The race to unseat Inter Milan at the top of the Italian Serie A became a lot more interesting today with the announcement that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be suspended for Milan's next three matches after seeing red this weekend against Bari. The Swedish striker, as critical to his team's success as any player in Italy, will miss impending matches against Palermo, Internazionale, and Fiorentina.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Suspended For Three Matches, To Miss Milan Derby
The Milan derby is the most important of that trio, a match where a Milan win could end Inter’s hope of a sixth consecutive scudetto. Under Leonardo, the holders have climbed from sixth to second since the turn of the new year, sitting five points behind the Rossoneri after each club drew this weekend.
Ibrahimovic earned a second yellow card in the 73rd minute of Milan's Sunday match at Bari after a particularly petulant display. The former Ajax, Juventus, Inter and Barcelona star had exhibited poor sportsmanship throughout the match, but the incident that seems to have drawn the suspension was a clash with Marco Rossi, one that led to his dismissal.
There is, however, still hope Ibrahimovic will face Palermo and (possibly) Inter. Milan still has the right to appeal the suspension. Given the severity of the punishment, the leaders have little incentive to merely accept the punishment.
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