As Milan crashed out of the Coppa to a more subdued Lazio
than the one who thrashed us on Saturday, one thing was painfully obvious:
we’re still sucking. With Montolivo “covering” (and I use that term in the
loosest sense of the word) the center defensive midfield spot for De Jong, who
was ruled unfit just before match time, we may as well have not even showed up.
But the Curva did show up, angry and proud, and even some other angry fans to
give Galliani a tongue lashing before he left the stands in the 86th minute. So
despite a disappointing performance and the winning goal scored due to a
handball call, at least the fans are finally starting to turn their anger to
the right place. Even if we’re still sucking.
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| Just one penalty to take it all |
Our starting midfield was Poli, Montolivo, and Muntari. That
should tell you enough about our chances. Statistically, Montolivo was actually
WhoScored’s MOTM. But if you watched the game, you are still wondering not only
how he is our captain or a starter, but what he is doing at Milan in the first
place. Because Who Scored’s stats don’t count epic fail back passes, losing the
ball, or not being able to communicate or play well with others, apparently.
Speaking of chances, we doubled our shots on goal with 4 out
of 11 shots. So there was improvement. The most obviously dramatic improvement
was the Muntari off for Honda sub in the 51st. Albertazzi put in some nice
crosses playing at left back, but it was unfortunately his double handball in
the box in the 37th that cost Milan the game, as he conceded the penalty.
Biglia stepped up in the 38th to seal Milan’s fate, 1-0 Lazio.
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| Maybe good on paper, but that is all |
Menez played his usual selfish self, with lots of plays that
would have been incredible if he hadn’t lost the ball by trying to be to fancy.
Pazzini had more almosts than Berlusconi has had court cases. Cerci played on
the left in the absence of El Shaarawy, and we saw yet again that he is not our
Lord and Savior. That title belongs to Jesús Joaquín Fernández Sáenz de la
Torre, also known as Suso, who got his debut as a sub for Albertazzi in the
80th, although he apparently has yet to begin his ministry.
The back line was a bit of a mess with poor communication
and players running into each other and such, but to be fair, they defended
five corners. At this point, that is a triumph. Also, Rami got a yellow for
being frustrated in the 64th, Milan’s only yellow of the game. Granted, Rocchi
was officiating, but still, it was a far less eventful match with a slightly
improved Milan.
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| 'Sacking a club legend won't change Rossoneri history. Enough with incompetence of old directors' |
However, after
raking Milan fans over the coals after Saturday’s match, I have to say
that the Curva Sud were my MOTM. With little happening on the pitch anyway,
their banners such as 'Enough free agents', 'Galliani out', 'Renewal to begin
again' and 'I'm with Pippo' were the highlight of the game for me. Especially
after their
statement on their club website on Sunday, THIS is what I want fans to
be doing. The Curva has quite a bit of power, and throwing it around when it
counts like this is not only commendable, but refreshing.
So Milan are out of the running for the last real trophy
they had a chance for. Not a surprise, given the squad quality and lack of
respect from management. As the Curva said to Berlusconi, “Your hip hip hurras
certainly won’t make this a winning team.” And they haven’t. Galliani is now
desperately bringing players in to try to salvage the season, but we all know
that it’s only going to be his exit that brings actual change to the club.
Until then, Milan will be still sucking.
This post inspired by the music of Garbage
Our next match is
Milan vs. Parma
Sunday, February 1 • 20:45 CET (2:45pm EST)