Seedorf celebrates the winner with Rino and Pirlo

Seedorf’s wonderful solo effort on 75 minutes was enough for Milan to claim all three points at home against Bologna. It was not the most inspiring match nor will it fill Rossoneri hearts with hope for the season, however, it was a strong enough performance by the Leonardo’s side to pick up a vital win.

First half

Leonardo made some unexpected changes to the lineup. Kaladze started alongside Nesta in central defence whilst Favalli was preferred to Janku at left back. Abate was also finally given a chance at right back.

Milan looked lively from the very opening of the match with their first chance coming just three minutes into the game when Huntelaar, from an acute angle, struck a volley which went just over the bar.

Milan continued to impose themselves on the match completely dominating the early stages. The side should have taken the lead on 14 minutes when Pato, after some good work down the left side, dragged the ball back from the sideline setting up Gattuso for a simple finish. Yet the veteran Italian’s shot went well over the bar.

Milan continued to dominate. Pirlo was dictating the game from the middle, whilst down the flanks both Favalli and Abate did well in helping create attacking options.

The final decent chance for Milan came from an audacious ball to Pato by Pirlo who did well to direct his header across goal in hope Huntelaar would be there, however the Dutchman did not anticipate the move.

Second half

Milan continued where they left off from the first half creating numerous chances in the opening stages.

After applying some good early pressure on the Bologna defence, the tempo of the match withdrew as the Milan attack started to look rather one dimensional. Bologna had done well to keep Milan at bay. Indeed, for all Milan’s possession, Bologna had done well to limit the number of clear cut chances that were still few and far between for the homeside.

With Milan looking less of an attacking threat by the hour mark, Leo decided to change things around. Oddo was brought on for Gattuso which meant Abate moved up into the right sided midfield position. Huntelaar was also withdrawn from the game with SuperPippo coming on in his place.

Shortly after the hour mark following some fine midfield work by Ambrosini, Pato came very close to breaking the deadlock however his shot rebounded of the post.

The side still looked lost for ideas at this stage having failed to find a path to goal after having so much possession.

On seventy minutes, Janku was introduced in place of Favalli and shortly after coming on the Czech international did well to create a chance for Inzaghi who’s shot was well saved by Viviano.

Milan started to look threatening once more. Pirlo, who had switched to the left, got down the byline and pulled the ball back across goal for Pato but the young Brazilian was beaten to the ball by the veteran Lanna.

GOAL The breakthrough did finally come however. Ambrosini played the ball to Seedorf who did well to skip by his marker Raggi and slot the ball home past Viviano. It was a great goal by Seedorf and a deserving one for Milan, who had dominated the game..

The side began to create chances almost at will and perhaps should have gone two up when Pirlo played Pippo through in on goal. Surprisingly Pippo, one on one with the keeper, failed to put ball away even with two attempts with the latter hitting the post.

Rather as expected, Milan slowed the tempo down once more as they tried to see out the match. But, Bologna had different ideas and nearly claimed an equaliser in the 87th minute. Mingazzini’s long range drive called Storari into action for practically the first time in the match. After being a virtual spectator all afternoon, Storari did very well to keep the shot out.

In the end Milan held on to claim three vital points.

Post Match Analysis

Milan perhaps can consider themselves unlucky not to have scored more goals. Against a rather tepid opposition who seemed content to sit back in their own half and soak up pressure, it is a little alarming that it took all of 75 minutes for Milan to find the net. In addition, for all their possession I do feel Milan should have created more clear cut chances especially against opposition like Bologna.

At times, the attack seemed predictable. Papadopulo had done his home work as his side seemed to anticipate the passes by Pirlo when Milan went forward. Pirlo had a good game though I do feel that when playing the ball forward he does use the long ball approach a little too often. Especially since Milan do not have a typically strong centre forward who has the ability to bring the ball down and lay it off. Huntelaar is not that type of striker and when you have Inzaghi and Pato up front, surely the best way to play the ball is on the ground.

Worringly and surprisingly Huntelaar did not impress again. It may take him a while longer then most of us had expected
before he fits in to the side and gets used to Italian football. Huntelaar really needs to play as much possible and I question the move by Leo to pull him off on the hour mark.

Abate put in a good case to be considered our new right back, or at least an option for the position. Apart from Pato and perhaps Huntelaar, Milan do lack speed. Abate has speed and energy in abundance and I really hope that Leo starts to utilise him more. I was impressed by Abate’s performance. It was almost relieving to see a full back of ours sprint down the flank and take on players and get crosses in. Surely he can still improve and this is why it is important Leo gives him more playing time to help him improve.

Once again Nesta was outstanding in defence and Kaladze did a tidy job too. And of course, plaudits have to go to Seedorf. Milan have looked a markedly better side since he took over from Ronaldinho and in today’s game against Bologna the Dutchman once again showed his worth.

Next up is Udinese in Udine on Wednesday.