Ibrahimović treble gives Milan room at the top
Saturday, March 3, 2012
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AC Milan extended their Serie A lead to three points by completing a 4-0 triumph at US Città di Palermo while Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw at home to AC Chievo Verona.
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AC Milan warmed up for Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg against Arsenal FC with a comprehensive 4-0 defeat of US Città di Palermo. Zlatan Ibrahimović returned from a three-match suspension to score a 14-minute first-half hat-trick – only the second treble of his career – and set the Rossoneri on their way to a 16th league win of the campaign.
The Swedish international has scored 21 goals in his last 21 club appearances and is now level with Serie A's leading marksman Antonio Di Natale on 18 goals. Thiago Silva (58) completed the scoring as Massimiliano Allegri's charges extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
The Italian champions' lead is now three points after second-placed Juventus could only draw 1-1 with AC Chievo Verona. The Bianconeri took the lead through Paolo De Ceglie (18) after Giorgio Cheillini had touched Andrea Pirlo's free-kick on to the post but Boukary Diamé levelled 14 minutes from time to earn the visitors a point and condemn the Juventus to a fourth stalemate in five Serie A outings.
