AC Milan coach Max Allegri eased pressure on the club with victory at Bologna.

They lost the opener 1-0 at home to Sampdoria, but Giampaolo Pazzini netted a hat-trick on his first start for Milan.

Allegri said: "Pazzini isn't in great condition, but I am very happy and he held out well for almost 90 minutes. He arrived with enthusiasm and hunger. He has always scored goals in his career, so I hope he continues to do so here.

"We started tonight with two 20-year-olds, who can have inconsistent performances, but will certainly grow.

"There are still some players missing, other new ones who have just arrived, so it will take time, but in general victories do us good.

"It's strange, as on Sunday we lost a game against Sampdoria that we didn't deserve to lose, while tonight we took the lead thanks to a mistake from their goalkeeper. In any case, we deserved the victory.

"Kevin-Prince Boateng kept it simple tonight and when he does that he becomes impossible to mark. However, he must learn and understand that he can be an important player for his teammates."