Brescia, trying desperately to avoid the fate of immediate relegation from Serie A as they have suffered in recent appearances in the top division, showed little respect for their much-vaunted opponents.

Despite their efforts, Milan showed their class in the first half, and took the lead with a goal from their German centre-forward Oliver Bierhoff in the 26th minute. The strike again demonstrated his excellence in the air, powerfully heading home a cross from point blank range.

The German then showed a more casual side to his nature shortly after, when he inexplicably failed to convert a simple goal from close range, which would probably have sealed the result in Milan's favour.

Then Milan missed more chances before half-time, with skipper Paulo Maldini guilty of missing another easy chance.

Brescia goalkeeper Luca Castellazi also kept the home side in the match with a fine save from Demetrio Albertini.

The home side changed the complexion of the match with an equaliser three minutes in to the second half. The goal came from their prolific striker Dario Hubner, who pounced on an uncharacteristic mistake by Maldini to score.

Flushed with confidence, Brescia pressed forward with Milan keeper Christian Abbiati keeping his side in the match with a series of good stops, particularly from Hubner and Andrea Pirlo.

But it was Milan who had the last opportunity to take all three points, when Bierhoff was guilty of heading straight in to the keeper's arms with the goal at his mercy.