Mario Balotelli scores goal as AC Milan beats Parma

AC Milan will face Barcelona in the Champions League next week without Cup-tied Mario Balotelli.

Antonio Calanni/AP

MILAN (AP) -- Mario Balotelli scored his fourth goal in three matches since joining AC Milan as his new team beat Parma 2-1 at home on Friday.

Parma defender Gabriel Paletta scored an own goal in the 39th minute to put Milan ahead, accidentally redirecting a cross from Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Balotelli hit the crossbar with a free kick in the 63rd, then found the target with another free kick in the 78th.

Nicola Sansone pulled one back for Parma in added time.

The victory moved Milan provisionally level with third-place Lazio, 11 points behind Serie A leader Juventus.

On Saturday, Juventus visits struggling Roma. Also this weekend, second-place Napoli hosts Sampdoria, Lazio visits Siena and fourth-place Inter plays at Fiorentina.

Milan faces Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League next week.

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