Sergio Pellissier gave the visitors an unlikely first half lead, but Alberto Gilardino equalized for Milan before second half goals from Massimo Oddo and Clarence Seedorf secured the 3 points for the home side.

The win moved Milan tentatively into 4th place with 40 points as they await the outcome of Lazio’s match against Sampdoria on Sunday.

The Rossoneri entered the game with an injury-hit squad having a host of defenders on the sidelines including Paolo Maldini, Cafu, Kakha Kaladze, Alessandro Costacurta,

Alessandro Nesta and Serginho.

Relegation threatened Chievo took advantage of a joint blunder from Daniele Bonera and goalkeeper Dida as the Milan duo collided humorously when chasing a loose ball, allowing Pellissier to hit into an empty net and score in the 17th minute.

Another goalkeeping slip-up resulted in the second goal of the game, but this time the culprit was Chievo keeper Lorenzo Squizzi who failed to hold on to a Kaka snapshot from more than 35 yards out.

Gilardino was the first to react and chipped the ball on the rebound in the 33rd minute.

The referee had no option but to send off Chievo manager Luigi Del Neri two minutes later after he insulted the linesman and fourth official.

Ten minutes into the second half Ronaldo, who had a fine game, found Oddo on the right and the former Lazio right-back launched an unstoppable strike into the far corner of Squizzi’s net scoring his first goal for Milan in superb fashion.

The victory was confirmed in injury time with another magnificent goal from Seedorf who converted an indirect free kick into the top right corner.