AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli was delighted seeing Zlatan Ibrahimovic off the mark for their 2-0 defeat of Cagliari.

Rafael Leao and Ibrahimovic struck the goals for the visitors.

Pioli said afterwards: “I asked Zlatan often how he was doing, as he hadn't played a full game for months and I didn't want to risk muscular problems. He settled in with great intelligence, said the right things to his teammates and is a real reference point on the field.

“He can only get stronger and we'll see the real Zlatan in three or four games. I was sure he'd be ready just by talking to him on the phone, I didn't even need to see him in action.

“Ibrahimovic wants to prove he's still got it and his presence is really helping what is one of the youngest squads in Serie A. He has such character, determination and experience that it inevitably passes on to the others.

“What we were lacking so far was not creating the chances, but being able to finish them off. I am glad that we have more options and alternatives when going forward."

Lucas Paqueta was missing for the game and Pioli added: “Paqueta is working well, he's in good shape, but I made different choices to have a balanced team that could suit this playing system. If the transfer market ends early, I'll be happier, because it can distract some players, but my decisions are only to win the next games, as we really need the results."