AC Milan Defeats Bari, as AC Milan Head Coach Leonardo Makes His Point

AC Milan got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over Bari at the San Nicola. Despite the loss to United in midweek, this was the second consecutive win for the Rossoneri in Serie A, another sure sign that Leo’s side are back to winning ways.

For AC Milan head coach Leonardo, the win was a strong message to Berlusconi who criticised, somewhat unfairly, the fine work Leo has done this season earlier in the week.

There were many positives to draw from this match, but two stand out. One, the performance of Marco Borriello. All game the Italian was strong on the ball, holding it up well and inviting teammates into the play. He worked his socks off and capped of an impressive and determined display with a trademark goal.

With such a display, Borriello has shown just why Leonardo regards him as first choice for he fully deserves it. I know that for many of you such an opinion may come as a surprise, however, I will explain later.

The second major positive to come out of this match was the performance of Ronaldinho. The Brazilian magician continued his path to becoming, again, one of the best players in the world with another decisive display. Ronaldinho set up the first goal for Borriello to volley home and was the main protagonist for Milan’s second.

In the last three matches alone, Ronaldinho has made six assists along with his one strike against United. The Brazilian really has come out of the shadows this season and is looking once again, fit and happy. For Milan, this can only be good news as we enter the business end of the season.

Reflecting on the performances of the rest of the team and one cannot help but be satisfied. At the back, Thiago Silva continued his fine form. The young Brazilian centre back has been a revelation this season and his form has been remarkably consistent. Against Bari, Thiago once again showed that he is developing into one of the better centre backs around.

Alongside Thiago, Nesta, for his standards had an average game. Though he did well to keep Bareto and Sforzini, he did give the ball away on a couple of occasions due to lapses in concentration.

Abate continued to stake his claim for a permanent position at right back. Sure his defending could do with improvement, but already his defensive skills have improved immensely during this season. A tireless worker all night, Abate marauded down the flank on numerous times and was always eager to whip in a cross.

On the opposite side, Bonera was solid, if not spectacular. Playing out of position, Bonera provided defensive steel down the left. A great decision it was to play Bonera in this position rather than Favalli.

In midfield, Pirlo was at his best again. Pirlo did a tremendous job of directing play and controlling the game as only he can do. Gattuso and Ambrosini did their jobs dutifully, winning and hustling for the ball nonstop. When flanked by two able defensive midfielders like he was against Bari, Pirlo always performs better.

In goal, Leo made the correct decision to play Abbiati, who should from now on be our number one. Dida is just too much of a liability, whilst Abbiati is a consistent, if not spectacular performer.

Up front, alongside our two stars of the game was Pato who did very well to nestle in Milan’s second of the night. His turns and control was at times mesmerising, as he got the better of Masiello all night.

To get back to the point regarding Borriello, I have to say that the Italian has won me over. However, despite having won me over with some impressive and determined displays, for a club like Milan, I am not sure if he is quite good enough. He simply is still not up there with the likes of Eto’o, Drogba or Torres. But,nonetheless, Borriello has impressed many this season, myself included.

As for Huntelaar, I feel that he has been given enough chances by Leonardo and despite a couple of braces, he has not shown half the commitment, work-rate or determination that Marco has shown. Apart from being a goal threat, Huntelaar really does not offer much else and unless he proves that he can score goals at will, which he has failed to do, Marco is the deserving number one choice striker.

In addition to the many fine individual performances tonight, what was most impressive about the display against Bari was how the team calmly went about attaining victory.

While there were not many chances in this match, Milan were clinical tonight. This was a stark contrast to their performance  midweek, as they took the few chances they did create.

It was a professional and dominant performance by the Rossoneri and with this display, Leonardo has answered Berlusconi's criticisms in the best possible way.

When you consider the fact that Leonardo did not get any players that he asked for, had limited resources to work with as a result and is just a rookie coach, Berlusconi and Galliani should be much more thankful for what coach Leo has done with this team this season so far. In fact, they should be praising his work.