Sergio Floccari's equaliser prevented AC Milan from returning to winning ways tonight as Lazio earned a deserved point at the Stadio Olimpico.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had given the Rossoneri a 1-0 lead in the 66th minute only for Lazio to hit back with nine minutes remaining.
Milan were unlucky not to claim all three points after Gianluca Zambrotta's strike rattled the crossbar two minutes from time.
The result marked Milan's second straight draw and their third game without a win under new boss Massimiliano Allegri.
Ibrahimovic should have given the visitors a seventh-minute lead but the Swede failed to beat Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in a one-on-one.
Shortly afterwards, Ibrahimovic got behind Andrea Pirlo's free-kick and beat his marker before firing a right-footed strike that Muslera turned away for a corner.
On the half-hour mark, Lazio had their first chance.
Floccari fed Hernanes on the edge of the area and he fired just wide of the far post.
Lazio should have taken the lead before the break but Stefano Mauri's 15-yard strike was met by a fine save by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.
Shortly after the restart, Floccari's attempt from outside the area was kept out by Abbiati
On the hour, Abbiati cleared Hernanes' 14-yard shot with his knee as Milan's defence looked to be under constant threat.
But it was Milan that took a surprise lead after the hour mark.
A defensive distraction from Lazio saw Ibrahimovic connect with Clarence Seedorf's pass and he struck the ball past Muslera to put his team in front.
Lazio coach Edoardo Reja brought in attacking duo Tommaso Rocchi and Mauro Zarate.
But it was Floccari that came to the rescue for the home side.
Hernanes' cross found Floccari at the heart of the area and his left-footed strike towards the top left corner beat Abbiati.
Lazio still could have claimed victory had Abbiati not made a great save to deny Hernanes from close range with one minute to go.
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Milan 1 Catania 1
MILAN: Abbiati, Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Boateng, Pirlo, Seedorf; Ronaldinho, Inzaghi, Ibrahimovic.
CATANIA: Andujar; Potenza, Silvestre, Spolli, Capuano; Carboni; Mascara, Izco, Biagianti, Ricchiuti; Lopez.
Milan failed to keep their 100 percent record at San Siro after being held by a determined Catania outfit during Saturday evening's posticipo.
The Rossoneri started brightly but were stunned on 27 minutes when Ciro Capuano made the most of a poor clearance to rifle home a volleyed finish from long range. Filippo Inzaghi levelled proceedings on the stroke of half time as he stabbed home in the six yard box in trademark fashion.
Milan threw everything at the visitors after the break but they lacked the luck in the final third needed to find the winning goal.
Both sides were forced to settle for a draw which moves them up to four points apiece in the standings. Despite an improved all round performance, the Diavolo left the field discontent after failing to win at San Siro for the first time this term.
A slow start to the encounter favoured Milan who took an early hold of possession looking to work from the back. Inzaghi was served with a golden chance on 13 minutes, but the usually razor sharp hitman snuffed his effort just yards from goal.
The Rossoneri looked far more convincing than their midweek showing in the Champions League and Massimiliano Allegri’s men dictated proceedings as they worked the ball around rapidly in attack.
Capuano stunned the home crowd on 26 minutes when he buried a shot into the back of the net from 25 yards. The Diavolo were stunned but there was little Christian Abbiati could do to block a stunning effort. The goal put the wind in Catania’s sails and Marco Giampaolo’s outfit were a different side, boosted by the lead.
Milan got themselves back into the game, however, on the stroke of half time when Inzaghi stabbed home following a rifled assist from Ronaldinho. The goal had been coming for the Rossoneri and they merited the equaliser for their insistent approach.
The Diavolo came out firing after the break and were unlucky not to take the lead when Mariano Andujar beat away Clarance Seedorf’s well taken strike.
Milan continued to get men forward in numbers but Catania were well organised at the back and made life difficult as they paid extra attention to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Giuseppe Mascara attempted a speculative drive on 65 minutes, but the Elefanti marksman could not find the bottom corner as Abbiati read the effort attentively.
