AC Milan stumble again

MILAN, Sep 30 (Reuters) A second-half penalty taken by Kaka earned AC Milan a 1-1 draw with Sicilian outsiders Catania at the San Siro today as the European champions' poor domestic form continued.

Milan, who visit Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, have not won in Serie A since their opening-day victory at Genoa five games ago.

Kaka levelled the score after Uruguayan midfielder Jorge Martinez had headed the visitors in front in the 25th minute.

After six games Milan have seven points, seven fewer than leaders Inter Milan who thrashed AS Roma 4-1 yesterday.

Milan thought they had equalised three minutes after falling behind when an Andrea Pirlo freekick hit the crossbar and Filippo Inzaghi netted the ricochet, but the goal was disallowed for handball.

Kaka's equaliser came in the 48th minute after Catania's Mark Edusei had intercepted a cross with his arm.

Keeper Ciro Polito did well to stop a powerful Kaka shot from outside the area 15 minutes into the second half.

Milan tried to push forward but Catania defended well and created some dangerous chances on the counter-attack.

''We're not going through a good spell. We're a bit careless and a bit slow,'' Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti told Sky television.

''There is no tension or friction. The team is very serene and serenity was the key to winning the Champions League last year''.

Lazio, who rested several first-choice players in view of Wednesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid, drew 1-1 at Reggina.

Fiorentina are second on 12 points after Saturday's 3-0 win at Tuscan rivals Livorno.

Roma are third with 11 points and fourth-placed Juventus, who have 10 points, take on cross-town rivals Torino later on Sunday.

Reuters RS GC2325