Ibrahimovic Zlatan of Milan celebrates scoring with teammates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant'Elia on December 20, 2011 in Cagliari, Italy.

Defending champion AC Milan went top of Serie A yesterday with an easy 2-0 victory away at Cagliari although they could be toppled come today should Juventus beat third-placed Udinese.

An own goal by Francesco Pisano and one from Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the hour were enough to give them the three points and take them a point clear of the Old Lady of Turin, who have an inferior goal difference.

Udinese - who have once again punched above their weight this season despite losing several key players - would need to beat Juventus by a seven-goal margin to top the table at Christmas.

Milan were never troubled in Sardinia once good pressure from Antonio Nocerino forced the unfortunate Pisano to put through his own net.

Ibrahimovic ensured there would be no slip-ups when he doubled the lead after a neat 1-2 with Robinho and the goal put the Swede joint top of the scoring charts with Atalanta's Argentinian German Denis on 11 goals.

Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini will be fortunate to escape the axe by impatient chairman Massimo Cellino, who has already sacked two coaches this season.

With just one win in their last 11 games the odds on Ballardini still being in a job come the New Year look slim.