Despite a late push the Rossoneri were unable to find the match-winning goal. Allegri’s men left the field with a point and the coach was left happy with the improved performance despite failure to secure victory.
The result leaves Milan two points off leaders Chievo after having played a game more than the Gialloblu. After holding the Rossoneri in the same fixture last year, Catania returned from the San Siro with another point, a feat which the Elefanti had never completed twice in a row before this evening.
CATANIA: Andujar; Potenza, Silvestre, Spolli, Capuano; Carboni; Mascara, Izco, Biagianti, Ricchiuti; Lopez.
Milan failed to keep their 100 percent record at San Siro after being held by a determined Catania outfit during Saturday evening's posticipo.
The Rossoneri started brightly but were stunned on 27 minutes when Ciro Capuano made the most of a poor clearance to rifle home a volleyed finish from long range. Filippo Inzaghi levelled proceedings on the stroke of half time as he stabbed home in the six yard box in trademark fashion.
Milan threw everything at the visitors after the break but they lacked the luck in the final third needed to find the winning goal.
Both sides were forced to settle for a draw which moves them up to four points apiece in the standings. Despite an improved all round performance, the Diavolo left the field discontent after failing to win at San Siro for the first time this term.
A slow start to the encounter favoured Milan who took an early hold of possession looking to work from the back. Inzaghi was served with a golden chance on 13 minutes, but the usually razor sharp hitman snuffed his effort just yards from goal.
The Rossoneri looked far more convincing than their midweek showing in the Champions League and Massimiliano Allegri’s men dictated proceedings as they worked the ball around rapidly in attack.
Capuano stunned the home crowd on 26 minutes when he buried a shot into the back of the net from 25 yards. The Diavolo were stunned but there was little Christian Abbiati could do to block a stunning effort. The goal put the wind in Catania’s sails and Marco Giampaolo’s outfit were a different side, boosted by the lead.
Milan got themselves back into the game, however, on the stroke of half time when Inzaghi stabbed home following a rifled assist from Ronaldinho. The goal had been coming for the Rossoneri and they merited the equaliser for their insistent approach.
The Diavolo came out firing after the break and were unlucky not to take the lead when Mariano Andujar beat away Clarance Seedorf’s well taken strike.
Milan continued to get men forward in numbers but Catania were well organised at the back and made life difficult as they paid extra attention to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Giuseppe Mascara attempted a speculative drive on 65 minutes, but the Elefanti marksman could not find the bottom corner as Abbiati read the effort attentively.
Despite a late push the Rossoneri were unable to find the match-winning goal. Allegri’s men left the field with a point and the coach was left happy with the improved performance despite failure to secure victory.
The result leaves Milan two points off leaders Chievo after having played a game more than the Gialloblu. After holding the Rossoneri in the same fixture last year, Catania returned from the San Siro with another point, a feat which the Elefanti had never completed twice in a row before this evening.
Milan vs Catania Preview
Milan vs Catania Preview
Probable Line-Ups:
AC Milan (4-4-3) – Massimiliano Allegri
Christian Abbiati; Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Luca Antonini; Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf; Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho.
Calcio Catania (4-3-1-2) – Marco Giampaolo
Mariano Andujar; Ciro Capuano, Nicolás Spolli, Matías Silvestre, Alessandro Potenza; Marco Biagianti, Ezequiel Carboni, Mariano Izco; Adrian Ricchiuti; Giuseppe Mascara; Maxi López.
The Rossoneri will be trying to stay on the right track and win this match. Once again, less than three points would be surprising and disappointing.
The Rossazzurri have a lot to give, as with players like Maxi Lopez, they would be able to surprise the “Milanticos” tomorrow night.
The last time Milan faced Catania it was 11/4/2010. Maxi López scored first (12′) for Catania and Adrian Ricchiuti doubled it (43′). In the second half, Milan bounced back with Marco Borriello’s brace (48′, 80′).
