AC Milan grind out victory against Udinese

Valter Birsa has fired AC Milan to their third victory of the Serie A season against Udinese at the San Siro.

The Slovenian's 22nd-minute strike was a rare moment of quality in the first half, which was a largely dull affair.

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He beat Ivan Kelava with a brilliant 25-yard effort to register his second Serie A goal in Rossoneri colours.

Brazilian goalkeeper Gabriel - deputising for Christian Abbiati - had to make a fine stop to deny Antonio Di Natale in the 63rd minute, as he got a hand to the Italian's shot and pushed it onto the bar.

The Zebrette threatened to snatch an equaliser in the 84th minute through second-half substitute Luis Muriel, but Ignazio Abate and Gabriel did well to snuff out the opportunity crafted by Di Natale.

Milan saw out the victory, which takes them into seventh place with eight games played.