By Petar Todorovski
Serie A leaders AC Milan stopped their winning series on Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, playing 1-1 against Sampdoria. Motivated home side managed to cancel Robinho’s leading goal in the second half, leaving Rossonerri without two well deserved points.
Their winning streak of four victories in Calcio and five in all competitions has finally ended, but they’re still table toppers, with three points ahead of Lazio, six ahead of Juventus and still comfortable seven ahead of city rivals Inter.
Rossonerri attempted to meet the favorite role with early attacks on Gianluca Curci’s goal. Robinho had the first shot, but it was easily saved by Sampdoria keeper. Milan continued to put pressure but Blucerchiati managed to handle with them. Robinho nearly brought the lead after superb pass by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, making Curci to intervene again. But it couldn’t last for long. Few minutes before half time Ibra created wonderful chance for his team mate in attack, who could do nothing but to score, bringing the well deserved lead.
After the break Milan kept attacking in order to extend the lead and the winning streak as well. Seedorf showed his excellent form once again but that wasn’t enough. Alessandro Nesta and Christian Abbiati confusing play led to corner, which Giampaolo Pazzini used to equalize.
After that Sampdora attacking duo played with more confidence, making troubles in Rossonerri defense more often. However, the Milan had better chance to regain the lead. Massino Ambrosini employed Clarence Seedorf with wonderful pass in manner of greatest world’s playmakers. The Dutchman tried with low shot, but Curci reacted well once again to save his team from defeat.
Milan proceeded with attacks, trying very hard to win the game. But except one danger shot by Robinho, they did nothing spectacular. They deserved to win but, nevertheless, final result was 1-1.
After the game coach Massimiliano Allegri, of course, wasn’t happy with the final outcome. Although satisfied by the play, he felt that his team deserved more. Also he commented Robinho’s performance. “I am very happy with the way Robinho played. My team played a very good game,” said the Milan coach.
Despite the disappointment Rossonerri must be pleased about how things are going. They play well, their opponents play bad and, also, it seems that there are less and less problems in the team.
In Genoa defense conceded only first goal in four games. Tiago Silva is growing to one of the best defenders in the league. And he has to! He can learn from Alessandro Nesta, one of the world’s best in last decade. The Italian doesn’t seem like he can play two games every week, but here are Mario Yepes and Daniele Bonera to cover him. The first is well known as old and slow, but he showed some great skill to stop youngster Javier Pastore from Palermo few weeks ago.
More important is probably the signal that their main player Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent after this game. He clearly stated that he has no problem playing with Ronaldinho. Surprisingly, he said: “Ronaldinho is a true champion and I am happy for him and his goal as it was important.” Knowing the ego of the Swede it’s questionable if we can trust this statement, especially having in mind that with these words he is denying one of his previous statements given few weeks ago. Nevertheless, he shows some positive attitude to his team mate, clearing the path to better collaboration on the pitch. Definitely that would bring some extra points to Rossonerri, so badly needed for securing the Scudetto.
