Serie A: Ibrahimovic Scores Record Goal As AC Milan Spank Crotone

Zlatan Ibrahimovic broke the 500-mark for career club goals with a brace on Sunday as AC Milan held top spot in Serie A with a 4-0 win over lowly Crotone.

“It’s difficult to be surprised by Ibrahimovic,” said Milan coach Stefano Pioli of the 39-year-old who is powering his team’s bid for a first ‘Scudetto’ since 2011.

Milan moved back two points ahead of city rivals Inter Milan who had pulled ahead after a 2-0 win over Fiorentina on Friday, with champions Juventus a further five back in third after beating Roma by the same scoreline on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic opened the scoring on the half-hour at the San Siro after combining with Rafael Leao for his 500th club strike.

And the Swede brought his tally to 501 in the 64th minute, finishing off a Theo Hernandez cross for his 83rd Milan goal.

“To hold up at this level means you’re an exceptional professional and he’s helped by a physique that few have,” continued Pioli.

“He’s a champion, an athlete who has the great motivation, he takes care of his body scrupulously. Sometimes he’s tired, but he never fails.”

“He’s helping the team to grow a lot.
“I have frankly never seen him go wrong. Now the players are competing to see who arrives first (at training), and obviously, he’s among them.”

Ante Rebic turned the game into a comprehensive win with a quick-fire brace of his own past Crotone goalkeeper Alex Cordaz.

The Croatian headed in a Hakan Calhanoglu corner in the 69th minute and then seconds later turned in a rebound after Cordaz kept out an Ibrahimovic strike.

“The Scudetto? The decisive matches will come later, now we have to withstand all the pressures which is a privilege to have,” continued Pioli.

“The top seven are all capable of fighting for the title and the first four places. (AFP)