18.01.2016 23:02 h

Bocalon brace secures dream Milan tie for Alessandria

A dramatic late brace from Riccardo Bocalon kept Alessandria's Italian Cup dream alive on Monday after a 2-1 win over Spezia set up a semi-final tie with AC Milan.

Milan became the first team into the last four of the competition with a 2-1 win over Serie A strugglers Carpi last week.

Alessendria, who play in Italy's third division 'Lega Pro', had knocked out top flight sides Palermo and Genoa to set up a quarter-final date with Spezia, who had ended Roma's run.

Serie B outfit Spezia looked to be on their way to the semis after holding on to the lead from a 20th minute penalty by former Napoli and Torino forward Emanuele Calaio.

But the Ligurians were stunned in a nine-minute spell at the end of the encounter when Bocalon came off the bench to level seven minutes from the finish when he sprung the offside trap to beat Leandro Chichizol.

In the second minute of added-on time, Bocalon swept home a cross to secure a dramatic win.

Serie A leaders Napoli host Inter Milan on Tuesday looking to secure a last four spot against either holders Juventus or Lazio, who play in Rome on Wednesday.