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Thiago Silva. Hail the best defensive prospect to enter Europe. And to which better club other than AC Milan. Seems like a match made in heaven. Istanbul shook when Milan's defense set foot on Turkish soil. Only 3 goals conceded previous to the final - a glimpse of the bags of quality this Italian side carried 3 seasons ago. Defense has always been synonymous with AC Milan. The names that have formed the defenses for this great club are breathtaking - Costacurta, Nesta, Maldini, Stam, Cafu, Baresi, Tassotti, Galli, Zambrotta. Silva will soon be an addition to this hall of fame. Recently though, the club has made a joke of the word - defense. When I look at Milan's currently line of defenders, I shudder. Not with respect, but with despise.
Coming from the Selecao, this 24 year old impressive centre back is becoming a first team regular with the Brazil national team. Trust me, this is quite an achievement. With the massive Brazilian names plying their trade in Europe, for this youngster to cement a highly demanded position in the main team is more than just commendable. He is Fluminese's number 3. Call it destiny or prophesy, but he will be replacing Milan's number 3, Paolo Maldini. Although the number 3 jersey of Maldini will be treasured to honor the 3rd generation of the Maldinis, Silva will surely step into the shoes of the greatest defender the world has ever seen. Will he handle the pressure? Oh yes he will. With the great number of Brazilians in the squad, he will blend in smoothly. He has 6 months to integrate with the others, a duration similar to Pato's before he made his debut for the club. The after effects of Pato's transfer, prove my point.
I have watched enough videos and read enough articles to believe that Silva will soon become a world class center back. Considering we have beaten off competition from the some of Europe's finest sides in Inter, Chelsea and Villareal to sign this colossal centre half, only convinces me further of the quality that is in store for the Rossoneri. The lad scores goals that would make any attacker proud, he is a massive threat from set pieces, his strength is hard to contend with in challenges, his sense of timing when he goes in for a tackle is impeccable and he is lightening quick. This is more you can ask from a central defender. What more, he is young, and we need the young blood to rejuvenate the aging backline. Take a sneak peek at the defender, by using the URL pasted at the end of the article. Oh yes, please forgive the theatrics in the video.
10m euros were paid to acquire Thiago. At 2.5m euros a year, Silva has signed a 4 year contract. He wont be able to play till the start of the new season, as Milan have exhausted their non EU slots for the season already. Poor purchases in the summer have more or less been compensated for by this signing. Due must go to Leonardo for this discovery. Another jewel of a find, by the man who brought in Pato, Kaka alongside others into the most decorated club on the planet. Silva is expected to create a formidable partnership with a Frenchman in the heart of defense next season, a partnership that could go down as the best in the world. So, we await thee, Phillipe Mexes.
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcuqp3tVkOw&feature=related
Milan 5 Udinese 1
The best form of defense is attack, or so it is said. Milan have one of the worst defenses in Italy. I might be exaggerating, but there is a possibility my bias can be a genuine reality. After understanding that holding teams wasn't our cup of tea, we decided to go on the offensive. And boy did we treat Italy to some smashing attacking stuff. 8 consecutive home wins, and its not over.
Some major changes were seen from the beginning. Favalli on the left, Jankulovski in midfield. These were traces of dynamism in the coach, which all of us Rossoneri were beginning to feel had become extinct. Right from the word go Milan attacked in their typical delightful direct play. And within 3 passes in the 3rd minute, Pato opened Milan's account. The ball crossed from the flanks had a little more weight on the pass, but Pato got up and directed the header like a true finisher. Simple, yet outstanding. No one really expected this, as we were short of man power due to injuries and suspensions to Ambrosini and Zambrotta. Beckam was presented to the fans and players today, and with the legend sitting in the stands, the playing eleven wanted to show just what a great team he has joined. Attack was matched by some outstanding keeping. D'Agostinho's long range effort was superbly saved by Abbiati. Surely and shortly, Milan had there 2nd. Pato skipped past players on the wing and set up Kaka wonderfully and the latter had to just put his foot to the ball to finish. Udinese realized what a disaster this is turning out to be and upped the tempo of their game. Some sharp crisp passing inside the Milan's box left all the home side defenders stupefied, as Di Natale slotted a good shot into the back of the net, and Abbiati had no chance. Top class finishing, leaving the score at 2-1. The Diavoli immediately responded with Pato, who was showing his class amongst several top players in the field. A chip from Pirlo went straight to Antonini who put the ball onto the path of a rushing Pato, who finished coolly past Handanovic. The highly rated Udinese keeper was probably bewildered by the flurry of goals going past him. Kaka and D'Agostinho had chances but both couldn't take it. AC Milan were being AC Milan on the night, after being a side that had looked like Barnsley for the last few weeks. Pirlo had upped his level and Abbiati was well aware at the back. Pato had a few opportunities to complete his hattrick, but the young Brazilian wasn't as unforgiving as he was in the first 20 minutes. Towards the end of the half, Pirlo had a great chance to score from a free kick, as he hadn't scored for the club since Feb. His effort was sheer world class, but it hit the post. Anyway Seedorf was there to apply the finish. 4-1 to the red and blacks at half time.
