AC Milan ended a run of three games without a win with an unconvincing home victory over Chievo. After missing several first-half chances, Milan took the lead when Sulley Muntaris volley looped over goalkeeper Francesco Bardi. Chievo threatened to score on the counter-attack as Dejan Lazarevic and Alberto Paloschi wasted clear openings. But Keisuke Hondas curling free-kick made the points safe for Milan, who are fifth in the table. The 18-time Italian champions are looking to compete for the title again after finishing a distant eighth last season and missing out on European qualification. A promising start under new manager Filippo Inzaghi had been checked by a home defeat by Juventus and draws with Empoli and Cesena. Milan started purposefully, as the influential Frenchman Jeremy Menez drove narrowly wide from the edge of the area. Giacomo Bonaventura almost turned a Fernando Torres drive into the net and Honda curled wide. The breakthrough came 10 minutes after the break when Hondas cross from the right was headed as far as the edge of the area. Charging forward and taking the ball on the volley, Muntari unleashed a fierce drive into the ground which bounced and fizzed over Bardi. Honda nearly doubled Milans lead but he was inches away from converting Ignazio Abates low cross before Bardi kept out Menezs low drive with his head. Chievo wasted a golden chance on the counter with a three-on-one break. Lazarevic, with two men to his right, fluffed his pass with the goal gaping. Honda settled the home supporters nerves in the 78th minute with a curling effort from 25 yards. Bardi got a hand to the strike but could not prevent it from creeping into the corner. Chievo striker Paloschi found himself one-on-one with Christian Abbiati in the closing stages, but his weak lob was saved to ensure Milan recorded their first clean sheet since Inzaghi took charge. Juventus host Roma on Sunday in a meeting between Serie As top two sides. Both have made a 100% start to the season. Courtesy:bbc
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 23:41:24 +0000
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