AC Milan have beaten Chievo 1-0 in an edgy Serie A encounter.

Chievo started brightly as Cyril Thereau shot wide early on when he could have done better.

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Luca Rigoni also fired over after 20 minutes before Chievo were punished for their wastefulness as Riccardo Montolivo netted the opener a few minutes later.

Marc Antonio Bentegodi headed goalwards from a corner but couldn't quite get his effort on target.

Mario Balotelli had a shot saved by Sebastian Frey just before the break as Milan went in ahead.

The away side started to get on top and both Robinho and Balotelli both shot off target looking for the two-goal cushion.

With just over 10 minutes left, Dario Dainelli picked up his second yellow card to make Chievo's task much harder.

They were unable to get back in the game and Milan held on for a 1-0 win.