ISW

By Alex

Despite AC Milan’s 2-1 loss to newly promoted Bologna, the squad played with creative authority - something they lacked all of last season. The main force was the splendid duo of Pirlo and Ronaldinho. The latter being a sharp spark plug all game long. While Milan’s attack remains a work in progress its midfield looks healthy and balanced - if not downright powerful.

With the aforementioned Pirlo and ‘Dinho directing the offense, Milan is blessed with a powerful trio that helps to anchor the midfield with the opportunistic and ruthless Ambrosini, the under appreciated genius of Seedorf and the recently acquired Flamini who serves as a sort of midfield sweeper.

And I didn’t even mention Kaka and Gattuso.

Where there are some concerns is at the back line. Abbiati is probably an upgrade from the unsteady Dida and unreliable Kalac. Kaladze has suddenly for the second straight year begun to struggle and Maldini is simply showing his age. This will put pressure on Jankulovski and Zambrotta to stabilize the defense. Zambrotta for his part was a marauding menace for Milan all game long.

Alas, let’s not forget Bologna won the game and despite being outplayed didn’t really give up outright chances to Milan. The workload for keeper Antonioli was light. Bologna were led by Zenoni and a revived di Vaio who never seemed to run out of gas.

Bologna’s victory basically highlights what they’ll need to do all year long: win as a team.