Keisuke Honda was on target for the second game in a row on Sunday as AC Milan edged Parma 5-4 away in an extraordinary Serie match that saw both sides end the game with 10 men as Daniele Bonera and Felipe were both dismissed.
Honda, who opened his 2014-2015 account in Milan's 3-1 season-opening win over Lazio, showed no effects of his international exertions in midweek with Japan, setting up Giacomo Bonaventura to put Milan in front on 25 minutes.
Parma soon replied through Antonio Cassano, but Honda gave Milan the lead for the second time, scoring with a header after connecting with Ignazio Abate's rightwing cross.
"Conditioning myself after coming back from Japan was one of my themes," said Honda, who was made captain for Japan's home games against Uruguay and Venezuela on Sept. 5 and 9 in the absence of injured Makoto Hasebe.
"I have delivered results under these circumstances and I guess that means I have made progress." added the bleach-blond midfielder.
Jeremy Menez made it 3-1 to the visitors from the penalty spot and after Felipe brought Parma back into a seesaw game, Nigel De Jong restored Milan's two-goal advantage.
Alessandro Lucarelli once again replied before Menez thought he had put the game to bed with his second goal in the 79th minute.
An own goal from Mattia De Sciglio gave Parma hope but Milan held on for maximum points to join Juventus and Roma at the top of table with six points from two games.