Guess what...Hustini was not around and look what happened.
I knew we wholly deserved the three points. The outstanding question became merely if we were going to get them. And almost fitting, we got them with persistence, aggression, and the will to win. If this match were a work of art, it would be a Vincent Van Gogh -- what we lacked in precise technique, we more than made up for in a mad passion to will this match into victory.
A great team effort. But to single out some individual performances:
Buffon - 6.5 - Not tested much, but did well when he was.
Lichtsteiner - 6.5 - Score upped for sheer will. His technique was largely in the toilet today. Crossing was dreadful. But he always kept coming for more.
Barzagli - 7 - Solid.
Bonucci - 6 - Wasn't shaken nor stirred much. Got by with the help of his defensive friends, as he was one of the weaker spots on the D line.
Chiellini - 7.5 - Massive play at times. Contributed much upfield, and the heart of a lion in defense to make saves when called upon.
Pirlo - 7 - Still our most sure-footed possession man. Having two other CMs enabled him space to operate and set us up.
Marchisio - 8 - Faded only a couple of brief times, but was aggressive and persistent -- almost emblematic of the entire team today. Thus it was even fitting that he ended up scoring both goals, and he would do so late, after much persistence, and it didn't require perfect technique. MoM.
Vidal - 6.5 - Shooting was horrid for the most part. But he created a bit up top.
Krasic - 6 - Wasn't too effective, like anyone trying to cross on this club tonight. But I was a little surprised that he was an early sub.
Vucinic - 8 - Unlucky not to have scored one or two goals. He was ferocious and dangerous up front, off on the flanks, or coming up from midfield. What dynamic play. The only thing missing was the goal.
Pepe - 6.5 - Good movement, but again our crossing was a failure for the most part today.
Subs:
Giaccherini - 6.5 - Did well to pass to teammates and held the ball up well for our second goal. I was impressed with him today in a positive way. He was not at all intimidated by the massive gravity of the match.
Matri - N.R.
Pazienza - N.R.
Coach:
Conte - 7.5 - Right mentality, right team, right persistence and did not lose faith in his team's ability to ultimately convert. It paid off. I wish some subs at the end came on sooner, but Milan cracked finally. It was creaking all over the pitch today with the gameplan and mentality he had the team out there with today.
Ref:
Rizzoli - 6.5 - Fair for the most part in such a huge match. I'm a little generous with this rating, but he made sure his calls didn't dictate the outcome and the players played for the most part. Some iffy calls, but nothing outrageous or game-changing.
Buy on AliExpress.com
Chellini
