Honours even as Roma hold AC Milan

Roma's midfielder Aleandro Mancini(R) is tackled by AC Milan's defender Marcos Cafu during their Italian Serie A football match at Rome's Olympic Stadium. AC Milan's hopes of securing a Champions League place next season were dented after they were held to a 1-1 draw at second-placed Roma.

AC Milan's hopes of securing a Champions League place next season were dented after they were held to a 1-1 draw at second-placed Roma on Saturday.

French defender Philippe Mexes gave Roma an early lead before the home side spurned several chances to extend their advantage.

Roma were made to pay for their wasted opportunities when Alberto Gilardino headed the equaliser in the 62nd minute.

Gilardino should have put the visitors ahead 11 minutes from time, but he dragged his shot wide after Kaka had put him clean through.

Both teams are involved in Champions League quarter-final, first leg matches next week, but there was no shortage of commitment from either side in a fiercely-contested clash at the Olympic stadium.

The result left Roma on 59 points, 17 behind leaders and champions-elect Inter Milan but 15 ahead of fifth-placed AC Milan.

The top two clubs in Serie A automatically go into the Champions League group stages, while the teams finishing third and fourth have to play in the two-legged third qualifying round.

Roma's defender Cristian Chivu(Top) heads the ball over AC Milan's forward Alberto Gilardino during their Italian Serie A football match at Rome's Olympic Stadium. AC Milan's hopes of securing a Champions League place next season were dented after they were held to a 1-1 draw at second-placed Roma.

Milan's disappointment at not claiming three points in their chase for a top-four finish was offset slightly by the return of central defender Alessandro Nesta after five months out following shoulder surgery.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admitted his side were outplayed in the first half, but couldn't help reflecting on Gilardino's late miss.

"We are relatively satisfied," he said.

"You expect to come under pressure here, and we were up against it in the first half.

"But I though we reacted well in the second half, and if only Gilardino could have put that chance away we might have left here with three points."

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said his team were in good shape for Wednesday's mouth-watering European tie at home to English Premiership leaders Manchester United.

"The lads did everything asked of them and they look good physically, and that bodes well for the two matches with United," he said.

Mexes, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Friday, put Roma ahead with a stunning strike in the fourth minute, hammering a shot into the roof of the net after a right-wing corner was played to him on the edge of the 18-yard box.

Roma's defender Philippe Mexes(L) fights for the ball with AC Milan's forward Ricardo Oliveira during their Italian Serie A football match at Rome's Olympic Stadium. AC Milan's hopes of securing a Champions League place next season were dented after they were held to a 1-1 draw at second-placed Roma.

AC Milan, who were deducted eight points this season for their involvement in last summer's match-fixing scandal, went close to levelling the score eight minutes later when Dario Simic's glancing header spun inches wide.

Gilardino grabbed the equaliser when his flicked header from Andrea Pirlo's crossed free-kick beat Alexander Doni.

Earlier Saturday, Siena eased their relegation fears with a precious 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Reggina.

A headed goal by Valerio Bertotto in first half stoppage-time was enough to seal the points for the visitors.

Siena's win left them in 13th place in the 20-team division on 30 points, five ahead of Reggina and six clear of the relegation zone.