|
|
Filippo Inzaghi believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic's three-game ban is excessive
The 38-year-old says that the Swedish striker did not deserve more than a two-match suspension and revealed that he is ready to step up in his absence
07-Feb-2012 8:10:54 PM
By Luis Mira
Getty Images
AC Milan veteran Filippo Inzaghi thinks that the three-match ban handed to Zlatan Ibrahimovic is excessive.
The Sweden international was banned on Monday after Lega Calcio's disciplinary panel ruled that he engaged in a violent act when he slapped Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica in the face during Sunday's goalless draw at San Siro.
"I am really sad for 'Ibra' because besides being a team-mate of mine, he is also a close friend," Inzaghi is quoted by MilanNews as saying.
"I know how important he is for Milan and we will miss him. I hoped he would be suspended for two matches because three seems excessive, his gesture was not violent."
Ibrahimovic's ban will see him miss Milan's next three Serie A matches, including the showdown against Juventus on February 25.
Inzaghi, who has only made five appearances to date this season, refused to say whether Ibrahimovic's absence would earn him a place in Massimiliano Allegri's starting line-up.
"Will I get a chance now? You should not be asking me that question," he added. "I am ready, I am fine and I hope to do well.
"It is clear that there are other players, there is [Stephan] El Shaarawy, who is young and has been doing well, and Maxi Lopez, who has fit in well.
"I hope we will not feel Ibrahimovic's absence too much and that we will do fine without him."
Milan are currently in second place, one point behind Juve at the top of the Serie A table.
The Sweden international was banned on Monday after Lega Calcio's disciplinary panel ruled that he engaged in a violent act when he slapped Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica in the face during Sunday's goalless draw at San Siro.
"I am really sad for 'Ibra' because besides being a team-mate of mine, he is also a close friend," Inzaghi is quoted by MilanNews as saying.
"I know how important he is for Milan and we will miss him. I hoped he would be suspended for two matches because three seems excessive, his gesture was not violent."
Ibrahimovic's ban will see him miss Milan's next three Serie A matches, including the showdown against Juventus on February 25.
Inzaghi, who has only made five appearances to date this season, refused to say whether Ibrahimovic's absence would earn him a place in Massimiliano Allegri's starting line-up.
"Will I get a chance now? You should not be asking me that question," he added. "I am ready, I am fine and I hope to do well.
"It is clear that there are other players, there is [Stephan] El Shaarawy, who is young and has been doing well, and Maxi Lopez, who has fit in well.
"I hope we will not feel Ibrahimovic's absence too much and that we will do fine without him."
Milan are currently in second place, one point behind Juve at the top of the Serie A table.
Inside Goal.Com
-
Vote for your Goal.com World Player of the Week
Have your say on who you think should win Goal.com's weekly honour
-
Euro 2012 a timely respite for depressed Spain
With 24 per cent unemployment, wage cuts and little hope for improvement in the short term, the continental competition will at least take people's minds off their sad situation
-
Welbeck impresses but it's a bad day for Johnson
Ashley Young has also all but secured his place in the starting line up against France while Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Here's how the Belgium friendly affected the England player's chances of featuring in Euro 2012
-
Five players Rodgers could sign for Liverpool
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Lambert the latest in EPL manager merry-go-round
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday