Balotelli scores as Milan return to winning ways

Mario Balotelli and Kaka were on the scoresheet as AC Milan came from behind to beat Catania 3-1.

The duo scored in the second half to give Milan their first Serie A win since October and ease the pressure on boss Massimo Allegri.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis was shown a straight red after Balotelli’s goal for a late challenge on the ex-Manchester City striker.

Ricardo Montolivo had equalised for the visitors after Lucas Castro had given Catania a shock lead.

Milan were without a host of key players including goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, Ignazio Abate, Philippe Mexes, Sulley Muntari and Robinho and it showed as they struggled in the opening stages.

And they fell behind on 12 minutes when Catania’s first attack led to Castro’s effort from close range hitting Daniele Bonera and looping over the keeper into the net.

That spurred the home side on and Pablo Barrientos went close with a fierce effort from 25 yards that went inches wide.

But Milan equalised on 18 minutes when Urby Emanuelson’s pinpoint cross from the left found an unmarked Montolivo who volleyed the ball past the keeper with ease.

Catania continued to create the better chances though with Tachtsidis’s free-kick appearing to strike Balotelli’s arm but the ref waved play on.

Milan goalkeeper Gabriel then denied Maxi Lopez after racing off his line to block the striker’s sliding shot and minutes later parried Luciano's Monzon’s long-range effort.

The second half began with half chances for both sides with Castro blazing over from distance, while Antonio Nocerino glanced his header wide from Kaka’s free-kick.

Balotelli had a mixed afternoon, summed up by a chance on the hour mark with a free header which he placed wide from six yards out.

But he made amends soon after with a ferocious free-kick from the edge of the box which flew into the bottom left-hand corner.

Balotelli continued to be in the thick of the action as he was tackled by Tachtsidis with a high challenge which led to the Greek midfielder being shown a red card.

Despite being a man down, Catania continued to press and Jaroslav Plasil went close to an equaliser with a curling effort from distance that went narrowly over.

Balotelli should have increased the Rossoneri’s lead when he was clear on goal but he fired his shot straight at the keeper.

Milan, with just three points from their previous five games, sealed victory when Kaka ran into the area and rifled the ball into the roof of the net for his third goal in three games.

The result moves Milan into ninth place while Catania stay rooted to the bottom.