Balotelli saves Milan blushes at Cagliari

MILAN (AFP) - Mario Balotelli scored his third goal in two games for AC Milan to snatch a share of the points in a 1-1 draw at Cagliari Sunday as Roma's slump continued with a 3-1 defeat to Sampdoria.

AC Milan remain fourth, 14 points behind leaders Juventus but will drop to fifth if city rivals Inter account for Chievo at the San Siro in Sunday's late game.

Balotelli, signed from Manchester City 10 days ago, grabbed a brace, including one goal from the penalty spot, in a 2-1 win over Udinese last week.

But despite securing a share of the points in Sardinia, the striker spurned several chances to secure all three points for Milan during a finale in which the visitors belatedly laid siege to the Cagliari goal.