Milan: Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace helped AC Milan beat Roma 2-1 at home to extend their lead in the Italian Serie A to seven points.

Ibrahimovic converted a penalty before adding a late headed goal as the league leaders also put a dent on the Europa League hopes of the visitors.

But Milan, who now lead Juventus by seven points in the table, had looked on course to pay for a string of misses in the first half as Pablo Osvaldo gave the visitors the lead just before half-time against the run of play Saturday.

Lifted by that goal Roma went on the attack but were thwarted by two goals by Ibrahimovic in the second half.

Roma head coach Luis Enrique reckoned Ibrahimovic was decisive in Milan's fight-back.

"It was a good game. Ibrahimovic was decisive in the second half, but we played a complete match. I think my central defenders did very well, as Ibrahimovic is extremely difficult to mark," he said.

In the other kick-off of the day, Udinese rescued a late point in a 1-1 draw at Palermo to move level with Lazio in third place.

Gabriel Torje cancelled out Fabrizio Miccoli's first half goal in the 84th minute to keep Francesco Guidolin's side in the hunt for a place in the Champions League next season. (IANS)

Milan:  Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace helped AC Milan beat Roma 2-1 at home to extend their lead in the Italian Serie A to seven points.

Ibrahimovic converted a penalty before adding a late headed goal as the league leaders also put a dent on the Europa League hopes of the visitors.

But Milan, who now lead Juventus by seven points in the table, had looked on course to pay for a string of misses in the first half as Pablo Osvaldo gave the visitors the lead just before half-time against the run of play Saturday.

Lifted by that goal Roma went on the attack but were thwarted by two goals by Ibrahimovic in the second half.

Roma head coach Luis Enrique reckoned Ibrahimovic was decisive in Milan's fight-back.

"It was a good game. Ibrahimovic was decisive in the second half, but we played a complete match. I think my central defenders did very well, as Ibrahimovic is extremely difficult to mark," he said.

In the other kick-off of the day, Udinese rescued a late point in a 1-1 draw at Palermo to move level with Lazio in third place.

Gabriel Torje cancelled out Fabrizio Miccoli's first half goal in the 84th minute to keep Francesco Guidolin's side in the hunt for a place in the Champions League next season. (IANS)