Dream debut for Balotelli

Mario Balotelli made the perfect start to life at AC Milan last night as he scored twice — including a last-minute penalty — in his new side’s 2-1 Serie A win over Udinese at the San Siro.

The former Manchester City striker, who completed his £19.5m transfer earlier in the week, took just 25 minutes to open his Milan account, hooking home a close-range volley after Stephan El Shaaraway’s cross was deflected into his path.

Giampiero Pinzi equalised for the visitors but Balotelli ensured the headlines were all his when he converted his spot-kick deep into injury time after ElShaaraway had won a soft penalty.

The victory moved Milan above city rivals Inter into fourth place on goal difference

Earlier in the day, Juventus went three points clear at the top of Serie A thanks to a 2-1 victory at mid-table Chievo.

An early strike by Alessandro Matri was followed by a second just before the break from Stephan Lichtsteiner, putting the visitors in control before Cyril Thereau reduced the arrears early in the second half.

Thereau had a chance to level the scores shortly after for Juve, who had new signing Nicolas Anelka on the bench, but in truth it was a victory the league leaders deserved, withAntonio Conte’s sidemissing chances to extend their lead late on.

Napoli had briefly moved level on points with Juve after their 2-0 win over Catania on Saturday.