AC Milan have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia thanks to a 3-1 triumph over Serie B side Spezia Calcio.

Milan were playing their first game since the departure of Massimiliano Allegri and Clarence Seedorf, who is expected to be confirmed as their new boss, was at the San Siro watching on from the stands.

Milan were on the front foot for most of the game and took the lead after 27 minutes when Giampaolo Pazzini crossed from the right and Robinho stooped to head home.

Pazzini himself found the net minutes later by volleying powerfully past Nicola Leali to give the home side a two-goal half-time lead.

Keisuke Honda was making his full Milan debut and scored the third goal moments into the second half by tucking home after Riccardo Montolivo's shot was parried.

Milan continued to press and came close to a fourth on numerous occasions before Spezia scored a late consolation through Nicola Ferrari.