Ewood Park bathed in the sun of a Saturday afternoon as the six or eight thousand traveling fans made the atmosphere sparkle.  Three decisons changed the game.  Despite the interference of the referee and his assistant the game had plenty of talking points but not goals. 

 

The trip to Blackburn meant plenty of Blues fans had made the trip to Ewood Park.  The weather was pleasant enough and the pitch was in pretty decent condition.  Teams with European aspirations doing battle, the sort of game against your rivals that is more important than the games against the top three, perhaps. 

 

Without some key players Hughes has to make do in defence.  Friedel keeps goal behind a makeshift back four of Emerton, Ooijer, Khizanishvili and Warnock. 

A five man midfield includes the recently called up England man Bentley alongside Reid, Derbyshire, Dunn and Pederson, Santa Cruz occupies the lone role up front in a 451 with the emphasis on width and defence. 

TURNER IS ABOUT 5'10" or 6' SO A STANDARD SIZED COFFIN WOULD BE ABOUT RIGHT...

 

Moyes battered by injuries and ACoN absentees picks a pretty standard 4 4 1 1.  Howard keeps goal, Neville drops into the defence alongside Capello favourite, Lescott, Jagielka and Baines.  Carsley sits in front of the back four alongside Fernandes, Osman plays on the left with Arteta on the right.  Cahill operates behind Johnson in attack.

 

As early of the second minute Blackburn show that they have been watching and preparing for the visit of Everton, Santa Cruz easily evades his marker and gets behind Carsley at the front post but glances his header just wide. 

Two sides with one foot in the 'clean sheet then score' camp provide a scrappy opening; space and time are at a premium as defence and midfield are solid and clogged respectively. 

Friedel's first real test comes after Lescott romps upfield and plays in Neville, the cross is good but Johnson's run isn't and the big American stopper comes to claim the cross. 

The visitors start to dominate possession but don't really do much with it.

SPOT THE BALL

Dunn gets a yellow for a tackle on Arteta. 

Blackburn's strength on the wide positions is demonstrated with a cunning Pederson free kick. 

Everton pressure from the right sees Arteta play some give and go with Cahill, space opens up for the Spaniard and Friedel does well to parry the ball wide, from the corner kick an Osman drive narrowly misses the upright. 

Bentley demonstrates his intent as Everton display their closing down and the shot goes well high. 

Dunn is bamboozled by a cheeky Neville flick so deliberately uses his hand to win the ball.  Riley is only a few yards away and gives the foul but mysteriously decides that the rules for 'deliberate handball' don't apply this afternoon and all Dunn gets is a brief chat. 

More Everton pressure and another corner kick and Jagielka's stab is headed off the line from Dunn. 

 

Neither manager makes half time changes. 

 

The first half starts with a wh!z b@ng wh@llop. 

Bentley forces a good save from Howard as he breaks down the right channel and unleashes an unexpected low drive.  Howard clears his lines quickly and Everton are on the counter, good work down the left see the ball arrive at Cahill's feet, he spots the late run of Fernandes and lays the perfect ball on a plate for the Portuguese midfielder.  The away fans behind the goal groan as Fernandes manages to whack the ball straight at Friedel. 

The play calms down but Everton retain the ball better and attack better, they aren't able to really test Friedel. 

Arteta has his range on the dead ball deliveries and a fantastic cross from the right is too good for anybody else on the pitch and sails harmless through the six yard box at the perfect height for the merest of glances to turn it in the net. 

The game drags on and starts to get feisty, two or three dodgy calls from Greg Turner, one classic in which Arteta is bustled off the ball from behind his flag goes up for a Blackburn throw in and Riley comes rumbled over from thirty odd yards away and reverses the awful and wrong decision. 

Fernandes hits the base of a much relieved Friedel from a free kick. 

Hughes makes a second change and turns the game, Tugay replaces Derbyshire which added to the inclusion previously of McCarthy gives Blackburn that boost up front and in the middle.  The game is more open now with Blackburn able to keep the ball, build pressure and threaten Howard. 

Late on Vaughn shows great desire and beats a Blackburn defender to the ball, Friedel comes out but Vaughn shows his mettle with a challenge against Friedel that wins the ball, the Everton substitute is first to the loose ball and hooks it into the path of the onside Johnson, the Everton striker rounds and Khizanishvili and scores.  Only when the ball is in the net does Mr. Turner raise his flag for offside.

