One of the most influential strikers in this century, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, propelled AC Milan to a win against Cagliari, 0-2, in the Italian Serie A match earlier today.
Milan Finally Wins
Ibrahimovic scored in Rossoneri’s road win over Cagliari at Sardinia. The Swedish international was instrumental in the field, delivering a goal and pressuring the hosts’ defense throughout the entire game. His presence was visible right from the start, because the veteran made Milan’s game much more fluid and dangerous compared to the earlier performances.
After half an hour of play, Ibra had a chance to net, but Robin Olsen, Cagliari’s goalkeeper, made a superb save, stopping the Swed’s header and keeping his team in the game. The guests from the north were much better, and they would dictate the tempo in the opening 45 minutes, however, without a goal.
Chance after chance took place in front of Cagliari’s net, yet there were no goals. Theo Hernandez, Ibra, Alessio Romagnoli, one by one they couldn’t break the ice, and players headed for a break with the result 0-0.
But all that changed just one minute into the second half, when Rafael Leao accepted a nice pass from Samu Castillejo and beat Olsen from inside the box. The ball would hit one of the hosts’ defenders and go above the goalkeeper. After that, Stefano Pioli, along with his boys, was much calmer, as they finally scored the long-craved goal.
Prior to this event, Milan couldn’t score in three consecutive Serie A games. They played 0-0 vs. Sassuolo at home, lost 5-0 in Bergamo to Atalanta and finally, played another goalless affair previous week against Sampdoria.
It was the 64th minute when the sector with guests’ fans exploded. Theo Hernandez stormed down the left side, made a cross inside the box, where Ibrahimovic waited for the ball, placing it in the net for his first for AC Milan since 2012.
“I got a few things wrong at the start of the game, but I need a few matches to get into top form. The coach thinks about my age but it’s not a problem, my mind is still sharp and the body must follow,” he said.
An Injection of Positive Inspiration
The euphoria about Ibra’s comeback “home,” as some say, is still not calming down. Practically the entire media sector os focused more on the 38-year old than on all other topics in Italian football. Although Inter Milan and Juventus are in the middle of a title race, the public want’s to know what is going on with Milan’s latest acquisition.
All the matches Rossoneri play are booked, and demand for the tickets is unseen over the recent few seasons.
Up next, Milan plays with Spal in Coppa Italia at home on Jan 15. Pioli revealed that with Zlatan on board, the team aims to win this trophy and to save the season, which does look awful at the moment. This contest is only the Round of 16, but no matter, it is a perfect opportunity for an additional boost of morale.
After Spal, Milan awaits Udinese next Sunday.
