体坛英语新闻：Milan routed Chievo 4-0 as Inter teetered to last-minute win

ROME, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions AC Milan put on an inspiring performance to thrash Chievo 4-0 at home after Inter struggled to a 1-0 win at Siena thanks to a last minute strike on Sunday.

The contest at San Siro was indeed over before the break with the Rossoneri scoring four times in the opening period, Zlatan Ibrahimovic grabbing two of them with the second a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva opened Milan's account after eight minutes with Alexandre Pato also getting in on the act.

Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri praised his side's performance, which pushed them to move within one point of the leaders Juventus.

"I was pleased with the attitude and pressure we immediately put Chievo under," he said.

He singled out the striking duo Alexandre Pato and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for praise.

"Ibra's talent needs no comment. It was important that Pato get back to scoring and had a good performance, but the really crucial thing to note is that they were both supported by a solid team that allowed nothing to their opponents," he said.

Chievo head coach Domenico di Carlo lamented over his side's deplorable show.

"The lads knew they got everything wrong that it was possible to get wrong. At half-time I just asked them to stay calm and play like Chievo, so we did seem like more of a team unit in the second half," he said.

"I know full well my Chievo is a different side to the one we saw tonight," he added.

Inter Milan looked to finally embarked on their Serie A campaign after they beat Siena 1-0 due to a late goal from substitute Luc Castaignos

The goal arrived in the final minute when Castaignos' right-foot finish from Motta's assist earned them all three points.

Cagliari's run without a win continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow strugglers Bologna at the Sant' Elia stadium.

Palermo claimed their sixth home victory in a row to move up to fifth after beating Fiorentina 2-0.

Adrian Mutu struck twice in the second half as Cesena beat Genoa 2-0 for their first home triumph of the season.