Manchester United vs. AC Milan: Crunch Time for Italians

AC Milan’s Champions League hopes are hanging on by a mere thread as they prepare to lace boots of war against Manchester United at the Old Trafford.

Il Diavolo came out of the blocks early in the first fixture at a packed-out San Siro Stadium, as Ronaldinho broke the deadlock only two minutes into the game. The Brazilian’s right-foot volley from 16 yards took a deflection of Michael Carrick and stranded Edwin Van der Saar in goal.

If Ronaldinho’s goal was lucky, the visitor’s equalizer—and their first ever goal against the Rossoneri at the San Siro—was even more so. Paul Scholes missed Darren Fletcher’s low cross, but the ball hit his trailing leg and deflected in off the inside of the post.

In the second half, Wayne Rooney scored a brace before Clarence Seedorf made it 2-3 with a spectacular backheel flick from seven yards—salvaging the team’s hopes of progressing into the quarterfinals.

Milan has an incredibly strong tradition in the Champions League, and it is no secret that the team usually steps up on European evenings. History speaks in favor of the Rossoneri, who have won all four of their two-leg meetings with the Premier League outfit. However, their inefficiency in front of goal cost them the victory in the first meeting—and has caused them to drop numerous points in Serie A.

Despite playing away to AS Roma on Saturday, Leonardo’s men dominated large periods of the game; however, their wastefulness in front of goal resulted in the side dropping two crucial points in the league. Lucky for them, league leaders Inter Milan were held to a draw by Genoa the following day.

Luck is hard to come by and impossible to hold on to. Therefore the players will need to be aware of their qualities and play their own game. Even though they’re positive ahead of the game, they don’t stand a chance at Old Trafford if they can’t capitalize on their opportunities.

Christian Abbiati will need to stay alert while Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva can’t afford to let the in-form Wayne Rooney any breathing space. Which players Leonardo decides to field in the midfield remains to be seen considering Clarence Seedorf is back from his injury. However, if David Beckham is handed a starting shirt, there will be no wavering in the former Real Madrid winger’s desire to beat his former side—on his old turf.

Milan has been given a major boost—and perhaps even a lifeline—with Alexandre Pato’s inclusion in the squad. Considering the Brazilian’s recent form, the forward’s participation could prove to be vital—especially his link-up with fellow countryman, Ronaldinho. Up top, there are several alternatives with Marco Borriello providing form, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar the goals, and Filippo Inzaghi experience.

The Rossoneri were technically superior to the Red Devils at the San Siro, but were unable to match their physical play and spirit—and their efficiency in front of goal. It’s make it or break it against the English, and the Diavoli go into the game fully aware they have absolutely everything to win. The side has overturned the score before and is certainly capable of doing so again—even though they have an extremely tough task ahead of them.

No matter the outcome of Wednesday night’s all important game, there is a certain someone deserves praise for the Italians’ displays this season—Leonardo. Few believed in the Brazilian as he, during his first press conference as Rossoneri tactician, shared his visions of an offensive-minded team that would not only play good, but also entertaining football.

Unlike José Mourinho, Leonardo hasn’t been given everything he’s pointed at and wasn’t either given the best of conditions under which to begin his journey as a rookie coach. Paolo Maldini decided to call it quits while Kaká was sacrificed to Real Madrid ,and with no additions except Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the Brazilian was forced to set to work.

In spite of fighting against the odds, the Diavoli are only four points off the pace while also playing some of Serie A’s most entertaining football along the way. Ronaldinho is returning to his glory days, Daniele Bonera and Marco Borriello are back in the national side and Luca Antonini and Ignazio have blossomed into decent offensive fullbacks.

It’s safe to say that Milan has entered the most crucial stage of their season, and how well they do against Manchester United and in the league will come down not only to sheer will and motivation, but a great bit of luck as well.