Ibra takes center stage, Milan conquer Bologna

ROME: AC Milan's talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic played hero and villain on Saturday as the Rossoneri dominated Bologna 4-2 away in Serie A.

The 40-year-old Swedish got his first start in Serie A this season, as an injury crisis forced Milan to miss Mike Maignan, Franck Kessie, Ante Rebic and Alessandro Florenzi, while Theo Hernandez and Brahim Diaz tested positive for COVID-19.

Milan broke the deadlock in the 16th minute with a spectacular style as Ibrahimovic's assist found Rafael Leao who sprinted down the left to drill home from a tight angle.

It went from bad to worse for Bologna four minutes later as Adama Soumaoro saw red for dragging down Rade Krunic on the edge of the box.

Milan made it 2-0 in the 35th minute as Samu Castillejo's attempt was blocked but Davide Calabria followed to release a missile.

However, the home side got back level terms in just three minutes as Ibrahimovic accidentally scored an own goal in the 49th minute, before Musa Barrow finished with a first-time strike.

But Bologna was dealt another blow as it was reduced to nine players when Roberto Soriano was sent off for stamping on Fode Ballo-Toure's ankle.

Milan utilized the advantage and restored the lead in the 84th minute with Ismael Bennacer's blockbuster, before Ibrahimovic sealed the win in the dying minutes.

Milan provisionally moved to the top with 25 points, one ahead of Napoli who visits Roma on Sunday.

In Saturday's other fixtures, Empoli also beat Salernitana 4-2, while Sassuolo saw off Venezia 3-1. Agencies

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