Milan wins and Milan loses

by Kevin Walker

Matchday 21 between Fiorentina and Milan was climactic to say the least. At the end of the first half the scoreline was still goalless and after much of the second, it looked destined to be the same. In the 77th minute new arrival Alexandre Pato changed everything after receiving a cross from Kaka off his chest and breaking free from the defender scored for the Rossoneri a beautiful goal, ending the stalemate.

Less than ten minutes later Pato was given a similar opportunity at goal this time however in struggling to maintain possession against the on rushing Viola defender (Pasqual) he misjudged his stride coming down awkwardly on his left ankle which resulted in being stretchered off in visible pain. Milan, eventual winners, suffered the final five minutes of extra time down to 10 men as Ancelotti made his final substitution prior to the Pato injury.

Pato has been on a roar scoring four goals in his last six games and is the talk of Milan. His most recent accomplishment with the Rossoneri definitely makes it “game on” in the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot alotted SerieA. The Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport yesterday reads “Pato, goal and tears” as fans and city await further news regarding his injury. It has been suggested the young player would be sidelined up to three weeks while manager Carlo Ancelotti stated it to be “pretty serious”, as Rossoneri medical staff conduct tests.With murmurs regarding Kaka’s fitness surfacing, Gennaro Gattuso already out for at least three weeks and Ronaldo, Inzaghi, Seedorf also on the injury roster, Milan can ill afford losing Pato. Indeed, some of their most important squad members surely will miss the next Champions League fixture in London on February 20th against Arsenal.