Brazilian ace Pato scored twice to help AC Milan to a 3-1 win over Chievo on Saturday to take his side to the top of the Italian Serie A.

After an early attempt that went nowhere, Pato was deadly on 18 minutes with a great volley off a cross from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who set him up again on the half hour for a drive that bent the hands of goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.

The 21-year-old Brazilian was denied a hat-trick before the break when yet another assist from the Swede triggered his run on the left flank, but Sorrentino dove to deflect on his left.

Pato is now on four goals this season, with a total tally of 40 from 81 Serie A games since joining the Devils in 2008.

His compatriot Robinho replaced him with 20 minutes left and in injury time scored his first goal for the Devils after his arrival in September.

The guests from Verona squandered their first chance on 24 minutes with Uruguayan Pablo Granoche nodding a cross from Kevin Constant without worrying Christian Abbiati.

The Milan goalkeeper displayed full recovery from a recent muscular injury four minutes later, rescuing Milan with two close saves on efforts from Constant.

Ibra had a shot saved nine minutes into the second half, but his unlucky deflection stunned Abbiati on a corner kick with 20 minutes left to trigger a heated final phase of the game at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Chievo tried to step up their pressure with a three-pronged attack, but failed to worry Abbiati, while Sorrentino had to save a shot from a rather indifferent Ronaldinho.

The Devils lead in the Serie A on 14 points from seven games, but Lazio can regain a two-point lead when they close the weekend round late Sunday at Bari.

Struggling giants Roma play a late Saturday game at home to Genoa, looking to improve a lowly standing that mirrors a disappointing start to the season.

Champions Inter Milan visit Cagliari Sunday, looking to go level with Milan, a chance available also to Napoli when they visit Catania.