AC Milan defeated Verona 3-1 at the Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday afternoon in Serie A action.
Both sides were looking to continue promising starts with both sides suffering only one defeat in their opening six encounters. However, it was Milan who came away with the points in an exciting encounter thanks to an unusual own goal by Rafael Marques and two clean finishes from Keisuke Honda, with a late Verona consolation from Nicolas Lopez.
Verona had the best of the early play as Vangelis Moras and Luca Toni linked well on the right flank as the Greek international crossed to find the head of the 37-year-old forward, who headed just wide with a strong header.
Milan fought their way into the match and Stephan El Shaarawy had an opportunity to score following a scuffed effort from Andrea Poli, but the youngster could do no better on his return to the starting line-up as he scuffed effort was hit straight at Verona goalkeeper Rafael.
Fernando Torres controlled the ball well in the box and shot wide on the turn before the Rossoneri took the lead in the 21st minute in bizarre circumstances.
Ignazio Abate crossed into the empty box as Verona defender Rafael Marques hopelessly sliced his clearance into the back of the net and past the stranded Rafael.
Verona sought an equaliser through Emil Hallfredsson as the Icelander ran at Milan’s defence but could not find the bottom corner with his powerful drive from just outside the box.
It was Milan who were more clinical in front of goal and extended their lead through Keisuke Honda.
El Shaarawy produced a splendid through ball that found Honda free in the box as the Japanese international finished well with his left foot into the corner of goal.
Toni challenged veteran goalkeeper Christian Abbiati on the volley with the former Italy stopper saving well towards the top corner.
Abbiati was in excellent form and saved brilliantly again in similar circumstances just a few moments later as Bosko Jankovic challenged the Milan goal with a fine header.
Milan got their third in the 56th minute as Honda continued his excellent start to the season to score his 6th goal in 7 games .
Adil Rami saw Honda in space and lofted a through ball from deep in the Milan half which found the 28-year-old who placed the ball into the corner after running into the Verona penalty area.
Abate cut inside and fired wide as Milan dominated the second half, although Verona had several half chances to get back into the game.
Toni should have scored on two occasions for the Gialloblu but scuffed crosses from Juanito Gomez as the Argentine cut back from the wing.
Substitute Nicolas Lopez got a late consolation for Verona, cutting in from the right to fire into the Milan net in a crowded penalty area and almost had a second as Nene was found in the six yard box, although the Brazilian fired over under pressure from the defense.
Rafael Marquez was sent of for a silly challenge deep in stoppages but was too late to have any influence on the result.
