Antonio Nocerino and Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored second-half goals as AC Milan defeated Siena 2-0 on Saturday to knock Juventus off the top of Serie A.
Milan now have 31 points, one ahead of Juventus, who could reclaim pole position when they were to play struggling Novara yesterday.
Milan dominated the first half, but had to wait until the 54th minute to clinch the breakthrough when Robinho created the opening for Nocerino to score his sixth goal of the season.
Ibrahimovic added the second nine minutes later courtesy of a controversial penalty.
It was the big Swede’s 10th goal of the season and fifth from the spot, but was awarded only after Kevin-Prince Boateng theatrically collapsed to the ground under a challenge from Zeljko Brkic.
Ibrahimovic has now joined Antonio Di Natale of Udinese in second place on the goal scorers chart, one behind Atalanta’s German Denis, who has 11.
Siena’s main threat came from midfielder Francesco Bolzoni, who had chances in the 23rd and 78th minutes.
They are fourth from bottom and were in danger of slipping into the bottom three yesterday if Cesena, with Adrian Mutu on a hot streak of three goals in four matches, were to defeat Inter.
“After the break and our opening goal, it was much easier,” Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said. “Tonight was not an easy game and it was important to get the three points. When you play badly and still win, it’s a good sign.”
Allegri also backed Nocerino to keep scoring.
“I hope he gets to 15 goals. He has already got six and is proving he is a player who belongs at Milan,” Allegris said.
Denis thought he had given Atalanta a 2-1 win at Fiorentina on Saturday when he found the target in the 86th minute, but the home side rescued a point in a 2-2 draw when Montenegro star Stevan Jovetic leveled two minutes from time.
Fiorentina had taken a ninth-minute lead when Alberto Gilardino scored his second goal of the season with a fine volley from a cross by Peru international Juan Manuel Vargas.
However, Atalanta made it 1-1 through Andrea Masiello in the 81st minute with Argentina star Denis giving his side hope of three points four minutes from the end.
In other Serie A play, it was:
‧ Chievo 2, Cagliari 0
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely