Milan progress to the Quarterfinals to face Udinese after
dispensing with Serie B side Spezia tonight in the Coppa Italia. With all of
the events of the past week, and interim coach Mauro Tassotti in charge, no one
really knew what to expect. And to be fair, in the opening minutes, it was
difficult to tell which team was the Serie B team. But like prisoners seeing
the light of day for the first time in a while, the team experienced an
awakening that was visible to the eye and came together with a performance that
showed what many fans have believed all along… Milan were not playing to their
potential under Allegri. So with excellent player selections and prudent and
timely subs, Tassotti
led the team many called ‘not fit to wear the Milan jersey’ to a convincing
win with a performance that was actually starting to look like Milan again.
Free at last.
 |
| The goal scorers |
That was all it took for the confidence to come flowing back
to the squad. Pazzini, who missed several sitters throughout the match, scored
a fantastic goal on the volley with a pass threaded in from Poli in the 32nd.
2-0 Milan. The third goal came from Honda in his first start, a fantastic
rebound from a Montolivo shot that Leali had saved. 3-0 Milan.
 |
| He's back. |
But it was more than the goals. Players were linking up and
passing and actually doing something with the 63% possession they have been
known for all season. We pressed high and relieved a lot of pressure from the
defense. And speaking of defense, they did well when tested. The lineup of
Zaccardo-Mexes-Rami-De Sciglio was almost ideal, with only Abate’s fitness
causing him to make what is likely our strongest back line right now. Yes, they
conceded a goal in the 91st with a classic lapse of concentration, but
otherwise held tight despite missing their “5th defender” in De Jong.
Tassotti’s trust in youth was evidenced by starting both
Poli and Cristante in the midfield instead of the usual brute squad (as well as
De Sciglio on the left, of course.) Then he brought in Petagna in the 71st,
just barely returned from his loan at Sampdoria, to give the youngster some
minutes. His other subs were perfect, too, Birsa on for Honda in the 64th, with
Honda still reaching for full match fitness, and Birsa needing time after
returning from injury. And his final sub was in the 78th, with Nocerino
replacing a tired Robinho.
 |
| Even the crowd was distracted as Spezia scored, looking at Seedorf |
It wasn’t perfect, and as Seedorf said at the airport, “We
have a lot of work to do in order to bring Milan back to the top.” But it was
refreshing and comforting for fans who have suffered so much this season.
Comforting to see that yes, our youth are talented enough to start, at least in
a Coppa Italia match against a Serie B team. Yes, Honda and Rami are quality
new signings, and should definitely give the team a much needed defense. Yes,
when we don’t field the brute squad, we can actually do something with all of
that possession. Yes, Pazzini is back. No, we don’t need someone screaming “Dai
Dai Dai” for 90 minutes, and when Tassotti said “It was a good game,” it
actually was. Tassotti in one game showed fans what this team is capable of. Which
had to leave Seedorf able to sleep tonight, knowing that he does, in fact, have
something to work with. And so a collective sigh of relief spreads amongst
Milan fans everywhere, and I could swear that I heard the hearts of players and
fans alike cry out “Free at last.”
This post inspired by the music of
“Milan Milan”
Our next match is
Milan vs. Verona
Sunday, January 19 • 20:45 CET (2:45 EST)
Don’t forget to check out the latest Milan Obsession Podcast
Thanks again to Dave for a fantastic podcast, remember to follow him on Twitter @DaveLambComedy
Coppa Italia • Milan 3, Spezia 1: Free at Last
Reviewed by Elaine
on
12:05 PM
Rating:
Reviewed by Elaine
on
12:05 PM
Rating:
