By Daily sports on February 8, 2021
Zlatan Ibrahimovic broke the 500-mark for career club goals with a brace on Sunday as AC Milan held top spot in Serie A with a 4-0 win over lowly Crotone.
“It’s difficult to be surprised by Ibrahimovic,” said Milan coach Stefano Pioli of the 39-year-old who is powering his team’s bid for a first ‘Scudetto’ since 2011.
Milan moved back two points ahead of city rivals Inter Milan who had pulled ahead after a 2-0 win over Fiorentina on Friday, with champions Juventus a further five back in third after beating Roma by the same scoreline on Saturday.
Ibrahimovic opened the scoring on the half-hour at the San Siro after combining with Rafael Leao for his 500th club strike.
And the Swede brought his tally to 501 in the 64th minute, finishing off a Theo Hernandez cross for his 83rd Milan goal.
“To hold up at this level means you’re an exceptional professional and he’s helped by a physique that few have,” continued Pioli.
“He’s a champion, an athlete who has the great motivation, he takes care of his body scrupulously. Sometimes he’s tired, but he never fails.”
“He’s helping the team to grow a lot.
“I have frankly never seen him go wrong. Now the players are competing to see who arrives first (at training), and obviously, he’s among them.”
Ante Rebic turned the game into a comprehensive win with a quick-fire brace of his own past Crotone goalkeeper Alex Cordaz.
The Croatian headed in a Hakan Calhanoglu corner in the 69th minute and then seconds later turned in a rebound after Cordaz kept out an Ibrahimovic strike.
“The Scudetto? The decisive matches will come later, now we have to withstand all the pressures which is a privilege to have,” continued Pioli.
“The top seven are all capable of fighting for the title and the first four places. (AFP)
•PHOTO: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Source Daily sports
Posted February 8, 2021
You may also like...
Amusan seeks another global title at Diamond League...
Serena Williams, Nadal, Murray confirmed for Australian Open...
Onazi Quits Denizlispor Again After Owed Salaries
Spain Spank Faroe Island to Move Closer to...
Clubs boycott NNL Super 8 tourney in Aba...
EFL Re-introduces Five Substitutions Rule