Ghana duo Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien manned the midfield for AC Milan and excelled as the Rossoneri beat Hellas Verona 3-1 on Sunday.

Coach Filippo Inzaghi opted to start Essien with Dutchman Nigel De Jong suspended for this match due to yellow card accumulation.

It was the first start for the former Chelsea man this season after battling injuries earlier this season.

Muntari had been phenomenal this season with six Serie A appearances and two goals in return.

Rafael Marques scored an own goal in the 21st minute and Keisuke Honda grabbed a brace to seal the win for Milan.

Hellas Verona scored a consolation through Nicolas Lopez with three minutes remaining.