Balotelli penalty gave AC Milan a narrow escape
Italian striker, Balotelli's late penalty which gave AC Milan a breathless win over Hellas Verona made coach Clarence Seedorf pleased.
Despite the win, it was another unconvincing performance from Milan who struggled to create chances and always looked vulnerable in defence.
Mario Balotelli penalty earned a 1-0 triumph over Hellas Verona at the San Siro as Milan recovered from their shock defeat to Sassuolo in their last league match to earn only a third Serie A win in 12 games.
Balotelli side-footed home in the 82nd minute after Verona defender Alejandro Gonzalez had needlessly fouled Kaka, tripping the Brazilian with a clumsy tackle even though the ball was already heading out of play.
Milan remained 11th with 25 points after only their sixth league win in 20 attempts this season. Dutchman Seedorf was officially appointed on Thursday despite having no previous coaching experience.
The 37-year-old, who spent 10 years of his playing career at Milan, had previously been playing for Botafogo in Brazil and cut short his career to take up the challenge. He replaced Massimiliano Allegri, who was fired last Monday after three-and-a-half years in charge.
The disappointingly small San Siro crowd had to wait 38 minutes for the first real chance when Balotelli cut inside and fired in a powerful low shot which was well saved by Verona goalkeeper Rafael, who denied Balotelli again one minute later when he blocked a free kick.
The first half ended with Riccardo Montolivo's drive flying narrowly wide of Rafael's goal. The second half followed a similar pattern as Milan struggled to put together moves and produced their chances in quick flurries.
Robinho hit the post with a deflected shot in the 68th minute and in the following minute Balotelli threatened with a shot on the turn which was scooped up by Rafael. Verona nearly went ahead when Martinho broke down the left and his shot was turned away by Christian Abbiati, who shortly afterwards was nearly caught napping by Romulo's dipping long-range effort from 30 metres.
Seedorf, who recently replaced Massimiliano Allegri in the Milan hotseat, said to Gazzetta dello Sport: 'This victory is certainly dedicated to all the Milan fans.
'I am happy for the squad, as there is a lot of work to do and a win helps to make it all feel easier.
'We didn't have much time to prepare for this game over the last few days, but the players did very well to put pressure on Hellas and to keep our rivals in their own half.
'Although we won thanks to a penalty, I still believe we deserved the win considering our overall performance.
'After the game, we formed a circle all together in the locker room and I said we would do the same after every game, whether it is a win or a defeat, so we can all look each other in the eye.
'We are all responsible for every result.'
Seedorf, 37, had been playing for Brazilian side Botafogo before retiring last week to accept an offer to lead Milan, a club he played for for 10 years.
The former Holland international took over the reins from Allegri, who was sacked with the club 30 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus.
'The club president (Silvio Berlusconi) and (club administrator) Adriano Galliani showed courage to make this decision,' Seedorf said of his appointment.
'I felt ready for this position and received a wonderful letter from (Holland coach) Louis van Gaal, who helped construct the management course for me, so I am learning fast.
'I am focused on what we want to develop next week, which will be the first real week to get training done and concentrate on all the aspects of building the game I've got in mind.
'Right now, we want to focus on rediscovering the joy of playing football and training with the ball.'
The Rossoneri climbed to 11th place with the victory and are seven points behind fifth place after 20 games.
Milan travel to Sardinia to face Cagliari on Sunday.
- dailymail.co.uk, dnaindia.com
Despite the win, it was another unconvincing performance from Milan who struggled to create chances and always looked vulnerable in defence.
Mario Balotelli penalty earned a 1-0 triumph over Hellas Verona at the San Siro as Milan recovered from their shock defeat to Sassuolo in their last league match to earn only a third Serie A win in 12 games.
Balotelli side-footed home in the 82nd minute after Verona defender Alejandro Gonzalez had needlessly fouled Kaka, tripping the Brazilian with a clumsy tackle even though the ball was already heading out of play.
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| Balotelli with teammate Kaka |
The 37-year-old, who spent 10 years of his playing career at Milan, had previously been playing for Botafogo in Brazil and cut short his career to take up the challenge. He replaced Massimiliano Allegri, who was fired last Monday after three-and-a-half years in charge.
The disappointingly small San Siro crowd had to wait 38 minutes for the first real chance when Balotelli cut inside and fired in a powerful low shot which was well saved by Verona goalkeeper Rafael, who denied Balotelli again one minute later when he blocked a free kick.
The first half ended with Riccardo Montolivo's drive flying narrowly wide of Rafael's goal. The second half followed a similar pattern as Milan struggled to put together moves and produced their chances in quick flurries.
Robinho hit the post with a deflected shot in the 68th minute and in the following minute Balotelli threatened with a shot on the turn which was scooped up by Rafael. Verona nearly went ahead when Martinho broke down the left and his shot was turned away by Christian Abbiati, who shortly afterwards was nearly caught napping by Romulo's dipping long-range effort from 30 metres.
Seedorf, who recently replaced Massimiliano Allegri in the Milan hotseat, said to Gazzetta dello Sport: 'This victory is certainly dedicated to all the Milan fans.
'I am happy for the squad, as there is a lot of work to do and a win helps to make it all feel easier.
'We didn't have much time to prepare for this game over the last few days, but the players did very well to put pressure on Hellas and to keep our rivals in their own half.
'Although we won thanks to a penalty, I still believe we deserved the win considering our overall performance.
'After the game, we formed a circle all together in the locker room and I said we would do the same after every game, whether it is a win or a defeat, so we can all look each other in the eye.
'We are all responsible for every result.'
Seedorf, 37, had been playing for Brazilian side Botafogo before retiring last week to accept an offer to lead Milan, a club he played for for 10 years.
The former Holland international took over the reins from Allegri, who was sacked with the club 30 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus.
'The club president (Silvio Berlusconi) and (club administrator) Adriano Galliani showed courage to make this decision,' Seedorf said of his appointment.
'I felt ready for this position and received a wonderful letter from (Holland coach) Louis van Gaal, who helped construct the management course for me, so I am learning fast.
'I am focused on what we want to develop next week, which will be the first real week to get training done and concentrate on all the aspects of building the game I've got in mind.
'Right now, we want to focus on rediscovering the joy of playing football and training with the ball.'
The Rossoneri climbed to 11th place with the victory and are seven points behind fifth place after 20 games.
Milan travel to Sardinia to face Cagliari on Sunday.
- dailymail.co.uk, dnaindia.com
