

At the beginning of the month of April, there are always a number of historic Rossoneri events to refer back to. Indeed, three birthdays on 1 April are often mentioned. And then there's another date, 2 April 2011, when two players, Verdi and Pato, starred in two different Derbies on a triumphant day for AC Milan. For the Diavolo, April Fools' Day isn't what immediately springs to mind on 1 April. When the fourth month of the year begins, Rossoneri thoughts turn to three former coaches born on the same day over a time span of 30 years.
Arrigo Sacchi was born on 1 April 1946, Alberto Zaccheroni on 1 April 1953 and Clarence Seedorf on 1 April 1976. A football visionary who had huge success, another Scudetto-winning coach, and a key component of the AC Milan side who twice became European champions and also conquered the world during a magnificent period from 2002 to 2007.
And that's not all, because Clarence Seedorf also took to the pitch on Saturday 2 April 2011. It was a day when two Derbies took place: the Primavera played in the afternoon before a decisive clash in the race for the Scudetto title then followed in the evening. That sunny day ended up being perfect. Giovanni Stroppa's young Rossoneri team kicked things off in excellent fashion away to the Nerazzurri at Interello: a great strike from Simone Verdi ensured that AC Milan Primavera emerged victorious against their cross-city rivals.
It was a good omen for what was to come later on as Allegri's Rossoneri side came up against Leonardo's Inter. It was a match where Pato bagged a brace and Cassano scored from the penalty spot. As for the 35-year-old Seedorf, he played a key role in that Derby victory.
The Fondazione Milan has set up a fundraiser to support AREU's efforts: do your part and help us to support those who are fighting the COVID-19 emergency on a daily basis: www.gofundme.com/f/emergenza-coronavirus-ospedali.