MX23RW : Monday, November 25 18:37:58| >> :120:32031:32031:
[monks data]
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.

ID:102237: cacheID:102237:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3710:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
AC Milan's Robinho in action during a friendly match against Valencia on July 27, 2013
Read Next:
Team News: Robinho starts for Milan, Matri on bench
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Napoli139222091129
2Atalanta BCAtalanta1391334161828
3Inter Milan1384131141728
4Fiorentina1384127101728
5Lazio1391328141428
6Juventus136702171425
7AC Milan125432014619
8Bologna124621516-118
9Udinese125161518-316
10Empoli12363910-115
11Torino134361619-315
12Roma133461418-413
13Parma132651721-412
14Hellas VeronaHellas Verona134091732-1512
15CagliariCagliari132561424-1011
16Genoa132561124-1311
17Como132471325-1210
18Monza131661116-59
19Lecce12237521-169
20VeneziaVenezia122281121-108


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!