Kaka had returned after injury and you dint expect him to be fully fit. But he was a live wire. Within 5 minutes of play resuming, he had two chances on goal. His quality finally paid off, as his shot from the edge of the area smashed into the top corner, typical Kaka. This goal was scored out of nowhere, a trait of a world class attacking midfielder. Beckam seem pleased, and so were the fans. Flora Flores was denied by Abbiati, and somehow the crosses were not falling as intended for Udinese. Pirlo had a pass from Kaka, but his touch was a tad bit heavy.Kaka was a pain for the Udinese defense. D'Agostinho was constantly being frustrated by Abbiati. Darmian came on for Antonini. The highly rated defender from Milan had a chance to shine before his idols and mentors. The tempo dropped as the home side took their foot of the accelerator. Due to the overcrowding of defenders, the Udinese attack was helpless and ineffective. Strasser then replaced Kaladze, and these unfamiliar faces were nice and a fresh change. The next few minutes were uneventful and the game ended with the scoreline 5-1.
Its good, and nice. We end the year on a high. We have shown that when needed we can perform. It was a big night, one that reestablished the faith that I was beginning to lose in the team. With January approaching, I am more than anxious, about who would join this team. A defender and a midfielder are quite certain. Lets hope its not as disappointing as last winter. This winter break is going to help the team to rest and get their minds in place, and I will be hoping for a renewed squad come Jan, when we play Roma.
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=iOZslDRtEEQ&eurl=http://www.footytube.com/category/videos/italian-serie-a/&feature=player_embedded
Goalscorers - Milan - Pato (3', 18'), Kaka (12', 51'), Seedorf (43')
Udinese - Di Natale (16')
Milan 2 Wofsburg 2
After the thrashing at the hands of Juventus over the weekend, AC Milan were hell bent on straightening things in the UEFA Cup game midweek. We were hosting German club, Wolfsburg. Hunting down the wolves would have been high on the agenda, but thats not what happened. Germans shouldn't have been too difficult, one look at the Bundesliga table, and it would be hard to spot this German club. Pretty much gives a picture of how strong this club really are, but Milan couldn't capitalize. The visitors were 2 points ahead of us as they had won their previous two encounters. With both these clubs already qualified, the top spot would be up for the grabs. Former Serie A heroes, Barzagli and Zaccardo were making a return to home soil after departing from Palermo over the summer.
Both teams started slow, and within the first ten minutes Senderos injured himself doing the medics at Milanello a great favor. Kaladze replaced him, so the risk factor hadn't changed much at the back. Not very much later, a corner from Seedorf was headed in with great finesse into the bottom corner of the goal by the captain Ambrosini. His headers are truelly a delight to watch. After Milan went ahead, a comfortable night was expected. The visitors started to press for the equalizer but the home team tried to control the tempo of the game. A siren went of in the home camp when after 25 minutes a shot from Dzzeko crashed against the bar. Shevchenko made a rare mistake on a well built counter attack to throw away a goal scoring opportunity. The game was fairly entertaining though radically low on quality. These are trademarks of the Bundesliga and Milan have begun to become a perfect fit for these standards. The Rossoneri defense continued to show its inability to defend crosses and set pieces. Inzaghi was as usual standing offside whenever his team got the ball, so the opportunities ended with Inzaghi messing up his positioning. The game continued down the same pattern before the referee haulted play for half time.
