AC Milan

Nocerino Hat Trick Puts Milan in Range of First Place

Antonio Nocerino recorded his first career hat trick as AC Milan dominated their way to a 4-1 win over Parma to put them within two points of first place.

After a slow start to the season, the 2010-11 champions have been in incredible form of late. In the three Serie A matches since the international break, Milan have picked up nine points and have outscored their opponents 11-4. Add in the 2-0 win over BATE Borisov in the Champions League, and AC Milan have won four straight in incredible fashion.

Nocerino came into the match with five career goals in 125 appearances. With the hat trick, the second in two games by a Milan midfielder, he is now the club's leading scorer for the season with four.

Unlike the Lecce match on Sunday, Milan were the better team right from the start, and they finally found the breakthrough on the half hour when Nocerino tapped in the opener. He kept the heat up with a screamer from outside the penalty box less than two minutes later.

As is typical of Milan once they get a comfortable lead, the Rossoneri controlled the game, taking care of the ball and preventing Parma from getting any strong opportunities.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic found the net for his second Serie A goal this season with just more than 25 minutes to play. Sebastian Giovinco got one back for the visitors, but it wouldn't be enough. Nocerino put the finishing touches on a solid day's work in stoppage time to make it 4-1.

AC Milan are flying high and looking like, if not better than, the champions of last season. The big change right now, besides the fact that Milan now have some healthy strikers, is the midfield.

Nocerino and fellow newcomer Alberto Aquilani have been absolutely fantastic now that they have become accustomed to the club. Nocerino has been in particularly good form, but Aquilani has shown his skill, and with the age situation in the midfield seemingly improving, the door is open for Milan to storm their way through the league and potentially conquer Europe.

Next up is a tough test with Roma. The Giallorossi have not been in the best of form lately, having lost two of their last three, including Wednesday against Genoa. It is a perfect opportunity for Milan to grab three points.

Source: bleacher report