( dpa ) - AC Milan regained lost ground in the Italian Serie A Wednesday beating Reggina 1-0 away in a game rescheduled from December when the Devils played and won the Club World Cup.
Milan now lie sixth on 30 points, a tally they can beef up on February 13 through a further game in hand against Livorno.
A crucial game is up for Milan at the weekend as they visit fourth-place Fiorentina, who on 37 points occupy the last available Champions League berth with a wide 13-point gap behind leaders Inter Milan.
In Reggio Calabria, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti rested star Ronaldo, fielding up front his Brazil compatriot Alexandre Pato alongside Alberto Gilardino, who scored the winner on 18 minutes.
There was no need to jump for the Gila as he headed home a cross from Andrea Pirlo, who found him unmarked in front of goal.
Gennaro Gattuso had threatened earlier with a fast drive from outside the area and on 30 minutes again forced a spectacular save from goalkeeper Andrea Campagnolo.
Reggina's first attempt was a shot wide from midfielder Emmanuel Cascione, while Milan back-up striker Kaka had a shot deflected by Salvatore Aronica and Pato fired two high drives.
On 33 minutes, Fabio Ceravolo had Reggina's best chance when he left Alessandro Nesta standing, but found Australian goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac ready to parry his narrow-angle shot.
There was little thrill in the second half, save a swerving bar-shaking free-kick from Pirlo followed by Campagnolo's prodigious save on a close-range header from Brazilian Emerson.
Pato again volleyed wide on 76 minutes as the southern-Italy hosts ended an unbeaten run of four games to remain rooted just one point above the three-team relegation zone.