GLEN, WORLD CUP OR NOT YOU GOT IT WRONG YESTERDAY!

Tugay has a late chance and to end the game Santa Cruz gets free in the area and smashes the ball just over the crossbar. 

 

Everton played well enough considering they fielded two players carrying knocks and a third who is not fully match fit.  They played well in parts against a difficult opponent and created some good chances that they failed to take.  When they did take them they were penalized.  Had they played the match against the ten men following Dunn's handball things may have been different. 

A point away isn't too bad a result and we are still in fourth.  The team is missing Yakubu, Pienaar and Yobo. 

 

Hughes played a makeshift back four that managed to keep a clean sheet.  His substitutions made the game closer than it should have been and he got lucky with some wrong decisions.  His team is built to be hard and tough but that hampers the goal threat.  Considering a point against a top four team is quite a good result for Sparky.  His moaned about McCarthy not getting a penalty can be ignored, he was fifty yards away at the time. 

 

Riley was his usual good self.  Plenty of common sense applied and officiated with a smile and without getting flustered. 

Three decisions changed the game. 

First only he knows why he ignored the following and let Dunn continue to play. 

 

Disciplinary sanctions

There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behaviour

is required when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g. when a

player:

• deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent

gaining possession

 

Second he ran thirty or more yards to correct a wrong call from the near touchline assistant referee, Glen Turner. 

Third he didn't stop play when McCarthy went down quicker than a strumpet's knickers at Mardi Gras under the challenge of Jagielka. 

Glen Turner may have gone to Germany to officiate at the World Cup but his wrong offside decision against Andy Johnson was poor form.  You can see it in his mind, "these blue boys have been shouting at me all this half, and I'll show them".  If an assistant doesn't actually know how to recognize what an offside is or isn't then he shouldn't be on the touchline. 

 

Blackburn Rovers:-

Friedel

Emerton

Ooijer

Khizanishvili

Warnock

Derbyshire (Tugay 73)

Bentley

Reid

Dunn (McCarthy 56)

Pedersen

Santa Cruz

 

 

Bookings:-

Dunn

Khizanishvili

Emerton

Pedersen

 

Goals:-

 

 

Everton:-

Howard

Neville

Lescott

Jagielka

Baines

Arteta

Carsley

Fernandes

Osman (Vaughn 75)

Cahill

Johnson

 

Bookings:-

Howard

Arteta

 

Goals:-

 

Attendance:-

27946

 

Referee:-

Alan Wiley

 

 

Images courtesy of Evertonfc.com

Images courtesy of BBC.co.uk

Palermo grabs the win after three fine Fontana saves; one to deny Tavano from the spot; (the old man still has the moves!) and one phenomenal piece of skill by Miccoli.  Livorno created little and had even less response when they went behind.  Overall three points for the Rosanero but not a great game at all.  

 

A fine Saturday afternoon in Sicily at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.  Mainly empty but the Ultras were there.  The atmosphere was tense as Palermo was still winless in 2008 as the game kicked off. 

 

Guidolin finally sees the light and alters his formation to give Amauri some help.  The 451 is replaced with a more attacking 352.  Fontana keeps goal behind a back three of Zaccardo, Barzagli and Biava.  Simplicio loses his place and the five man midfield sees a start for Cavani on the right, Guana, Migliaccio, Caserta and new signing Balzaretti on the left.  Amauri gets a partner in Miccoli up front. 

 

Camolese has to make do without all his squad to choose from so makes a few changes from the side that narrowly lost last week.  Defence in mind Amelia keeps goal behind a back three of Pavan, Knezevic and Galante.  Balleri, Vidigal, Pulzetti, Loviso and Pasquale string themselves out across the middle and up front Bogdani gets a start alongside Tavano. 

 

Palermo has the bulk of the possession in the first half, as befits the home side.  They really don't do that much with it. 

Cavani and Miccoli are the fulcrums around which the Rosanero attack and Amauri is a constant and willing runner. 

Cavani has the best chances but lacks a precise finish.  Miccoli delivers some nice dead balls but Livorno is equal to the task, Pavan doing well to make some key challenges and blocks in the first half. 

Vidigal has a chance for the visitors but fires wide.  Amauri has a few more chances than the Portuguese but the result is the same. 

The best chance of the first half is a Livorno one, good interplay between the two front men, Tavano chips the ball into the path of Bogdani who sees his powerful volley come off the firm hand of Fontana, a fine reaction save. 

