Milan cruise to Dutch win

Jong-a-Pin own goal and efforts from Gattuso and Inzaghi seal win

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 23rd October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Milan cruise to Dutch win

Gattuso: Scored second

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AC Milan got their Uefa Cup Group E campaign off to a winning start with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Heerenveen.

Two first-half goals within four minutes plus a second-half effort from Filippo Inzaghi sealed the points for the Italian giants, although the Dutch hosts pulled back a late penalty consolation.

Andriy Shevchenko had the first effort on goal, forcing keeper Brian Vandenbussche into a save from a free-kick in the third minute.

Mika Vayrynen then made Dida save at the other end, before a Calvin Jong-a-Pin own goal put the visitors in front on 19 minutes.

The goal came from a Kaka corner, with the luckless Heerenveen left back directing the Brazilian's cross from the right into his own net.

Doubled advantage

The Italians then doubled their advantage four minutes later with a Gennaro Gattuso strike, with Kaka again the provider.

The home side pressed to get back in the game, forcing Dida into several more saves, before Inzaghi sealed the points on 69 minutes.

His right footed effort from inside the area meant he became the all-time record goalscorer in Uefa club competitions with 64 goals, one ahead of Real Madrid's Raul.

The hosts then scored a late consolation when Danijel Pranjic netted from the spot with four minutes to go, after Paulo Henrique was fouled in the area by Giuseppe Favalli.