David Beckham struck his first goal in Italian soccer on Sunday while Kaka put the Manchester City transfer saga behind him with a brace as AC Milan romped to a 4-1 victory at Bologna.
But Milan remain six points off the top after leaders Inter won 1-0 at home to Sampdoria.
It was Kaka’s first match since his proposed world record switch to City collapsed and he responded with a calmly taken penalty and a left-foot rocket.
Kaka’s contribution deflected somewhat from Beckham’s first goal for Milan since joining on loan from the LA Galaxy.
Bologna took the lead on nine minutes after Marco Di Vaio converted from the spot.
But just four minutes later Bologna lost the ball in midfield and Kaka hit a shot from distance that Francesco Antonioli couldn’t hold, allowing Clarence Seedorf to prod home the rebound.
The third goal in the 17th minute came after Kaka scored from the spot and he scored from a wonderful left-footed shot before half-time.
Beckham then smashed home a fierce right-footer on the hour after a pass from Seedorf.
Inter were made to work hard against a stubborn Sampdoria but Adriano scored the vital winner in first-half stoppage time.
Coach Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands after reacting angrily to a yellow card shown to Dejan Stankovic.
AS Roma closed to within three points of fourth place with a stunning 3-0 win at Napoli.
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