Serie A: Promoted Verona shock AC Milan 2-1 in opener

Rome: Luca Toni scored twice as Hellas Verona beat AC Milan 2-1 on Saturday to celebrate their return to Serie A after an 11-year absence as the Italian league opened with a shock.

After Andrea Poli put Milan ahead in the 14th minute following a pass from Mario Balotelli, the 1.96-meter (6-foot-5) Toni struck back with headers in the 30th and 53rd minutes at the Bentegodi stadium.

The 36-year-old Toni also scored on his debut when Verona beat Palermo 1-0 in the Italian Cup last weekend.

There were concerns that Verona fans might direct racist chants at Balotelli but, with the issue discussed widely before the match, supporters responded by applauding him instead, albeit likely in an ironic manner, whenever he touched the ball.