Crimson Wall: The Last Defender

December 23, 2003 — San Siro, Matchday 15

The final match of the calendar year had a strange tension.

Milan were top. Confidence was high. But the bodies were tired, and the mind knew that after tonight came rest — a short winter break, family, Naples sun for some.

The team bus pulled into San Siro under a deepening twilight sky. There was the scent of chestnuts in the air outside, sold by vendors wrapped in scarves. A festive crowd buzzed louder than usual.

Inside the locker room, it wasn't all fire and fury.

It was music — soft jazz playing from Kaká's corner. It was Maldini walking row by row, patting backs. It was Gattuso holding up a Santa hat and daring someone to put it on.

Luca Bellini sat lacing his boots. Across from him, Nesta leaned over, rubbing his calf.

"Fifteen games, already," Sandro said. "Feels like three months in a blink."

Luca nodded. "Or a hundred years."

Kaká came over and tapped Luca's notebook. "You bringing that thing to Naples?"

"Of course."

"Don't. Sofia will kill you."

Luca grinned. "She already hides my pens."

They laughed.

—

**Formation:** 4-3-1-2

Dida in goal. Cafu, Luca, Nesta, and Maldini at the back. Pirlo anchoring midfield. Gattuso and Seedorf either side. Kaká behind Inzaghi and Shevchenko.

The visitors were Reggina, sitting 14th. But they came with determination.

They played a 5-3-2:

Belardi in goal. Jiranek, Franceschini, and Sottil as central defenders. Mesto and Cannarsa wide. Mozart, Tedesco, and Falsini in midfield. Cozza played just off Di Michele.

Milan had to break down the wall.

—

Kickoff.

From the first whistle, Milan controlled the ball. Reggina dropped deep, compact.

In the 4th minute, Kaká darted inside and tried a through ball — blocked.

In the 7th, Shevchenko turned and fired a low shot — wide.

Luca stayed alert. Reggina's counters came suddenly, diagonals to Di Michele.

In the 11th, one such ball came flying.

Luca positioned perfectly — chest control, pass to Cafu — calm.

Commentator: "Bellini doesn't just defend. He soothes."

In the 17th, Pirlo pinged a long ball. Maldini, pushing forward, flicked it down for Seedorf.

The Dutchman fired low — saved.

But the pressure mounted.

In the 22nd, Gattuso won a ball near the halfway line and stormed forward. He slid it to Kaká.

Kaká played a first-time pass to Inzaghi — who clipped it in for Sheva.

Finish. 1–0 Milan.

The crowd erupted. But the team didn't go wild.

They turned, regrouped. Ready for more.

—

In the 30th minute, Reggina responded. Cozza danced past Pirlo and unleashed a curling shot.

Dida tipped it over.

Corner came swinging in. Luca cleared it with authority.

Kaká patted his back. "Wall."

In the 38th, Cafu broke forward and whipped in a cross.

Inzaghi dived. Header — post!

Seedorf followed up — blocked again.

The half ended with Milan in control but only one ahead.

—

In the locker room:

Maldini stepped up.

"We don't slow down just because Christmas is near. We go out like champions. One more half."

The team clapped.

Gattuso grabbed the Santa hat and threw it at Maldini.

He caught it. Wore it. Everyone laughed.

—

Second half.

The pace slowed briefly. Reggina packed tighter.

In the 54th, Pirlo clipped a ball over the top. Kaká sprinted in and tried to lob the keeper — over.

In the 58th, Reggina countered. Di Michele tried to cut inside Luca. Bad idea.

Luca didn't tackle — he shepherded. Slowed him, boxed him toward the sideline.

Commentator: "No tackle needed. That's chess."

In the 63rd, Shevchenko dribbled past two and fed Kaká. The Brazilian turned and fired — top corner.

2–0 Milan.

Kaká pointed to the stands — where his parents were.

—

Ancelotti made subs. Ambrosini for Seedorf. Serginho for Maldini. Tomasson for Inzaghi.

Luca stayed on. As always.

In the 70th, Reggina almost pulled one back. Mesto crossed. Cozza connected.

Dida saved. Luca cleared the rebound.

In the 78th, Tomasson was brought down near the box.

Pirlo lined it up.

He curved it past the wall — off the bar.

So close.

In the 83rd minute, Cafu overlapped again. He crossed low. Tomasson let it run. Gattuso hit it — deflected in.

3–0 Milan.

Now, they celebrated.

—

Final minutes.

Luca jogged forward for a late corner.

Pirlo delivered it. Luca rose, free.

Header — saved by Belardi.

The crowd applauded.

The whistle blew.

Full time: Milan 3 – Reggina 0.

—

Post-match, in the locker room, champagne was popped. Not wild — but earned.

Ancelotti clapped. "You've given everything. Recharge. Naples sun awaits."

Maldini stood with a small smile.

"This group is more than eleven players. It's a spine. It's growing. Rest. Be with your families. But come back hungry."

Luca texted Sofia from the bus: "We fly at 8. Can you bring the notebook?"

She replied: "Only if you promise to swim first."

He smiled.

Notebook:

December 23 — Milan 3, Reggina 0

Minutes: 90

Tackles: 2

Blocks: 3

Clearances: 4

Header on target: 1

Clean sheet: yes

Team mood: bonded