i saw it coming

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')