Milan have played only three official matches this season and already from the beginning, you could see the same old problems in defense and midfield.
Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva played only once together, but for Catania match, they are expected to play, with Gianluca Zambrotta or Daniele Bonera as right-back and Luca Antonini on the left.
With Massimo Ambrosini out injured, Kevin-Prince Boateng will take his place in midfield. The Ghanaian played a very good match in the midweek Champions League match against Auxerre, and he will start along with Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf, as Mathieu Flamini is still injured.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still not at his best but he’s already got off the mark with a brace against the French side on Wednesday, as Ronaldinho was the main player in the set-up of the goals. Alexandre Pato is out for three weeks and Robinho will replace him in 4-3-3.
Milan were not brilliant, but still effective against Auxerre. They remain Scudetto contenders despite last week’s 2-0 defeat to A.C. Cesena, and they will try to leapfrog Inter, who are one point ahead.
Star Man: Ibrahimovic is a great striker, but still, Ronaldinho is Milan’s star man for this match. When the Brazilian is good, the players around him are good. Ronie must try to play like he did against Lecce, and if he does that, victory is almost guaranteed.
Injury List: Ambrosini, Flamini and Pato are out. Sokratis Papastathopoulos is doubtful.
Catania have not yet reached the full potential, as this is only the start of the season. Coming off as clear underdogs, the Rossazzurri will still be playing for all the three points and will definitely not only defend.
Marco Giampaolo’s side beat Parma 2-1 last week, but it took two penalties, which were scored by Mirko Antenucci and Giuseppe Mascara. Giampaolo knows his men must improve.
“We suffered out there today,” Giampaolo declared after Parma match. “I am aware we need to improve in all areas. Our physical condition is still not what it should be and the sharpness is still yet to arrive. Nevertheless, the three points are very precious because they bring moral to the group. I am happy for the boys, but I don’t want to settle for this as we still need to step up a level.”
Catania are South America, as they have 11 players from Argentina and one from Brazil. They have always caused problems for Milan, as last season they were in 2-0 lead before Marco Borriello scored a brace.
Star Man: Maxi Lopez is still out of form. The Argentine was the hero of last season when he arrived in January and scored 11 goals in 17 matches. Despite not scoring yet this year, Lopez is Catania’s most important man. He’s expected to start alongside Giuseppe Mascara and Adrian Ricchiuti.
Injury List: Fabio Sciacca, Cristian Llama and Blazej Augustin are unavailable.
Probable Line-Ups:
AC Milan (4-4-3) – Massimiliano Allegri
Christian Abbiati; Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Luca Antonini; Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf; Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho.
Calcio Catania (4-3-1-2) – Marco Giampaolo
Mariano Andujar; Ciro Capuano, Nicolás Spolli, Matías Silvestre, Alessandro Potenza; Marco Biagianti, Ezequiel Carboni, Mariano Izco; Adrian Ricchiuti; Giuseppe Mascara; Maxi López.
The Rossoneri will be trying to stay on the right track and win this match. Once again, less than three points would be surprising and disappointing.
The Rossazzurri have a lot to give, as with players like Maxi Lopez, they would be able to surprise the “Milanticos” tomorrow night.
The last time Milan faced Catania it was 11/4/2010. Maxi López scored first (12′) for Catania and Adrian Ricchiuti doubled it (43′). In the second half, Milan bounced back with Marco Borriello’s brace (48′, 80′).
Milan have played only three official matches this season and already from the beginning, you could see the same old problems in defense and midfield.
Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva played only once together, but for Catania match, they are expected to play, with Gianluca Zambrotta or Daniele Bonera as right-back and Luca Antonini on the left.
With Massimo Ambrosini out injured, Kevin-Prince Boateng will take his place in midfield. The Ghanaian played a very good match in the midweek Champions League match against Auxerre, and he will start along with Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf, as Mathieu Flamini is still injured.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still not at his best but he’s already got off the mark with a brace against the French side on Wednesday, as Ronaldinho was the main player in the set-up of the goals. Alexandre Pato is out for three weeks and Robinho will replace him in 4-3-3.
