Ancelotti hails evergreen Inzaghi
ROME: AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed the continuing impact of veteran forward Filippo Inzaghi as the reigning European championsclosed in on fourth place in Serie A.
Inzaghi bagged a poacher's hat-trick as Milan won 4-1 at rock-bottom Livorno to move within two points of Fiorentina in the crucial final Champions League qualifying position.
La Viola had conceded an injury-time equalizer as it drew 2-2 at home to Sampdoria in a match between two of the three teams chasing that crucial fourth spot.
Fiorentina stays fourth on 60 points, two ahead of Milan, who is two ahead of Sampdoria with three matches still to play.
But it was Inzaghi's striking instincts which proved invaluable to Ancelotti's team.
He tapped home a first-half opener from Kaka's square pass in the box, despite looking suspiciously offside, and then added two close range headers after the break.
Inzaghi's recent return to form and fitness has coincided with Milan's late season charge for a place in Europe's premier competition next year.
"I don't want to talk about the past but often we forget that Inzaghi missed three months due to injury but when he has played from the start he's scored 16 goals in as many matches.
"He, like Kaka, is in great form. Right now they're forming a formidable partnership."
With former three-time world player of the year Ronaldo sidelined with a long-term knee injury, teenage forward Pato feeling the strains of a tough introduction to European football and Alberto Gilardino short of form, Inzaghi's contribution has been vital.
With just two points to make up on Fiorentina and two home matches left to just one for the Florence-based club, Milan could even consider itself favorite to snatch fourth spot.
The title race is still alive as AS Roma beat Torino 4-1 at home to ensure Inter, who beat in-form Cagliari 2-1 at the San Siro, still need one more victory from its final three matches to claim a third straight title.
Juventus secured its place in the Champions League next season with a 5-2 thrashing of Lazio.
AFP
(China Daily 04/29/2008 page22)
