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Frustration continues for Torres as Milan end winless run

Torres made his full San Siro debut last night.

JAPANESE INTERNATIONAL KEISUKE Honda scored a late free-kick to help seal the points for AC Milan in a 2-0 win over Chievo at the San Siro last night as the Rossoneri ended their three-game winless run.

Milan hosted the Verona-based side looking to get back to winning ways after two successive draws, against Cesena and Empoli, and a 1-0 home defeat to Juventus last month.

Inzaghi gave Fernando Torres his full debut at the San Siro but it was a frustrating night for the former Chelsea striker, who was replaced by Stephan El Sharaawy with around 15 minutes remaining.

Italy Soccer Serie A Torres in action last night. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Torres saw an early chance go wide when his first-timer from Honda’s lay-off came off the foot of Giacomo Bonaventura to sail just wide, but chances were few and far between for the Spaniard.

Torres had previously featured as a late substitute against Juventus in the San Siro last month, while in his first start three days later he bagged a nice goal in an away draw with Empoli.

But following last night’s display the Spaniard still only has one goal in four, a similar ratio to last season when he finished with 11 goals in 41 games for Chelsea.

Torres’ subdued performance though didn’t stop his new team from securing three crucial points. Milan’s third win of the season moved them up to provisional fifth place, four points behind leaders Juventus who host second-placed Roma in a top-of-the-table clash in Turin on Sunday.

A mis-hit volley from Sulley Muntari gave Milan the lead 10 minutes after the restart and as Chievo pressed for a late equaliser, Honda settled nerves with a well-struck curler which beat Chievo ‘keeper Francesco Bardi at his near post in the 78th minute.

Italy Soccer Serie A AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Having endured a mitigated first season at Milan, Honda has been on fire this season.

Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi hailed the Japan star, but admitted his side still have to work on limiting the threat of counter-attacks.

“He’s a true professional. He’s always the first to arrive at training, and that’s pleasing to see,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport.

He added: “We still have to work on certain elements of our game. If you want to succeed, you can’t afford to concede mistakes.”

Torres’ frustrating night ended when he made way for El Shaarawy, who made an almost immediate impact.

The Milan striker was brought down by Isaac Cofie while on a mazy run down the left, and Honda stepped up to send a precise free kick over the defensive wall and past Bardi to hit his fourth goal of the campaign.

- Additional reporting by Eamon Donoghue

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