Milan were not brilliant, but still effective against Auxerre. They remain Scudetto contenders despite last week’s 2-0 defeat to A.C. Cesena, and they will try to leapfrog Inter, who are one point ahead.
Star Man: Ibrahimovic is a great striker, but still, Ronaldinho is Milan’s star man for this match. When the Brazilian is good, the players around him are good. Ronie must try to play like he did against Lecce, and if he does that, victory is almost guaranteed.
Injury List: Ambrosini, Flamini and Pato are out. Sokratis Papastathopoulos is doubtful.
Catania have not yet reached the full potential, as this is only the start of the season. Coming off as clear underdogs, the Rossazzurri will still be playing for all the three points and will definitely not only defend.
Marco Giampaolo’s side beat Parma 2-1 last week, but it took two penalties, which were scored by Mirko Antenucci and Giuseppe Mascara. Giampaolo knows his men must improve.
“We suffered out there today,” Giampaolo declared after Parma match. “I am aware we need to improve in all areas. Our physical condition is still not what it should be and the sharpness is still yet to arrive. Nevertheless, the three points are very precious because they bring moral to the group. I am happy for the boys, but I don’t want to settle for this as we still need to step up a level.”
Catania are South America, as they have 11 players from Argentina and one from Brazil. They have always caused problems for Milan, as last season they were in 2-0 lead before Marco Borriello scored a brace.
Star Man: Maxi Lopez is still out of form. The Argentine was the hero of last season when he arrived in January and scored 11 goals in 17 matches. Despite not scoring yet this year, Lopez is Catania’s most important man. He’s expected to start alongside Giuseppe Mascara and Adrian Ricchiuti.
Injury List: Fabio Sciacca, Cristian Llama and Blazej Augustin are unavailable.
Champions League : milan 2 auxerre 0
MILAN: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Nesta, Bonera, Antonini; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf; Pato, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho
AUXERRE: Sorin; Hengbart, Coulibaly, Mignot, Grichting; Pedretti, Ndinga; Oliech, Langil, Birsa; Jelen
After a goalless first half, Milan beat Auxerre 2-0 thanks to a brace from Ibrahimovic (66' and 69').
Milan’s miserable six-game run of home European games without a win was ended thanks to the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who lead the Rossoneri to a 2-0 Champions League success over Auxerre at the San Siro.
With Massimiliano Allegri’s side toiling to create chances, an angled Ronaldinho centre was knocked on by substitute Kevin-Prince Boateng, with Ibrahimovic getting the decisive touch just in front of AJA goalkeeper Olivier Sorin.
Suddenly the pressure was lifted on the Italians, and as their opponents advanced a Ronaldinho surge from the midfield resulted in a pass that further exposed the French defence. Ibrahimovic wasn’t about to pass up the chance, side-footing a neat finish into the corner of the net from 18 yards to score his second goal in three minutes, killing the game off.
This would not be an entirely comfortable evening for the Milanese side, who were poor until they opened the scoring.
Adama Coulibaly came closest for the guests with 22 minutes on the clock, towering above Alessandro Nesta to head against the junction of post and bar from a corner kick.
This was by no means the only chance the Burgundy club had to open the scoring. Just before the interval a Milan corner broke down and as their veteran players lumbered back, the sprightly Burgundy club shot forward only for Steeven Langil to shoot from an impossible angle when two team-mates were waiting in the centre for a simple tap-in.
The Rossoneri had made a woeful start to the game from a defensive point of view, looking incredibly sloppy in the opening minutes. Valter Birsa and Langil were both given sights of goal, though Christian Abbiati wasn’t called into serious action on either occasion.
After these early wobbles, the hosts did get the expect grip on the ball but rarely penetrated. A free kick from Andrea Pirlo was punched away by Olivier Sorin on 22 minutes, while a flurry in the visiting box saw Alexandre Pato have a shot deflected over the top.