Dzeko had a few chances after play resumed, and Wolfsburg seemed like they wanted a goal desperately, with Milan trying to keep possession. The home side dint seem to press enough nor was the defense strong enough to hold up for the rest of the game. Inzaghi had a chance as Ambrosini put him through but the poacher lost his balance (how unusual, not!), and hit the ball straight to the keeper. Ancelloti became a bit bold as he replaced Pirlo with Pato, and this had its consequences because almost immediately, Wolfsburgs' accurate passing was rewarded with a goal by Zaccardo. The passing and movement left the Milan defense dizzy. Barely after Wolfsburg scored, the home side found an opening, and Pato finished like a composed striker, something that had become of a rarity to him after his move away from Brazil. Milan had changed into a 4-3-3 from a 4-4-2 and this provided Wolfsburg more time and space in the middle, and they started dictating the midfield. Inzaghi then had another of his numerous chances and even this time failed to find the back of the net. The Germans were finding it hard to keep up with Pato because his pace was simply beyond theirs. He did have a chance which fell to Inzaghi which required a quick reaction, but this was beyond the Italian, as he is 35. Later Dzeko's cross found Saglik unmarked inside the box but his header was directed straight at Dida. Dzeko, who was running the game for Wolfsburg intercepted a weak pass and bore down on goal. If not for the pressure by Kaladze, it could have resulted in a goal. But the Germans had nothing to worry, because barely 20 seconds later they equalized, as Krzynowek long range effort was deflected by Saglik into the goal. Milan tried to score with the remaining few minutes ticking down on them, but they simply couldn't.
Dida definitely saved further humiliation, the defenders were quite woeful as usual. Clarence Seedorf was trying hard in the midfield with Ambrosini but their success rate was limited. Zambrotta was running around the park, and the running seemed aimless from where I was sitting. Inzaghi was wasteful as ever, but the bright sparks certainly were Pato and Shevchenko who were making the German defense sweat. Anyway, Udinese are coming home, but I doubt Milan are going to enjoy their Christmas this season.
http://in.youtube.com/watch?eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.101greatgoals.com%2Fvideodisplay%2F1873798%2F&v=Tw62-vRtYD0
Goalscorers -
Milan - Ambrosini (15'), Pato (56')
Wolfsburg - Zaccardo (55'), Saglik (81')
Juventus 4 Milan 2It was one of those games that produced a lot of hype. It was branded as the game that reveals the true contenders for the Scudetto. Turns out the result was not very surprising. With many of Milan's first team out of action, a defeat was certainly on the cards, but a trouncing was not expected. Inter were winning games for fun, and they were 9 points ahead after a win over Chievo. Both teams simply had to win, not just for pride, but for keeping in pace with the champions.
Milan did start enthusiastically and created more of the chances early on in the game. Zambrotta was in for a torrid night, and his performance just cemented the fact that he would turn out to be a poor buy. The home fans dint do much to help his confidence. Juventus then got into the game, and target man Amauri had his chances which he scuffed. In about the 14th minute, Jankulovski showed what a poor defender he is by going fully into Del Piero from behind, inside the box. He showcased his need for a crash course in defending from that tackle. Del Piero then put away the penalty, Abbiati stood no chance. A few mintes later, Pirlo took his freekick well, and it required a stop from Manninger. Chiliieni was the pick of Juve defenders as usual, and he kept Zambrotta's cross from reaching Seedorf. Nedved then was replaced by De Ceglie and what a game the latter was going to have. A few minutes later, some great cleaning up from Kaladze resulted in Ronaldinho receiving the ball who then passed the ball into the box, which Pato slotted like a striker should. Milan were level on terms. 3 minutes later, Chiellini headed Juventus ahead from a corner, and it seemed like no one was marking him. Fundamental mistake from the defense, and it wasn't going to be the only one. Amauri then gave Juventus a 3-1 lead, as Kaladze completely misread the cross. Jankulovski was dreaming about the Swiss Alps, just behind Amauri at the same time the cross came in. Seconds before the whistle, Marchisio had a great solo run before shooting over.
