Milan, Feb 06: Lazio gave themselves a strong chance of reaching the Italian Cup final after beating holders AC Milan 2-1 in their semi-final, first leg at the San Siro.
A dreadful error from home keeper Christian Abbiati allowed Lazio to take the lead with just one minute on the clock.
Abbiati, making a rare start in place of regular keeper Dida, made a hash of a backpass from Martin Laursen and his attempted clearance struck Stefano Fiore and ricocheted into the back of the net.
Roberto Mancini's side doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Milan failed to clear a corner and Bernardo Corradi's low shot through a crowded area was turned in from close-range by Portuguese defender Fernando Couto.
Just on the stroke of halftime Milan, who had won eight games in all competitions since Christmas, pulled a goal back when striker Filippo Inzaghi, returning after a month out with injury, produced a trademark finish, turning his defender and steering home a low pass into the box from Dario Simic.



With a goal lead and two away goals in the bag, Lazio will fancy their chances of making it through next Wednesday's second-leg in Rome.



Juventus and Inter Milan drew 2-2 in turin in the other semi-final played on Wednesday.


Bureau Report