Bacca leads Milan back into European race after Chievo conquest

Carlos Bacca put a difficult few months behind him to score twice Saturday in a 3-1 win over Chievo, boosting AC Milan's hopes of qualifying for Europe next season.

Milan is now tied with Lazio for the fifth and final European berth, although the Biancocelesti can create some distance with a victory of its own Sunday night at Bologna.

The Colombian delivered his first multi-goal performance since Aug. 21, despite sending a penalty kick well above the crossbar just before the interval.

"This shirt belongs in Europe. I came here for this reason, and we have to get back to playing in the cup competitions," said Bacca, who has now amassed at least 10 goals in each of his past five domestic campaigns.

He combined well with January recruit Gerard Deulofeu for the opener, and banged in a loose corner kick for the second. Substitute Gianluca Lapadula did what his teammate couldn't do, converting a spot kick to end his own three-month scoreless streak.

But the result wasn't guaranteed.

Mattia De Sciglio, who returned from injury to wear the captain's armband, conceded a penalty after appearing to tug on Chievo forward Serge Gakpe's shirt. It was dispatched with ease by Jonathan De Guzman, who brought the match level in the 42nd minute.

It was the seventh penalty Milan has faced this season - the second-highest total across the league.

Fabrizio Cacciatore also could have made it 3-2 if he hadn't rattled the crossbar from two yards.

The only concern to come out of the evening was the muscular injury to Suso, the Rossoneri iron man who has started 29 matches across all competitions this season.

His availability for next Friday's high-profile clash against Juventus is not immediately clear.