its been worth the wait

Milan 1 Napoli 0
Four long years, since Milan were on top of the table in Italy. 4 long years. We are there, again. Deservedly, if I may put it. Outclassed and outmatched the young lions of Italy, did the veteran war horses.

The first half started on an attacking note, which took me by surprise. Expected a match of this stature to be more subdued and cagey. But Napoli showed their confidence(or over-confidence) by playing an expansive game. Both teams attacked one another. Borrielo and Lavezzi were bright from the start, but the spark of the Argentine remained through the game. Milan were attacking relentlessly, and somehow Napoli were able to consolidate their defense and prevent conceding a goal. Fabiano Santacrocce was primarily responsible for this consolidated defense. Kaka wasn't going to have the best of nights as he blasted over a shot from a reasonable tough angle, the frustration was evident. Hamsik was injured on the 32' and had to be substituted. He was having a quiet night, and Gattuso should be given credit for that. Maggio was having a torrid time with Jankulovski bombing down his flank. He put in a terrible tackle on the Czech and was sent off, second yellow for the young Italian.

Milan started the second half as they had finished their first half. Ronaldinho was denied by the Napoli keeper, and that seemed like a miraculous save. It wasn't the first time that Lezzo was denying Ronaldinho in the game. This keeper was having the night of his life, and he can be thanked by all the Azzuri fans for not conceding more than 1 goal in the game. On the 54', Santacrocce was injured and thats when the visiting team's defense started showing signs of vulnerability. Pato and Inzaghi were bought on - a radical step by a defensive minded coach. Milan defense could not be breeched as the Napoli attack tried as hard as they could. The Rossoneri defense was impermeable. Kaka hit the post with a beautiful shot, and that wasn't the last time he was going to be denied a goal. He also missed a penalty! It simply wasn't his night. Pato also missed a sitter, and that summed up the game for Milan. But wait! It wasn't over yet.. 5 minutes from time, Ronaldinho whips in a cross from a free kick, and last week's Napoli hero, scores for Milan! German Denis!! Yes yes, it was an own goal, but I can say with much glee that it was a beautiful header.

As for the performances, everyone in defense were solid, special mention must go to Bonera and Jankulovski with the latter being exceptional in attack. He created so many chances, it was a delight to watch. Gattuso was constantly nipping at the heels of the young opponents and Ambrosini did his job with minimum fuss. Seedorf was inconsistent but a few of his passes, the one to Jankulovski in particular was mind blowing. Milan have notched up 10 wins out of 11 games, and seem invincible right now. And let me not forget to mention, this game was won purely on credibility and not luck.

A certain correction has to be made here, as a fellow mate of mine just enlightened me. The goal scored wasn't an own goal. Its apparently Ronaldinho's! FIFA directives on goals/own goals, if a shot is directed at goal, it stands as a goal even if it is deflected of an opponent. This is some handy piece of information. Thanks Prashant. And thank you FIFA.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cf3cmwog_Po&eurl=http://www.footytube.com/

Goalscorers -
Milan - Ronaldinho (87')
Napoli - none