Relegation battlers Cagliari put up a fight but could do little to stop the Zlatan Ibrahimovic machine as the AC Milan striker scored a brace in a 2-0 for the visitors which keeps them in top spot.
Aiming to score for a 23rd consecutive year, dating back to 1999, the Swedish veteran defied his age to outrun Charalampos Lykogiannis and win a penalty after just seven minutes.
With his trademark composure, he slotted the ball into the net coolly, before putting on an exhibition with his flicks and tricks throughout the rest of the first half.
It would be Ibrahimovic who would double Milan’s lead just before the hour mark, getting on the end of a long ball over the top and powering into the corner.
The assistant referee initially ruled the goal out for offside, but VAR declared that the goal should stand and Ibrahimovic’s fine return could continue, this brace marking his first goals since November.
With 11 goals in 12 games in all competitions, the 39-year-old continues to defy his age, but it wasn’t all plain sailing for Milan.
Substitute Alexis Saelemaekers came on in the second half, only to be booked for a high challenge two minutes later and then see red for taking down Luca Ceppitelli.
The 21-year-old was given his marching orders and Cagliari upped their game, firing efforts on goal, but could not break Milan’s defensive wall.
The result sees Milan reclaim the lead in Serie A from Inter after their Sunday night victory over Juventus.
