Shevchenko double gives AC Milan opening victory

After a quiet first 20 minutes in which the European champions enjoyed greater possession without creating any goal chances, Shevchenko opened the scoring from a free kick. A quarter of an hour after the interval Ancona defender Fabio Bilica reacted to a Maldini foul and referee Pierluigi Collina sent both players off – a decision that proved more advantageous to the European champions who exploited the extra space.

In the 71st minute Ancona ’keeper Alessio Scarpi parried a shot by defender Martin Laursen into Shevchenko’s path, but the Ukrainian striker’s shot missed the target. Five minutes later, however, Shevchenko doubled Milan’s lead. The 22-year-old Kaka’s pass freed Cafu on the right and the Brazilian winger slid the ball back across the area for the striker to sweep low past Scarpi.

Italian champions Juventus had earlier crushed Empoli 5-1 on Sunday. Inter Milan struggled awhile before scoring two late goals to win 2-0 against Modena. Both Rome-based clubs won, Lazio outclassing Lecce 4-1 and AS Roma beating Udinese 2-1. Parma twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Bologna, and identical score to firstt-timers Siena, who came from behind to draw 2-2 at Perugia.