The Ghost of Nedo Sonetti

By: Jeremy | April 6th, 2008

Someone please tell me that was not him coaching the Rossoblu in Milan on Saturday. That looked like the team that he coached throughout much of the first half. They were scared and playing for a 0-0 tie the minute they walked out of the dressing room. We all know how that game plan works. Did they not think that Milan was going to come out fired up? Fear makes other teams play better and we dont need to be giving teams like Milan any more reasons to do better then they already do. Does Ballardini not understand what put us in this relegation fix to begin with?

I dont understand why Jeda and Acquafresca were not in the starting lineup. They came on later so how hurt were they. They are the teams top two offensive threats and when you travel to Milan to play a team that even when it is not on its best form is still too talented and too strong for you, you put your best players out there. But then again, what do I know. I am just some moron with a computer.

As upset as I was that Cagliari came out flat Saturday and did not have its best team on the pitch, it really would not have made a difference. We were clearly outclassed and it was evident when Gattuso hit a screamer over the bar before Storari had a chance to tie his ponytail that it was going to be a long evening.

From that point on it was pretty much all Milan. What were the Cagliari defenders doing when they allowed Kaka to just waltz thorough them like they were bullfighters in just the 8th minute to score and make it 1-0. Someone close him down before he gets into shooting range and chop his legs out from under him. Take the yellow card. That was too easy of a goal to give up even if it was a good shot by him.

After that goal it was pretty much over. Pippo Inzaghi, one of my favorite players, did what Pippo always does which is find the back of the net. People who criticize him are the same people who criticize Beckham. Even if he is somewhat clutsy and not good at everything, the man scores goals. All the dribbling skills in the world by other players who are faster etc, if they cant put the ball in the back of the net, what good are they. Guys who finish are important and Pippo does that. Its like Beckham with his free kicks and crosses. Those skills are needed even if he isnt the best at other parts of the game. Those skills, even if shown briefly, win games for teams. I dont understand why Milan is not doing better. If they would just load up the offense with the players they have, they would be fine. The talent they have on their bench would be most teams regularly. We were lucky the final score was not worse. Milans current goalie dropped the only shot on goal gifting Cagliari a goal and Milans goalie next year made saves that they will be applauding at the San Siro when he returns home to the club that owns him.

Anyway, dont fret Cagliari fans as this match was not going to determine whether we survive the drop. They played like crap and reminded us that this is a very similar team to the one that dug a hole for itself in the first half of the season. When key players are left on the bench, that bothers me more then what actually happened in the game. They better be out there in upcoming games that we can win.

We are now tied for the final safe spot with Empoli and Livorno with Parma just one point higher. Our fate will be determined by the games we play against Empoli, Livorno, and Reggina. The fact that we have come out of the toughest three games in a row of our schedule still with a chance at survival should allow the lads to have some confidence. We still have some tough games left, but if we are relegated because our dumbass gaffer cant field the proper lineup causing the boys to play scared, he better get his ass out of Sardinia faster then we will see Acquafresca in another uniform over the summer.

Learn from your stupidity, then forget and move on. That is this weeks lesson Cagliari fans. Have a great week.