French forward Jeremy Menez hit a brace including a controversial penalty as AC Milan broke a three-game winless run thanks to a 3-1 victory over Cagliari in a half-empty San Siro on Saturday.

Milan hosted Zdenek Zeman's league strugglers looking to get back to winning ways following draws with Chievo and Verona and a 2-1 defeat away to Fiorentina last week.

And the pressure eased on embattled Rossoneri coach Filippo Inzaghi as Milan's ninth win of the campaign moved them up to seventh place ahead of the remainder of the weekend fixtures.

Menez opened the scoring on 21 minutes when he controlled well on the left edge of the area before firing a great curling shot through the hands of Zeljko Brkic at the 'keeper's far post.

Cagliari, who welcomed back Zeman two weeks ago following the sacking of Gianfranco Zola, levelled in fine style when Farias dribbled around Philippe Mexes to fire across Diego Lopez and inside the Spanish 'keeper's far post.

Mexes made up for his error only two minutes later when he met a corner on the edge of the box with a volley which bounced and travelled through Cagliari's defence untouched before leaving Zeljko stranded.

Menez wrapped up the points 12 minutes from time when he beat the Cagliari 'keeper from the spot, although Alessioa Cerci was clearly outside the area when he tumbled under a challenge from Luca Ceppitelli.

Milan moved up to seventh to sit 26 points behind leaders Juventus, but could go back the way depending on results elsewhere on Sunday.

Juventus host Genoa boasting a 14-point lead on stuttering challengers Roma, who are in danger of being overtaken by city rivals Lazio, who sit in third only one point further adrift.

Roma are away to third-from-bottom Cesena while Lazio host Verona earlier Sunday.

Napoli, in fourth at three points behind Lazio, host Atalanta while Sampdoria and Fiorentina, one point further adrift in fifth and sixth, respectively host Inter and travel to Udinese.

Earlier, Chievo earned a precious 1-0 win over Palermo to pull themselves 11 points clear of the drop zone.