area.

Bonaventura came close to winning the contest for Fillipo Inzaghi's men late on, moments before Daniele Bonera was dismissed for picking up a second yellow card, while Roberto Soriano also saw his shot well kept out by Lopez.

The point sees AC Milan remain in seventh place, while Sampdoria are now just three points off leaders Juventus.