Two goals from Mario Balotelli, along with strikes by Sulley Muntari and Mathieu Flamini ensured the Rossoneri cruised to victory over the already relegated Delfini at the Stadio Adriatico. Just one more win is required to ensure Milan's place amongst Europe's elite.
Pescara vs AC Milan, Final Score 0-4: Relegated Pescara no match for mighty Milan
AC Milan have one foot in next season’s Champions League after a 4-0 win over Pescara.
Massimiliano Allegri rotated his side, bringing in Mario Yepes and M'Baye Niang for Philippe Mexes and Stephan El Shaarawy, while Kevin-Prince Boateng was suspended.
Pescara missed half a dozen starters, with Ivan Pelizzoli, Francesco Modesto, Gaetano D'Agostino, Vladimir Weiss, Juan Fernando Quintero and Gianluca Caprari all injured.
Balotelli hit the bar inside the first two minutes. The former Manchester City man was left unmarked from a corner and should have done better from five yards. Milan were awarded a penalty on nine minutes when Uros Cosic needlessly tripped Antonio Nocerino as he was running away from goal. Balotelli coolly stepped up and sent Mattia Perin the wrong way to maintain his 100% professional record from the spot.
Giuseppe Rizzo picked up a costly yellow card for the home side which will rule him out of the weekend trip to Catania. The midfielder continued to walk a disciplinary tightrope when he fouled Balotelli just past the half hour. Milan made him pay by doubling their lead from the resulting free-kick. An unmarked Muntari volleyed Robinho's delivery into the ground, with the ball hitting Giuseppe Sculli before going in off the underside of the bar.
Pescara handed the visitors a third early in the second half. Robinho took advantage of Luciano Zauri’s poor backpass and crossed for Flamini to tap in from six yards. It was the midfielder’s fourth goal within a month.
Six minutes later, Flamini turned provider, playing the ball to Balotelli's feet in the box. Super Mario turned Marco Capuano, before rifling a shot into the roof of the net. It was all too easy for Allegri's side.
Pescara: Perin; Zauri, Cosic, Capuano, Balzano; Rizzo, Togni, Di Francesco, (Catalano 87) Cascione; (Mancini 75) Sculli, (Celik 46) Sforzini
AC Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Zapata, Yepes, Constant; Flamini, (Traore 59) Muntari, Nocerino; Niang, (Pazzini 64) Balotelli, Robinho (El Shaarawy 73)
Goals: Balotelli pen 9, 57 (M) Muntari 33 (M) Flamini 51
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