AC Milan 5 Torino 1Heading into this game, San Siro based outfit knew that a win would take them into 2nd with a difference of 10 points from league leaders and current champions Inter. Though the Scudetto looked like an unreasonable shout, minimizing the difference was absolutely necessary, to save some face.
Defensively, there were troubles. With players missing with injury and suspensions, options had severely reduced at the back. Former Gunner, Flamini was asked to return to his roots, i.e. right back, as Zambrotta was taking over from Jankulovski at left back. The deadly striking pair of Inzaghi and Pato took the striking positions once again. Beckham was starting for the first time in 3 games. Seedorf was on the bench.
Torino haven't defeated their opponents at the Giuseppe Meazza since 24th March 1985. Abate, a youth product of Milan was playing against the club that loaned him out to the Granata, and he wanted to make an impression. 9 minutes into the game, Pato was brought down by Rivata outside the box. Beckham delivered a delightful ball in and Inzaghi glanced the ball into the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. 4 minutes later, Bekcham's corner found the head of an unmarked Inzaghi who headed Milan in front of their less illustrious opponents. Pato was struggling. Even though he was dazzling with his skills, his finishing touch seems to have been implanted into Inzaghi for the night. 15 minutes into the game, and Pato missed a sitter from close range. Pirlo with his usual long ball found Pato facing the keeper. The young Brazilian tried to volley in the ball from close range but failed yet again. The Maroons were having chances, but only few and far in between. On 37 minutes, Pato and Beckham combined to give their side a 2-0 advantage. Beckham lined up for a long range shot after some unselfish play from Pato, but the Englishman chipped the ball into the box where Inzaghi directed it past Sereni. This dint seem to satisfy Milan as they continued to press in for another goal. Very un-azzuri like, I must say. 4 minutes later, a corner after being deflected from several players fell onto the feet of Flamini who blasted the ball from long range, but the shot was inches above the bar. Milan redefined dominance in the first half, and it looked like more goals were going to be added the scoreline come the second half.
Ronaldinho came on for Pato, and though this substitution looked surprising, signs indicate the young striker had suffered a minor ankle injury. This was going to be a blessing in disguise for Milan. 15 minutes into the second half, Inzaghi made it 3 for himself and for the club. A well planned through ball was met by Inzaghi who proceeded to slot the ball past Sereni, quite comfortably. Shevchenko entered the fray, and Inzaghi took to the bench. It was the first time that I had seen Inzaghi score more than one goal, with none of the goals being ugly/poacher-like. Toro went ahead with their 3rd and final substitution. 2 minutes later, Ambrosini showed incredible pace as he ran past two defenders only to be brought down in the box by Sereni. Kaka converted the penalty to make it four for the Rossoneri. It was his first goal since February, and its sad to see that the goal drought had to end with a penalty. Darmian replaced Maldini and we could get to see a future prospect for the defense of Milan get some playing time. On the 80th minute, Francheschini converted a poor clearance from Beckham into a goal, as he tapped in from close range. The Englishmen showed lesser commitment in the second half and seemed disinterested, which I found very upsetting. For the next 10 minutes, Milan dropped the tempo and it looked like they just wanted to see the game through by keeping possession. Into injury time, Kaka cut in from the left and sent Ambrosini through who finished past Sereni like a world class striker. 5 for AC Milan, and each of these goals were well deserved.
I haven't mentioned much about Ronaldinho in the last paragraph, and it wont be justified not to mention him. He was Milan's best player in the second half. He worked tirelessly, his through balls and passing was a sight to behold, and he also got past players showing traces of Ronaldinho some 4 years ago. This for me was his best game in the red and black colours and hope we get to see more of the same. Flamini was rock solid at right back. Pirlo was classy, his usual self. Ambrosini put in a very effeicient performance. Dida stood tall, once again, and beside the goal, he generally let nothing past him. We have 6 games to go, our next against Palermo. This team from Sicily is more like a boogie team for us. We need to fight fate and destiny, and another display of authentic football like this could be just enough.
Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A79mF-VeeAw&feature=related
Goalscorers -
AC Milan - Inzaghi (13',37',60'), Kaka (68'), Ambrosini (90')
Torino F.C.- Franceschini (80')
Defensively, there were troubles. With players missing with injury and suspensions, options had severely reduced at the back. Former Gunner, Flamini was asked to return to his roots, i.e. right back, as Zambrotta was taking over from Jankulovski at left back. The deadly striking pair of Inzaghi and Pato took the striking positions once again. Beckham was starting for the first time in 3 games. Seedorf was on the bench.
Torino haven't defeated their opponents at the Giuseppe Meazza since 24th March 1985. Abate, a youth product of Milan was playing against the club that loaned him out to the Granata, and he wanted to make an impression. 9 minutes into the game, Pato was brought down by Rivata outside the box. Beckham delivered a delightful ball in and Inzaghi glanced the ball into the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. 4 minutes later, Bekcham's corner found the head of an unmarked Inzaghi who headed Milan in front of their less illustrious opponents. Pato was struggling. Even though he was dazzling with his skills, his finishing touch seems to have been implanted into Inzaghi for the night. 15 minutes into the game, and Pato missed a sitter from close range. Pirlo with his usual long ball found Pato facing the keeper. The young Brazilian tried to volley in the ball from close range but failed yet again. The Maroons were having chances, but only few and far in between. On 37 minutes, Pato and Beckham combined to give their side a 2-0 advantage. Beckham lined up for a long range shot after some unselfish play from Pato, but the Englishman chipped the ball into the box where Inzaghi directed it past Sereni. This dint seem to satisfy Milan as they continued to press in for another goal. Very un-azzuri like, I must say. 4 minutes later, a corner after being deflected from several players fell onto the feet of Flamini who blasted the ball from long range, but the shot was inches above the bar. Milan redefined dominance in the first half, and it looked like more goals were going to be added the scoreline come the second half.
Ronaldinho came on for Pato, and though this substitution looked surprising, signs indicate the young striker had suffered a minor ankle injury. This was going to be a blessing in disguise for Milan. 15 minutes into the second half, Inzaghi made it 3 for himself and for the club. A well planned through ball was met by Inzaghi who proceeded to slot the ball past Sereni, quite comfortably. Shevchenko entered the fray, and Inzaghi took to the bench. It was the first time that I had seen Inzaghi score more than one goal, with none of the goals being ugly/poacher-like. Toro went ahead with their 3rd and final substitution. 2 minutes later, Ambrosini showed incredible pace as he ran past two defenders only to be brought down in the box by Sereni. Kaka converted the penalty to make it four for the Rossoneri. It was his first goal since February, and its sad to see that the goal drought had to end with a penalty. Darmian replaced Maldini and we could get to see a future prospect for the defense of Milan get some playing time. On the 80th minute, Francheschini converted a poor clearance from Beckham into a goal, as he tapped in from close range. The Englishmen showed lesser commitment in the second half and seemed disinterested, which I found very upsetting. For the next 10 minutes, Milan dropped the tempo and it looked like they just wanted to see the game through by keeping possession. Into injury time, Kaka cut in from the left and sent Ambrosini through who finished past Sereni like a world class striker. 5 for AC Milan, and each of these goals were well deserved.
I haven't mentioned much about Ronaldinho in the last paragraph, and it wont be justified not to mention him. He was Milan's best player in the second half. He worked tirelessly, his through balls and passing was a sight to behold, and he also got past players showing traces of Ronaldinho some 4 years ago. This for me was his best game in the red and black colours and hope we get to see more of the same. Flamini was rock solid at right back. Pirlo was classy, his usual self. Ambrosini put in a very effeicient performance. Dida stood tall, once again, and beside the goal, he generally let nothing past him. We have 6 games to go, our next against Palermo. This team from Sicily is more like a boogie team for us. We need to fight fate and destiny, and another display of authentic football like this could be just enough.
Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A79mF-VeeAw&feature=related
Goalscorers -
AC Milan - Inzaghi (13',37',60'), Kaka (68'), Ambrosini (90')
Torino F.C.- Franceschini (80')
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