Milan scarier without Ibra, says Zamparini

Controversial and outspoken Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini believes Serie A leaders Milan will be more dangerous this weekend due to the absence of star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The big Swede was sent off against rock-bottom Bari at the weekend after hitting Marco Rossi in the ribs, earning himself a three-match ban.

Ibrahimovic is Milan’s top scorer this season but his only goal since the end of January was a penalty against Napoli.

And Zamparini, who is known for his at times outrageous comments, somewhat mischievously claimed the club will be better off without him as with him they try to launch all their attacks through the former Barcelona and Inter frontman.

“Without Ibrahimovic Milan become more fearsome because you have to mark all their strikers who are very quick,” said Zamparini.

“Milan owe at least 90 per cent of their greatness to Ibra but right now his ban is lucky for them because Ibra isn’t scoring and doesn’t even create any goals.”

Having previously been in contention for a Champions League finish, Palermo are in disastrous form having lost five matches on the spin.

That included a 7-0 humiliation at home to Udinese, who currently occupy that much sought-after fourth spot, which cost Delio Rossi his job as coach.

Now Zamparini claims he will resign if Palermo’s losing run doesn’t end, although he already claimed earlier in the season that he would be definitely selling the club, without then acting on his word.

“If we lose against Milan and Catania (in the Sicilian derby) I’ll quit as president of Palermo,” he said.

“It would be a record, I’ve never lost seven matches in a row, although to tell the truth I’ve never even lost five on the trot.”