RONALDO was the inspiration as AC Milan ended its dismal winless home run with a 5-2 victory over Napoli on a dream night at the San Siro in Milan, Italy, on Sunday.

    Ronaldo was playing only his second match of an injury-plagued season but scored a brace as he partnered debutant teenage sensation Pato in a new-look three-pronged Brazilian attack that included world player of the year Kaka.

    Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti finally got the firepower that has been missing from the team at home in the league this season, as Pato and Kaka also got their names on the scoresheet.

    In their previous seven matches — five draws and two defeats — Milan managed just three goals, they had doubled that tally 30 seconds into the second half against Napoli.

    Ronaldo gave the hosts the lead on the quarter hour, latching onto Andrea Pirlo’s clever through ball to fire home off goalkeeper Gennaro Iezzo’s legs.

    Napoli was dangerous on the counter-attack and soon leveled through Roberto Sosa, who converted fellow Argentine Ezequiel Lavezzi’s right wing cross.

    Ronaldo then tried to turn provider, twice teeing up Pato with just Iezzo to beat but the keeper denied him both times before Clarence Seedorf smashed home the follow-up.

    Just after the restart Seedorf picked out Ronaldo to head home from close in. Kaka scored midway through the second half with a crisp shot from the edge of the box and minutes later Pato opened his account after racing clear and finally beating Iezzo in a one-on-one.(SD-Agencies)