November is set to begin with Roma at San Siro and end with Lazio. It’s shaping up to be a ‘Roman’ November for Allegri’s AC Milan, who, after the Derby, are ready for another crucial and high-stakes game in the league. To get into the mood for the occasion, we’re hopping into our Time Machine to revisit a special AC Milan v Lazio match from 21 September 2008.
The 2008/09 season was already looking challenging from the start, with AC Milan absent from the Champions League. Alongside the much-needed hunger to make a comeback, there was the summer transfer window, featuring Shevchenko’s return and the signings of Flamini and Zambrotta, though the standout arrival of the summer was none other than Ronaldinho. While the then UEFA Cup got off to a good start, Serie A did not, with Ancelotti‘s squad suffering back-to-back defeats against Bologna (1-2) and Genoa (0-2), causing them to fall behind in the standings, while Rossi’s Lazio topped the table with a perfect record. The starting XI (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Maldini, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Ambrosini, Gattuso, Seedorf; Kaká; Pato, Borriello. The Rossoneri took the lead just eight minutes in when Seedorf‘s pass ricocheted off Ledesma and turned into a lucky accidental assist. Clarence put all his force into a shot that landed in the back of the net. But Lazio were quick to respond with a goal of their own, just 18 minutes later as Pandev split the AC Milan defence with a through ball for Zarate, who struck low with his left foot to beat Abbiati and secure the equaliser.
Pato and Kaká proved dangerous as there seemed to be signs of a comeback. In the 35th minute, it was Zambrotta who restored the lead with a stunning long-range strike into the corner. In the second half, there was a significant shift in momentum as the Rossoneri became unstoppable in attack with Pato scoring with a flying header from a Jankulovski cross, just four minutes after half-time. Then in the 60th minute, Kaká curled in a beautiful right-footed shot from distance that left Carrizo no chance. AC Milan had delivered a lethal performance and sealed the win, with the 4-1 scoreline resulting from some Ronaldinho magic, a few chances for Borriello, and Abbiati’s brilliant save against Pandev. Securing three points and a breath of fresh air, the team would soon go on to win the famous derby, thanks to Ronaldinho, and ultimately return to the Champions League in a season that would mark the beginning of major changes.
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