Amauri's running and Amelia's mistake cause chaos in the Livorno area but Amelia manages to regain his composure and make a stop. 

Late in the half Livorno apply some pressure and Tavano forces a fine diving save from Fontana.  As injury time starts Zaccardo's arms come up to deflect a Livorno shot and Bergonzi points to the spot. 

Harsh, perhaps? 

Tavano measures his shot and is well read by Fontana; the veteran has to be quick to reach the ball but gets down well to parry the ball wide. 

 

 

Both sides come out as they went in. 

 

The goal chances and half chances of the first half don't materialize early in the second, a turgid first fifteen minutes sees little to delight the eye.  Plenty of mistakes; from both sides; a lack of imagination in attack from Palermo and no desire to go forward from Livorno are the mainstay.  The only bright spot is a sweet move from Palermo, Balzaretti plays the ball inside to Miccoli who measures a ball into the path of Zaccardo's cutting run from the left, the fullback's shot is powerful and his aim is just off. 

Substitutions from either side bring an element of excitement into the game.  This is mainly due to the confusion created in trying to identify which of the three shaven headed Palermo midfielders actually has the ball.

MIGLIACCIO


GUANA


BRESCIANO - AN OZZIE!

Palermo does apply pressure, more to keep the whistles from their fans quiet than any great desire or fire in the team. 

A series of corners and aimless balls into the well defended Livorno area finally comes good.  A corner kick comes in from the Livorno left and bounces around in front of the six yard box until it is hacked clear, Miccoli has been hanging back for just such an opportunity, his first touch takes the pace of the ball and drops it into the perfect spot for him to execute a blindingly fast turn, his whipped and powerful volley is low and true, despite the desperate hand that Amelia gets to the ball.  His delight is obvious and the tifosi roar!

MICCOLI : STUNNING GOAL

The goal changes nothing much for Livorno; stuck in defensive mode they trouble the home side little as the game winds down.  Palermo professionally slows the game down, drop like flies when challenged and retain possession.  Zaccardo and Amauri come close late on but the points were in the bag as soon as the first goal went in. 

 

Guidolin may be a 'dead man walking' but he still has half a season to re-impress the owner.  The move to a more attacking 352 paid dividends with the points if not the performance.  Balzaretti ran well up and down the left and provide a good outlet for the Rosanero.  Cavani impressed with his movement and vision, Miccoli bagged an important goal but Fontana came through with three great saves to keep a clean sheet.  A result that can allow Guidolin and Palermo to build for the trip to Torino next week. 

 

Livorno had their chances and was denied by Fontana.  Then they just shut down and played for a point.  A bad tactic which cost them the points.  Bogdani and Tavano were bright and dangerous; apart from the telegraphed penalty kick.  The team does defend well but need the flexibility to play more than a counter attacking game if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight.  Another poor showing against Genoa will see Livorno drop into trouble. 

 

Some referees wouldn't have given the penalty, some would.  In a game that lacked fire the referee did OK.  . 

 

 

Palermo:-

Fontana

Zaccardo

Barzagli

Biava

Cavani (Bresciano 63)

Guana

Migliaccio

Caserta

Balzaretti

Miccoli (Cassani 92)

Amauri

 

Goals:-

Miccoli 76

 

Bookings:-

 

 

Livorno:-

Amelia

Pavan

Knezevic

Galante

Balleri (Alvarez 80)

Vidigal

Pulzetti

Loviso (E Filippini 63)

Pasquale

Tavano

Bogdani (Rossini 77)

 

Bookings:-

Pavan

Loviso

Vidigal

 

Goals:-

 

Referee:-

Bergonzi

Pictures courtesy of IlPalermocalcio.it

Serie A week 21 preview. 

 

Internaz ionale are still in first place, despite a draw away at Udine last week.  Milan continues their climb up the table and Juventus, Roma and Fiorentina recorded impressive; albeit different in character; to keep the pressure on. 

Last week saw few goals with half of Serie A failing to find the net.  . 

Sampdoria continue their climb whilst Napoli and Parma have yet to regain their early season form. 

Any one of the eight or ten teams at the bottom could go down, that will be a much tighter battle than the Scudetto chase. 

 

 

FIXTURES

 

Fiorentina V Milan

The hardest test the invigorated Milan will face to date, Mutu is a Romanian goal machine and La Viola has only lost once at home all season. 