After returning from the break, Milan showed more determination to get back into the game. Shevchenko replaced Emerson during the break. Minutes after resuming the game, Marchisio had his effort go agonizingly over the bar. Sissoko shot a powerful drive from a half volley, which required a fabulous save from Abbiati. Juventus now, began to lift the tempo of the game. 9 minutes after play resumed, Ambrosini took a wild shot, which deflected off Cheillini into the goal, completely foxing Manninger. 3-2. Ray of hope for the visitors. Ambrosini had made up for the missed header, earlier on. But all that went up in smoke, as on the 64th minute, Zambrotta made a ludicrous tackle on De Ceglie, and he was given his second yellow card, and along with it his marching orders. As I had earlier mentioned, Zambrotta is turning out to be a disastrous purchase. Any 31 year old, in his common sense wouldn't have gone in for a tackle like that, when he is already booked, and more importantly, when his team is trailing. But thats Zambrotta for you. After 68 minutes, Amauri made Milan pay for the folly in defense, as he finished past Abbiati. On this occasion, Maldini was out on the right, signing autographs, Jankulovski was still dreaming about the Alps, and Abbiati was admiring Amauri's long hair instead of guarding the near post. At this point of time it was game over, and to prevent further humilation, Ancelloti brought on Antonini for Ambrosini. Prior to this, Del Piero had an effort on goal, which hit the post. Inzaghi was thrown into to replace a disappointing Pato, and this was Ancelloti's last throw of the dice. The hitman got into the mix almost immediately as he headed a cross from R80 towards the goal, but it was a bit too easy for Juve's number 2. AC seemed reclined to the fact that they would lose, and dint press ahead to trouble the Old Lady nomore.
Whats more disappointing than the scoreline is the performance. The passing was dismal to put it kindly. The players seemed colour blind as they laid the ball to the feet of the opposition at every given instance. They seemed disinterested, and were playing as though they are doing a favor. In terms of postioning, the players were all over the park. Emerson was shaking hands with Manninger, Maldini was out on the right, Pato being the lone striker was out wide instead of being central. I mean, it seemed chaotic. Going by this performance, this season pretty much has become another fiasco. We have two top clubs awaiting us, to make a meal of our defense, and boy do I fear what the scorelines in those games might be.
http://in.youtube.com/watch?eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.101greatgoals.com%2Fvideodisplay%2F1862538%2F&v=dwoEpx0GwrA
Goalscorers -
Juventus - Del Piero (p) (15'), Amauri(41', 69'), Cheillini (33')
Milan - Pato (31'), Ambrosini (55')
When I heard Ronaldinho (R80) being linked with Milan a couple of years ago, I was thrilled. Thrilled beyond belief. But this was in about 2006, where he was by far the best attacking player in the world. After mesmerizing Spain and Europe during the beginning of this decade, he fell from glory. And what a fall that was.
At the same time, Kaka (K22) emerged as one of the hottest talents, and gradually became the best player on the planet. He was expected to become the new idol of the club. He did, not disappointing many.
The problem arose when in the beggining of this season, the Milan management decided to pour out precious 18m euros over Ronaldinho. This Brazilian had turned into a demi god at Nou Camp, but after his fall, no one really wanted him there. So he packed his bags and travelled to the San Siro to join Milan. The big bellied, washed out, over the hill player was greeted by thousands at the stadium. I fathom thats a similar reception Christiano Ronaldo would get at the Bernebau, or not. All were happy, but for what, mind you? How much competition did we have to sign him? Which other top European club wanted to have anything to do with the Gaucho? The answer is none.
Kaka on the other hand took over from Rui Costa to become one of the most feared trequartista's in the game. I would have understood if Ronaldinho's transfer was for monetary and commercial reasons, but it seems it was for more. He is actually being played, and unfortunately at what cost? R80 is not the kind of player Milan needed. We had to purchase a top class target man, and a world class defender in the summer. What we do get is R80 and Senderos. R80's flair was never going to suit Milan, and I still dont think it does. I am a firm believer that stats sometimes can be misleading, and I believe that to be true when I read R80's for Milan this season. He has started 12 games, been used as a substitute 4 times, in which he has scored 9 goals and made 1 assist. Yes he is leading the goal scoring charts for the club. But he has contributed in no other way to the team. His game lasts for 5 minutes, and for the rest 85, he is simply waddling around.
Now lets look at Kaka's stats. He has started 15 games, been used as a sub 2 occasions, scoring 5 times and making 4 assists. Disappointing, right? Here is why. Because he is playing alongside that buck toothed wonder, R80. When Kaka plays with Ronaldinho, he has to play from a deeper position, and hence he has to do all the dirty work of cleaning up the play. This leaves Ronaldinho with more opportunities upfront, enabling him to score more. Ronaldinho barely moves except when he has the ball at his feet, as the pot belly is a bit irksome to carry. In the 7 games that both these superstars have played in, Milan have had 3 wins, 3 draws and one defeat. Thats 12/21 points earned, clearly showing compatibility issues between both these players. Well, that was expected, if Germany 2006 was anything to go by.
Looking deeper at Milan man Kaka, when he was employed as the man in the hole behind 2 strikers. Please note, R80 wasn't involved in these games. Kaka was employed in these 5 games, in a more advanced role, he scored 4 and created once. We won all the 5 games resulting in 15/15 points. Food for thought - Kaka is 26, and in his prime. Ronaldinho is 28, and recovering from the worst crash, in his career graph. Kaka is a world class player, Ronaldinho was a world class player. Kaka has more experience at this club, Ronaldinho has 6 months of the same.
Kaka when employed as the sole attacking midfielder can wreck havoc in opposition defenses. He is at his prime, and should be given his preference of role in the team. Sometimes I feel that both these players are forced upon the gaffer and he has no choice but to throw them on the field expecting some miracle to save the team. And fortunes haven't really let the coach down recently, or so it seems. Kaka also has taken his concerns to the press, and Ancelloti had to intervene to say the golden words - everything is ok. With misplaced priorities in the transfer market, this club is heading for doom. Results need to be more consistent, and as it proven, Kaka can gaurantee them, almost single handedly. He has done that in the past, and he continues to do it. He plays with the team and scores, something Ronaldinho at the moment cant do (or shall we say can never do). If results need to come by, then the rhythm shouldn't be disturbed, and the rhythm is best when Kaka is pulling the strings. Ance, use Ronaldinho as a sub, give emphasis to Kaka. Dont displease the latter as there are plenty out there willing to pay millions to make him wear their club colors. Ronaldinho can rake in the moolah, let Kaka rake in the goals.
Milan 1 Catania 0
After crashing out of the Coppa Italia, we were left competing in only 2 competitions. Torino and Lazio are teams we played recently and we lost out to the latter just a few days ago at home. Here are the scorelines from their respective games, and mind you, these teams played at home. Torino 1 Fiorentina 4, Lazio 0 Inter 3. They were thrashed by our rivals and we have struggled against them. Palermo, hammered us in the previous matchday, and this week, they lost to Cagliari. The reason I am highlighting these results is because I want you to see how good AC really are. They simply dont have it in them to cruise past teams that are way inferior to them. A 2-0 or a 1-0 can be comfortable, look at Manchester and Chelsea's results over the weekend. They enjoyed near domination, in possesion and in class. The same cannot be said of my favorite club, so far this season.
After a run of poor results lately, Milan had to win to keep in touching distance of the top spot. Catania on the other hand have been great away from home, and if their last fixture had ended in their favor, they would have been in the top 4 on away form.
The first half started on a low note. Shevchenko and his prodige, Pato, were given chances early on in the game but the former dint hit the target with his header. Maldini then made Bizzari stretch from a Pato free kick, and quite immediately, Catania talisman, Mascara hit the bar from outside the box. Milan were attacking directly, with the visitors deploying the counter attack tactic as their primary tool of offense. Brazilians Emerson and Kaka had their chances which kept Bizzari busy. AC Milan were clearly the better team and worked their socks off to conjure attack upon attack.