Milan perked up following the half-time interval. Pirlo had an effort from distance flash just wide before Luca Antonini’s low, hard cross had no takers moments later.
Only late on, after Ibrahimovic’s double, did Auxerre fight back. A late Dennis Oliech shot drew a save from Abbiati, but the guests couldn’t find even a consolation.
Twelve months ago, the Rossoneri were busy losing 1-0 to Zurich, so although this was by no means an impressive performance, it was a drastic improvement on that nightmarish evening.
Champions League Preview : Milan vs Auxerre
UEFA Champions League 2010/11 Fixtures/Results
AC Milan v AJ Auxerre Group G Giuseppe Meazza
Massimiliano Allegri named the following 19 players for Milan’s Champions League match against Auxerre:
Abbiati, Amelia, Roma, Antonini, Bonera, Nesta, Zambrotta, Yepes, Abate, Ambrosini, Boateng, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Ibrahimovic, Inzaghi, Pato, Robinho, Ronaldinho.
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is looking forward to making his Champions League coaching debut in tomorrow night's Group G opener against Auxerre.
Allegri, who replaced Leonardo at the helm of the Rossoneri this summer, has had a shaky start in his new role after falling to newly-promoted Cesena 2-0 on Saturday.
But the 43-year-old is fully concentrated on his first game in Europe's premier club competition.
"It will be very emotional for me,'' said Allegri. "This is my first time.
"The draw has placed us in a group with top European clubs and it will be a challenge from the start.''
Milan, who will also face Real Madrid and Ajax in their pool, lost to Manchester United in the last 16 of last season's competition.
Allegri will hope his side's European prospects will be boosted by recent signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although the Swedish striker had a poor debut on Saturday when he missed a penalty in the defeat at Cesena.
But Allegri has tried to use the defeat as a tool to motivate his players.
"I think this loss is a good lesson for the team because games have to be won with sacrifice,'' said Allegri. "If we don't play as a team, it will be difficult to win anything this campaign.
"Now we must react and look ahead with optimism.''
The Italians will be without Thiago Silva, who is sidelined with a right thigh problem.
The good news for Allegri is that defender Alessandro Nesta and fellow veteran Clarence Seedorf, who missed the game at Cesena, have recovered from injuries and will start on Wednesday.
Rivals Auxerre have travelled to Italy also desperate to find their form.
The French side have yet to win after five games of their domestic campaign.
They gave away a late goal against Caen on Saturday and drew for the fourth time this season.
"Football is cruel,'' said Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez.
"To have claimed four points so far it gives cause for concern for some but I am not worried.
"I know I have a group of quality players and that the team will get better.''
AC Milan v AJ Auxerre Group G Giuseppe Meazza
Massimiliano Allegri named the following 19 players for Milan’s Champions League match against Auxerre:
Abbiati, Amelia, Roma, Antonini, Bonera, Nesta, Zambrotta, Yepes, Abate, Ambrosini, Boateng, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Ibrahimovic, Inzaghi, Pato, Robinho, Ronaldinho.
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is looking forward to making his Champions League coaching debut in tomorrow night's Group G opener against Auxerre.
Allegri, who replaced Leonardo at the helm of the Rossoneri this summer, has had a shaky start in his new role after falling to newly-promoted Cesena 2-0 on Saturday.
But the 43-year-old is fully concentrated on his first game in Europe's premier club competition.
"It will be very emotional for me,'' said Allegri. "This is my first time.
"The draw has placed us in a group with top European clubs and it will be a challenge from the start.''
Milan, who will also face Real Madrid and Ajax in their pool, lost to Manchester United in the last 16 of last season's competition.
Allegri will hope his side's European prospects will be boosted by recent signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although the Swedish striker had a poor debut on Saturday when he missed a penalty in the defeat at Cesena.
But Allegri has tried to use the defeat as a tool to motivate his players.
