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Milan logo
Serie A
Sep 1, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
Cagliari logo

3-1

Robinho (8'), Mexes (29'), Balotelli (62')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Sau (32')

Mario Balotelli inspires AC Milan victory

Mario Balotelli scores one and creates two as AC Milan survive a scare to ease past Cagliari 3-1 for their first win in Serie A this season.

AC Milan have recorded their first victory in Serie A this season with a 3-1 win over Cagliari, led by an impressive performance from striker Mario Balotelli.

Milan's Robinho celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Cagliari on September 1, 2013© AFP

The Rossoneri started brightly at the San Siro and took the lead after eight minutes through Robinho, who smashed home Balotelli's cross from close range at the far post.

Massimiliano Allegri's side went further ahead on 29 minutes through an unlikely source, with Philippe Mexes reacted quickest in the six-yard box to find the target after Balotelli's shot from distance had been spilled.

Milan's Philippe Mexes celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Cagliari on September 1, 2013© AFP

Milan looked to be cruising but Cagliari reduced the deficit just three minutes later in stunning fashion, as Marco Sau beat Mexes before curling a drive into the top corner from 20 yards.

Cagliari enjoyed their best spell of possession just before the break but were unable to take advantage and paid the price after the interval.

After threatening throughout, it was Balotelli who put the three points beyond doubt, lashing into the top corner after Ignazio Abate's cross had caused chaos inside the Cagliari penalty area.

Alessandro Matri came on for his Milan debut in the closing stages, while Sau missed a sitter at the other end as Allegri's side held firm to earn their maiden win of the campaign.

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AC Milan's Robinho in action during a friendly match against Valencia on July 27, 2013
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Napoli19142330121844
2Atalanta BCAtalanta19132343202341
3Inter Milan17124145153040
4Lazio2011363428636
5Juventus19712031161533
6Fiorentina1895431181332
7AC Milan187742718928
8Bologna177732521428
9Udinese207482328-525
10Roma196582624223
11Torino205782025-522
12Empoli204881925-620
13Genoa194871627-1120
14Lecce2055101432-1820
15Parma194782534-919
16Como194782131-1019
17Hellas VeronaHellas Verona1961122442-1819
18CagliariCagliari2046101933-1418
19VeneziaVenezia1935111832-1414
20Monza1917111727-1010


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