By Petar Todorovski
Five days after the victory against title rivals Napoli, Milan managed to beat another famous although not so strong opponent. Gennaro Gattuso scored the only goal that converted to domination into three points.
Massimiliano Allegri fielded formation with only two strikers, Ibrahimovic and Cassano, while Robinho was on the bench. Marek Jankulovski returned in the team after a long time.
Milan pressured from the very beginning. Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent the ball over from only few meters and missed an ideal opportunity for early lead. Of course, the former Juve player received booes from Old Lady fans.
After this chance, Juventus managed to take the pressure. Milos Krasic was trying hard to do something, but as always, his crosses were not met well by his team mates in attack.
Nevertheless, Rossonerri had the next great chance. Antonio Cassano received the ball well, but his shot ended in the sky. Milos Krasic didn’t waste time and created opportunity for Matri right after, but the striker’s bad reaction kept the result 0-0. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had further attempts, without any success.
On the break Massimiliano Allegri made the right choice. He introduced Robinho, who replaced Boateng, and the red and black attack looked more dangerous. The Brazilian added a lot more pace in the attack and it paid off. Ibrahimovic was the first to treat to Buffon’s goal from a free kick, which was saved by the legendary keepr. However, he couldn’t do much in 68th minute when Gennaro Gattuso converted Ibra’s assist into goal and 1-0 lead.
Then Juventus tried hard to find a way to equalize, but their play was too bad for a side like Milan. Rossonerri were close to extend the lead when the action created by Seedorf and Ibra wasn’t used by Flamini.
The game ended with 1-0 for Milan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was verry happy about that, especially because of the booes by Juve fans. “Juventus fans booing me? They admire me, but they should worry about their own team rather than me as I am doing well with Milan,” said the Swede.
Gennaro Gattuso was delighted with his goal worth three points and talked about the title. “It is still a long way and we have to play Inter. We’re leading by eight points, but if Inter win tomorrow it’s back to five. It has been 17 or 18 games that we have been top,” Rino said.
In Juventus nobody talks about winning trophies, it’s all about firing or not coach Luigi Del Nerri. However, sporting director Marrotta confirmed his staying. “The last transfer market was managed in the light of a total renovation and we knew that would have faced some difficulties, even if we didn’t imagine to have suffered such a dark period,” he said.
After Inter’s win against Genoa Milan leads with five points ahead of city rivals and eight ahead of Napoli.