A win for both sides is imperative in the chase for a top six place at season's end. 

Last season it was a score draw. 

Prandelli has more options than Ancelloti who will have to consider the benefits of Gilardino's away goals over Pato's undoubted; if raw; talent. 

 

 

Genoa V Catania

Interesting mid table clash, Genoa merely got outfinished by Milan, not outplayed and Catania have played poorly away from Catania but had some good wins at home. 

A win and the sides could leapfrog the team around them; a loss would have them slipping down the table a tad. 

Last season the teams were in different divisions. 

Gasperini is missing his 'keeper otherwise he has a good compliment of players.  Baldini doesn't have his excellent Peruvian. 

Goals are likely from either side with Borriello being the best from either team. 

 

 

Internaz ionale V Empoli

Failure to win against their bogey team won't daunt Mancini's men.  It was a point on the road at a top five club.  Empoli, Serie B is looking easier and easier. 

Both sides need the win for vastly different reasons.  Although anything other than three Inter points will be a huge blow for the Nerrazzurri. 

Last season Empoli got thumped 3-1. 

Mancini has the depth to beat a struggling team, it'll be no hardship to give Jiminez a run and he has plenty of options up front. 

Malesani has a full if not strong squad and merely has to decide which 'keeper will get the unenviable task of denying Inter it's 44th Serie A this season. 

 

 

Juventus V Cagliari

The Bianconeri won with some terrific goals last week, although not a terrific performance.  Cagliari raised hopes of an awesome comeback with a good home win against Napoli. 

Juventus want the points to continue lurking in the Champions League places.  Cagliari don't want Serie B nest season. 

Despite injuries, suspensions and ACoN absentees Juventus are formidable at home.  The Rossoblu are Serie A's worse team and struggle to score or stop goals. 

No fixture last season and barring a miracle no fixture next season. 

Cagliari's only hope lies in the less than stellar Juventus defence and their stand in 'keeper, having Trezeguet; capponcanniere in waiting; and Del Piero up front with the excellent Palladino on the right will surely tip the scale towards the home side. 

 

 

Lazio V Sampdoria

Lazio are dropping points and places like there is no tomorrow.  Cassano inspired Sampdoria are quietly going about building a strong team. 

Lazio need the points to avoid slipping into a relegation mire and Sampdoria are chasing a UEFA Cup place. 

Sampdoria don't travel well but Lazio are struggling on all fronts. 

Last season the home side won one-nil. 

Cassano is the key for Mazzarri, although Bellucci and Volpi are strong performers.  Pandev needs to be at his best whilst Rocchi and Mauri need to improve the weight of their supporting roles. 

 

 

Napoli V Udinese

The Azzurri have become so lost and haphazard that they lost to the bottom club last week.  In Udine they are still fighting for a European place after some indifferent results. 

Napoli want their slide to stop, three points would take some of the pressure off against Reja.  Udinese need the points to re-energize their season. 

Neither side is at full strength so expect changes from last week's teams.  Spice could be added with three Udinese players being Neapolitan. 

Last season Napoli was fighting it out in Serie A. 

Hamisk has improved and gotten amongst the goals whilst Zalyeta and Lavezzi remain the Azzurri's most potent threat, Quagliarella is the Zebretta's goal threat.  Neither side is at full strength defensively. 

 

 

Palermo V Livorno

The Rosanero are struggling, reinstated manager Guidolin hasn't found the right formula for success (that would playing someone up front alongside Amauri you dolt).  Livorno had a bad loss last week but is solidly mid-table. 

Three points lost would see Palermo lose touch with the pack chasing the last UEFA Cup place.  Livorno wants to continue to be a solid mid table team, three points would help that, and a point would be OK. 

Guidolin only has his one player missing whilst Camolese has a whole swath absent. 

Last season Palermo was easy three-nil victors. 

Bogdani may start after showing his team mates how to put one past Juventus, who might make way for him though. 

Amauri has gotten better, matured you might say, he just struggles in a 4 5 1 that isn't that solid defensively. 

 

 

Parma V Atalanta

Doni is the darling of Bergamo and hasn't been able to halt the Orobici's slide down the table.  Parma's days in Serie A could be numbered if they don't fight their way out of this slump. 

Three points is vital to each team (isn't it always) Parma do not want to finish the weekend 16th in Serie A and Atalanta want to push Sampdoria and Udinese. 

