Kaka scored the only goal of the game as AC Milan ended an eventful week in positive fashion at Atalanta.
Already this week Milan had caught the eye with a 3-1 UEFA Cup win at Heerenveen and made headlines for off-field reasons as they announced they were close to signing David Beckham on a short-term deal for the start of next year.
A move for the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder has been seen by some as a marketing exercise, but there were moments during an error-strewn performance in Bergamo when the Rossoneri could have done with the former England captain's creativity and calming influence.
In the end, Kaka's control and neat finish handed Milan their fifth Serie A win of the season, though it was harsh on Atalanta.
The Bergamaschi had the better chances though, and Cristiano Doni wasted an early opportunity as his header from Sergio Floccari's center was too weak to trouble Christian Abbiati.
Kaka was as threatening as ever and he beat two defenders after nine minutes before finding Marco Borriello, who netted, only to be denied by the offside flag.
There was a scare for Milan after 19 minutes as the game was delayed with Ronaldinho receiving lengthy medical treatment, but the forward was eventually okay to continue.
Some ragged Milan defending almost let in Doni, but Abbiati claimed, before the Milan keeper kept out Luca Cigarini's effort at the near post.
It brought to an end a half to forget for Milan, who were lucky not to reach the interval a goal down after some sloppy defending.
And there was little change after the break as Abbiati denied Gyorgy Garics within a minute of the restart.
Just four minutes later, Abbiati could not hold Ferreira Pinto's strike and Maldini came to his keeper's rescue, clearing before Floccari could reach the rebound.
Gradually, though, Milan began to assert their superiority, with Ronaldinho supplying an excellent pass for Borriello, who could not find the target.
After 67 minutes, Ronaldinho should have done better with a free-kick, and Kaka was similarly wasteful moments later when his set-piece was easily cleared.
Milan grabbed the initiative after 80 minutes through some individual brilliance from Kaka.
Marek Jankulovski's long ball found Borriello, whose flick found its way to Kaka.
The Brazil star did well to control, before waiting for Ferdinando Coppola to commit himself and delicately chipping the ball over the sliding keeper.
It was harsh on Atalanta who had been the dominant force for much of the match, but they had little left in the tank to respond.
And Milan held on to seal another Serie A win courtesy of Kaka's brilliance.
