Former AC coach Ancelotti had predicted that the striker would deliver

Former AC Milan coach Ancelotti had predicted that the striker would deliver and Pato has wasted no time in proving him right

Former AC coach Ancelotti had predicted that the striker would deliver

Former AC Milan coach Ancelotti had predicted that the striker would deliver and Pato has wasted no time in proving him right

It is no surprise that AC Milan's fortunes have changed along with those of Alexandre Pato.

Without a goal since the opening week of the Serie A campaign against Siena, Pato has hit the back of the net three times in the past two matches, including two in the Rossoneri's 3-2 triumph at Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Former coach Carlo Ancelotti predicted a week ago that the Brazil striker would soon deliver and Pato has wasted no time in proving him right.

The result has been significant for Milan because they have suddenly gone from a struggling outfit under novice coach Leonardo to a side which suddenly looks capable of challenging for titles in both Europe and Italy.

Milan will be looking for Pato to score again this weekend when they go up against Chievo in Verona and he will certainly be fired up after stealing most of the headlines with his dynamic performance at the Bernabeu.

"It was the most beautiful night of my career as a player," Pato said. "It has been a great victory and we have collected three important points.

"Milan have proved they are returning to their level and I'm delighted because I play in a great team."

If the mood is suddenly positive in the Rossoneri camp, that is not the case at rivals Inter Milan, who continue to struggle in Europe.

Jose Mourinho's side failed to win for a third successive time in the Champions League when they drew 2-2 against Dynamo Kiev.

Inter have won four consecutive Serie A titles and went into their European game on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Genoa.

The Nerazzurri host Catania tomorrow looking to increase their two-point advantage at the top of the standings.

Meanwhile, Juventus go into their match at Siena having claimed their first triumph, a 1-0 victory against Maccabi Haifa, in the Champions League this season.

However, the Bianconeri, who are four points behind Inter, have not won on the domestic front since beating Livorno 2-0 on September 19.

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