Huntelaar double helps Milan beat Udinese

Milan warmed up for next week's Champions League clash against Manchester United with a patchy 3-2 home win over Udinese in Serie A last night.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar grabbed the opener after seven minutes when he headed in Ronaldinho's cross.

On 39 minutes Ronaldinho played a stunning first time pass over his shoulder with Pato's pace allowing him to surge clear of the backline.

Giovanni Pasquale did well to stay with the speedster and slid in to block his initial shot but succeeded only in helping the ball past Handanovic and allowing Pato to run on and slot home into the empty net.

Udinese pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time when Di Natale twisted and turned on the right and crossed for Antonio Floro Flores to head home.

But 12 minutes after the restart it was another Ronaldinho delivery that did the damage as his free-kick was deflected into Huntelaar's path and the Holland striker spun on a sixpence before rifling home high into the net from eight yards.

But Milan had a nervous finale after Di Natale scored his 17th Serie A goal of the season on the counter-attack three minutes from time.

Milan, who moved back up to second spot, started with former Man. United midfielder David Beckham on the bench and he will now be fretting over his place in the side for Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg match at the San Siro.