Borriello got on the scoresheet

We roll on with yet another win and it is now all but safe to say that the team is well and truly over its early season troubles. Our attacking play was great and even magic at times. But our defence was terrible highlighting just how important Nesta is to our side.

Our attacking quartet of Seedorf, Pato, Ronaldinho and Borriello are really starting to gel. Their interplay at times was a pleasure to watch and yesterday not only was it a delight to watch but it was also effective.

Seedorf showed his class in another stellar performance by the stalwart and under Leo he really is turning back the years. The Dutchman is playing his best football in years and has become more important to this team under the new system. As for Ronaldinho, it is so good to see him back in the ‘mood’. Whenever the Brazilian is smiling, you know something special will happen. And recently, like yesterday, the smile has been on his face. Leo really has helped him rediscover some form and if he continues to do so, then anything is possible this season. Pato was also great. Not only was his goal a wonder strike but it was also scored in an important moment of the match.

So things are really coming together in our attack. We are scoring goals now and playing some wonderful football. However, conceding three goals at home to side like Cagliari is a real concern and it says two things.

One is that without Nesta we have no defence. Nesta is not only one of the best in the world but he is also a great leader who is able to organise and coordinate the defence. Against Cagliari it was clear that there was no such leadership at the back. Lazzari’s strike was just poor marking as the Cagliari number ten was left with so much space that he had time to control the ball and line up the shot that beat Dida. For this to happen in the penalty box is absurd and such nonexistent marking should not happen at this level. Maybe at my local Futsal competition every Tuesday night, but not at the San Siro. Not only was the defence completely unorganised but Kaladze, Nesta’s replacement, was woeful. His defending really left much to be desired proving that he is not an able back up for Nesta. It is clear, no Nesta = no defence.

The second thing that this match has taught is that our side is made for cup competition like the UCL and not the Serie A. To be real challengers in the Serie A a team needs depth. We have none. At the back if Nesta gets injured look what happens. The same can be said for the front men too. If Pato or Ronaldinho gets injured who is going to replace them. Adiyiah perhaps come January, but the Ghanian is very young and barring an explosive start to his Milan career, will need time to settle into football life in Italy. But it does not matter anyway. For the league is important but only to the extent that we qualify for the UCL. Other than that, Leo should and probably is focusing on the bigger prize that is the UCL.

One other matter worth mentioning is the growing evidence that in the middle of the pitch we need a stronger partner alongside Ambrosini. I do realise that I have constantly argued that Pirlo, though he may not be performing so well, is still very important to the side. He keeps the ball moving and is able to be the link between the defence and midfield and the midfield and attack. But with Seedorf now doing much of the duty of linking the midfield to the attack, Pirlo’s role has become much more maligned to playing very deep in midfield. His role is now not so important going forward and for this reason, he has become less important to the side. Now it seems that all is really needed is a player that can spray the ball wide, play simple passes in the middle and be strong defensively.

Pirlo can do the former two and more with consumate ease. However, he is not so strong defensively. With four attacking players, there is an awful lot expected by Ambrosini who is the only true defensive midfielder in the starting eleven. Il capitano has been doing very well too in recent matches, however, it is becoming clear that he needs a midfield partner who can alleviate some of the duties off his shoulders and Pirlo is not a player that can do this.

Despite my concerns, I am still very much pleased with the three points and even more so with our attacking quartet. After all, we won did we not, and that is really the only matter. On this positive note, I will sign off. Ill be back later tomorrow to look ahead to the match against Marseille.

Until then, Forza Milan!