Milan comfortably overcame Pescara 4-0 away from home as they tightened their grip on third place and Champions League football next season.

As expected, it was a stroll in the park for AC Milan. The Rossoneri never really got out of second gear nor did they need to. The match stats which included 60% possession for Milan and in turn not a single shot on target for Pescara, in essence tells the full story. As early as the second minute Mario Balotelli pounced on a loose ball within the six yard box and struck the upright and Pescara knew they were in for a tough ninety minutes. Balotelli then opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Muntari double the lead towards the end of the first half. Mathieu Flamini then grabbed the third goal and Balotelli notched up his brace in the second period.

Massimiliano Allegri handed M’Baye Niang and Robinho a start in attack alongside Balotelli and stuck with the same midfield trio that had somewhat struggled to assert themselves against Torino on the weekend. This time the midfield were able to dictate the game and provide the creative influence as they were largely untested by a poor Pescara side.

It will be difficult for Allegri to take anything away from the game against arguably the worst side in Serie A but particular pleasing for the manager must have been the performances of Balotelli and Flamini. Besides scoring a double, Super Mario contributed with an excellent all-round centre forward display. The former Manchester City man dropped into spaces well, linked up play and also worked extremely hard when Milan were not in possession.

Flamini contributed with a goal and assist as his remarkable end of season form continues. The Frenchman’s box-to-box energy has been a breath of fresh air for the Rossoneri and his willingness to get into the box has resulted in a recent goal-scoring streak. Flamini’s goal came from a well-timed late run into the box after Robinho had done well to hold up the ball and then cross into the six yard area. Lots of speculation has surrounded Milanello regarding a contract extension for the former Arsenal man and based on his recent performances it would be more than well deserved.

With the result safe in the second half Allegri gave Bakaya Traore and Giampaolo Pazzini game time. Pazzini will seemingly have to contend with a regular place on Milan’s bench due to the form of Balotelli and Allegri’s reluctance to start the pair together. Bryan Cristante has also recently been promoted to Milan’s bench due to the injury to Ricardo Montolivo. While leading against the bottom side in Serie A might have been the perfect time to introduce the youngster but Allegri chose not to.

After Fiorentina defeated Siena 1-0 in the Tuscan derby, Milan remains four points clear with only two games remaining. The Rossoneri are in charge of their own destiny now and a victory against Roma this weekend will secure third place. The game against Roma will by no means be easy but Milan would want to avoid heading into the last day of the season requiring a win away to Siena. Fiorentina host Palermo before playing away to relegated Pescara and are expected to pick up the maximum six points.