An unlikely brace from the classy Nesta earns Milan three points

A late brace by the most unlikely Alessandro Nesta assured Milan all three points in a highly entertaining affair in Verona. Chievo took an early lead through Giampero Pinzi just seven minutes into the match and despite Milan pushing hard in response for the equaliser, it took until the 81st minute for Milan to restore parity. Pirlo’s classy cross was headed on to the cross bar by Borriello and Nesta was there to steer the ball home from the rebound. Then as the match went into injury time, it was Pirlo again who supplied the cross and again it was Nesta, unmarked at the back post, who slotted the ball home to hand Milan victory.

Chievo 1 (Pinzi 7)
Milan 2 (Nesta 81, 90+)

Match Report

GOAL Chievo started off the better of the sides as they looked to attack from the outset. The Flying Donkeys were soon rewarded for their positive start when they took the lead in the seventh minute. Marcolini played the ball into space for Pinzi to run into and slot the ball home. The hosts could have claimed another soon after but Dida was there to deny Pelissier this time. Milan were not looking good at this stage.

But, thankfully, Milan did soon wake up as they went searching for an equaliser and it was not long until they almost found it. Pirlo found Seedorf as he charged into the area however Sorrentino was there to deny Milan’s Dutchman.

The match resumed a similar pattern to Milan’s previous matches this season, always dominating possession but failing to create any real chances.

The first half came to a close with Chievo maintaining their one goal advantage. It seemed that after the Real Madrid success it would be back to reality for Milan.

Pato was but one of a few in the Milan side that was performing admirably and it was his pace and vision that lead to Milan’s first chance in the second half. Tearing down the left flank, Pato cut the ball across the area and found Ronaldinho whose shot deflected out for a corner.

Milan were improving and only moments later another chance was created this time by Ronaldinho. The Brazilian found his compatriot Pato with a neat through ball but Sorrentino did well to bravely come off his line to deny Pato a shot. The ball fell to Oddo who set up Pirlo for a shot and with Sorrentino off his line, the Italian international tried to loop the ball into the net but his attempt went over the bar.

On 54 minutes Ronaldinho was denied an equaliser by Sorrentino who was fast becoming the difference between the two sides. The ball fell kindly to the Brazilian who from inside the six yard box saw his shot denied by a simply outstanding save by Sorrentino.

Huntelaar was soon substituted in what was another frustrating night for the summer signing as Marco Borriello took his place.

As the tempo of the match started to slow down Pelissier then stole away from Nesta and Thiago and found himself in a one-on-one situation with Dida. But a heavy touch by the Chievo striker allowed Nesta time to catch up and clear the danger away.

Another chance fell to Seedorf fifteen minutes from time but again it was Sorrentino who came to the rescue for Chievo with another fine save to deny for a second time Milan’s number ten. The search for the equaliser continued as Leo decided to bring on Inzaghi for Ronaldinho.

GOAL The equaliser finally and relievingly did arrive for Milan. Pirlo’s great cross found Borriello at the back post whose header rebounded off the cross bar and Nesta was there to steer the ball home. The goal sparked life into Milan and the match as both sides set out to find the winner. And it was Chievo who almost did find a winner as the match approached 90 minutes if not for an absolutely world class save by Dida.

GOAL Well into into injury time Alessandro Nesta did find a winner. Pirlo’s corner kick found the Milan defender unmarked at the back post and the former Italian international finished with aplomb to send the travelling Milan faithful wild with celebrations.

Team analysis

For the third match in a row Milan came back from goal down to claim all three points. Though it has not all been pretty, the grit and determination of this side in grinding out the last three wins is highly commendable. Alessandro Nesta was man of the match for me. As ever, the former Italian international was outstanding at the back for Milan. As I have stated a number of times, Nesta is one of, if not the best defender in the world today. His positioning, anticipation and tackling is second to none whilst in addition he also has a great attitude and really leads by example. To top it off, tonight he showed that he can score goals and vitally important ones too.

Dida also deserves praise for his performance. His save on the stroke of 90 minutes from point blank range was a real turning point of the match for only a minute later was Nesta to score the winner. The show of affection from the side for Dida highlights how important his contribution was tonight.

After experimenting with a 4-4-2 system it seems that Leo, on the basis of the Madrid success, has reverted to the 4-3-3 system that he intended to employ from the of the start of the season. I for one agree with this decision as it provides our two main attacking threats, Ronaldinho and Pato, with more space and time on playing either side of the attacking trident. The 4-4-2 system did not seem to work well as the match against Chievo highlighted. But the 4-3-3 has got Milan the results in the last few games so it perhaps is a wise move by the Milan tactician.

As for our central strikers, Borriello, Huntelaar and Inzaghi there is much to be desired. Despite Milan climbing to sixth position following this win and being level on points with fourth placed Palermo, it is disconcerting to learn that there are only four other teams in the league that have scored less goals than Milan. Three of these sides make up the bottom three positions in the table.

Huntelaar failed once again to make an impression tonight and his days at Milan are now surely numbered. Whilst Borriello, whose performances are marginally better, is simply not good enough to be in the starting eleven. As for Inzaghi, well at 35 years old we cannot expect too much from him. In the January transfer window, a world class striker needs to be brought in to help assure that Milan will qualify for next years Champions League. Pavyluchenko is not the striker that Milan needs. Nor is Luca Toni. Milan need to go again for Dzeko or Luis Fabiano. Both these strikers have the class and characteristics needed to be a success at Milan.

Final thoughts

It was another heart-racing end to the match by the Rossoneri as they again left it late to steal all three points. The determination and commitment this side has displayed in the last week is highly commendable and much of the praise perhaps should be directed towards Leo who no doubt has played a major role in motivating the players.

However, for a side with many players over the age of 30 such performances as we have seen in the last week will surely tire the players out as the season progresses. Remaining competitive on both the domestic and European fronts we only get tougher as the season unfolds and therefore it is vital that new players are brought in during the January transfer window.

Bringing in a couple of good signings will not only help provide some much needed depth to the side but also some much needed quality. For there remain prevalent issues in this side despite despite the upturn in fortunes. Let us hope that the board realise this still. Next up is Napoli on wednesday.