Kaka, after the start showed he meant business as his shot just missed the target. Gattuso has been Milan's best player this season and he was making the Catanians think twice before attacking. He stood strong, breaking every attack. And because of him, most of the attacks on the Milan goal were very unconvincing. Kaka then had his usual blistering run as he skipped past 3 defenders only to be stopped at the box. Pato's long range effort was tipped away fantastically by the incredible Bizzari, and moments later, Milan found their well deserved lead. It came from a corner as Kaka's guided header was deflected into the net by Stovini. Milan continued to press ahead, but rewards were hard to come by. Mascara had a rare chance for his side but his effort was saved by Abbiati. Flamini responded to this with a left footed shot, but Bizzari was equal to it. Kaka then curled a long ranger but the ball went slightly over the bar. He also set up Pato, but the young striker's ball control let him down. Moments before the closure of the game, Kaladze handballed inside the box, but the referee was linient with Milan, as they have been this season. The Georgian is renowned as one of the most under-rated defenders in Europe. I think even that, is a compliment. His hand balling antics cost us recently, and he seems to be keen on continuing. This aging versatile defender looks like a klutz without Nesta beside him.
Kaka was a livewire today. He was his usual scintillating self. This primarily because Ronaldinho wasn't on the pitch. Ronaldinho also being in the team has caused unnecesary complications for the coach. He is more often than not forced to play both these wizards. And this has reduced Kaka's effectiveness. It has had such an effect on him, that he has taken it to the press. Things not really looking good at the Milanello, as we see it.
We now travel to Turin, as we take on hard working Juventus. The Old Lady has toiled all season and her grit has brought her so far. We are sure to concede this weekend. And without Borrielo, our chances of scoring rests entirely on Ronaldinho. But can our defense hold back the mighty Juventus attack? I fear they can't. Not looking forward to this game, and hopefully the El Classico will distract people, so that the humiliation can be reduced.
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=26g_9DLExAE&eurl=http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/1835400/
Goalscorers -
Milan - Kaka (65')
Catania - none
Milan 1 Lazio 2I am dejected, to say the least. After receiving a thrashing from Palermo, we had to save some face. We left the San Siro saving nothing. Fortunately the fans dint have to face the defeat first hand.
Milan fielded a strong team. Not first choice, but the team they fielded should have been able to beat Lazio. However, we ended up losing the game. We fought, hard. But at the end of the day, no one is bothered about losing. That is what gets on my nerves. We lost a game and are out of a competition. Its Italy's top cup competition. We lost it, wake up!Lazio started brightly, but after 18 minutes, the 10 players in red and black realized they are playing a competitive game. With half of Lazio having chances at our goal, it was time we reacted. Ronaldinho's clean pass was recieved well by Shevchenko and he did well till the finish. This was the first of many chances he would blow. Lazio continued to create chances with Lichtsteiner almost scoring for the visitors five minutes later. Kolarov also had his shot on goal, that was saved miraculously by Dida. This opportunity arose due to some careless defending from Kaladze. Towards the end of the game, Flamini and Pandev had chances which they flushed.
Kolarav had his 3rd shot after half time. Rocchi and Pandev were combining really well, evoking outstanding saves from Dida. Former Milan player, Foggia also had his share of chances. Shevchenko was wasting chance over chance upfront. Emerson was sent off 20 minutes after the start for a foul on Ledesma. Dida kept his goal clean by stopping Kolarov's free kick. Ronaldinho after 5 minutes elbowed Rozenhal on the face. Fortunately, the ref dint spot it, or else we would have played with 9 men. However, with 13 minutes to go, Shevchenko scored a stunner from 20 yards out. After Zarate's introduction, Lazio were faster up front and were causing trouble to the likes of Favalli. The Italian made a clumsy foul on Zarate, inside the penalty box. The Argentine scored the penalty with comfort. Zarate and Kolarov had their efforts on goal, but the game ended in a draw, as extra time awaited
Pandev then directed his club towards victory after shooting Lazio's second just minutes after the game resumed. Milan defenders stood as rocks. Ronaldinho almost levelled as his free kick deflected off the bar. Flamini then tested Muslera. Foggia's close range shot was remarkably saved on 112 minutes from Dida. But at the end of the game, the scoreline dint change.
