The 41-year-old Ibrahimovic had not played a match for Milan since May 22 last year. When the season was over and Milan had secured the Serie A title, he underwent surgery on his knee.
Swedish national team captain Janne Andersson has previously opened the door for a comeback in the national team for Ibrahimovic. Sweden opens the European Championship qualifiers with double home matches at the Friends arena at the end of March, first against Belgium on March 24 and then against Azerbaijan three days later.
Milan took the lead in the 25th minute when Theo Hernandez fired a volley that hit the post and then bounced off Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso’s back and into the goal.
The goal was thus recorded as an own goal.
Milan then had chances to extend the lead, but missed several good opportunities.
In the 86th minute, however, the home team was able to decide when Junior Messias chipped in 2-0, played by Rafael Leao.
Ibrahimovic didn’t get to do much during his quarter at the San Siro, but did shine with a couple of braces for the home crowd to enjoy.
The victory moved Milan up to third place, on the same points but worse goal difference, as arch-rivals Inter. Napoli lead Serie A by far and are 18 points ahead of the Milan clubs.