European Round Up: Ibrahimovic in trouble for slap
Published 22:25 05/02/12 By Ken Reynolds
Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off for slapping Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica in a San Siro stalemate.
The 0-0 draw meant Milan failed to put pressure on Serie A leaders Juventus, who were also held goalless at home by Siena.
Ibrahimovic faces a possible three-match ban, which would rule him out of the crunch Juventus home game on February 25.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was sent to the stands for moaning about the 64th-minute red card.
Juventus had nothing to show for their relentless attacking against Siena, but still lead Milan by one point with a game in hand.
Roma routed Claudio Ranieri’s Inter 4-0 – and the Tinkerman admitted: “We weren’t worthy opponents. We can’t go on like this.”
Juan opened the scoring before 20-year-old Fabio Borini struck twice and sub Bojan Krkic capped a great afternoon for Roma.
In Spain, understrength Barcelona stayed on the heels of La Liga leaders Real Madrid when Lionel Messi’s brilliance helped them to a 2-1 win at home to Real Sociedad.
Coach Pep Guardiola left Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique on the bench ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final return with Valencia.
Cristian Tello and Messi scored for Barca, Carlos Vela grabbing a consolation
Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier said: “Messi is a magician and anything can happen when he is on the pitch.”
PSV Eindhoven beat the deep freeze in Holland to extend their lead at the top to three points – despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Heracles Almelo.
