Lousy Lazio

Libor Kozak - Burly brute

Milan 0 Lazio 0

A team that has stayed second in the Serie A for most of the season wouldn't be though of as a provincial side with a small club mentality. But Lazio have forced viewers and fans alike to develop this thinking. Reja's men displayed astounding cowardice at the San Siro and 'escaped' with a point against Milan. They defended with grit and attacked halfheartedly inviting several boos from critics and journalists. My respect for the Roman club has dropped remarkably since.

Silva started in midfield, again. This would be a true test for him, Lazio being the toughest team Milan have played since Silva was re-invented. Allegri fielded a very young midfield comprising of Flamini-Silva-Emanuelson. Oddo and Bonera guarded our flanks and even though Lazio are good on the wings, they directed their play down the left, tormenting Bonera. Ibrahimovic drifted left time and again to drag the defense and create the much required space for the others to get involved in the game. In the first half, Milan's attacking play was simply scintillating. Lazio however were resorting to set pieces for potency.

Bonera was sent to the doc by Kozak resulting in Legrottaglie's unexpected debut. Ibrahimovic was getting closer and closer with his shots and by this time, Milan were relying on counter attacks to catch Lazio. Lazio put 10 players behind the ball and restricted space and movement to Milan. Cassano replaced a disappointing Pato on the 63', Allegri opting for some creativity. Robinho's shot was cleared off the line seven minutes later causing tremendous frustration in the Milan camp. Milan's pace was at times getting the better of Lazio's players. This is a new phenomenon but hardly surprising considering the players Allegri had fielded. Kozak continued his ruffian like approach as he consistently ruffled the centre backs of Milan with his physicality. Reja's orders were simply; batter the old boys at the back and sneak in the goal. Kozak was rather fortunate not to have Gattuso/Van Bommel on the pitch at the same time. He would have needed buckets of blood at the end of this game if either of those players played the game. Allegri had no choice but to field a brute called Sokratis for Legrottaglie when the veteran had his face bashed by Lozak's knee. Legrottaglie left the pitch bleeding like a soldier from Afghanistan. Cassano's influence simply didn't come to the fore, he flickered and faded quite quickly. Now the holes are appearing in this Milan side which teams are beginning to detect.

Milan -
Lazio -