Milan-Roma: Is That a Sign of Life I See?

By: Martha | November 11th, 2006

goal scorers Despite the loss, that’s the first time I’ve enjoyed watching Milan in ages. Until Totti’s second goal, there was a spark to the team that has been absent for weeks — they were, to be honest, fairly dreadful against Inter (it’s only because Materazzi is a moron that they got back in the game), and even the win against Anderlecht was a sloppy mess, for the most part. Against Roma, though, there was attacking fire, risk-taking and creativity, and the back four didn’t look as much like a sieve as they have for most of the season. (Do you think the fact that Maldini played 90 minutes had anything to do with that? Any time something decisive happened at the back, it was “Maldini with the clearance” or “Maldini steps in.” The man will be better than all the other options for another decade.)

Also:

•How much fun is it to watch Brocchi? He’s an even more fire hydrant-like Gattuso — how can you not love that toughness and desire? And please tell me I’m not the only one who laughed when he scored and took off running on those stubby little legs.

•Roma’s second goal = magic. WOW.

•I had enough of Nesta about a year ago — is anyone with me yet? It’s comical, really, because the announcers were stunned when he created Roma’s first goal through pure careless idiocy. But if you watch Milan enough? He commits a major defensive blunder at LEAST once every game, and they often lead to opposition goals. If only Milan had another option who was younger than 45 …

•I hate Oliveira. There, I said it. I know he hit the bar today and was threatening and all, but his attitude infuriates me — every time he misses or screws up there’s this stunned look on his face, as if someone of his majestic ability has never made such a pedestrian error before. And when do you think he’ll notice there are 10 other guys on the pitch wearing a kit that matches his? I know strikers are supposed to be selfish, but there has got to be a line somewhere. Also, it helps to excuse their selfishness if they, you know, score from time to time. And I loved watching Mexes get the better of him.

•When Mancini dribbled over the touchline and then went so apeshit he got a card? What was going through his head? Did the referee move the line, or something?