Milan claimed a dramatic 3-1 victory at Empoli as two injury time goals from Fode Ballo-Toure and Rafael Leao downed the Serie A champions stubborn opponents.
Nedim Bajrami s 92nd-minute free-kick looked to have earned a point for Empoli after Ante Rebic had put Milan ahead in the 79th minute.
But Ballo-Toure finished in the 94th minute to puncture Empoli s resolve.
With Empoli s hopes dashed, Leao added a third to ensure Milan returned to winning ways following their defeat to Napoli last time out.
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Leao could have opened the scoring in the early stages, but Guglielmo Vicario made a great save with his feet to turn away the Portugal international s low shot.
Alexis Saelemaekers dragged wide as Empoli s resistance held firm until half-time, and the hosts goal continued to live a charmed life after the restart when Olivier Giroud s free-kick hit the crossbar.
Vicario denied Sandro Tonali with an acrobatic save but Milan finally made the breakthrough when substitute Rebic lashed home from Leao s cross.
Yet Rebic s goal far from settled the contest, with a wonderful free-kick from Bajrami giving Empoli hope they had snatched a point.
It was not to be as Milan rallied to win their fourth straight Serie A match against Empoli.
Just 105 seconds after conceding, Milan were ahead again when Ballo-Toure turned in Rade Krunic s flick-on, with victory assured when Leao dinked over Vicario in the dying embers of a thrilling clash.
What does it mean? Champions resolve gets Milan through
Milan s players could easily have given up the ghost when Bajrami s free-kick nestled in, but they are reigning champions for a reason.
They found the cutting edge that had been missing for much of the match until Rebic s opener, and with 17 points from their eight games are just a win behind leaders Napoli.
Another big leap forward for Leao
Leao is reportedly of interest to some of Europe s elite sides and on Saturday s evidence it is clear why.
He drove Milan forward all game, and finished with a goal and an assist – one of five key passes, two more than any other player on the pitch.
Giroud struggles to hit the heights
Giroud was unlucky with the free-kick that hit the bar, but was ultimately hooked with 17 minutes remaining and Milan needing a goal. His replacement was Rebic, who scored one and then set up another in a clinical cameo.
Giroud failed to hit the target with any of his three shots and was also caught offside a team-high three times in what was a frustrating match for the striker.
What s next?
Milan are back in action on Wednesday, facing a tricky trip to Chelsea in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Empoli will travel to play Torino on October 9.
