Kaka Hails 'Important' Win

Milan were the dominant force for much of the game, a sight for sore eyes at the San Siro, where the Rossoneri have inexplicably suffered for too often this season.

Difficult

After the match, Kaka stressed how vital the win was for the team and noted the recent progression, hoping for more of the same in the new year.

"It was very important to win today, and we did," said Kaka. "Slowly but surely we are getting important points and we are getting closer to our objective, which is fourth place.

"In the second half we managed to break the deadlock and from then on everything was easier. When we play at San Siro we always try to take the lead as soon as possible.

"In first half however, it was a tough, difficult match, we studied our opponents and we took off after scoring the first goal in the second half."

Protection

The attacker also called for more protection from referees, as he was on the rough end of some tough challenges from Udinese players.

"Also today I received a few knocks, but by now I'm used to it and I don't complain," he said. "Us strikers only ask the referees to protect us, but sometimes it can happen they don't notice some of the meaner fouls."

"The balance of 2008 so far is positive, because we have won three games out of four, things are going better and now getting three points away to Reggina would be crucial."

Ka-Pa-No

It took until the second half for the home side to make the breakthrough, which they did when wonder-kid Alexandre Pato put the European Champions ahead, and it was Pato who doubled the score and killed the game late on.

The youngster had a host of chances and squandered quite a few, but proved decisive nonetheless, Kaka has come out in support of his fellow countryman.

Kaka also spoke on another Brasilian - the third of the Ka-Pa-Ro attacking triad - Ronaldo. The legendary striker picked up another knock and missed today's game, which has led to many writing him off once again, but Kaka remains in support of his team-mate, insisting it is nothing more than a little bit of muscle fatigue.

"Pato? He is integrating himself within the team and he's starting to learn more about Italian football, today he was very important and scored a splendid brace.

"Ronaldo has only suffered from a bit of tiredness because of the many matches we are playing every three days and the traveling, but despite that he is integrating himself with the team again and is recovering from his injury. He'll be back soon," assured the Brasilian.

Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com