AC Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi hailed the performances of Keisuke Honda and Michael Essien after the pair starred in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Verona.

The two sides went into the game level on 11 points, but there was a gulf in class in the first half as an own goal from Rafael Marques and Honda’s first strike made it 2-0 by half-time.

The Japan star struck again in the second period, while the hosts scored a late consolation through Nicolas Lopez before being reduced to 10-men following the late dismissal of Rafael Marquez for a second bookable offence.

The result leaves Milan in third place as Inzaghi’s positive start to life at the Rossoneri helm continues, though he was quick to direct the plaudits towards two of his players after the game.

He said: “Today we are very happy because it’s a good result without several important players. In the dressing room I wanted to compliment Essien, who hasn’t played much but was exemplary.

“At the start of August I talked about Honda, so I knew he’d deliver. I was looking for a left-footed player for the 4-3-3 and as time went on I realised Honda was that man. He has technique, but also great strength and ran so much today.”

Milan are now top scorers in Serie A with a haul of 16 strikes from their opening seven games, but Inzaghi remains unhappy with his defence and called for a marked improvement.

“I am a little angry that we didn’t keep our second consecutive clean sheet, but Abbiati did a great job in goal.

“We know that we have to improve. Looking at the goals we have conceded, there were four in that bizarre game at Parma, Empoli’s two were from set plays and against Cesena we practically scored it ourselves.

“We have to get better at the back, but the fact we are top scorers is very satisfying for a coach, as that means we have the attacking and entertaining approach I wanted.”

Another cause for concern will be form of Fernando Torres, who was disappointing again, leaving the Milan boss pondering a change in personnel in attack.

“All week I have had doubts over who to start. I need to watch the training sessions and take my indications from there. It’s good that I have so many choices, as that’s the best thing for a Coach, it’s a luxury.”