Italian Serie A leaders Milan struggled and narrowly won 2-1 away to Sampdoria
to maintain their unbeaten record this season and keep the summit by five points.
With the end of a modest first half, Milan finally broke the steadfastness of Sampdoria
through a penalty kick by Frank Casey after a handball in the 45th minute.
Substitute Samo Castillo added the second goal with a powerful shot in the 77th minute
from close range, and it seemed that Milan would come out with a comfortable victory.
But Albin Ekdal reduced the deficit to Sampdoria after five minutes, causing a tense end to the match.
Milan, who missed veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to injury, scored 26 points from ten matches,
followed by Inter Milan with 21 points, Napoli and Juventus, the defending champions, each with 20 points.
Sampdoria is 12th with 11 points.
