seconds

Ignazio Abate


AC Milan 1 Lazio 1

5. That is the number of players missing from our first team. But you would still expect the team playing at home to pick on a lowly Lazio side. The side from Rome haven't had an admirable season. Struggling in the bottom half, they would have come to Milan anticipating a defeat, so when they drew, the delight was evident.

Roma winning in the weekend should have given Milan enough belief to win. But the old men decide to put in an indifferent performance, like there is nothing to play for, nothing to lose. It's worst when you ardently follow a team and they play with such indifference.

Seedorf thrived in the play-maker role, creating and shooting at every given instance. Flamini worked his socks off and also provided a world class save to keep the scores level. Inzaghi was painfully wasteful and Borriello was ineffective, yet again. Antonini made a hash of a clearance giving Lazio the opportunity to equalize. This again raises questions on the quality of our fullbacks. I like Antonini, but I don't see him having sufficient talent to be employed in the fullback role. Likewise, Zambrotta, who is clearly past his prime. Antonini did strike the bar later on in the game with an enthusiastic shot, but that wasn't enough to redeem him. Lazio were reckless in their chances and probably should have taken more from the game. Abate is another player I would like to talk about. Abate is our new Brocchi, plays with his heart on his sleeve, but largely lacking with the final product. He needs to pay close attention to what he does with the ball, as his off the ball movement and work rate is amongst the best their is in the team.

Cagliari now; aren't an easy opposition. They got players who can trouble us, ironically players from our camp. Matri and Astori, for example. We will have Pirlo and Ronaldinho back for the game, should provide us with more bite up front. It's going to be a nail biting finale, I think.

Milan - Borriello 18' (pen)

Lazio - Lichtsteiner 33'

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=9y2LzQaZO-E&feature=sub&videos=hqcKE42D7cY