Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

Sassuolo 1-2 Milan: Ibrahimovic strikes twice to send Rossoneri fifth

Milan's latest impressive display under Stefano Pioli saw them win at Sassuolo through a Zlatan Ibrahimovic double.

By Joe Wright
Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Sassuolo (Italy), July 22: Milan moved into fifth in Serie A after Zlatan Ibrahimovic secured a 2-1 victory away to 10-man Sassuolo on Tuesday (July 21).

Results | Points Table | Fixtures

The Rossoneri edged above Roma and Napoli in the table thanks to a first-half double from their veteran striker either side of Francesco Caputo's penalty, before Mehdi Bourabia was sent off late in the first half.

It marked the ninth league game in a row in which Milan scored at least twice and further highlighted their progress under Stefano Pioli, who could well be staying in charge for next season.

1
2021400

Sassuolo were surprisingly slack with their customary passing out from the back and paid the price 19 minutes in, with Hakan Calhanoglu's exquisite cross nodded in by Ibrahimovic after Franck Kessie had won back the ball.

Milan were dealt a double injury blow, losing Andrea Conti and Alessio Romagnoli, before Caputo levelled for Sassuolo from the penalty spot after Calhanoglu was penalised for handball following a lengthy VAR review.

Calhanoglu and Ibrahimovic combined again to restore the lead in first-half injury time, though, the striker gathering a throughball and rounding Andrea Consigli to finish, having earlier missed another good headed chance.

Sassuolo's hopes of another comeback were ruined when Bourabia lunged in on Ante Rebic to earn a second yellow card with seconds left in the first half.

Ibrahimovic just failed to get a shot away after combining with Kessie, and Ismael Bennacer clipped the post as Milan sought a decisive third, although Gianluigi Donnarumma - making his 200th appearance for the club at the age of just 21 - was largely a spectator at the other end.

By contrast, Consigli had to produce a brilliant triple save to deny Kessie and Giacomo Bonaventura twice to keep it at 2-1.

What does it mean? Pioli efforts paying off

Milan are a point above Roma and three ahead of Napoli in fifth place, and few would bet against them doing enough to seal a top-six finish even if their closest rivals have a game in hand.

In the longer term, the evidence of their improvement under Pioli becomes clearer by the game and any new deal for the coach would represent a wholly sensible move by the club.

The only concern for Milan will be facing Atalanta next with potential injury absentees and Theo Hernandez and Bennacer suspended.

Hakan and Zlatan weaving a pattern

Calhanoglu's recent form has rivalled any attacking player in Serie A. Ibrahimovic is the seventh player to receive an assist this season from the Turkey playmaker, and their combination play pointed to a few more goals to come.

Brainless from Bourabia

Bourabia's first booking was for a poor lunge on Ibrahimovic. His second, for a reckless challenge on Rebic with seconds of the first half remaining, was probably worse. Roberto De Zerbi will have been furious.

What's next?

Milan host Atalanta on Friday (July 24) in what could be key to their European hopes, with Sassuolo heading to Napoli on Saturday (July 25).

Story first published: Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 9:25 [IST]
Other articles published on Jul 22, 2020