AC Milan have been held by a newly-promoted side for the second time in a week as they played out a 1-1 draw with Cesena in Serie A this afternoon.

Fernando Torres had a sight of goal for the visitors inside the opening five minutes, but his flicked header was comfortably saved by Nicola Leali.

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It was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Guido Marilungo saw his effort spilled by Christian Abbiati and Davide Succi bundled in the rebound.

Keisuke Honda almost brought Milan level soon after, but his powerful free kick was tipped over the bar by Leali.

However, the visitors were able to find the net in the 19th minute as Adil Rami headed in from Honda's corner.

In the 73rd minute Milan were reduced to 10 men when Cristian Zapata was shown a straight red card for tugging back Gregoire Defrel.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Rossoneri looked the more likely to score and substitute Giampaolo Pazzini headed an effort just over the bar.

In the closing stages Cesena appeared to grab the winning goal, but Emmanuel Cascione's poked effort from close range was disallowed for a foul on Abbiati.

It proved to be the final note of incident as the match finished in a draw, leaving Milan seven points adrift of league leaders Juventus.