AC Milan have been dealt a blow with confirmation that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been hit with a three-match ban for violent conduct.

GettyImagesZlatan Ibrahimovic helped AC Milan to the Serie A title last season

• Milan hope for shorter Zlatan ban

Ibrahimovic was sent off during Sunday's goalless draw with Napoli after slapping Salvatore Aronica in an off-the-ball incident.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani expressed his hope on Monday that the Swede will only miss two matches, and therefore be available to face Juventus later this month.

However, Lega Serie A has confirmed the charge of violent conduct, meaning he is set to be absent for the matches versus Udinese, Cesena and table-toppers Juve, although Milan will appeal the decision.

"AC Milan announces it will appeal against the decision made by the sporting judge to hand Zlatan Ibrahimovic a three-match ban,'' read a statement on Milan's official website.