Mario Balotelli's second-half penalty was enough to give AC Milan victory in Clarence Seedorf's first game in charge of the club.
Seedorf's side created the better chances in a goalless first period against Hellas Verona, coming close early on when Kaka was picked out by Keisuke Honda's cross, although the Brazilian was unable to direct the Japanese attacking midfielder's cross on goal.
Kaka was involved again shortly after when his pass carved open the Verona defenc, before Balotelli put his effort wide of the post.
Milan continued their domination as Balotelli's free kick was spilt by Rafael in the Verona goal, but the ball was cleared by the away side's defence to the relief of the goalkeeper.
The second half continued in the same way the first had ended, with the hosts creating chances, the first of which fell to Honda. He worked some space to get a shot away at goal, but it flashed wide of the post.
Milan came even closer to breaking the deadlock when Robinho struck the post with his deflected effort, although the Rossoneri almost fell behind moments later when Martinho cut inside from the wing to drill in a shot at goal that was saved by Christian Abiatti.
Seedorf's side did get the breakthrough, however, courtesy of Balotelli, who converted a penalty on 82 minutes after Gonzalez was adjudged to have hacked down Kaka in the box.
The away side looked to level the game with less than 10 minutes remaining, but Milan held strong to get Seedorf off to the perfect start.
Daniel Lewis