"I think this loss is a good lesson for the team because games have to be won with sacrifice,'' said Allegri. "If we don't play as a team, it will be difficult to win anything this campaign.
"Now we must react and look ahead with optimism.''
The Italians will be without Thiago Silva, who is sidelined with a right thigh problem.
The good news for Allegri is that defender Alessandro Nesta and fellow veteran Clarence Seedorf, who missed the game at Cesena, have recovered from injuries and will start on Wednesday.
Rivals Auxerre have travelled to Italy also desperate to find their form.
The French side have yet to win after five games of their domestic campaign.
They gave away a late goal against Caen on Saturday and drew for the fourth time this season.
"Football is cruel,'' said Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez.
"To have claimed four points so far it gives cause for concern for some but I am not worried.
"I know I have a group of quality players and that the team will get better.''
Official : Robinho to Milan
Adriano Galliani's words quoted by Sky:
'The acquisition of Robinho cost us € 18 million plus bonuses. He's a wonderful gift from president Berlusconi to the Milan fans.'
Official:
- Robinho 100% ours
- Borriello loan to AS Roma
- Hunter sold to Schalke04
- Kaladze sold to Genoa
As for the shirt numbers of the two new Rossoneri stars, Zlatan Ibrahimovic took number 11, while Robinho will wear number 70 this season.
Welcome Robinho. I hope this is just the beginning for a new era of Milan! Forza Milan! Good luck with Hunter and Borri, and many thanks for 10 years contribution of Kakha Kaladza.
Robinho cost City £32 million when signing for the club in a shock move from Real Madrid in 2008 but now they have recouped an initial payment of £15 million from Milan.
"Milan have a great players, a great team with a victorious history," Robinho said. "I hope that together with my new team-mates we will be able to help the club to several titles.
"I always heard great things about Milan from Kaka, and I'm sure that the other Brazilian players will help me integrate into the team. I hope to satisfy all Milan fans, I'll train hard to make it happen. I want to make them all happy."
Robinho, who spent a spell on loan with Santos last season, leaves City after scoring 14 goals in 41 Premier League appearances.
Robinho joins Milan just days after the club recruited Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona. They join Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho at San Siro to form a very talented forward line.
"These two signings were a great present to all the supporters from Silvio Berlusconi," vice-president Adriano Galliani said.
"Robinho will wear the No. 70 shirt, Ibrahimovic will have the No. 11. Robinho cost €18 million plus bonuses.
"For so many years I have not seen Berlusconi so in love with Milan. On Sunday Ibrahimovic told me to go and buy Robinho also."
"After a raft of stellar names arrived at the San Siro, AC Milan have confirmed that Italian striker Marco Borriello will play on loan at Roma this season and that Kakha Kaladze has ended his nine years with the club.
The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the signing of Brazilian winger Robinho to AC Milan, forced Borriello to consider a move elsewhere.
A statement from AC Milan read: "AC Milan announces it has loaned Marco Borriello to Roma for the 2010-11 campaign."
The 28-year-old came close to signing for Juventus but the deal fell through earlier with Borriello unwilling to join the Turin giants on a loan spell. However, Borriello has joined Roma on loan with the Eternal City club having an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
Meanwhile, Genoa have signed Kakha Kaladze on a permanent transfer from AC Milan. The 32-year-old Georgia captain joins Genoa after nine seasons with Milan, and has signed a two-year contract with Genoa.
A statement from Genoa read: "Genoa announces the signing of Georgian international Kakhaber Kaladze on a permanent transfer from AC Milan. In the next few days the defender will join Giampiero Gasperini's side in training."
Milan 4 Lecce 0
Alexandre Pato sounded a warning to Zlatan Ibrahimovic that he does not intend to give up his place at AC Milan without a fight by scoring twice as AC Milan opened their Serie A account with an impressive opening-weekend win over Lecce.
