Montolivo praises 'massive' Pazzini performance

AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has praised the "massive" Giampaolo Pazzini performance in the 4-2 Serie A win over Catania on Sunday.

Pazzini came off the bench in the second half to score two goals in three minutes before Mario Balotelli sealed the points with a late penalty and Montolivo was thrilled to see his compatriot perform so well when it mattered most to the side.

"This was a big result for us and we always believed we could do it," the 28-year-old told Milan Channel. "Pazzini coming on certainly helped to change things for us. When he came on, it gave us a massive lift. You have to say that he was really decisive. I'm really pleased for him."

The win propelled Milan back into third place above Fiorentina, which is running the Rossoneri close for the final Champions League qualification spot.

"We did everything we could to win. We showed heart, and everyone gave their all from the first minute. We put our foot on the gas from the start," Montolivo stated. "It wasn't easy in terms of how we had to approach the game after that, but we did well and we kept calm, and it went our way in the end."