Another forgettable night

In the Oxford Dictionary the word ‘limp’ means to walk slowly with difficulty. Reflecting on the game in Sicily, this is the word that best describes Milan’s performance. Milan were slow from the outset and Palermo took full advantage. After such a poor start, Leo’s side then straggled through the match never threatening to take control despite retaining possession for long spells. The task of coming back was just too difficult for this Milan side.

After yet another dismal display by the Rossoneri one wonders whether the message to Milan’s board could be any clearer. The message being that this Milan side are in drastic need of a makeover. Certain players need to leave and certain players need to be brought in. This is an absolute must and if this does not happen soon, then the future for this Milan side is bleak.

Looking to the match and it is clear, Massimo Oddo should be the first to go. The Italian is simply a liability no matter where he plays along the backline. Not only was Oddo responsible for giving the ball away cheaply that led to the second goal for Palermo but his decision to give Miccoli time to turn and shoot inside the box resulted in Miccoli effectively sealing the win for the Sicilians. It is unfathomable that a player at this level allows any player the space and time to turn and shoot in the box. Better defending can be seen at your local amateur football league. Massimo Oddo has to go.

The rest of the Milan backline were not much better. Though Thiago Silva in fairness had a decent if not spectacular game. These days Zambrotta looks like he is playing in slow motion and how he is still regarded as Italy’s first choice right back boggles the mind. Cassani would be a better choice.

On the other side of the pitch, Antonini has lost his way since showing much promise over the winter. His defending was questionable though better than Zambrotta’s but it was his crossing that really let him down.

In midfield it was case of watching old dogs Gattuso and Jankulovski ghost their way through the match. Both these players added nothing of value to Milan’s performance, much like they have not done all season long. But Pirlo had a good performance, arguably Milan’s best player on the night. Perhaps unlucky to score too.

Like Pirlo’s display, the performances of Milan’s attacking duo was also more positive. Ronaldinho was again Milan’s main attacking threat and though his form has not been the best of late, the Brazilian is always a threat with his exceptional passing. Indeed, Milan’s only goal of the night came from an exquisite Ronaldinho pass that set up Seedorf for a simple tap in.

Seedorf, like Ronaldinho, did not have a bad game either. He scored Milan’s only goal of the game and linked up well with Ronaldinho. But for his fellow Dutchman, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, it was a frustrating evening.

Huntelaar struggled to get into goalscoring positions and was left frustrated by the poor service around. It was another chance for Huntelaar to prove himself and it was another chance wasted, again.

What the Milan board plan to do over the summer is not known. But what is clear, especially after this performance, is that they must plan to do something. Watching some of Milan’s players trudge around the pitch with no commitment, no heart and no hunger to do their best is the most disheartening experience for any fan to witness. Frankly, I am sick of it and I do not think I am alone here, or am I?

The next few games will not be any easier with La Viola next week, then Genoa and lastly Juventus. With the returns of Nesta and Pato unlikely, the prospect of three such difficult games is worrying. But there is really not much Leo can do given his resources.

To finish on a positive note, cudos to Leo though for giving the young De Vito a chance. Not a great show by the young Italian but the experience will do him a world of good.