SOCCER: NESTA 'HAPPY TO BE BACK'

SOCCER: NESTA 'HAPPY TO BE BACK'

(ANSA) - Rome, October 26 - Alessandro Nesta is relishing his 'second life' at AC Milan after his return from a career-threatening back injury.

''This is 'bellissimo' for me,'' the defender said after his first-ever two-goal haul in Serie A sank Chievo 2-1 in Verona.

''I never, ever score. This was special,'' said the 33-year-old whose brace put Milan in joint fourth place alongside Palermo and Fiorentina.

''It was time we got back into fourth,'' said the former Italy defender, who has been among Milan's most impressive players as they have recovered from a stuttering start in both Serie A and the Champions League.

''Now we're back to stay, I hope,'' said the central defender, who has been out of the game for most of the last 18 months.

Three points above Milan on 18 points are Juventus, who won 1-0 at Siena, while Sampdoria is on 22 following a 4-1 win against Bologna and leaders Inter Milan are on 22 after beating Catania 2-1.