CAGLIARI - Andrea Pirlo's stunning free-kick allowed AC Milan to record a come-from-behind win over Cagliari on Sunday afternoon.
Robert Acquafresca had given the Sardinian outfit a fourth-minute lead before Alberto Gilardino equalised on the hour mark.
Although Cagliari goalkeeper Marcos Fortin had saved Kaka's first-half penalty strike, there was little he could do to stop Pirlo's majestic effort with four minutes remaining.
The outcome sees the Rossoneri climb to ninth in the standings, 11 points behind Serie A leaders and city rivals Internazionale.
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti handed Brazilian striker Ronaldo his season debut as the former Real Madrid star partnered Gilardino up front from the start.
Ronaldo, who has fully recovered from a muscular injury, was in fine form.
He earned his team's penalty and was unlucky not to score in the second half as his effort was denied by the post with the keeper already beaten.
The Sardinian outfit went into the encounter looking for a positive result to mark Nedo Sonetti's first game in charge since taking over the reins of the team following the dismissal of Marco Giampaolo.
Milan controlled possession in the opening stages but were left stunned when Cagliari took the lead early on.
Acquafresca latched onto a corner kick to head past goalkeeper Dida.
The Rossoneri didn't take long to reply and Serginho's strike from the distance went high over the crossbar.
Shortly after, captain Paolo Maldini's effort from outside the area forced Fortin to make his first save.
Midway through the first half, Milan almost found the equaliser with Gilardino's header from Pirlo's free-kick.
On 38 minutes, Pasquale Foggia warmed the hands of Dida with a stinging 25 yard drive.
The Rossoneri were given a helping hand with the referee pointing to the spot after Paolo Bianco's foul on Ronaldo. Kaka's penalty strike was parried away by the keeper but only as far as Ronaldo who fired wide from close range.
Cagliari could have extended their lead shortly after the re-start with Bianco's header going inches wide off Dida's far post.
While at the other end, Ronaldo was unlucky not to level the score with his right-footed strike striking the near post with Fortin already beaten.
The visitors' efforts were finally rewarded with Gilardino's right-footed strike beating Fortin after the ball had been deflected into his path.
Milan's joy could have been shortlived had Daniele Bonera not made a goalline clearance from Acquafresca's diagonal strike.
The Rossoneri desperately surged forward in surge of the winner and Marcos Cafu came close with his right-footed effort going high over the bar.
But Ancelotti's men were rewarded with Pirlo beating Fortin with a trademark free-kick to hand his team the win.
The result sees Cagliari plummet to the last position in the standings, having only managed to collect nine points in 12 games.
