Milan survive Ibrahimovic sending off to stay in Champions League chase Milan (AFP) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up two first-half goals before being sent off after an hour as 10-man AC Milan beat Parma 3-1 on Saturday to boost their Champions League hopes.
The 39-year-old Swede was given a straight red card for arguing with the referee at the Stadio Ennio Tardini when his team were two goals ahead.
Riccardo Gagliolo pulled one back for 19th-placed Parma minutes after Ibrahimovic’s sending off, but Milan held on despite some late scares, with substitute Rafael Leao scoring a third in injury time.
The 24-year-old’s latest strike in the competition has seen him emulate the former AC Milan midfielder, who is widely referenced as one of the best players to ever play for the club.
Kessie now has 10 goals to his name in the Italian elite division this season, having featured in 29 league matches for Stefano Pioli’s men.
10 - Franck #Kessié is the first #ACMilan midfielder able to score 10+ goals in the first 30 matches of a Serie A campaign since Kaká in 2008/09. Factor. #ParmaMilan pic.twitter.com/LW6rofurJj OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) April 10, 2021
The Cote d’Ivoire international is the first midfielder to achieve that feat since the 2007 Ballon d Or winner way back in the 2008-09 season. There, the Brazilian scored 16 times in 31 matches.
2004 - Chaka Traorè (Parma) is the first player born in 2004 to play a Serie A game. Child. #ParmaMilan OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) April 10, 2021
Also in action for Parma was Gervinho but the former Arsenal forward failed to extend his tally of four goals on his 21st Serie A appearance of the season.
The Ivory Coast international was replaced at half-time as goals by Ante Rebic, compatriot Franck Kessie and Rafael Leao fired Milan to a crucial away win after last week s 1-1 draw with Sampdoria.
Riccardo Gagliolo scored Parma s only goal six minutes after the hour-mark but it was enough to inspire a comeback for the hosts.
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