AC Milan’s frustrations at the San Siro continued on Wednesday as they slipped to defeat against fellow European hopefuls Sampdoria.

Two goals in the opening 25 minutes by Cristian Maggio and Gennaro Delvecchio put Samp in the driving seat, and although Milan pulled one back through Alberto Paloschi inside the final 20 minutes, Carlo Ancelotti’s men failed to force an equaliser.

Milan’s might have suspected they were in for a tough night when they lost talismanic midfielder Kaka after just nine minutes, the Brazilian suffering a recurrence of his recent back injury.

Samp’s night also ended on a sour note when Stefano Lucchini saw red for picking up a second booking at the death.

The defeat for the Rossoneri means they have won just four of 14 home games this season, and sees Samp close to within a point of fifth-placed Milan after 29 games.

Walter Mazzarri’s troops have now won three games on the spin to sit just five points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina, who occupy the final Champions League berth but suffered a 2-0 loss at Napoli on Wednesday.