A second-half goal from Kaka secured AC Milan a narrow victory over Catania.
The Brazilian's 65th-minute header proved enough to earn three points at the San Siro and keep the Rossoneri in third spot, six points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Carlo Ancelotti's side were in need of a good result after a terrible week that saw them lose 3-1 at Palermo in the league and then get knocked out of the Coppa Italia after a home defeat to Lazio.
Milan, having to do without the injured Ronaldinho, started strongly and should have gone ahead early on through Andriy Shevchenko but the Ukrainian's powerful header from Kaka's cross went high over the crossbar.
Shortly after, Kaka's effort from a central position was easily dealt with by Catania goalkeeper Albano Bizarri.
Catania were unlucky not to take the lead in the 14th minute with Giuseppe Mascara's fierce strike from outside the area rebounded off the far post with goalkeeper Christian Abbiati already beaten.
The hosts were quick to respond, with Kaka's angled shot forcing Bizarri to fully stretch to clear for a corner.
Milan came close in the 17th minute, with Emerson latching onto Alexandre Pato's cross from the left and his header going just over the bar.
The Rossoneri continued to push forward and midway through the first half Bizarri was forced into a good save from Kaka's angled 30-yard drive.
Catania defended well but were fortunate not to go behind when Kaka served Shevchenko, whose effort was deflected away by Mascara for a corner in what was the last chance of the first half.
The home team picked up where they left off after the break, and Kaka almost broke the deadlock after surging inside the area before firing a right-footed strike that was just too high.
Milan should have gone in front in the 53rd minute but Shevchenko was unable to get a touch on Giuseppe Favalli's dangerous cross towards the far post.
Ancelotti's troops finally broke through after the hour mark, with Kaka's header from a corner taking a deflection off Lorenzo Stovini to beat Bizarri.
The goal inspired the hosts, who surged forward more aggressively in the hope of killing the game off.
Substitute Giacomo Tedesco did well to deny Pato when he appeared set to double Milan's advantage from Kaka's clever assist.
Shortly after, Marek Jankulovski and Shevchenko were unable to get on the end of another neat cross from Kaka.
Milan were almost punished for their profligacy in the 75th minute, but Abbiati made an acrobatic save to keep out Mascara's close-range header.
With 10 minutes remaining, Gennaro Gattuso was booked for dissent and will miss next weekend's encounter against second-placed Juventus, with whom Milan are level on points.
Catania desperately probed for the equalizer and their efforts were almost rewarded four minutes from time. Abbiati's clearance from Mascara's stinging drive fell to Rocco Sabato, who surprisingly fired high to the stands and Milan held on for the victory.