Del Neri has plenty of players out and will again rely on Doni.  Di Carlo is light at the back. 

Last season the home team won three-one. 

The Crociati will look to Corradi for goals and Atalanta will rely on Floccari up front.  Although goals from midfield; Langella or Pisanu could turn the game. 

 

 

Reggina V Torino

A relegation six pointer.  Both teams have been less than great this season with Torino being the most disappointing.  Neither team wants to be sitting in the drop zone come Sunday night. 

Reggina are plucky underdogs and are used to this kind of battle, Tornio lack goals and are poor away from home. 

Both teams have their fare share of injuries although neither team is debilitated. 

Last season Torino bagged a one-all draw. 

Who will manage to score for Torino?  So far it looks as if they may have to keep relying on midfield goals from Rossina.  Vigiani is the main threat for the Amaranto who will have to rely on either Ceravolo or Stuani. 

 

 

Siena V Roma

Plucky Siena and dominant Roma.  An intriguing game with much to play for.  Siena; beaten by Cassano last week; have been playing well.  Spalletti's Giallorossi are pegging Internaz ionale with a series of four wins. 

Last season Roma won in Siena one-three. 

Last week Siena played better than Roma but lost, on their home turf they are strong and will not be easily cowed. 

Both sides have an almost full squad to choose from. 

Totti, Mancini, De Rossi et al all can score goals for Roma.  Locatelli, Frick and Maccarone can prove troublesome when they are playing well. 

 

 

My Game of the Week. 

Fiorentina V Milan (but keep your eye on Napoli and Reggina)

 

What's On FSC?

Palermo V Livorno (Sat)

Juventus V Cagliari (Sun)

Fiorentina V Milan (Sun)

Inter V Empoli (Sun)

 

Livorno give a good account of themselves but some stunning finishing at one end and a failure to take chances at the other give Juventus a less than stellar three points.    

 

Stadio Armando Picchi was vocal in the late Sunday fixture.  Livorno's proximity to Turin allowed plenty of Bianconeri tifosi to add their vocals to a good atmosphere despite the chilly night. 

 

Amaranto manager Camolese picks an attack minded side to take on Juventus.  Amelia keeps goal.  Grandoni, Knezevic and Galante operated in the three man back line with a midfield of Balleri, Vidigal De Vezze, the Filippini twins and Pasquale.  Up front Tavano and Tristan provide the firepower. 

 

Ranierii has to dig deep into his squad due to injuries but has a formidable line up nonetheless.  Belardi keeps goal with a back four of Salihamidzic, Legrottaglie, Grygera and Molinaro.  Palladino gets his chance on the right of midfield alongside Nocerino, Zanetti and Nedved.  Del Piero and Trezeguet provide a dangerous front two. 

 

Livorno hold up well under the initial Juventus onslaught.  The home side's direct approach creates the best of the early opportunities.  Three dangerous corner kicks in quick succession provides half chances which Livorno don't take. 

The Amaranto are strong in the tackle, Trezeguet gets a double whammy and no foul as Livrono close him down. 

Another Livrono opportunity comes from a well worked training ground free kick, the ball is fizzed to the back post where it sails over the head of the unmarked Tavano.  A better delivery would have opened the scoring. 

Livorno defend stoutly and provide little opportunity for Juventus.  The home side create another opportunity but the free kick' almost a carbon copy of the first' is poorly delivered and doesn't pick out the unmarked Livorno player at the back post. 

Pasquale springs the offside and runs at Belardi, the second string 'keeper does well to parry the shot and Tavano's follow up is blocked, a glorious chance spurned with a poor finish. 

Juventus fire a warning shot of their own moments later when a sublime Trezeguet ball finds Del Piero, the shot fizzes just wide though. 

Another Livorno break only leads to a corner kick, something has to give soon. 

Molinaro gets forward a couple of times in quick succession, the first cross finds Nedved and the second Del Piero, neither Bianconeri veteran generates much power allowing two easy saves for Amelia. 

Just on the half hour it all goes pear shaped for the home side.  A poor headed clearance falls to Zanetti who lobs the ball back in, Trezeguet's run is perfect and he has time and space in the area to lash the ball ferociously past Amelia for the opener. 

Tristan and Tavano combine to embarrass the Juventus defence with brilliantly timed runs; with the final third of the pitch devoid of any Bianconeri save for Belardi the referee's assistant becomes a Juventus Assistant and ludicrously flags for offside. 

