Struggling AC Milan came into the night in the bottom half of the league but had a chance to move closer to the top-ten with a win over Atalanta. And Milan midfielder Kaka would help ensure his club put a halt to their slide.

AC Milan, not just struggling lately Massimiliano Allegri’s side had won just one of their last nine league fixtures heading in.

In 12th minute, hot prospect Bryan Cristante nearly broke the ice, the 18-year-old signed a contract with Milan last year and this was only his second match for the club, but his shot was denied by the crossbar.

Struggling AC Milan came into the night in the bottom half of the league but had a chance to move closer to the top-ten with a win over Atalanta. And Milan midfielder Kaka would help ensure his club put a halt to their slide.

Kaka, in his second stint with Milan, would put them in front 10 minutes before the break. The Brazilian swept home Urby Emanuelson’s cross from a tight angle. It’s Kaka’s 100th goal for the club in all competitions, Kaka celebrated the goal by holding up a Milan strip with ‘Kaka 100’ to the home supporters. AC Milan’s new signing Keisuke Honda on hand for the big moment for Kaka.

Atalanta threatened to equalize just before halftime when Cristian Raimondi’s deflected shot found the post.

Milan doubled its lead in the 65th minute, Kaka slotted the ball home from close range. It’s Kaka’s 101st for Milan, and Milan were two goals ahead.

And two minutes later, Cristante showed why he is so highly regarded...he notches his first professional goal with a pinpoint 25-metre shot off the foot of the post. Milan went on to beat Atalanta 3-0, as they look for a second half push to their campaign.

As for the standings in Serie A it is all Juventus at the moment. The two-time defending champs have 49 points, and are a massive eight clear of Roma at the top. Napoli beat Sampdoria 2-0 at home Monday, and the win lifted them to 39 points from 18 games, two behind Roma. Hellas Verona won 3-1 at Udinese, and the win took the promoted side into fifth place, above Inter. AC Milan are a point out of the top 10.