Zlatan Ibrahimovic was shown a straight red card for dissent on the hour mark, for saying something to the referee.
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AC Milan beat relegation threatened Parma 3-1 in the Serie A courtesy of two assists in the first half from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Zlatan set up the goals for Ante Rebic and Frank Kessie in the 8th and 44th minute respectively. But On the hour mark the 39 year old Sweden striker was shown a straight red car for dissent. This came after he said something to the referee Fabio Maresca. Zlatan has scored 15 goals in the league so far.
“I spoke to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and he told me that he absolutely didn’t say anything offensive toward the referee,” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said.
“He had a discussion but without lacking respect. I haven’t spoken to Maresca and I don’t know his version. The last thing Ibra said was ‘so you’re not interested in what I’m saying.’
“It’s obvious that the match changed after his sending off but my team managed to fill the gap with a lot of will and determination.”
Ricardo Gagliolo pulled one back for Parma in the 66th minute after Zlatan’s sent off, but substitute Rafael Leao sealed the match for Milan with a stoppage time goal.
After the victory Milan are in the second position with 63 points from 30 games. Inter Milan, who will play Cagiliari on Sunday are on top of the table with 71 points from 29 games.
Milan are in a tight race for the second spot with defending champions Juventus and Atlanta who are in the third and fourth position respectively. Both Juventus and Atlanta will play on Sunday.
Spezia beat Crotone 3-2 in an entertaining encounter, courtesy of an injury time goal from Martin Erlic. The win propelled Spezia to 32 points, 10 points above the relegation zone.
Andra Belotti penalty in the 66th minute sealed the three points for Torino against Udinese. Torino are now five points clear of the relegation zone.