The next good Livorno attack sees Molinaro cover his centrebacks with a strong challenge to shrug Tristan off the ball.  Guess who wanted it more?

 

After the half Juventus get the first opportunity but Del Piero chooses to cut back inside onto his left foot rather than testing Amelia, he is closed down and Livorno come away with the ball. 

He gets it right soon after with a well timed run to latch onto Zanetti's through ball, his finish delivers a goal and a neat Amelia nutmeg. 

Soon after it all goes horribly wrong for Livorno. De Vezze gets booked twice in quick succession; the second for a silly handball and Livorno are out of the game with only ten men. 

Trezeguet does bolster his cappcannoniere chances with a stunning volley of the great running of Palladino and sublime Del Piero pass. 

The home side get a consolation late on after Tavano saw his free kick hit the post and roll out, Pulzetti's shot left Belardi with no chance. 

Too little too late. 

 

cappcannoniere in waiting?

Livorno will watch the game and winder how they didn't score early, several opportunities went begging early on.  Better finishing would have made the game much closer.  They Amaranto played well throughout the entire game but lacked the finishing.  More performances similar to this one should see them steer clear of the drop. 
 

Ranierii will be pleased that he won emphatically with a less than full strength side, Palladino showed particulalry well although the defence should have been punished more often and earlier. 

The referee had a good game and his assistant made one tremendously pro Juventus error. 

 

Juventus:-

Belardi

Salihamidzic

Legrottaglie

Molinaro

Palladino

Nocerino

Zanetti

Nedved (Castiglia 90)

Trezeguet

Del Piero Iaquinta 74)

 

Goals:-

Trezeguet 30, 53

Del Piero 59

 

Bookings:-

Zanetti

Grygera

Nocerino

 

 

Livorno:-

Amelia

Grandoni

Knezevic

Galante

Balleri

Vidigal

Filippini (Pulzetti 59)

Filippini

Pasquale

Tavano

Tristan (Bogdani 59)

 

Goals:-

Pulzetti 80

 

Bookings:-

de Vezze (R)

Balleri

 

Referee:-

Morganti

 

PICTURE COURTESY OF CHANNEL4.COM

TWO LITTLE DUCKS!

AC Milan are going up in the world, a duck on the books and a first home win was only marginally derailed by a loss to Atalanta.  Today they faced a tough Genoa side and looked distinctly average but; quack quack; Pato scored two to sour the day for the Rossoblu. 

 

The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza was tentative and expectant, the high of wins against Palermo and Udinese and the midweek loss to Atalanta has the Milan Tifosi unsure of what they'll see on the pitch.  They always draw good support at home though and the stadium had a respectable level of noise. 

 

Ancelotti needs to make changes with suspensions and injuries hampering his squad.  Kalac must keep goal behind a decent back four of Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze and Maldini.  Gattuso, Pirlo and Ambrosini sit deep in the middle with Seedorf and Kaka sitting behind Pato.  The formation is classic Milan Christmas Tree, with fluidity. 

 

Gasperini went with an defensive 3 4 3.  Rubinho keeps goal behind Santos, Bovo and Danilo.  A midfield quartet of Konko, Milanetto, Juric and Fabiano have defensive duties whilst Rossi and Sculli patrol wide and the front man is Borriello. 

 

The game starts evenly with Borriello getting an early sniff although he's let down by a poor first touch.  Konko shows his mettle with some astute and pacy defending against Pato. 

Genoa appear confident whilst Milan are more measured.  The quick Konko pass down the right frees Sculli but his cross in is poor.  Pirlo puts in a terrible free kick and Italian and Dutch veterans combine as Maldini work the ball into Seedorf in the area, with time and space the Dutchman's first touch hands Genoa a goal kick.  Genoa play the ball forward on the break but Nesta shrugs off Borriello to stifle the threat. 

Pirlo puts in two more awful balls in quick succession then Gattuso's lunge can't stop the fluid Genoa counter, only a poor Milanetto cross can do that. 

Milan aren't working well, the Rossoneri seem lacking in confidence or guile in the early going.  They have the better of the possession but Genoa are more incisive with their attacks although the Rossoblu can't put in that final ball. 

Gattuso gets away with a nasty challenge and Milanetto ends another neat Genoa move with a poor choice of cross. 

