Alexandre Pato [ Images ] continued his rich vein of form with two goals in AC Milan's [ Images ] 3-1 win over Chievo which powered the hosts to the top of Serie A on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who scored in both of Brazil's [ Images ] friendly victories during the international break, owed much to strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic [ Images ] for setting up his efforts.

First Pato expertly volleyed in a delicate Ibrahimovic cross from the left after 18 minutes, sending the ball back across the goalkeeper having patiently waited for it to drop.

Ibrahimovic then took a quick free kick on the half hour with the Chievo defence asleep and Pato blasted home to send a warning to Tuesday's Champions League [ Images ] opponents Real Madrid [ Images ].

Ibrahimovic was unfortunate to divert a corner into his own net midway through the second half and the visitors were close to snatching a draw before substitute Robinho [ Images ] netted his first Milan goal by rounding the keeper in stoppage time.

Milan lead the standings on 14 points from their seven games after a third straight win but could be overhauled on Sunday when second-placed Lazio, a point behind, visit Bari.

Champions Inter Milan [ Images ] and fourth-placed Napoli, who travel to Cagliari and Catania respectively on Sunday, are also just three points adrift of the Rossoneri.

"I'm just doing my job, a job for the team. I'm happy with my two goals," Pato, who has again struggled for fitness this term, told Sky television.

ROMA VICTORY

Ibrahimovic was also carrying a slight groin problem but played the full game to show he is in shape for the Bernabeu [ Images ].

Brazil defender Thiago Silva, courted by Real in the close season, is doubtful for Tuesday though after being carried off with a painful ankle injury.

Milan's most famous Brazilian, Ronaldinho [ Images ], again had a quiet game in his new position behind the strikers rather than on the left although he did have two late shots.

In Saturday's other Serie A game, last term's runners-up AS Roma recorded only their second league win of the campaign with a nervous 2-1 victory over Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico.

Former Genoa striker Marco Borriello, who earlier hit the post, opened the scoring when he prodded in Francesco Totti's [ Images ] deflected cross before Matteo Brighi showed bravery to make it 2-0 after the break.

Genoa had a host of chances, including ex-Roma forward Luca Toni heading wide, but they eventually found the net through Gergely Rudolf and kept the pressure on until the end.