#TBT: ABATE AND BORRIELLO
History
Ignazio Abate and Marco Borriello played their first game together back in December 2003, facing off against Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia in Genoa. In what turned out to be a close first-leg encounter in the last 16, the game was still locked at 0-0 mid-way through the second half when a 17-year-old Ignazio Abate took the place of Croatia’s Dario Šimić.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old Marco Borriello was a starter that night at the Marassi, forming a three-pronged attack alongside Ricardo Kaká and Jon Dahl Tomasson. The game’s winning goal was scored 10 minutes from the end, stemming from none other than Abate. Despite the array of attacking talent out on the pitch, it was the debutant’s strike that deflected in off Mirko Conte to secure an important 1-0 away win against Novellino’s Samp.
Fast-forward 14 years and Abate and Borriello shared a pitch together for the last time, albeit on different teams. Ignazio started for Milan, while Borriello was in action for SPAL - stepping in for Alberto Paloschi for Semplici’s side, who also previously once played for Milan. This was a tough task for Montella’s Milan team in September 2017, who were coming into the game after conceding four against Lazio in Rome.
Ultimately, the Rossoneri won 2-0 thanks to two penalties scored either side of half-time. The first was dispatched by Rodríguez, while the second was slotted away by Kessie. Over 45,000 fans were in attendance for the victory at San Siro, for what was undoubtedly a day to remember for both Ignazio and Marco.
Remember that tickets are on sale for the home games against SPAL, Lazio and Napoli. Buy yours now! See you at San Siro!
