AC Milan extended its unbeaten streak to 10 matches and strengthened its Champions League qualification prospects with a 2-1 win at Chievo on Saturday.
Lucas Biglia marked his first Serie A start since October with a brilliant first-half free-kick before the prolific Krzysztof Piatek struck the winner after the interval.
Perparim Hetemaj broke Chievo's month-long goal drought in between those strikes but the top-flight strugglers were unable to deny the Rossoneri a four-point lead over fourth-placed Inter ahead of next weekend's Derby della Madonnina.
Gennaro Gattuso's dismissal from the touchline proved the only other setback for the visitor, his side now sitting a comfortable seven points inside the top four.
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Milan got on top early and opened the scoring in supreme style in the 31st minute, midfielder Biglia curling an excellent free-kick into the top-left corner.
It was not all plain sailing, though, with Gattuso sent to the stands after taking issue with a tackle on Lucas Paqueta.
His mood would only have worsened when Hetemaj headed Chievo level from Mehdi Leris' cross four minutes before half-time.
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Nerves creeped into Milan's play and it needed Gianluigi Donnarumma to prevent Hetemaj's left-sided delivery from creeping inside the right post.
Piatek eased the concern in the 57th minute, albeit in slightly controversial circumstances.
Samu Castillejo's header fell kindly for the striker to poke home the decisive goal following a goalmouth scramble, during which he looked to have made contact with a defender while attempting an overhead kick.
Franck Kessie and Alessio Romagnoli might have extended the margin later in proceedings, but Milan did enough to wrap up the victory.
What does it mean? Milan continues Champions League charge
This looks increasingly like the season that the Rossoneri finally seals its return to Europe's top table.
Milan is ensconced inside the top four with 11 matches to play and enters the Milan derby with welcome optimism, in contrast to the dread of recent seasons.
Biglia back with a bang
He dictated play from the middle of the pitch, but Biglia's most memorable contribution to the match was undoubtedly that stunning free-kick, his first goal since February 2018.
The Argentine certainly looks to be over the calf injury that has restricted his involvement until now.
Wayward Kessie must find shooting boots
Milan's task would have been much easier had Kessie converted either of his two good opportunities.
He prodded one wide from inside the box with the deadlock yet to be broken and scuffed another in the second half, when the away side was seeking to make the points safe.
What's next?
Milan takes on city rival Inter in the Derby della Madonnina next Sunday, while Chievo's next assignment is a trip to Atalanta.
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