ROME, 26 September 2005 — AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini celebrated his record 571st appearance in Italy’s top flight by helping his side to a 2-0 win over bottom side Treviso yesterday.
Milan’s victory moved them into a share of third place, level with Palermo and Lazio on 10 points from five matches, five behind leaders Juventus who won 2-1 at Parma on Saturday.
Palermo wasted a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 against Lazio at Rome’s Olympic Stadium, allowing Livorno to move second after their unbeaten start continued with a 2-0 win over Ascoli.
Treviso’s chances of picking up their first point of the season seemed remote as Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo forced a diving save from keeper Adriano Zancope with a long-range effort after less than two minutes.
After overcoming a stuttering start, however, the home side found their rhythm and Brazilian striker Reginaldo gave Milan a scare when he narrowly failed to connect with a cross that flashed dangerously across the box.
It needed a moment of individual brilliance by another Brazilian, Kaka, to put Milan ahead a minute before the interval.
Having received the ball in his own half, the 23-year-old playmaker set off on a mazy run that cut a swathe through Treviso’s midfield.
.In Madrid, Ronaldo struck twice to help Real Madrid to their second Primera Liga victory in four days with a 3-0 win against promoted Alaves yesterday.
The Brazilian striker broke the deadlock with a fierce strike in the 58th minute after Alaves had matched Real in a tense first half.
