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Milan throw away golden opportunity with Livorno
Posted - 13th February 2008
This was a game postponed to allow AC Milan to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup Championships in Japan. For weeks now, thanks to their re-found form post-Christmas, Milan had been expected to scoop up a valuable three points in this fixture against thirteenth-placed Livorno. A victory here would have been enough for Milan to leapfrog Fiorentina into fourth place (and a guaranteed place in next season's Champions League). Sadly for Milan, it was a disastrous match. The end result a dissapointing draw, and one of their key stars, Ronaldo, seriously injured and certainly out for the rest of the season.
Milan have had various injury and fitness issues, and no-doubt Ancelotti had one-eye on the upcoming Champions League matches against Arsenal. So, there was neither Seedorf or Kaka in the squad. Ancelotti favoured, whether through choice or circumstance, new talent, playing Paloschi up front with Gilardino, and bringing in 21 year old Yoann Gourcuff in the midfield. Returning to duty was Genaro Gattuso, eager to win some match fitness prior to the Champions League clash.
The first half was dull, with Milan dominating but unable to make anything of it, while Livorno showed spirit and some counter-attacking chances. The team from Tuscanny have been in reasonably good form in their last five matches, having lost just two matches against Juventus and Palermo. Not that they've won many - a sole victory against Empoli. But an away point against Milan must count as a victory.
At the start of the second-half the unthinkable happened, as Livorno midfielder Nico Pulzetti celebrated his 24th birthday in the most spectacular way by cutting open a hesitant Milan defence, and striking home a great goal against Milan Goalkeeper Kalac.
Ancelotti responded by substituting both Gilardino and Paloschi, with Inzaghi and Ronaldo.A fateful decision for the Brazilian striker.
At the quarter-hour mark Ronaldo went to head a crossed ball, and came down badly, injuring his left-knee. It was a terrible deja-vu, bringing back memories of the match against Lazio in April 2000 where an injury to his right knee saw him out of the game for over twenty months (after an initial injury during a match against Lecce in 1999, where he ruptured a tendon). Ronaldo was stretchered off, and will probably face surgery, with his career very much in the balance.
Meanwhile a penalty was awarded to Milan, as during the same action Livorno's Jose Vidigal committed a hand-ball foul, earning himself a yellow-card in the process. Andrea Pirlo converted the penalty decisively, bringing the teams level.
And so it remained. A disastrous night for Milan.
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