AC Milan earned their fourth win in a row when they beat Catania 1-0 at home here in Serie A football.
Riccardo Montolivo, who netted in Milan's 3-1 victory at Catania earlier this season, scored the game's only goal in the 23rd minute Sunday, thanks to a superb long-range effort, reports Xinhua.
While a second goal proved elusive, Milan controlled the match and were aided by Fabian Rinaudo's late red card -- given after an over-the-ball lunge on Philippe Mexes saw him booked for a second time.
The 18-time Italian champions have spent most of the season in the doldrums but four-straight wins now see Clarence Seedorf's men close to within five points of city rivals Inter Milan and the final Europa League berth.
Seedorf cares more about his side's performance in the future games than their position in the Serie A table.
"I always said I don't look at the table as I know our situation. We have games to play and should only pay attention to it at the end of the season," he said.
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"The performance was sufficient as they played like a team, were aggressive and determined. We only played beautiful football in fits and starts but that can happen against a side that tries to stop you playing. We should give credit to Catania as they never give up."
Catania started life under Pellegrino brightly with winger Pablo Barrientos flashing a shot across goal. He continued to be at the heart of the attacking forays, forcing a fine one-handed save from Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.
Montolivo then produced his moment of brilliance, striking a 25-yard drive that arrowed into the bottom-left corner. There was no intricate play around the box on this occasion as Montolivo decided to surprise Andujar from 30 metres with what appeared to be a sudden snapshot.
Sebastian Leto might have levelled before the break but Abbiati blocked his stab at a rebounding ball and with half-time fast approaching, Andujar made himself big to deny Balotelli from close range.