Balotelli penalty helps AC Milan to win in Italian Cup semis

Posted January 26, 2016 6:00 am

The Associated Press

AC Milan's Mario Balotelli, second from left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Italian Cup first-leg, semifinal match between Alessandria and AC Milan, at the Turin Olympic stadium, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. (Alessandro Di Marco/ANSA via AP) The Associated Press

TURIN, Italy (AP) - Mario Balotelli converted a first-half penalty and AC Milan beat third-division Alessandria 1-0 in the opening leg of the Italian Cup semifinals on Tuesday.

Getting his first start after several months out with an injured pelvis, Balotelli calmly scored from the spot shortly before halftime after Luca Antonelli was fouled inside the area as he slalomed between defenders.

As usual, Balotelli did not celebrate.

A few minutes earlier, Balotelli wasted a great chance after being set up by Keisuke Honda with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Milan substitute M'Baye Niang, who replaced Balotelli midway through the second half, hit the post near the end.

The match was at Turin's Stadio Olimpico because the stadium in Alessandria, outside Turin, wasn't big enough.

It's the first time a third-division club has reached the last four since Bari 32 years ago. Alessandria eliminated Serie A clubs Palermo and Genoa.

Juventus hosts Inter Milan in the other semifinal on Wednesday.

The return legs are scheduled for March 1, 2 or 3.

AC Milan's Mario Balotelli, right, scores on a penalty kick during the Italian Cup first-leg, semifinal match between Alessandria and AC Milan, at the Turin Olympic stadium, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. (Alessandro Di Marco/ANSA via AP) The Associated Press

AC Milan's Mario Balotelli reaches for the ball during the Italian Cup first-leg, semifinal match between Alessandria and AC Milan, at the Turin Olympic stadium, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. (Alessandro Di Marco/ANSA via AP) The Associated Press

AC Milan's Kevin Prince Boateng, left, is challenged by Alessandria's Gianluca Nicco during their Italian Cup first-leg, semifinal match, at the Turin Olympic stadium, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. (Alessandro Di Marco/ANSA via AP) The Associated Press

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