Milan - Sampdoria Match Report

By Dave Eadevic
March 7 2004

The question of the afternoon was really, 'can Milan be stopped, and the short answer seams to be no. A comanding display which saw the return of Nesta and Inzaghi, to the line up of what are now surely champions in waiting. Sevchenko was rested ahead of Wedensday's Champions league game, which allowed Inzaghi to attempt to stake a claim, which he did. A thorn in the side of Sampdoria the entire time he was on the pitch, yet comanding performances by Kaka and my man of the match Pirlo, alowwed him to.

Early Milan pressure led to a shout for a penalty which the ref waved away, although to be honest while Inzaghi may have made the most of it, he had the right to feel hard done by, the early passage of play also saw a point blank save by Antoniolli, to deny Thomason.

But then like a screaming bullet in the 16th minute came Pirlo's amazing 25 yard strike which curled around to the keepers left leaving him completely helpless, really a wonder strike. Milan 1 Sampdoria 0.

A couple of more decent efforts were saved from the impressive Inzaghi, and an almost definate penalty (Inzaghi yet again) was waved away which allowed Samp to break a beatiful cross was put away by Doni, completley against the run of play. Milan 1 Sampdoria 1.

9 minutes of Milan pressure later and Inzaghi got the goal he so deserved an inch perfect cross from Pancoro, and a beatiful header left the keeper with no chance. Milan 2 Sampdoria 1.

2nd Half

Which had hardly kicked off when Kaka found himself in space and slots a perfectly weighted shot passed the unhappy Antonolli.

The half progressed with more Milan pressure, broken only by rare glimpses of Sampdoria's attacking ability.

Sevchenko replaced Inzaghi and had a couple of chances but it was really game over and exhibition stuff, when Thomason eventually made way for Rui Costa the message was clear. Job Done.

Next up to stop Milan, Juventus.

Bookmark or share this story with: