A Maniac Called Malesani

Alberto Malesani - your team listens to you

AC MILAN 1 BOLOGNA FC 0

Malesani proved to be Bologna’s saviour this season. His imperative involvement in aiding the club to safety brought him immense credit and probably thickened his head with an overdose of air. After securing the club’ position in next season’s Serie A, he allegedly told the media that ‘we can lose every game from now’. The team gladly adhered.

4 defeats on the trot, Malesani’s objective had shifted from survival to dignity. To make matters worse, his opponent were title-bound AC Milan. Milan drilled a hole in his objective right from the start. Flamini opened the scoring for Milan which put the home side in the driving seat. Bologna’s two brightest players, Gimenez and Ramirez were warming the bench, much to everyone’s surprise. Malesani probably thought to himself that he could come to a packed San Siro and pull the carpet from under the feet of the future Italian Champions. Idiot. Ambrosini started this game after a long injury lay-off and visibly struggled against the pace of the game. Milan failed to convert their chances in the box. With Ibrahimovic, Pato and Inzaghi missing due to various already famous reasons, the task of leading the line squarely fell upon Cassano’s shoulders. Flamini continued to burn the right side with his immense energy. The goal surely pumped his confidence which transmitted into the Frenchman’s output. Viviano impressed in goal for the umpteenth time, standing tall and proving to be the only resistant force for the Rossoblu.

Beretta eagerly waited for his chance on the sidelines. The Rossoneri faithful were rubbing their hands in anticipation, picturing what this young lad could be capable off. Malesani introduced Ramirez on the 54’ after learning that his side is probably not capable of altering the fate of the game. Cassano cannot lead a line for any team and he knows that better than any other. He assumed the frustrating role of setting up Robinho who characteristically missed one-on-ones. Zambrotta pushed up and played the role of a wingback throughout the second half. Seedorf covered for him in a counter situation while Silva too dropped towards the left of centre to prevent Ramirez from running riot. Zambrotta’s legs have given up on him. An old man can get off his chair faster than Zambrotta can cover ground. Thankfully, the left side of Milan will no longer see the lack of speed at least for a few years now. Malesani finally played the Giminez card with twenty minutes to go. Milan looked cumbersome and bored in the second half. Watching them play might have put Allegri to sleep. The bench remained the same with no activity whatsoever which frustrated the fans. When a change finally arrived, Pirlo replaced Boatang. Absolutely ridiculous, I thought. Beretta, Beretta. The prayers of the fans were heard at last with Beretta given 5 minutes to impress. And he did. The youngster showed glimpses of strength and pace but is very raw and perhaps is not mentally prepared for a stage like the Serie A. But, he is a promising prospect for the years to come.

Milan - Flamini 8'
Bologna - /