AC Milan's new football coach Clarence Seedorf thanked AC Milan for having the courage to appoint him after watching his side beat Hellas Verona 1-0 with a late Mario Balotelli penalty on his debut.
Despite the win, it was another unconvincing performance from Milan who struggled to create chances and always looked vulnerable in defence.
Balotelli side-footed home in the 82nd minute after Verona defender Alejandro Gonzalez had needlessly fouled Kaka, tripping the Brazilian with a clumsy tackle even though the ball was already heading out of play.
Milan remained 11th with 25 points after only their sixth league win in 20 attempts this season, although they are the only Italian team still in the Champions League.
Seedorf, who left Milan 18 months ago after spending 10 years of his illustrious playing career there, only signed his new contract - which runs until the end of the 2015/16 season - just before taking charge of his first training session.
He has no previous coaching experience.
The 37-year-old, who had been playing for Brazilian side Botafogo, announced on Wednesday that Milan had asked him to replace Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked on Tuesday following a 4-3 defeat to lowly Sassuolo.
The Dutchman immediately abandoned his playing career to accept the offer.
