AC Milan cruised to a 2-0 win against Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera on Wednesday night.
Two first half goals saw Carlos Bacca open the scoring with a near post tap-in, before M’Baye Niang made it two from the penalty spot.
The Rossoneri dominated the early stages and piled on the pressure from the outset. With Milan monopolising possession with precise, quick passes, the home side were reduced to playing on the counter.
It was the away side who had the first real chance in the 16th minute, when a mazy run from Carlos Bacca lead to a rather tame shot which was easily saved.
Just two minutes later, the deadlock was broken when Milan countered with pace and Ignazio Abate put it on a plate for Bacca, who slotted home at the near post.
In the 33rd minute, Palermo defender Edoardo Goldaniga contrived to handle the ball needlessly in the box. The penalty was given and M’Baye Niang coolly placed the spot-kick inside the right hand post.
It wasn’t until the 39th minute that Palermo had their first real chance, which saw Alberto Gilardino miss a great opportunity, putting his close-range header wide of the far post.
The second half started in pretty much the same fashion as the first. Juraj Kucka should have made it 3-0 when he missed a sitter after some good battling from Bacca on the right.
Palermo made all three substitutes before the hour mark but these changes did little to improve the Rosanero’s fortunes as only Aleksandar Trajkovski’s deflected volley stood out for them in the second period.
Second half substitute Mario Balotelli was unlucky to see his long range effort in the 78th minute go just over the bar.
As the game entered the final ten minutes, the home side’s heads dropped as they let Milan hold on to the ball with minimum pressing. The contest fizzled out as Palermo ran out of ideas and motivation.
The three points keep Milan in sixth, whilst Palermo drop to 15th.
