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Late, late shock for AC Milan | Fresh news coming out of Stadio San Paolo in Naples suggests that the AC Milan dressing room was left stunned following a disappointing 2-2 draw against Napoli. While the result ensured that the Rossoneri extended their vital unbeaten streak, the manner in which Milan lost control of the game is making all the headlines in Italy.
The San Siro outfit started the game with a bang, punishing Napoli’s indifferent attitude through two back-to-back strikes from veteran Filippo Inzaghi and sensational youngster Alexander Pato. Within the opening five minutes, Milan had taken a 2-0 lead and for the most of the night, it seemed as if the lead was unassailable. However, as the board was raised to signal the additional few minutes on top of the regulation time, the hosts struck through Luca Cigarini. Milan immediately surrendered its grip on the game, conceding the equalizer moments later when Argentine striker German Denis struck in the closing exchanges.
Milan’s rookie manager Leonardo was left devastated as his side now returns home for a crucial week ahead when they host fourth placed Parma – a direct rival for Champions League qualification – on Saturday before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League midway through next week.
It is clear that the Rossoneri’s unbeaten streak over the last couple of weeks, in addition to the sizzling form of striker Alexander Pato, will be the key to their continued success in the immediate future. At the same time, however, one can’t help but feel for young Leonardo’s struggle to keep the huge club on track.
In England, young managers have already faced quite a bit of adversity this season as Gareth Southgate was recently sacked by Middlesbrough before the speculation regarding Hull City manager Phil Brown reached its peak this evening. Will Italy follow suit? Or will managers like Leonardo get the chance they need to prove their worth? Only time can tell, which in AC Milan’s case, basically amounts to the extremely crucial week that is forthcoming.
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