体坛英语新闻：AC Milan beat Inter 3-0 thanks to Pato's double

MILAN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Alexandre Pato scored a brace to hand AC Milan a 3-0 win over cross-city rivals Inter in a potentially title-deciding derby on Saturday.

Pato opened the scoring in the first minute with a tap-in before Cristian Chivu blew off his sides' chances of a comeback on 53 minutes when he was sent off for tripping Milan's goalscorer.

Pato wrapped the win on 62 minutes when he headed a pass from Ignazio Abate. Substitute Antonio Cassano completed the rout on 89 minutes when he converted a penalty he won himself before receiving his marching orders in the 92 minute for a second-yellow card.

AC Milan's Pato (C) celebrates beside teammate Robinho after scoring against Inter Milan during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan April 2, 2011.

Inter's best chance came in the 38th minute when Wesley Sneijder delivered an inviting corner which was met by the head of Thiago Motta on the six-yard line. It looked as if an equalizer was inevitable only for Abbiati to somehow claw the ball to safety off the line, a wonderful save celebrated by the keeper as if he had just scored the winning goal.

The result sees Milan increase their lead over Inter at the summit of Serie A to five points with only seven games to go.