Ibra scores brace as Milan remain on top with victory over Napoli

Gulf Today Report

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a brace as AC Milan defeated 10-man Napoli 3-1 in their Italian League match on Sunday.

Though the Swede, who brought his tally to 10 goals in the league this with a stellar performance so far, had to limp off the field because of a muscles strain.

After the victory, Milan moved to the top of the again table with 20 points from eight games.

They have won six and drawn two. Milan’s unbeaten run of league form is now 20 games long and stretches back to March, but Bonera refused to be drawn on the possibility of clinching the club’s first Serie A title since 2011 this season.

They dismantled Sassuolo from the top, who had taken a provisional lead after their victory over Hellas Verona. Roma remained at the third spot after beating Parma 3-0 earlier in the day as Henrikh Mkhitaryan netted a brace to propel them to a convincing victory.

Ibrahimovic continued his stellar form as he headed a Theo Hernandez pass after 20 minutes to put Milan 1-0 ahead. Napoli tried to equalize but failed to penetrate the tight defence of Milan.

On the top of it, Ibrahimovic extended the lead with another superb strike after nine minutes to make it 2-0. But the 39-year-old pulled up clutching his left hamstring and was substituted after 79 minutes.

Since coming back on the field after contracting virus, Ibra has scored in all six games has played so far.

However, Napoli curtailed the deficit through after Dries Merten, who pulled one back for the hosts. Tiemoue Bakayoko was sent off for two yellow cards, which reduced Napoli to 10 men. Champions Juventus are fourth -- four points off top spot -- after winning 2-0 at Cagliari on Saturday.

Norwegian Jens Petter Hauge completed the scoring five minutes into injury time, the 21-year-old getting his first Serie A goal.