MILAN: Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf; Ronaldinho, Borriello, Pato
LECCE: Rosati; Vives, Donati, Sini , Giuliatto, Ferrario; Munari, Giacomazzi, Grossmuller; Mesbah; Corvia
With Ibrahimovic joining the Rossoneri from Barcelona on an initial loan deal which will become permanent next summer, the pressure was on the young Brazilian and Pato responded with two goals inside the opening 29 minutes as Massimiliano Allegri's first game in charge ended in a comprehensive victory.
Thiago Silva also scored in between Pato's strikes as newly-promoted Lecce endured a tricky return to the top flight.
Veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi grabbed a late fourth to complete the win and send Milan - albeit after just one game - to the top of the table.
The onslaught started early with Brazilian centre-half Thiago Silva smashing in a 35-yard drive which Antonio Rosati in the Lecce goal did superbly well to tip over for a corner.
Rosati was powerless to keep out Pato four minutes later, however, the 20-year-old converting Massimo Ambrosini's pass.
It was 2-0 after 23 minutes as Thiago Silva fired home after a goalmouth scramble.
There was no let-up for poor Lecce with Pato scoring his second of the night in the 29th minute, beating the offside trap to run on to countryman Ronaldinho's pass before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting into an empty net.
Ronaldinho looked full of confidence and his impudent effort from the halfway line landed just wide.
Clarence Seedorf almost made it 4-0 before the break but the veteran Dutchman's volley clipped the post and went wide.
Ibrahimovic was presented to the San Siro crowd at half-time and the Swede will have been impressed with what he saw on the pitch as Milan continued to press.
Daniele Corvia threatened briefly for Lecce before Milan got back on top.
Marco Borriello had the ball in the net but saw his effort controversially disallowed for offside while Inzaghi hit the post minutes after his introduction.
The outstanding Pato was then denied by Rosati, as was Inzaghi six minutes before the end.
Inzaghi did find the back of the net with time almost up when, following some fine work by Gennaro Gattuso, he prodded past Rosati to complete a good night's work for Allegri.
MILAN: Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf; Ronaldinho, Borriello, Pato
LECCE: Rosati; Vives, Donati, Sini , Giuliatto, Ferrario; Munari, Giacomazzi, Grossmuller; Mesbah; Corvia
With Ibrahimovic joining the Rossoneri from Barcelona on an initial loan deal which will become permanent next summer, the pressure was on the young Brazilian and Pato responded with two goals inside the opening 29 minutes as Massimiliano Allegri's first game in charge ended in a comprehensive victory.
Thiago Silva also scored in between Pato's strikes as newly-promoted Lecce endured a tricky return to the top flight.
Veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi grabbed a late fourth to complete the win and send Milan - albeit after just one game - to the top of the table.
The onslaught started early with Brazilian centre-half Thiago Silva smashing in a 35-yard drive which Antonio Rosati in the Lecce goal did superbly well to tip over for a corner.
Rosati was powerless to keep out Pato four minutes later, however, the 20-year-old converting Massimo Ambrosini's pass.
It was 2-0 after 23 minutes as Thiago Silva fired home after a goalmouth scramble.
There was no let-up for poor Lecce with Pato scoring his second of the night in the 29th minute, beating the offside trap to run on to countryman Ronaldinho's pass before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting into an empty net.
Ronaldinho looked full of confidence and his impudent effort from the halfway line landed just wide.
Clarence Seedorf almost made it 4-0 before the break but the veteran Dutchman's volley clipped the post and went wide.
Ibrahimovic was presented to the San Siro crowd at half-time and the Swede will have been impressed with what he saw on the pitch as Milan continued to press.
Daniele Corvia threatened briefly for Lecce before Milan got back on top.
Marco Borriello had the ball in the net but saw his effort controversially disallowed for offside while Inzaghi hit the post minutes after his introduction.
The outstanding Pato was then denied by Rosati, as was Inzaghi six minutes before the end.
Inzaghi did find the back of the net with time almost up when, following some fine work by Gennaro Gattuso, he prodded past Rosati to complete a good night's work for Allegri.
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