TIME MACHINE: RONALDO IN AC MILAN v EMPOLI

AC Milan v Empoli is the next league fixture for the Rossoneri on Matchday 28 of the campaign. We are unbeaten since April 2017 against the Tuscan side and the clash has often brought us good memories, like Kalulu sealing the win in March 2022 or the 4-goal haul in May 1999 that preceded the Scudetto in Perugia. As we draw closer to the game, let's relive the clash from 7 March 2007 that saw a true star of the show, Luís Nazário de Lima, or simply, Ronaldo. 

The Brazilian's time with the Rossoneri had begun less than two months before, long enough to have left his first mark: 3 goals and 2 assists in 8 appearances and an air of grandiosity accompanying every touch of the ball. He arrived from Real Madrid in the final moments of the January window in 2007, not in the best physical condition after several injuries, but at 31, Ronaldo showed that he could still make all the difference. However, he was unable to play in the Champions League due to the rule against competing for two different sides in the same season, having already played for the Blancos. So the Brazilian shone in the league, totalling 7 goals in 14 appearances in the 2006/07 season. His Milanista magic would be put on pause the following season after only a few appearances due to a tendon injury sustained in the game against Livorno.

"O Fenômeno", his nickname across his career, lit up San Siro on Easter Saturday in 2007. It was AC Milan v Empoli, and he was the absolute star from the 12th minute when he picked up from Kaká, sent Pratali the wrong way with his infamous step over® to shoot with his left foot and slot it under the crossbar, beating Balli. The Tuscans equalised in the 43rd minute following a free kick, finished off by Saudati, but only a few moments later and before the break, the Rossoneri went back ahead. Ronaldo put the ball in the box, a precise pass for Gilardino who managed to get his head on it and guide it into the net for the 2-1. In the second half, the Rossoneri had things under control until the 78th minute when Pirlo found the right pass to Favalli who was quick to shoot and bag his first goal for the Rossoneri and the first of the season. In the 87th minute, Ronaldo left the pitch to applause, with his compatriot, Serginho, taking his place.

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