AC Milan took all three points with a comfortable 3-1 win over Catania in this afternoon's Serie A clash.

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The home side took a surprise lead on 13 minutes through an outstanding effort from Lucas Castro, who weaved through the Milan defence and drilled a shot past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Antonio Nocerino had a chance to equalise minutes later, but the midfielder blazed his effort well over the bar.

Two minutes later, Pablo Barrientos almost doubled Catania's lead, but his strike went just wide of the post.

Milan equalised after 20 minutes when Riccardo Montolivo met Urby Emanuelson's cross, controlling well and firing past the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

Castro worried the away side's defence again on 33 minutes, firing a shot towards goal, but it was blocked well.

Fabian Monzon had a fine solo effort just before half time, breezing past defenders before the goalkeeper saved well.

Mario Balotelli began to get into the game in the second half and came close on two occasions, but saw his efforts blocked by a stubborn defence.

Balotelli struck on 64 minutes, firing a low free kick past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

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Panagiotis Tachtsidis saw red a minute later for a dangerous challenge, leaving the home side with ten men for the rest of the game.

Kaka wrapped up the game for Milan on 81 minutes, finishing well from a Montolivo pass.