Brazilian forward Ronaldinho saved AC Milan from another defeat and even more questions being thrown at under pressure manager Leonardo – who has had a torrid start to his managerial decision. The Brazilian came off the bench to strike six minutes from time to earn a 1-1 draw at 10 man Atalanta.
The rookie manager was given a vote of confidence in midweek by chief executive Adriano Galliani after the 1-0 defeat at home to FC Zurich in the Champions League. Leonardo will be hoping that the Ronaldinho’s goal will help kick start the Rossoneri’s season having dropped down to twelfth position – and face Real Madrid in the Champions league in two weeks. The Milan manager’s side showed the same initial nerves against joint-bottom Atalanta, who took the lead midway through the first half when Simone Tiribocchi swept the ball home inside the box. The hosts then had Ivan Radovanovic sent off, rather harshly, on 39 minutes for two bookings but Milan still laboured to find a goal – until the Brazilian came on.
Neighbours Internazionale currently top the table by a single point over high fliers Sampdoria – who have played a game less. Roberto Donadoni is also under pressure at Napoli after his side lost 2-1 to an injury hit Roma – with Roman captain Francesco Totti scoring both goals. Serie A takes a break for two weeks for the penultimate round of World Cup qualifying games – with the Azzurri traveling to Dublin to face the Republic of Ireland in a crucial World Cup qualifying match. An Italian win or draw will guarantee a place in next year’s finals – however fellow countryman Giovanni Trapattoni is aiming to take Ireland to their first World Cup finals since 2002.
