Zlatan 1 Fiorentina 0

Milan: Abbiati; Bonera, Silva, Nesta, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf (Ronaldinho 86), Flamini; Robinho (Boateng 77), Ibrahimovic

Fiorentina: Boruc; Comotto, Kroldrup, Natali (Camporese 46), Pasqual; Donadel, D'Agostino; Cerci (Santana 60), Ljajic, Marchionni (Vargas 76); Gilardino

A goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic was enough to take AC Milan four points clear at the top of Serie A thanks to a 1-0 win over Fiorentina.

The in-form Sweden striker scored on the stroke of half-time to take the Rossoneri away from the chasing pack at the top of the table and set them up for their midweek Champions League tie with Auxerre.

Fiorentina ended the game with 10 men as Per Kroldrup was shown a red card just seconds before the end.

Daniel Bonera signalled the home team's intent after just 50 seconds when his 20-yard shot was tipped over the crossbar by Artur Boruc.

But Fiorentina soon settled and started to create the better chances.

Gaetano D'Agostino's free-kick was curled just over the top of the wall and brought a fine one-handed save out of Christian Abbiati, who was alert again in the 18th minute to tip Kroldrup's header over the crossbar.

Adam Ljajic should have made Abbiati work again in the 28th minute, but he did not seem fully committed to an inviting cross from Alessio Cerci which was begging to be headed in.

Clarence Seedorf made Boruc work at the other end after half an hour before the home side went ahead.

Ibrahimovic controlled the ball inside the penalty area with his back to goal and he managed to create a chance by juggling the ball and scoring with an overhead kick.

Alessandro Nesta should have doubled their lead in the 56th minute with a free header from eight yards and Ljajic almost made Milan pay for not adding a second when he found room inside the area in the 83rd minute, but he shot straight at Abbiati.

Fiorentina could not find a way through and the frustration got the better of Kroldrup, who was shown a yellow card for a foul in midfield and then received another for what he said to the referee.