TIME MACHINE: AMBROSINI STARS IN AC MILAN v HELLAS VERONA

AC Milan v Hellas Verona is always an anticipated match. The Rossoneri and the Gialloblù have given us a number of memorable games over the years: fixtures full of history, meaning, and some expected and unexpected heroes who made the AC Milan fans rejoice. Amongst these, Massimo Ambrosini, who returned to the pitch in December 2001 after a long absence due to injury and didn't take much time to reintroduce himself to the San Siro crowd. With our Time Machine, let's head back to relive the match from 2001 ahead of our next meeting with Hellas Verona on matchday 5 of the 2023/24 Serie A season.

At AC Milan since the age of 18, Massimo Ambrosini had grown season after season until he had firmly established himself as an indispensable presence in the Rossoneri midfield. After making his debut in 1995 and featuring in a few matches, the No.23, who also spent a season out on loan at Vicenza, became a firm first-team fixture from the 1998/99 campaign. He continued to play regularly until a severe knee injury in February 2001 forced him to sit on the sidelines for ten months. During that period, many changes took place: Carlo Ancelotti replaced Fatih Terim as the Rossoneri's Head Coach, while Pirlo, Rui Costa, Contra and Inzaghi all joined during the summer transfer window. During the first half of the 2001/02 season, AC Milan established themselves as a contender for the Champions League spots, and their home match against the Gialloblù was the last time they took to the pitch in 2001.  

The Rossoneri started the match brightly: after just a few minutes, Shevchenko lobbed Ferron but saw his effort come off the bar. After a double save from Abbiati, AC Milan hit the woodwork again, this time through José Mari from Pirlo's ball in. The Verona goal was leading a charmed life as Ferron denied José Mari and Rui Costa, but the substitutions made by Ancelotti ultimately made the difference. Massimo Ambrosini came on in the 46th minute and needed just twelve minutes to leave his mark. Rui Costa sent in a free-kick that was met by the No.23, who headed AC Milan in front (57'). It was a truly liberating moment for Ambro. Pirlo and Shevchenko threatened to add a second for the Rossoneri, who, however, were pegged back as Cannavaro found the net for the visitors in the 70th minute. Another player then came off the bench to win it for the Diavolo: after being introduced in the 79th minute, Cosmin Contra scored with a precise right-footed strike in added time to secure a 2-1 victory. San Siro rejoiced as Ambrosini's return coincided with three important points.

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