Ronaldinho the Saviour?

It may not have been the most convincing display but thanks to a rather fortunate refereeing decision Milan got the goal that made all the difference. In fairness to Fiorentina however, a draw would probably have been fairer. But Ronaldinho’s display, the best by far for Milan, deserved a goal and the Brazilian duly seized the chance to score from the spot which seemingly has secured Milan’s place in next year’s Champions League.

Though a much improved performance from last week’s horror show in Sicily, there were not many performances from the Milan players worthy of note. Ronaldinho was undoubtedly the best for the Rossoneri. The Brazilian was at the center of everything positive for Milan, once again proving to the creative driving force behind the Milan attack. He was also the one Milan player that looked likely to score and score he eventually did.

There were perhaps two other performances from Rossoneri that were impressive. One of these was the display by Thiago Silva. In these times without Nesta alongside him, Thiago Silva has clearly struggled. However, his performance against La Viola was one of his better displays since Nesta succumbed to injury. It is no conicidence that Gilardino’s presence on the field was barely noticeable as the young Brazilian centre back did well to shut him out of the game.

The other notable individual Milan display was that of Marco Borriello. Though not an outstanding display from the Italian international, he showed a good work rate and commitment that put many of his team-mates to shame. Had one good chance to score in the first half but he put his header wide.

There was also a couple of very disappointing displays from the Milan players. The most disappointing would have to be that of Andrea Pirlo. The Italian’s set pieces were below his usual standards and he was unable to control the match from the center of the pitch, like we know he can. Pirlo has not shown his best for a few weeks now as perhaps the toll of a long season is really starting to show.

Clarence Seedorf was also another disappointment on the night. He contributed very little to the Milan cause and he completely wasted a great chance in the second half to break the deadlock.

Overall, it was not a great display by the Rossoneri and one cannot help but think that without Ronaldinho, this Milan side simply would have had very little to offer going forward. Indeed, this has been the case all season. Had it not been for the revival of Ronaldinho, it is frightening to think just how the season would have unfolded for Milan.

Leo is deserving of some praise in this respect. Having designed Milan’s new playing system around the wonderful talents of Ronaldinho, Leo has helped Ronaldinho find some of the form that made him so phenomenal just a few seasons back.

However, one criticism that can be laid towards Leo was his decision to persevere with Mancini and not give the young Dominic Adiyiah a chance instead. For Mancini is so utterly useless that it defies belief of why Galliani even lured him to Milan in the first place. Perhaps Adiyiah was injured, but of this I am not sure.

But now that Milan have secured third spot, it is time Leo starts to tinker with the squad. Rest the old players that do not have a future at the club anymore (we hope anyway) and give the green light to Milan’s youth instead.