trouncing at turin

Juventus 4 Milan 2
It 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')