MILAN BRAKE
1/31/2010 5:46:00 PM
After Ambrosini's opening goal Lucarelli replied in the second half. Against Livorno Milan struggled to find a goal and eased the pressure on the league leaders.
MILAN - Effect of the derby? It's hard to say but the Rossoneri seem to have lost their confidence with the victory after the defeat to Inter. After the defeat in the Coppa Italia against Udinese, Milan didn't get more than a draw against Livorno at San Siro. After Ambrosini's opening goal at the end of the first half, Lucarelli re-established the balance between the two teams.
Throughout the match Leonardo's lads, despite not playing brilliantly, conducted the match conceding a goal in the only eight minutes played by the opponents. In fact Livorno, with five midfielders protecting the defence, played a defensive match trying to limit Milan's ball possession.
In the first half Milan made themselves dangerous in the 36th minute with a post hit by Ronaldinho. The Brazilian, who was often doubled up by the Livorno defence, initiated the move leading to the Rossoneri's opening goal. Massimo Ambrosini scored the goal in the 44th minute after taking advantage of a parry by Benussi on a cross by Beckham, who had been found by Ronaldinho.
In the second half Milan were without Borriello, who left the pitch after suffering a blow to the head, and Huntelaar up front. The Livorno defence continued to remain solid in their marking.
Livorno sporadically entered Milan's half and in their only real dangerous move they found an equaliser thanks to Lucarelli in the 8th minute, while Benussi in the 21st minute outdid himself with a header by Ambrosini. As time wore on Milan lost their sharpness, without an important playmaker like Pirlo, and missed an important chance to get back to winning in the league.