AC Milan was beyond SC Heerenveen's reach by midway through the first half as it outclassed the Dutch host 3-1 in UEFA Cup Group E on Thursday.
Even with stars such as Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf and Paulo Maldini on the bench, AC Milan was too powerful.
Filippo Inzaghi initially was credited with the first goal after Kaka's 19th-minute left cross was turned in. However, it was later ruled an own goal by defender Calvin Jong-A-Pin.
Kaka was the provider again four minutes later when Gennaro Gattuso drove the Brazilian's perfectly weighted pass just inside the post from close range in the 23rd minute.
Inzaghi made sure his name was on the score sheet in the 69th minute, running onto a through ball from Gattuso and lifting it over goalkeeper Brian Vandenbussche. Milan's defense was rarely troubled and when Gerard Sibon's quick pass split the defense to find an unmarked Paulo Henrique in the 65th, the Brazilian striker shot wildly over the bar.
Heerenveen got a consolation goal with five minutes left when Paulo Henrique was fouled by Giuseppe Favalli to earn a penalty that Danijel Pranjic scored in style with a delicate chip into the middle of the goal after Dida dived to his right. - AP
