Pato scores a brace as Milan beat Verona

Milan: Alexandre Pato scored twice on Saturday to help AC Milan beat Chievo Verona 3-1 and take the provisional lead in Serie A.

The Brazilian linked up twice with strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the first half to give Milan a deserved two-goal lead at the break.

Chievo fought back in the second, but only found the net when Ibrahimovic scored an own goal from a corner in the 70th minute.

As Chievo pushed for an equalizer, Kevin Prince Boateng broke away to score Milan's third.

Both sides enjoyed a number of chances throughout the game, but Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati and Chievo's Stefano Sorrentino made several important saves.