Luigi Berlusconi Trophy: Inzaghi Brace Downs Juventus

[M|ch]

Two goals by Filippo Inzaghi allowed Milan to beat Juventus and win the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy.



The 17th edition of the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy has been won by Milan, who earned a straightforward victory over Juventus (2-0) in this traditional summer appointment in Italian football. Filippo Inzaghi scored both goals either side of the break to seal the Rossoneri win.
It seems the goal poacher has found his form at just the right time, when the 'serious' matches are about to come along. At around the same time last year, the Champions League final hero scored decisive goals in the preliminary Champions League matches against Crvena Zvezda, and that turned around what had been a very forgettable summer until then, in the aftermath of the Calciopoli punishments.
Today he was not even supposed to play, but a slight injury to Kaká ruled him out of the game and Inzaghi was given a start.
At the start Juventus were convincing, and the expected difference in quality between a team of players who know each other through and through (Milan), and a team still being assembled (Juve), did not show through. Captain Alex Del Piero seemed to be having an especially inspired night.
For Milan, Seedorf was in good form in his play-maker role behind strikers Gilardino and Inzaghi, the latter as a constant threat. There were not that many clear cut chances for either side, however. It was still a prestigious match and neither team wanted to lose.
Eventually, it was the home side who broke the deadlock, just before the break, through none other than Inzaghi. Ambrosini sent in a cross from the left, and the Italian international slipped past Criscito to head the ball past Buffon. It was a trademark poacher's goal from the prolific marksman.
In the second half there were, as usual, many changes made to both sides. Tiago came in for Almiron, which suggests that coach Ranieri does not intend to play the two midfielders together.
Just a minute into the restart, Milan doubled their advantage, once again thanks to Inzaghi. A corner kick led to Nesta heading the ball on for 'Pippo', who beat Salihamidzic and made it 2-0.
Juventus reacted immediately, with Nedved as usual being the biggest fighter on the pitch. The Czech midfielder unleashed a spectacular overhead kick which went narrowly wide soon after Inzaghi's strike, and led the charge as Juve pushed for a comeback.
At the other end, Seedorf tested Buffon with a powerful shot, but the goalkeeper was alert as always.
In the final part of the game Juve showed good character as they attacked relentlessly in an effort to get back into the match, but Nedved's determination was not enough as another shot of his went wide.
Ultimately, Milan managed to hold on to their lead and lifted the Luigi Berlusconi trophy for the 9th time, thereby overtaking Juventus, who have won it 8 times.
MILAN-JUVENTUS 2-0 (1-0)
GOALS: 43’, 47’ Inzaghi.

MILAN: Dida; Oddo (46’ Cafù), Nesta (66’ Bonera), Kaladze (88’ Diago), Favalli (46’ Serginho); Gattuso (46’ Brocchi), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf; Inzaghi (57’ Gourcuff), Gilardino.
Other Subs: Kalac, Simic, Aubameyang.
JUVENTUS: Buffon; Grygera, Andrade, Criscito, Molinaro; Salihamidzic (66’ Olivera), Nocerino, Almiron (46’ Tiago), Nedved; Del Piero, Iaquinta (46’ Palladino).
Other Subs: Belardi, Novembre, Zebina, Boumsong, Legrottaglie, Zalayeta.