Catania await us in the weekend, and then we have 4 games, against some of Italy's top sides. This kind of scoreline would not be welcomed in the future, but I am sure it will be expected.
http://in.youtube.com/watch?eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.101greatgoals.com%2Fvideodisplay%2F1824507%2F&v=h25OHc78Jt4
Goalscorers -
Milan - Shevchenko (78')
Lazio - Zarate (87' p), Pandev (92')
Palermo 3 Milan 1
I saw it coming, all the way. Milan's 16 game unbeaten streak came to an end. As flattering as that sounds, there are concrete reasons for not having lost these games. One would have to be because of the sub standard quality of teams played, next would have to be sheer luck. For all those who think I am an overly pessimistic fan, take a look at the final score of this game. And it will speak for itself.
Palermo are a good side, with some top class players. Cavani is a wonderful prospect, Miccoli is an experienced striker, Simplicio is an admirable midfielder, Cassani is a highly rated winback and Amelia is possibly second best Italian keeper. With a side this good, AC were always going to struggle. Also the fact the Gattuso and Kaka wouldn't play this game. Palermo was under massive pressure having taken only 1 point from their previous 3 games. Milan had to win this game to stay in the hunt, after Inter brushed aside Napoli earlier in the day.
Miccoli was going to trouble the defense all night, and he got into the act from the very beginning as he tried a long ranger which Abbiati dealed with efficiently. The home side continued its spell of dominence with our defenders defending like boys. Milan got into the game when a cross from Zambrotta met Pato's head but the starlet headed wide. Pato had another chance a couple of minutes later, but he inspired a good save from Amelia, but I do feel the Brazilian should have scored. Miccoli resumed his long range shooting as the defense stood as mere spectators. Abbiati was pulling one excellent save after another. Pato then was bought down in the edge of the box by Amelia resulting in a penalty. Ronaldinho stepped up and his poorly placed penalty was saved by the Italian keeper. Pato was receiving knock after knock from the Rosenero players, and was forced to be substituted for the old war-horse, Pippo Inzaghi. Miccoli continued to trouble the defense in red and black, but was frustrated on this particular occasion by Jankulovski. On this occasion, the former Benfica man got past 3 Milan players before he was tackled by the Czech. Just minutes before the half-time whistle, Inzaghi was fouled by Bovo outside the box, and Ronaldinho was unlucky again as his well struck free kick, which hit the cross bar.
In the second half, Palermo dint back down. They continued to press after a goal-less first half. Miccolo then scored a wonderful goal. Absolute stunner from long range and it was a solo effort. And he thoroughly deserved the goal. The Rosenaro went ahead at the Renzo Barbera, with the crowd going wild. 57 minutes into the game, Ancelloti makes a ridiculous substitution. He brings on Emerson for Flamini, and Shevchenko for Ambrosini. Shevchenko almost immediately forced a save from Amelia. A few minutes later, the home side doubled their advantage, as Cavani headed in Palermo's second from a Liverani chip. Maldini displaying what horandous defending means, simultaneously. Pirlo then forced a save from Amelia from a free kick. Bovo and Simplicio also had their chances. After 80 minutes, Simplicio scored a free header from a Balzaretti's cross. He was completely unmarked. Shows how chaotic our defense is. Just couple of minutes later, Dinho ran across the home defense as if it wasn't there and was bought down by Bovo. He struck his penalty with conviction, and after that Milan were a changed side. Ballardini made a defensive switch as he brought off Miccoli, and brought on Kraer. Even after this, the visitors continued to press front but without reward.
Abbiati is largely responsible for limiting the humiliation. Maldini and Bonera became examples of how not-to defend. Midfield was slow, sluggish and disinterested. Attack was anonymous. Ronaldinho was the most inspirational player up front, or rather in the team besides Abbiati. This result will most probably repeat in the coming weeks, considering the kind of teams we are coming against.Lazio, Juventus, Udinese, Roma and Fiorentina just to name a few. The quality of the team and the manager will be exposed, for the world to see. Beware, Rossoneri!
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=sZitprSQ5fY
Goalscorers -
Palermo - Miccoli (50)', Cavani (59'), Simplicio (80')
Milan - Ronaldinho (83')
