Ibrahimovic ban reduced from 3 to 2 matches

AP, Friday 25 Mar 2011

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's ban for punching an opponent in the stomach has been reduced from three to two matches on appeal, although the AC Milan striker will still miss the derby against Inter Milan on April 2.

Ibrahimovic
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic was given a straight red card for hitting Marco Rossi during a 1-1 draw with Bari this month after the defender beat him to a header. The Sweden international appeared frustrated after a large heap of the blame for Milan's elimination by Tottenham in the Champions League was placed on his inability to score.

Ibrahimovic already sat out - and was sorely missed - during last weekend's 1-0 loss to Palermo. He can return against Fiorentina on April 10.

Milan holds a two-point lead over Inter atop Serie A with eight matches remaining.

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