As Dorin Goian volleyed the ball past Abbiati and his static Rossoneri defence, it sent a message both to Milan and their city and league rivals Inter, who until now have been chasing red and black shadows in the peninsula, struggling to hang onto the coat tails of Massimiliano Allegri’s men.
However, after their last gasp victory over Lecce the gap is at the top is now shortened to a minuscule two points, meaning that the Scudetto will go right down to the wire this year, a prospect that was looking rather thin a few months ago, as Il Diavolo raced to the summit of Italy’s prime division, looking for all the world like champions already, Ibrahimovic and co brushing aside teams like irksome flies, notably the 3-0 cruise over title underdogs Napoli.
However the last few weeks have seen cracks in the winner’s resolve, the last two games seeing Milan dropping points against 12 points off 19th Bari, when a win would have seen them go 7 points in front of Inter, and losing to Palermo, who prior to last nights shock, had not won a game in 5, and conceded 15 in the process(with no reply)
Needless to say, these are the fixtures that Milan need to win to maintain momentum, and continue the consistency that has seen the Rossoneri reach the dizzying heights of Scudetto favourites.
As a result, the Derby Della Madonna, which had previously been a lifeline for Leonardo’s Inter to stunt Milan, will now most likely be the key game in deciding which colour adorns the streets of Lombardy come May. A draw will not do for Inter, they will go and attack Milan, a concept that tactically, Allegri has not had to deal with since the Champions League first leg against Tottenham, and without pivotal player Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line, Milan’s firepower is hugely hindered as well.
It will be a fascinating, nerve wracking and entertaining encounter for both sets of fans and neutrals as both teams see themselves in new roles this year, as Milan find themselves favourites after being the third team in a two horse race quite often in the last few seasons, and Inter, usually obvious favourites, find themselves occupying the “Underdog” title usually applied to the likes of Roma, or Juventus in recent years.
It will be vital to either sides title challenge, and potentially solely decisive to the outcome of it, and Milan will be delighted to be able to look down on their rivals in a position of strength, but at the same time, many will be feeling that perhaps the Rossoneri should be looking at the Derby as a mere formality, another obstacle in an otherwise irrepressible rise to glory, rather than the make or break moment of Scudetto hopefuls.
Join Forza Italian Football on Twitter and Facebook.
