MILAN, October 19 (Serie A) - AC Milan continued their recovery from a rocky start to the season with victory over Sampdoria on Sunday, but it was not always as straight forward as the final score suggests.

Although missing several players through injury and suspension, Sampdoria put up a good fight until Stefano Lucchini handled Ronaldinho's shot inside the area to earn a second yellow card in the 54th minute.

Ronaldinho scored the resulting penalty, then added a second in the 66th minute before Filippo Inzaghi capped the victory in the final minute.

Milan did not have it all their own way in the first half however.

After Marco Borriello had missed from close range for the hosts, Samp took control of the game.

In the sixth minute, Antonio Cassano raced into the area before forcing a good save from Christian Abbiati.

A minute later Cassano turned provider, but Jonathan Bottinelli's header was just wide.

Marco Padalino then tried to set up Gennaro Delvecchio but Paolo Maldini made a timely intervention as Delvecchio prepared to pull the trigger.

In the 21st minute, Delvecchio struck a superb volley which flew just past the right-hand post.

At the other end, Marek Jankulowski c****ined with Ronaldinho to break through on goal, but his shot was tame and Luca Castellazzi held on.

A minute later the goalkeeper was in action again to save Ronaldinho's free-kick.

Alexandre Pato should have put Milan ahead in the 35th minute but scuffed a good chance from close range after more good work from Ronaldinho.

Samp were back on the attack in the 39th minute but Abbiatti was able to parry Cassano's drilled shot.

Having been on the back foot for much of the first half, Milan looked a different team after the break.

Just a minute after the restart, Kaka skimmed the left-hand post with a shot from the edge of the area.

The game then turned in the 54th minute as Lucchini handled to give Ronaldinho the chance from the spot.

Cassano tried to respond to the opener but could not beat Abbiati in the 62nd minute, and moments later Milan doubled their advantage as Kaka went on a superb run before finding Ronaldinho who applied the finish from the edge of the area.

Borriello wasted a fine chance to make it three in the 69th minute as Kaka went on another fine run, only for the young striker fire wide.

A third goal looked as though it would only be a matter of time as Ronaldinho's free-kick hit the crossbar on its way over and Emerson too found the woodwork with a header from Kaka's corner.

Ronaldinho could have had a hat-trick five minutes from time but Castelazzi saved his volleyed shot.

The finishing touch came in the final minute as Invaghi rounded the goalkeeper before slotting home from a tight angle.

 

-- Edited by shamar at 13:54, 2008-10-20