AC Milan gave their Serie A season a much-needed
lift with a convincing victory at home to Palermo.
Antonio Nocerino fired the Rossoneri in front shortly
before the interval, with Robinho and Antonio Cassano
putting the result beyond doubt in the second half.
Milan came into the match with just five points from
their opening five league matches, the worst start to
a season by a defending champion in 21 years.
But things looked more promising against Palermo, with
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cassano forcing saves from visiting
goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas in the opening 20 minutes
at the San Siro.
Tzorvas then needed all his agility to keep Robinho
at bay after 38 minutes, parrying an initial shot straight
back to the Brazilian before somehow getting down low
to deflect the follow-up effort round the post.
But the deadlock was broken two minutes later. Ibrahimovic's
cross to the back post was headed on by Alberto Aquilani
to Nocerino, whose diving header from close range found
the target.
Ibrahimovic was also the provider for Milan's second
goal after 57 minutes, delivering a great ball into
the area for Robinho to plant a shot beyond the reach
of Tzorvas.
Sweden international Ibrahimovic could have added another
five minutes later, but turned Cassano's cross narrowly
over the crossbar.
But Cassano did better moments later, firing a pass
from Ignazio Abate into the bottom right corner from
10 yards out.
Palermo had not had a look-in all match, and they continued
to feel the pressure until the final whistle with Tzorvas
sparing further blushes thanks to two great saves to
keep out Aquilani and Ibrahimovic.
|
