Mario Balotelli scored a brace on his debut, including a controversial late penalty, to secure a precious 2-1 win for AC Milan over Udinese on Sunday and move the resurgent Rossoneri up to fourth place in Serie A.

Champion Juventus remains top after restoring its three-point lead over Napoli, 2-0 winner at home on Saturday against Catania, thanks to a 2-1 win away to Chievo.

Lazio's third place, however, is now under threat after a 3-2 reverse at Genoa which left Vladimir Petkovic's side only three points ahead of Milan and Inter Milan, with Fiorentina, in sixth, a further point off the pace.

As Inter dropped more points in a shock 3-1 defeat away to Siena, city rival Milan stole the limelight thanks to a Balotelli double on what was the 22-year-old's debut following his transfer from Manchester City last week.

Balotelli, a former Inter Milan player, told the media on his presentation on Friday evening he had come to Milan "to help the club win trophies".

After seeing a drive whizz just past the post on 35 seconds, it took him just 25 minutes to show fans of his intentions when he latched on to a through ball and smashed it past Daniele Padelli in the Udinese goal.

Udinese pulled level in the 55th minute when Giampero Pinzi beat Marco Amelia in the Milan goal after being set up by Colombian Luis Muriel.

However, Balotelli made sure of all three points in the fourth minute of injury time when he beat Padelli from the spot after the referee deemed Thomas Heurtaux's challenge on Stephan El Shaarawy to be a foul.

"It's a great feeling to score, but I have to keep on going," Balotelli said.

"I'm very happy despite the fact I'm just getting over what has been a difficult period. I didn't play a lot (at City) and I could feel it in my legs. But tonight I was relaxed and I was ready."

(China Daily 02/05/2013 page23)