klumsy kaladze

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