David Beckham`s AC Milan capped a disappointing week with a 2-1 defeat at Sampdoria which leaves them 12 points adrift of arch-rivals Inter in the Serie A title race and looking over their shoulders as they bid to seal a Champions League spot, according to CNN.
Carlo Ancelotti`s ageing Milan team threw away a two-goal lead in midweek to crash out of the UEFA Cup to Werder Bremen and their latest defeat came after Antonio Cassano gave the Genoa-based side the lead in the 33rd minute.
Cassano`s header was ruled to have squeezed over the line as Milan protested and the visitors were in further trouble after Gianpaolo Pazzini made it 2-0 early in the second half from a Cassano pass.
Alexandre Pato scored with a clever header in the 80th minute to give Milan some hope they were unable to grab the equalizer as Emerson`s effort was ruled out.
The poor results represent bad timing for Beckham, who is hoping his newly-adopted club will meet Los Angeles Galaxy`s demands to make his loan move permanent.
He is due to return to the Major League Soccer team on March 9 if no deal can be reached.
Fortunately for Milan, Fiorentina and Genoa, the two teams immediately below them in the league, both failed to win on Sunday.
Fiorentina drew 1-1 at bottom club Reggina as Emiliano Bonnazoli equalized after Alessio Sestu had put Reggina ahead.
Genoa were held to a goalless draw by Siena and stay sixth.
Inter, held to a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to AS Roma in Sunday`s late match, top the standings with 60 points, followed by Juventus with 53, Milan with 48 and Fiorentina with 46. Genoa have 45.
Jose Mourinho`s men looked to be heading for defeat in the San Siro after they trailed 2-0 and 3-1.
But a double from youngster Mario Balotelli and a late equalizer from Hernan Crespo gave them a last-gasp point.
