Staff Reporter.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as AC Milan regained their three-point lead at the top of Serie A with a victory at Cagliari.
Inter Milan’s win over Juventus on Sunday had put them level on points with Stefano Pioli’s side
Ibrahimovic, who now has 13 goals from 13 matches this term, won and converted a penalty to open the scoring.
His second after the break ensured a comfortable evening for Milan, who had Alexis Saelemaekers sent off.
Ibrahimovic’s efforts in front of goal mean Milan have now scored in 19 consecutive away fixtures in Serie A to equal their best ever run in the competition.
That came during Fabio Capello’s first stint in charge of the club and cut across the 1991-92 and 1992-93 campaigns, when the Rossoneri went on to win the Scudetto in both seasons.
“He is a champion in everything he does. With his comeback we have other tactical possibilities and we are very happy to have him,” AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli told reporters after the match.
“He still manages to surprise me, even though I know him well by now. We must expect the best from him, but today he also did something beyond that.”
Milan are on 43 points, three ahead of city rivals Inter Milan, and 10 clear of champions Juventus in fifth.
Cagliari remain in 17th, just one point above the relegation zone. They are without a win in their last 11 league games.