I found out something nifty the other day vs Vergil. When you get the opportunity to hit him, he eventually recoils, and if you hit again then he will counter your attack. I found this is a great opportunity to do a taunt instead. So as soon as he is like "UGH!" and flies backwards, stop attacking and taunt him. He just stands there and gets taunted right in his face, which is satisfying as well as useful.