Milan beat Chievo, thanks to Kaka's brace

Milan (Italy), March 30 (IANS) AC Milan midfielder Kaka scored twice at his 300th appearance for Milan in the 3-0 win over Chievo at San Siro Saturday.

Clarence Seedorf’s men raced to lead with only four minutes into play when Mario Balotelli met Adil Rami’s cross to volley home from close range. They ran rampant and mounted more attack on Chievo after the goal in an action-packed first half, Xinhua reported.

Kaka then doubled their deserved lead after 27 minutes when Keisuke Honda’s wonderfully chipped ball found the Brazilian star, who produced a brilliant first touch before rolling it into the net.

Nine minutes after the break, the 31-year old produced another wonder strike as he pounced on a poor defensive clearance to curl a stunning effort into the top corner of the net.

Chievo were awarded a penalty in the injury time, but Cyril Thereau’s kick was denied by the crossbar on what was a difficult night for the visitors, who remain three points above the relegation zone, while handing a boost to Milan’s slim hopes for European qualification.

Meanwhile, Atalanta came closer to their dream for a Europa League spot with a 2-0 win at Bologna in the day’s other game.

The visitors went 1-0 ahead in the 22nd mintue when Giuseppe De Luca pinched the ball from Diego Perez in midfield, before bursting into the box and slotting home for his second goal in as many games.

And things got worse for Bologna just four minutes later when a well-organised Atalanta doubled their lead through a stunning 30-yard effort from Marcelo Estigarribia.

The result was Atalanta’s sixth consecutive victory in the Italian Serie A and a new club record, while Bologna sit two points clear of the relegation zone, although nearest rivals Livorno could overtake them with a win over Inter Monday.