Fiorentina held A.C Milan to a goalless draw in Delio Rossi’s first game in charge of the Florence side.
The home side never threatened to steal the three points, as AC Milan dominated the game from start to finish and were unfortunate not to claim all three points, as Clarence Seedorf saw a legitimate goal disallowed for offside.
Rossi unsurprisingly decided against recalling Stevan Jovetic on his return from injury; however the exclusion of Adam Ljajic was controversial as Fiorentina fielded a defensive looking eleven.
A.C Milan controlled the opening proceedings of the match, without ever looking like scoring, as Fiorentina, marshalled well by the young Matija Nastasić, kept the title challengers at bay.
However 18 minutes in and Seedorf looked to given Milan the lead. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s flick forward was perfect for the Dutchman, who finished well, only to be disappointed by an incorrect flag for offside.
Robinho missed Milan’s best chance before half time as the Brazilian blazed over after a spell of possession from the Rossoneri.
Half time came and went and still Fiorentina failed to threaten Milan. Massimiliano Allegri’s side were pleasing on the eye, however they lacked the creative threat of Antonio Cassano, as Ibrahimovic and Robinho were poor on the evening.
It took sub Pato to show the out of sorts duo how to finish, and the Brazilian was only prevented from breaking the deadlock by a fantastic save from Arthur Boruc. The former Celtic keeper did brilliantly to get fingertips to the smashed finish, which would’ve found the corner, if it wasn’t for the world class reactions of the Polish international.
Fiorentina’s only chance of note fell to Manuel Pasqual whose long range effort went wide of Christian Abbiati’s post.
The result saw Milan slip up for the first time in five, and their missed opportunity allows Juventus the chance to overtake them again with victory over Palermo on Sunday.
The days other games saw Inter Milan record only their third win of a terrible Serie A season. The win saw them move to 16th as goals from Thiago Motta and Phillipe Coutinho, were enough to edge out Cagliari 2-1. Lazio’s impressive goalless draw away to Napoli, ensured the Rome side stayed top of the Serie A table. Napoli were the better side; however the draw extends their poor form with just one win in five games.
Joshua Jones