Milan 3 Atalanta 1: Samba Magic Inspires Another Milan Win

Milan have well and truly regained form as they have now conjured up four wins in their last four Serie A matches with a comfortable win over Atalanta at the San Siro. Again, it was Ronaldinho who was the main protagonist and again it was Pato who got the vital goals. Marco Borriello also got in on the scoring, on the day that he was recalled to the Azzurri.

Milan coach, Leonardo, will be happy with the overall performance of his players who did just enough to control the game, get the win, and more importantly keep the pressure on Inter.

It now is beyond any doubt that Ronaldinho is our Milan’s new talisman after another match winning performance. Against Atalanta, the Brazilian was at his flashy best, with an array of sublime passes and touches along with his trademark step overs on display.

Though Ambrosini will be credited with the assist for Pato’s opener, it was Ronaldinho’s classy back-heel that created the chance in the first place. Milan’s second was made solely by the Brazilian magician as he skipped by his marker and played a beautifully weighted lob over the defense and straight in front of Pato.

Like Kaka before, Ronaldinho is our new go-to man. The one player who can create, inspire, and deliver. He is the main reason why Milan’s season has come good.

Though Ronaldinho may have been the main protagonist, it was Pato who did the business in the end, scoring two goals to put Milan in a comfortable position before the half time break. The young Brazilian has an almost telepathic understanding with his fellow countryman, Ronaldinho, and to a great benefit do both he and Milan derive from it.

Unfortunately, Pato got injured and this is a real cause for concern given what lies ahead for Milan in the next week. More on this later.

Up front alongside our two Brazilian stars, Marco Borriello failed to impress. Sure he did get on the score sheet, anticipating well that Ronaldinho would miss from the spot again to follow up and restore Milan’s two-goal lead.

Borriello is noted for being a player with a high work rate and intensity along with the strength to hold the ball up and invite teammates into play. Such attributes were not shown by the Napoli born striker against Atalanta. Instead, he was petulant and went to ground far too easily. The referee did well not to be conned as he continually told Borriello to get on with playing the game, and rightly so.

At the back, both Nesta and Thiago were at their usual best. Tiribocchi and Doni were frustrated all afternoon as our central pairing kept them in check.

On the flanks, Bonera and Jankulovski did their jobs, if only just. Bonera, however, was at fault for Atalanta’s goal. He should have done better when attempting to dislodge Valdez off the ball.

In the midfield, it was Pirlo doing what he does best, orchestrating the game with his superb vision and passing. The Italian looked eager to invite Ronaldinho into the game as this was surely Leo’s instruction.

Ambrosini put in another battling display, out-muscling De Ascentis and Padoin in the middle of the park. How Lippi continually refuses to call up Ambrosini to the national team whilst still choosing Gattuso is another one of his great many mysteries.

What was the most pleasant surprise from this match was the performance of David Beckham. Playing in the centre in a midfield diamond of three is not Beckham’s natural position, but he put in a dogged and committed performance. The Englishman’s attitude and spirit is exemplary. Moreover, Beckham was effective as he displayed his masterful skill of long range passing, picking out Ronaldinho on more than one occasion, including in the lead-up to Milan’s first goal.

Against United, Leo was blamed for making a mistake by playing Beckham in the midfield. Perhaps in such a big game, it was not the right decision to make. But, in this position, Beckham can come good. Playing in the center, Beckham is able to utilise his expert ability in long range passing whilst also being able to drift wide to whip in crosses. In addition, Beckham has the determination and attitude to be a ball-fetcher, as he showed in this match.

In all, a fine performance by the Rossoneri. Leo has once again displayed his astuteness in being able to make a small number of changes to the side, yet get the result once again. Sure, the next week remains a bigger challenge with clashes against Roma and United ahead, however, a comfortable win over Atalanta was the best preparation possible.

Let us just hope that Pato recovers in time for at least the clash at Old Trafford. We all know what Milan have to do against United. To repeat, they have to travel to Old Trafford and beat United by two goals. It is possible, but highly unlikely and if Pato does not play, our chances become diminished somewhat further.

For now though, all Milanisti can rest assured that Milan’s title hopes are well and truly alive.