Milan's First Half Blitz Sinks Genoa

Genoa 0-3 AC Milan

A goal from Massimo Ambrosini and two from Kaka saw Milan run out 3-0 winners over a brave Genoa side. The Rossoneri were put under tremendous pressure in the second half, but defended solidly to make it a great start to the season.

Milan strolled to an easy 3-0 away win at Genoa after a first half rampage saw them stun the hosts, who gamely tried to recover in a more balanced second period.

Indeed, the home side didn't want for motivation, and Di Vaio in particular looked like he had a point to prove early on.

But the rossonerri, instead, came roaring into the game and dominated the opening twenty minutes. So, it was of little surprise when they took the lead.

Ambrosini burst forward to meet a pinpoint Pirlo cross, defenders aflap and Rubinho unable to get to it.

And then followed twenty-five minutes of sheer domination. Indeed, it could have been two just 180 seconds later, Kaka feeding Gattuso in the box, only for the ex-Rangers midfielder to disappointingly fire at the 'keeper, with Oddo looking for Kaka's provision instead.

Oddo, indeed, was proving himself a valuable member of the team, linking up beautifully with Gilardino, but it seemed as if the inevitable second goal wasn't going to come that half...

... until it did. Kaka showed why he's been the subject of endless transfer rumours this summer with a sweet finish - but it was Oddo who made the goal.

His sweet cross from the right found renaissance man Seedorf, who teed up the Brazilian for the second.

And then, minutes later, Kaka got his second, stroking home a penalty after Rubinho felled Gilardino on the very stroke of half time.

Genoa came out of the blocks much stronger in the second half, playing beautifully right up to the hour mark, but the likes of Di Vaio and Milanetto found their finish lacking.

Milan recovered to thwart a succession of Genovese efforts, and chipped in with some of their own, but the goalscoring was done and dusted for the day, the rossoblu's fightback cut down in its prime.

Genoa: Rubinho; Bega, Santos, Lucarelli, Konko; Milanetto, Paro, Juric, Papa Waigo; Gasparetto; Di Vaio

Milan: Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo; Ambrosini, Kaka, Seedorf; Gilardino Ambrosini
Goals: (20'); Kakà (44'); Kakà (48'+)