体坛英语新闻：Milan teams crash in search for timely win

ROME, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- AC Milan and cross-city rivals Inter did not have their day as both lost in the fourth round of the Italian Serie A on Sunday.

Nine-man Milan succumbed 2-1 in Udinese to put more pressure on their beleaguered head coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The former Cagliari boss has spent the last fortnight deflecting speculation his job is under threat and will now face more tough questions should he remain in charge at the San Siro.

Udinese put their opponents under the cosh with a Mathias Ranegie goal just before half-time, with Stephan El Shaarawy restoring some confidence for the visitors in the second period with a mercurial finish from 25 yards.

But as Cristian Zapata became the first of two Milan players to be dismissed, Kevin Prince-Boateng later walking for two yellow cards, Antonio Di Natale converted from the penalty spot to earn the Zebrette their first three-point haul of the new campaign and cast Allegri's future into serious doubt.

Allegri insisted that his job is not at risk after the match.

"Talking about my dismissal would be senseless, as it's not my decision. I have never had a problem and, considering our rapport, neither has the club," he said.

"I don't feel guilty, nor a victim. We lost today, yes, but played with courage down to nine men and that is a good sign. The lads deserve credit for that," he said.

AC Milan club vice president Adriano Galliani assured the public that Allegri will not be sacked for the loss to Udinese.

"Allegri is not up for debate. We are going forward with this coach, as he has the total faith of the president and me," he said.

Second-half goals from Simone Vergassola and Francesco Valiani saw Siena claim their first Serie A victory of the season after shocking Inter Milan 2-0 at the San Siro.

Inter head coach Andrea Stramaccioni admitted that his side suffered an "ugly defeat".

"It's an ugly defeat," he said. "Now we mustn't lose faith in the work we are doing, as in the first half we created so many chances and were simply unable to find the goal."

Until now, both the Milan teams have not yet won any official match at home.

Sampdoria's perfect record in Serie A was brought to an end by Torino, who earned a point at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris thanks to a 1-1 draw.

Napoli dropped their first points of the Serie A season as they were held to a goalless draw at Catania - despite playing for virtually the entire match against ten men.

Genoa ended Lazio's perfect start to the season thanks to a goal from former Roma striker Marco Borriello securing a 1-0 win despite an otherwise one-sided game at the Stadio Olimpico.

Pescara survived the second-half dismissal of goalkeeper Mattia Perin to hold on for their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at Bologna.

Cristian Raimondi denied Gian Piero Gasperini any joy on his debut as Palermo manager with his late header earning Atalanta a 1-0 victory.

The match between Cagliari and Roma was called off after the Sardinian club's president defied local authority orders to exclude fans from their new stadium.