Yesterday Milan got their title challenge back on track with a comprehensive four nil victory over Chievo. Clarence Seedorf got the ball rolling with his opener before Antonio Cassano opened his account for the club with his first goal. In the second half Milan closed the game out with two goals from Robinho both superbly assisted by Cassano.

After last week’s dull draw away to Genoa where the Rossoneri looked short on ideas and imagination, Max Allegri made the necessary changes to spark life into his Milan side.

To achieve this, Cassano was chosen ahead of Pato and Alexander Merkel was included in the midfield three.

With Cassano present instead of Pato, Milan had a player who along with Seedorf – who was playing as the trequartista – had the ability to pick up and initiate attacking moves.

Cassano was fabulous on the night in a performance where he underlined his importance to Milan. Having managed to score his first goal for his new club after a delightful interchange with Gattuso, Cassano provided the two assists for Robinho to claim a second half brace. Milan really are a different team when their number 99 is on the field.

Merkel breathed life into a midfield that last week seemed unable to pass the ball forward. Playing alongside Mark van Bommel and Gennaro Gattuso, the young German’s ability to provide a link from midfield to attack greatly helped Milan in an attacking sense.

Merkel will have done his chances of receiving more playing time no harm at all with his performance. In my opinion, he is the type of player needed in the Milan midfield that at times is often too defensive, and with Andrea Pirlo out injured, he should be starting regularly already.

Milan were also strong in defence helped with the return of the unflappable Alessandro Nesta. Playing alongside Thiago Silva, Milan’s central defensive pairing were back to their best. The return of Nesta could not have come at a better time with the visit of Spurs just two nights away.

With the right players chosen and with everything clicking for Milan on the night it was a superb performance by Max Allegri’s men and one that will prepare them well for this week’s Champions League encounter with Tottenham.