Pato Shines In Derby Della Madonnina (Video)
Pato scores a double as AC Milan thwart Inter 3-0 (Foto: eurosport.com)
AC Milan won the 275th derby della Madonnina 3-0 last night on San Siro thanks to Pato’s double which buried Leonardo’s side alive for the second time this season. Had he scored a third one, the Brazilian would have become the first player to hit a hat-trick since 1960.
Without Ibrahimovic, the Rossoneri opened the score just 44 seconds into the game following a perfect combination that found Robinho missing in front of Julio Cesar and Pato striking it through three defenders from seven yards or so for the first lead. Inter got their first chance in the 16th minute after winning a free kick a dangerous area. Sneijder took the responsibility for it, but he was put a laser into eyes while hitting the ball, which went over the bar.
The first yellow card was seen by Robinho after the Brazilian was shaved by Ranocchia, but the referee booked the striker for diving. Milan got their second huge opportunity in the 37th minute. Van Bommel was played in good position, but the Dutch struck it just wide after he slalomed Chivu and beat Julio Cesar with a devilish lob. The Rossoneri were then saved by Abbati, whose providential intervention rescued Milan from a new start. Sneijder took the corner, but Motta headed it straight to the well-placed keeper.
Eto’o got his first chance late in the 43rd minute, but the Cameroonian struck it well wide from dangerous position in what should have been a more serious test for Abbiati, if not an equalizer for Inter. The half time went 1-0 but the game was somehow opened to any result.
Nine minutes into the second half, Cristian Chivu was red-booked for a smart but crucial foul on Pato, who could have brought a second goal if he hadn’t been taken down by the left defender. Inter were downed to ten, so their mission turned almost into an impossible one. And so it was. Milan started to dominate and populate Nerrazuri’s half, missing plenty of chances through their offensive triangle.
Leonardo replaced Pandev with Cordoba just one minute after Chivu was eliminated, but things couldn’t go but worse for the defending champions. Rossoneri then won a free-kick on the edge of the box which Thiago Silva hit straight into Cesar’s arms. Pato completed his double in the 62nd minute following a questionable action that apparently found the Brazilian offside. The flag stayed down and the goal was allowed. The action found Abate left alone on the right, being played by Seedorf only to deliver a perfect cross it for the unmarked Pato who headed it into the empty net from close range.
Even so, there plenty to say by the Rossoneri, who were the hosts on the same stadium Inter play their home games. Robinho was close to a third one in the 66th minute, but he was immediately blocked by the defenders and Cesar afterwards. The Brazilian got even a second chance seven minutes later. Seedorf beat Ranocchi to feed the striker whose finish was stopped by the same Cesar.
His third opportunity made him understand that it wouldn’t be his night. Seedorf played Robinho once again in the 77th minute, but Cesar was there to block him for the fifth time. Milan won a penalty with two minutes remaining. Zanetti took down Cassano to award the Rossoneri a white spot-kick. Cassano replied with a calm finish into the right-hand corner, sending the keeper the wrong way.
It finished 3-0 in what was the biggest win since 2001 for the Rossoneri, who have won at the same time their 60th league game against the old rivals who lead the head to head domestic confrontation 64-60. Overall, AC Milan lead the series 108-95.
Said Rannochia: “Let’s accept it and get on with things,” while coach Leonardo claimed his side won’t give up fighting for the first place. “The match was conditioned by the goal in the 1st minute. It upset the tactics of the game and conditioned us psychologically … Pato? I know him well, I wasn’t surprised at all. Anyway even if it was an important game to lose, I’m not too disappointed.”
AC Milan stay top spot with 65 points won in 31 games, while Inter are right behind them, five points behind. Rossoneri will next play Fiorentina, while Inter will try for a break through against Chievo whom they meet next Saturday. On Tuesday, they play Schalke 04 in the Champions League quarter finals, competition which Milan left after Tottneham Hotspur clash.
