AC Milan have climbed to fourth in Serie A after easing to a 3-1 victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon.

It was a bright start from Verona, and they were inches away from being ahead in the fifth minute when Luca Toni headed just past the post after finding space in the box.

Milan improved as the first half progressed, with the under-pressure Fernando Torres going close to breaking the deadlock when he fired wide at the end of an impressive solo run.

The visitors did open the scoring midway through the first half, but in slightly fortuitous fashion, as Rafael Marques turned the ball into his own net from Ignazio Abate's cross.

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Milan ensured that they went into the break in complete control thanks to Keisuke Honda, who latched onto an inch-perfect pass from Stephan El Shaarawy before firing home his side's second of the afternoon.

There would be no response at the start of the second half from Verona, and Milan extended their advantage even further when Adil Rami's defence-splitting pass allowed Honda to sprint clear and slot past Rafael.

Christian Abbiati ensured that Milan held onto their three-goal advantage with a fine save to keep out a swerving shot from Panagiotis Tachtsidis, before displaying his form again by denying Toni.

Verona managed to snatch a deserved consolation goal when Nicolas Lopez fired home from the edge of the box late on, but the afternoon ended disappointingly as Marquez was dismissed for a second yellow card in stoppage time.