AC Milan beats Inter Milan 1-0 in Serie A derby

Milan: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored with an early penalty to give AC Milan a 1-0 win against former team

Inter Milan and end a run of three losses in the Serie A derby. The Sweden forward converted his spot kick past goalkeeper Luca Castelazzi in the fifth minute yesterday at the San Siro after he was brought down by Marco Materazzi. It was Ibrahimovic`s first Milan derby since leaving Inter for Barcelona in 2009. Milan leads the standings with 26 points, one more than Lazio. Napoli is third with 21, and Juventus and Inter have 20 points. "It wasn`t an easy goal as it was in front of the Inter fans at their home game, but I did what I had to do and tried to concentrate," Ibrahimovic said. "I think it gave the team confidence and we became more calm and it helped us win.” "I am always confident in the teams I play for and it is fair that we are favorite. But there is also Inter, Juventus and AS Roma is playing well and improving, but with patience we can finish top." Milan fullback Ignazio Abate was sent off in the 60th minute after collecting a second yellow card. Also Sunday, Lazio beat Napoli 2-0 through goals from Mauro Zarate and Sergio Floccari and Bologna downed Brescia 1-0 and Genoa won 1-0 at Cagliari. Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf headed over Abate`s cross from close range in the second minute in a bright start for the Rossoneri. Milan continued to dominate after the goal. Ibrahimovic set up Mathieu Flamini, but Inter defender Javier Zanetti got back in time to stop him shooting. Eventually, Inter coach Rafael Benitez changed his system and brought on Coutinho to help Samuel Eto`o and Diego Milito in attack. It nearly had an immediate impact as the young Brazilian shot wide after combining with Eto`o and Wesley Sneijder. Bureau Report