Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored a brace to lead AC Milan to a 3-1 win over Cagliari at the Giuseppe Meazza in the Serie A on Saturday. Italian international midfielder Andrea Pirlo was also on the score sheet while David Suazo notched the consolation for the visitors. The Rossoneri maintained their fourth place in the league table with 56 points, seven ahead of fifth-placed Palermo who face Parma on Sunday. Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to field a second-string team in order to rest his key players for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Manchester United. The hosts were ahead in the 14th minute when Brazilian full-back Cafu made a superb tackle on Cristiano Del Grosso in the right-flank before providing a low cross to Ronaldo, who tapped in easily into the net. The former Real Madrid frontman doubled the lead in the 69th minute, taking his tally with Milan to seven goals in 12 matches, as he chested the ball home after Ricardo Oliveira's cross evaded the keeper.
Honduras striker Suazo pulled one back five minutes later from the penalty spot after Andrea Capone was brought down inside the area by Kahka Kaladze. Pirlo wrapped up the win ten minutes from time after curling a brilliant free-kick into the top corner of the net from 25 metres. Milan finished the game with 10 men on the field after Georgian defender Kaladze was sent off in the dying seconds for a second bookable offense. Earlier on Saturday, Sampdoria grabbed a 3-1 home victory over Messina. Christian Rigano's goal for Messina in the 54th minute cancelled out Reto Ziegler's opener after 13 minutes. Daniele Franceschini restored the lead for Sampdoria seven minutes from time and Gennaro Delvecchio ensured the win in the 89th minute.
