8 and counting

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')