AC Milan midfielder Antonio Nocerino reacts after missing a scoring chance during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Sampdoria at the San Siro stadium in Milan (Photo: AP)
Andrea Costa headed the only goal for the visitors just before the hour to stun a half-empty San Siro on a hot, summer evening.
Milan, who suffered a flurry of departures in the close season, came to life only after their Brazilian forward Robinho was substituted immediately after the goal.
Mario Yepes and Kevin-Prince Boateng both hit the post for Milan and Urby Emanuelson had a shot headed off the line in stoppage time in the last half hour.
The win left Sampdoria on two points after they had a point deducted over their involvement in the Calcioscomesse match-fixing scandal.
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