Shevchenko hits double as Milan beat Fiorentina

European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Milan won 2-1 at Fiorentina yesterday sending them three points clear of rivals Juventus.

Milan have 76 points with four games remaining while Juventus, who host Bologna today, are on 73 points.

Defending champions Milan, who face PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League semi-final, second leg on Wednesday, had to come from behind though against a spirited Fiorentina.

The defeat leaves Fiorentina in the relegation zone but Dino Zoff's side will feel they deserved at least a point.

The Florence side went ahead in the 25th minute when Enzo Maresca took advantage of Milan's defensive hesitation at a corner to head a bouncing ball past Brazilian keeper Dida.

Shevchenko brought Milan level just 47 seconds into the second half when the Ukrainian slotted home at the back post after a low cross from Serginho.

Nine minutes later Shevchenko grabbed the winner in a similar fashion - heading in a Serginho cross at the far post.

Milan survived some late pressure to emerge with a precious win that keeps alive their hopes of a rare Champions League and Serie A double.

After their trip to Eindhoven, where they will be defending a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Milan are at home to Juve next Sunday.

Bianchi equaliser

An injury time header from substitute Rolando Bianchi gave 10-man Cagliari a 1-1 draw with Reggina.

Cagliari move up to ninth place with their 42 points keeping them in contention for a UEFA Cup spot while Reggina are two points behind the Sardinians.

Giuseppe Colucci fired Reggina ahead with a fierce shot from the edge of the area in the 36th minute.

Cagliari were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute when winger Antonio Langella was handed a second yellow card for a crude challenge. Reggina had Mazzarri red carded 11 minutes from time.

The home side, still without their injured striker Gianfranco Zola, took a point when Bianchi rose well to angle a header past Reggina keeper Salvatore Soviero.