AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed his players' desire after watching them win convincingly at Heerenveen in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.

The Rossoneri, who failed to qualify for the Champions League having finished fifth in Serie A last season, are tipped as likely winners of Europe's second-tier continental competition.

Milan won 3-1 in Holland to start their Group E campaign in style.

An own goal from Heerenveen midfielder Calvin Jong-a-Pin set Milan on their way, before goals from Gennaro Gattuso and Filippo Inzaghi put the visitors out of sight.

Danijel Pranjic netted a late consolation goal for the hosts from the penalty spot.

Ancelotti said: "We started the group stage well and we have tackled this encounter in the right spirit.

"The UEFA Cup is certainly no longer that interesting, it doesn't whet the appetite of many others but I find it appealing, and my players also proved they do too considering their performance tonight.

"The UEFA Cup is not our main priority, but in March we will still be on course for it and then it will become truly interesting."