Milan end away draw run as Luka Modric overtakes Zlatan Ibrahimovic assist record

Milan ended a run of three successive away draws in Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Udinese on matchday eight.

Christian Pulisic and Omari Hutchinson scored the goals as Milan secured a result that lifted them to 18 points and fourth place in the table. They are now four points behind leaders Inter.

Milan had drawn each of their previous three away matches this season, against Juventus, Lazio and Sassuolo, but made a decisive start in Udine.

Pulisic opened the scoring after only six minutes. The United States forward ran clear after receiving a long pass from Luka Modric before finishing the move.

The assist gave Modric a place in Serie A history. Having reached the age of 40, the Croatia midfielder became the oldest player to provide the most assists in the competition since the 2004-05 season.

Modric now has four assists since turning 40, moving ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who recorded three.

Udinese created a difficult contest for periods of the match but were unable to find a response. Their defeat was a sixth consecutive loss in Serie A, leaving them 17th with four points.

Milan doubled their advantage in the 65th minute when Hutchinson followed up after the goalkeeper had parried a powerful low effort. The goal was Hutchinson’s first for the club.

The result keeps Milan within four points of Inter at the top of the table, while Udinese remain in the relegation places after another defeat.

Milan return to action on Wednesday against Bologna. Udinese will travel to Parma for matchday nine.