Kaka scored twice as Milan comfortably conquered new boys Genoa on the return to Serie A.

There was a mixed atmosphere at Marassi. On the one hand joy for Genoa's return to the top flight after 12 years, but on the other tension and sadness. The death of Rossoblu fan Vincenzo Spagnolo in clashes outside the stadium in 1995 was the reason for threats against the Milanisti this week, so in the interests of safety all visiting supporters were banned. That was the last time the two teams met in Serie A.

As for the football, the Rossoneri were without the injured Ronaldo and new arrival Emerson, while Genoa launched their new trident attack of N'Diaye Papa Waigo, Marco Di Vaio and Mirco Gasparetto.

Omar Milanetto and Kaka had long-range efforts off target, then there were decisive defensive tackles in the area from Massimo Ambrosini on Gasparetto and Konko on Andrea Pirlo.

A Pirlo corner kick found Alberto Gilardino completely unmarked from six yards, but he missed the free header by not even making contact with the ball. Genoa also wasted a golden opportunity when Konko skipped past Kakha Kaladze and went for glory, hitting the side-netting.

Genoa had shown problems in marking on set-pieces and did so again on 21 minutes, as this time Ambrosini was in acres of space and nodded Pirlo's free kick in at the near post.

Kaka ran almost all the way up the field and threaded through for Gennaro Gattuso, but goalkeeper Rubinho came tearing out and clattered into the midfielder.

Genoa had a good chance to draw level with Konko, but Gilardino came sliding in and couldn't quite get the right finish on Massimo Oddo's assist.

Oddo was wreaking havoc down that right flank and he set up the second goal, the cross touched on by Clarence Seedorf for Kaka to turn in unmarked.

In first half stoppages Rubinho came flying out to block Gilardino. The referee pointed to the spot, but replays suggest the goalkeeper did get a hand to the ball. Nonetheless, Kaka stepped up and buried the penalty in the bottom far corner.

Seedorf was booked for dissent complaining that the wall was not far enough away for a free kick, but the Dutchman continued to argue and Gattuso had to drag his teammate away to prevent further problems.

Di Vaio drilled just over and substitute Juric held off two defenders for a left-foot shot that skimmed the upright.

On 70 minutes Nelson Dida was tested by Papa Waigo's header that may have taken a deflection on the way.

Dida also flew to push Di Vaio's attempt out from under the crossbar, but Genoa simply could not chip into that three-goal lead.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Genoa: Rubinho; Bega, Santos (M Rossi 66), Lucarelli; Konko, Milanetto, Paro (Fabiano 46), Juric; Papa Waigo (Leon 78), Gasparetto, Di Vaio

Milan: Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski (Favalli 89); Gattuso (Brocchi 74), Pirlo, Ambrosini (Gourcuff 83); Kakà, Seedorf; Gilardino

Ref: Saccani