Double celebration for proud Shevchenko

AC Milan's Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko (C) celebrates with his teammates Giuseppe Pancaro (L) and Alessandro Costacurta (R) after scoring against Sampdoria during their Serie A match at Luigi Ferraris stadium in Genoa.

Andriy Shevchenko was bursting with pride after scoring AC Milan's winner at Sampdoria the day after the arrival of his first child.

The 28-year-old Ukrainian, who became a father on Friday when his wife Kristen gave birth to a boy called Jordan, came off the bench to settle Saturday's contest and take AC Milan to within two points of leaders Juventus, who play at home to Chievo on Sunday.

"I am so happy," said Shevchenko after grabbing his sixth goal of the campaign in Genoa.

"Yesterday I became a father and it was the most beautiful thing in the world.

"Today I wanted to give a hand to my colleagues and I was able to do so. These three points are extremely important as it keeps us in touch with Juventus."

Shevchenko entered the action in the 65th minute and nine minutes later he was on the scoresheet.

Brazilian wingback Serginho played a swift one-two with Hernan Crespo before his attempted chip was blocked by Sampdoria keeper Francesco Antonioli, but Shevchenko snapped up the rebound, his right-footed shot breaking the deadlock.

Inter Milan's Adriano controls the ball in the Italian Serie A football match against Lazio at Meazza stadium in Milan.

He celebrated his goal by performing a rocking of the cradle celebration with his teammates.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed Shevchenko had insisted on playing some part in the match, despite not sleeping much on Friday night.

"I want to personally thank Sheva," he said. "I was with him yesterday evening and he was very worried, but I told him to relax as he would be rested for the match.

"But he didn't want to listen and said he wanted to play the last half-hour, score and dedicate the goal to his son. He kept his promise!"

Milan have 20 points from their nine matches, two less than Juventus who have played a game less.