- by Sanjay Motwani, writing from Mumbai, India
In first ten minutes of the game, Milan dominated the game with proper mid-field organisation and shots. Atlast, the hosts were able to break the dedlock on 15th minute when Antonio Nocerino deflected shot gave Milan the early lead after a cheap mistake by Bonucci on the backline. This was Nocerino's 8th Serie A goal indeed it can be considered as lucky goal. Massimiliano Allegri’s men were in the ascendancy, and should have been 2-0 up after 25 minutes, but for a controversial incident which saw a legitimate goal not given. Buffon clearly catching the ball inside the line, but yet he denied quoting,"My eyes were on the ball, not the line."
Milan continued to play attacking game with Robinho playing one of his best games and meanwhile, his Brazilian friend Pato playing one of his worst. First half ended on a 1-0 scoreline. Milan continued to find space in and around the visitors’ back line coming out of the break, but lacked the cutting edge of the first half as Buffon remained relatively untroubled.
With the Milan offence seeming somewhat blunted, Juventus slowly grew the game, and increasingly looked to get shots in on goal as the match crossed the hour mark. At 68 minute, Pirlo fed Chiellini on the left flank, who crossed beautifully and gave it to Quagliarella forcing Abbiati a stellar save of the day! Matri then coming on for Borriello, scored an awesome goal from cross. Then, Juventus continued their attack on the right flank while Milan tried to attack as much as possible. Then Vidal was red-carded for his tackle on van Bommel. And after the match, little bit of exchange of words and pushes continued.
Milan lead the Serie A table with 51 points from 25 games, while Juventus trailing by 1 point. Milan travel to Palermo for their next fixture, while Juventus will host Chievo Verona.
