AC Milan scores 4 without Ibrahimović in win at Lecce

AC Milan had no problem producing goals without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimović in beating a relegation-threatened Lecce 4-1 on Monday in its first match of the Serie A restart.

Samu Castillejo, Giacomo Bonaventura, Ante Rebić and Rafael Leão scored for the Rossoneri, who were eliminated by Juventus in the Italian Cup semifinals following a scoreless draw 10 days ago.

The victory boosted Milan’s chances of qualifying for Europe, moving level on points with sixth-placed Napoli, which visits Hellas Verona on Tuesday.

Lecce captain Marco Mancosu equalized temporarily by converting a penalty early in the second half but Bonaventura and Rebić quickly restored the visitors’ advantage in a span of three goals in four minutes.

Ibrahimović, who injured his calf in training last month, is expected back soon. But his contract, which expires at the end of the season, is a source of debate.

Before kickoff, Milan director of football Frederic Massara said “there will always be space for champions like (Ibrahimović)" but then added the club "needs to contain costs” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

NO BALOTELLI

Last-place Brescia drew at 10-man Fiorentina 1-1 without captain Mario Balotelli, who did not travel for the game amid

Alfredo Donnarumma converted a first-half penalty for Brescia and Fiorentina captain Germán Pezzella equalized with a diving header before Martín Cáceres picked up his second yellow card for the Viola.

Franck Ribéry played for Fiorentina for the first time since Nov. 3 following an injury layoff.

All of the games are being played in empty stadiums.

Image credits: AC Milan / Twitter