AC Milan's 19th Serie A win of the season also moved them up to third, their highest position so far this campaign, ahead of Sunday's Roman derby between fourth-placed Lazio and Roma, who sit second behind Inter Milan.

With one eye on the return leg of their Champions League semifinal against Manchester United at the San Siro on Wednesday, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti rested a number of his big name stars.

Brazilian star Kaka, who hit a potentially decisive brace of goals in the 3-2 defeat to United at Old Trafford last Tuesday, stayed on the bench for the entire match - but he was not alone.

Apart from Seedorf and fellow midfielder Andrea Pirlo, only three other players who started against Torino are set to face United at the San Siro in midweek: Brazilian 'keeper Dida, defender Alessandro Nesta and Massimo Ambrosini.

Seedorf was substituted late in the second half while Ambrosini played just one half.

Ancelotti admitted he had to spare his top players for a match which could save their season on Wednesday.

"The players have been tired, but we still had to go out and make sure we took all three points without paying too much for it. In that respect, I think we've succeeded," said Ancelotti, who claims United will be under less pressure.

"They will have less pressure than us because they won the first leg.

"It will be a hard fought match and to beat Manchester United we will really have to be at our best."

Milan dominated Torino, who sit 14th in Serie A, throughout the first half and when Seedorf was given time and space with the ball at his feet in the 26th minute he did not squander the opportunity.

Torino's future in the Italian top flight is far from secure, and perhaps that uncertainty played on their minds in a shaky second half in which they pushed Milan hard for an ultimately elusive equaliser.

Ahead of Sunday's important derby in the capital, AC Milan's win means they have put some more distance on fifth placed Empoli, who have played one match less.

The top four in Italy's Serie A qualify for the Champions League, with the fourth placed finisher joining the competition at the third qualifying round.

For Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo, the win was crucial.

"It was fundamental for us to take all three points from this match to reinforce our position in the league," he said.

"Now, we can look forward with confidence to Wednesday's match (with Manchester United)."

"We're all in good shape. We worked tirelessly out there, but come Wednesday I'm sure we'll all be ready."