Chievo Engineer Great Comeback To Draw Roma, Ibrahimovic Brilliant In Milan Win

Brescia never really looked like they had a shot in their game against A.C. Milan, but it only took a couple of minutes for the hosts to blow the match wide open at the San Siro. Goals from Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 28th and 30th minutes have given Milan not only a 3-0 lead in this match, but a 3 point lead in Serie A over second placed Lazio.

Robinho’s goal came as the result of a comedy of errors. A long back pass was played from the left side of midfield from Brescia, right between two Brescia defenders and into the path of Robinho. The Brazilian pounced on the mistake and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, erasing most, if not all doubts that the visitors had any way back into the match. After only 28 minutes, the game appeared to be over

It took only four minutes for A.C. Milan to take the lead on Brescia, thanks to a poacher’s finish in the center of the penalty area from Kevin-Prince Boateng. Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up the goal, beating his defender on the left side of the penalty area and putting a low pass across the center of the penalty area towards Boateng. The Ghanaian international was well marked, but he was more determined to win the ball than Brescia’s defenders, lunging forward and tapping the ball past Matteo Sereni to give Milan a 1-0 lead.

Boateng is being deployed in a midfield with Genaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, and Massimo Ambrosini, meaning he is the attacking midfielder at the tip of Milan’s midfield diamond. Typically, when he has started matches, Boateng has been on a level below that, playing behind Clarence Seedorf. Seedorf is being rested today and the out of favor Ronaldinho appears to have no place in the starting lineup, forcing Boateng into an attacking role. He’s capitalized on his opportunity instantly.

Serie A likes to spread out the fun of the league. Yesterday, Lazio beat Inter Milan 3-1 to put themselves even on points with AC Milan, although they remain second in the table due to goal difference. Yet with AC Milan facing Brescia today at the San Siro, by the end of the day the Rossoneri could once again be alone up top.

But before all that fun comes AS Roma at Chievo Verona. While the Lupi had a magical comeback against Bayern Munich two weeks ago in the Champions League, they followed that up with a 3-1 loss to Palermo last weekend. A sign that Roma are about to slide again? Don’t count on it, although you probably shouldn’t count on a win, either. Chievo have lost just twice at home this season, while Roma have won just once on the road. Roma are also keeping an eye on Tuesday’s Champions League match against Cluj, with the Lupi yet to clinch advancement to the knockout stages.