Lucas Paqueta's first AC Milan strike and another Krzysztof Piatek goal helped Gennaro Gattuso's side to a 3-0 home win over Cagliari that moved the Rossoneri back up to fourth place in the Serie A table.
Wins for Atalanta, Roma and Lazio earlier in the weekend had shunted Milan down to seventh ahead of Sunday's clash with Rolando Maran's side at San Siro.
But a freak own goal from defender Luca Ceppitelli gave Milan an early lead and their advantage was swiftly doubled by Brazilian attacker Paqueta.
Piatek wrapped up the scoring after the break with his fourth Milan goal and Gianluigi Donnarumma marked his 150th Rossoneri appearance with some fine saves in a well-earned clean sheet that keeps his side's Champions League qualification hopes on track.