Parma are on course to stretch their unbeaten Serie A run to 16 matches after taking a 1-0 half-time lead over AC Milan at the San Siro this afternoon.

Antonio Cassano had the first sight of goal for the visitors when he fired a low free kick into the side-netting.

With less than five minutes of the game played, Milan were reduced to 10 men, as Christian Abbiati received a straight red card for bringing down Ezequiel Schelotto inside the box.

Former Rossoneri player Cassano stepped up to take the spot kick and slotted it into the bottom corner, with replacement keeper Marco Amelia diving the wrong way.

Mario Balotelli came close to responding for Milan when a corner fell kindly to him inside the six-yard box, but he could place his effort only against the post.

Parma pressed for a second goal and Cassano put a shot narrowly wide from close range following a corner.

Three minutes before the break the visitors almost doubled their lead when Jonathan Biabiany's cross was diverted towards goal by Philippe Mexes and Amelia reacted quickly to push the ball wide.