AS Roma v AC Milan (Week 36) 7th May 2011

Milan claimed their first Scudetto since 2004 with a goalless draw away to Champions League spot chasers Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Milan’s triumph is their 18^th title in their illustrious history and although this performance will not live long in the memory it will hold a special place in the hearts of the Rossoneri and, as equally importantly, ends the 5 year dominance of their noisy housemate rivals Inter.

The draw gives Milan  a nine-point lead over second-placed Inter, who can only match AC’s points total with victories in their remaining three games.  However as goal difference does not apply in Serie A and the head to head record, if required, will decide the outcome.  Milan’s one-nil victory in November and their recent three-nil drubbing of the Nerrazzurri means they take the title.

Milan have occupied the top spot for the vast majority of the season and although Roma put in a spirited display it wasn’t enough to break down the mean Milan defence.

Roma were without midfielders Daniele De Rossi and Simone Perrotta due to suspension, while Alexandre Pato returned from a thigh injury to take a place on the Milan bench.


Roma’s recent record of only one defeat in the last 11 games against Milan gave caretaker-boss Vincenzo Montella great hope that they could cement their position as favourites for fourth spot.
Marco Cassetti provided a host of early chances for the Giallorossi as his pinpoint crosses from the right caused problems for the Champions-elect defence in the first 20 minutes.  Unfortunately for Roma their Montenegrin forward Mirko Vucinic was not having one of his better days.  He failed to take advantage of Cassetti’s accuracy as a joint effort by Milan keeper Abbiati and his own touch kept the scoreline neutral.


Alessandro Nesta, in his 400^th Serie A appearance, also proved a thorn in Roma’s side as he took away a chance for Vucinic to open the scoring in the 22^nd minute with a brilliant sliding tackle inside the box.


Milan were understandably cagey but when they did venture forward striking pair Kevin Prince Boateng and Zlatan Ibrahimovic provided the best opportunities.  Neither could convert their chances as a 9^th minute right footed effort from Boateng curled wide of Roma keeper Doni’s left-hand post and Ibrahimovic’s  shot was blocked by a sliding tackle from Brazilian Juan.


Roma continued to press forward and attempts from Alesandro Rosi, on for the injured Matteo Brighi after 16 minutes, flew high and wide.


At the break Milan boss Allegri brought on captain Massimo Ambrosini in place of the veteran midfielder Gennaro Gattuso to shore up the midfield and stop them from being overrun in the middle of the park.
Milan started the second half in blistering fashion as Robinho, quiet up until then, struck Doni’s left-hand post with a curled effort from just inside the box after good build-up play from the pacy fullback Ignazio Abate. 


The second half was a fairly scrappy affair but Milan always looked dangerous on the counter-attack. with Boateng gifted the best opportunity but his chip over Doni from the 6 yard box drifted wide of the far post.


Both defences remained on top for the rest of the half despite several changes being made by both managers.


As soon as the final whistle blew the Milan staff and players stormed the pitch to celebrate their Scudetto.   The presentation will be held at their final home game against Cagliari on 14^th May.  The Milanese can wait a few days, after all it’s been seven long years without a title.