ROME, Nov 8 - AC Milan fought back from a two-goal deficit to overcome second-division side Brescia 4-2 in the first leg of their last 16 Italian Cup tie on Wednesday.

The Serie A giants, who have lost three of their last four league matches, seemed to have carried over their poor form into the Cup in the first half at the San Siro stadium, when Matteo Serafini and Luis Alfageme gave the visitors a 2-0 halftime lead.

They hit back, however, midway through the second half, striker Marco Borriello and midfielder Cristian Brocchi grabbing two goals in four minutes to level the scores.

Second-half substitute Filippo Inzaghi - on in place of Ricardo Oliveira - put them ahead in the 78th minute from a corner.

Borriello angled in his second goal of the match four minutes from the end to seal the win.

AS Roma had no such trouble beating another Serie B side, Triestina, with Vincenzo Montella scoring each side of the interval in a 2-1 win.

There was defeat for Palermo, however. The Sicilian club, which leads Serie A jointly with Inter Milan, were edged out 1-0 by Sampdoria, with Italy striker Emiliano Bonazzoli getting the winner for the hosts.

In Wednesday's other ties, Livorno lost 2-1 at Arezzo, Reggina drew 2-2 with Chievo and Empoli beat Genoa 1-0.

The return legs are scheduled for November 29 and December 6.

On Thursday, holders Inter Milan start the defence of their title at Messina while Napoli host Parma.