30-04-2005, 14:28
|
#93
|
|
Moderator
Join Date: 08 1999
Location: Kingston, Jamaica
Fave Players: Rui Costa, Pirlo, Pato
|
From http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...5/fio-mil.html
Quote:
Enzo Maresca has given Fiorentina a deserved first half lead over Milan at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
This was a decisive encounter for both the Scudetto race and relegation battle, but all eyes were on Manuel Rui Costa. The former Fiorentina captain returned to the Stadio Franchi for the first time since his £27m move in 2001 and it was a very emotional moment for him after seven years in this city. The Rossoneri were without the suspended Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze and Massimo Ambrosini, while Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Hernan Crespo were rested.
Fiorentina had Dario Dainelli out with a two-match ban, so William Viali and Christian Maggio stepped into the defence. Fabrizio Miccoli again partnered Giampaolo Pazzini upfront with Valeri Bojinov on the bench. The last time these teams met, the Viola were on the end of a 6-0 drubbing at the San Siro.
The home side had the first chance after 90 seconds when Luca Ariatti fired over following some good build-up play from Martin Jorgensen and Giampaolo Pazzini. Dida was then secure behind a Fabrizio Miccoli free kick.
Miccoli was again dangerous before Dida smothered a Jorgensen strike at the near post, but Milan really rode their luck on 18 minutes. A looping cross left Dida stranded and Jorgensen nodded it back into the centre only for Pazzini's header to thump the crossbar of an open goal.
Fiorentina had the brighter start and took the lead after 25 minutes with Juve-owned Enzo Maresca. A corner kick took a deflection off Alessandro Nesta and Maresca pounced to turn in the loose ball from six yards.
Both sides had chances with a Jorgensen header, Ariatti counter-attack and promising Kaka solo effort that included two nutmegs, but it was Fiorentina who again threatened to score. A sweeping Miccoli cross reached the head of Pazzini and his finish shaved the woodwork by inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
__________________
I Love Milan.
|
|
|