Pato is full of running and eagerness but his first touch is erratic and his finishing isn't great, although Rubinho does have to make a smart close range save to stop the young Brazilian. 

This energizes Milan who start to play with more precision in the final third; Pirlo sees the space and without much challenge puts the ball narrowly over the bar. 

Genoa get their best chance soon after, Nesta's attempt at a backheel is stolen by Borriello who gallops forward, pushed wide his shot still troubles the Australian keeper.  Soon after Genoa get forward again and some neat interplay and a good cross sees Sculli with a shooting opportunity, he scuffs his shot and the danger is cleared. 

 

The Milan Tifosi are unhappy with their team and whistle them in at the half. 

 

Straight away the Rossoblu attack and only a poor advantage call holds the move back. 

Seedorf gets more involved in the attacks and pokes a shot over. 

The Rossublu see their best chance evaporate when Borriello beats the Milan defence and finds himself one on one with the 'keeper, he makes it easy for Kalac by firing the ball straight at him, surely harder than scoring. 

Milan start to keep and use possession and Genoa are pegged back but hold firm.  Kaka fires straight at Rubinho and replays show that maybe Konko actually did get away with a handball in the area. 

The game is much more open as both sides seek the opener, Borriello gets a chance off a corner but fires over, and Danilo gets away with a cheeky handball to deny the excellent run of Oddo.  Kaka's delightful through ball finds Ambrosini but on his weaker foot he shanks it. 

Maldini, roving forward and effortlessly defying the years puts in a ball which Genoa don't clear; Pato is free at the back post and nods past Rubinho for the opener.  Hardly a classic goal but they all count.  

Soon after the Rossoblu; pushing forward to grab the equalizer; are caught out on a soft throw in, Ambrosini wins the loose ball and fires in a long ball which splits the Genoa centrebacks and see the pace of Pato take him clear with only Rubinho to beat, the 'keeper comes way out of his box and Pato's neat chip is handled by Rubinho.  He gets a red and thankfully the substitute 'keeper's first task isn't to pick the ball out of the net, he's lucky to see Pirlo's free kick go just wide. 

Milan apply pressure and the numerical advantage allows them to hold Genoa under the cosh, this doesn't entirely hold Genoa down as Borriello has a glorious chance to play a killer ball to the unmarked Figueroa, he chooses to shoot and the chance at an equalizer disappears. 

Ambrosini plays a long ball up for Pato to chase and Scarpi does well to stop the ball but his parry falls into the path of the Brazilian who excitedly walks the ball into the empty net. 

Milan round out the game professionally and grab three points. 

 

Gasperini's men created their chances but poor finishing left the door open for an average Milan to get the points.  They are doing well this season and can look to a chance at a UEFA Cup spot.  Better finishing would have seen them grab the points. 

 

Ancellotti's charges weren't great, Pato looks so talented and so raw, Seedorf and Pirlo hardly set the San Siro alight and the defence allowed Genoa too many chances.  There are no style points in football and Pato bagged two (although it should have been more).  His star is on the ascendancy but Milan's has yet to convince.  Two games in hand have to be won for them to climb above Udinese in the table. 

 

Does Gattuso get his first hacking, ankle breaking challenge for free without any yellow attached?  When Kaladze falls over whilst hauling on the shirt of Borriello why does the referee not allow the Genoa front man to run into the acres of space down the Milan left or cut inside through a static and flustered Milan defence?  Only he will know why he neglected to play a super obvious advantage instead of calling play back and allowing Milan time to get themselves organized.  The game was 0-0 at this point and a Genoa goal would have livened up the Rossoneri no end.  Really really poor tonight ref, hang your head in shame.  Rubinho did have to go though. 

 

 

AC Milan:-

Kalac

Oddo

Nesta

Kaladze

Maldini

Gattuso (Brocchi 88)

Pirlo (Emerson 83)

Ambrosini

Seedorf

Kaka

Pato (Gilardino 91)

 

Goals:-

Pato 68

Pato 82

 

Bookings:-

Ambrosini

Gilardino

 

Genoa:-

Rubinho

Santos

Bovo

Danilo

Konko

Milaneto (Scarpi 71)

Juric

Fabiano

Rossi (Figueroa 71)

Borriello

Sculli (Lucarelli 64)

 

 

Goals:-

 

Bookings:-

Bovo

Danilo

Rubinho (R)

 

 

Referee:-

Rochi

PICTURES COURTESY OF ACMILAN.COM