Crimson Wall: The Last Defender

October 5, 2003 — Stadio Olimpico, Matchday 5

The flight to Rome was quiet. The team had split into their usual travel habits — some with music, others reading or napping. Luca Bellini sat near the window, his knees pulled slightly inward, a paperback of tactical notes resting on his tray table.

He wasn't nervous. He was alert. Lazio weren't just another opponent. They were a team with weight, a side that pushed and provoked, who could press you for 90 minutes and find gaps with elegance.

This was the first true test.

In the row ahead, Gattuso was arguing playfully with Seedorf about who would win more tackles. Pirlo had already dozed off beside them. Kaká leaned over to Luca, earbuds dangling from one ear.

"They say Olimpico's grass is a little dry this time of year," he said. "Slows down the ball."

Luca nodded. "Might help us. They rely on tempo."

Kaká smiled. "You're already thinking like a manager."

"I write everything down."

"I know you do."

—

Matchday. The late-afternoon sun burned softly above Rome, lighting the stadium in gold. The Olimpico buzzed — half Lazio blue, half Milan red. It felt like a final, not just a regular fixture.

In the tunnel, the tension was thicker than usual. Nesta shook hands with some of his former teammates. Dida slapped his gloves together. Luca tightened his laces, eyes fixed on the pitch.

Ancelotti had made his decision.

Luca would start.

With Maldini nursing a knock and Kaladze still not match fit, Luca got the nod to pair alongside Nesta. It was his first full 90-minute match against a top opponent.

—

The match kicked off with fury. Lazio opened in a fluid 4-4-2: Fiore and Stanković floated between lines, Corradi and Simone Inzaghi pressed with aggression.

Milan countered with their usual 4-3-1-2: Dida in goal; Cafu, Luca, Nesta, and Pancaro in defense; Gattuso, Pirlo, and Seedorf in midfield; Kaká just ahead; and Shevchenko and Inzaghi up top.

Luca didn't ease into the match — he took control. In the 12th minute, he anticipated a chipped ball to Corradi and intercepted cleanly, turning it into a Milan counterattack. His confidence on the ball and composure under pressure were remarkable for someone his age.

In the 24th minute, Fiore curled a low ball across the box. Simone Inzaghi darted toward it — but Luca slid in, perfect timing, blocking the shot and clearing the danger.

He was everywhere. Reading passing lanes, pushing the backline higher, commanding with silent gestures. Nesta, seasoned and unflappable, began giving him the kind of glances only veterans gave to equals.

In the 39th minute, Shevchenko opened the scoring — a thunderous drive from outside the box after a sharp one-two with Kaká. 1–0.

At halftime, Ancelotti kept it brief.

"They're going to throw more bodies forward. Bellini — keep the line high. Don't give Corradi room to turn."

Luca nodded, towel around his neck. He was locked in.

—

The second half saw Lazio surge forward. In the 51st minute, Stanković unleashed a rocket from 25 meters — blocked by Luca's chest. He didn't flinch.

A minute later, Pirlo played a perfect pass through the middle. Kaká ran onto it, shimmied past a defender, and slotted it home. 2–0 Milan.

By the 68th minute, Lazio were desperate. Corradi tried to draw Luca out wide. Luca didn't bite. He held his ground, timed his step forward, and cut out another long ball with a header that earned applause even from some in the Lazio section.

The commentators took notice:

> "Luca Bellini — just 19 years old — is putting on a clinic. Positioning, timing, courage. A center-back beyond his years."

—

The final whistle blew. AC Milan 2 – Lazio 0.

Player of the Match: Luca Bellini.

—

In the tunnel, Nesta gave him a slap on the back. "You made it easy tonight."

Gattuso grinned. "You're not a kid anymore. You're Milan."

Kaká pulled him aside. "You're going to be a legend."

—

That night, Luca didn't go out. He went home. Ate pasta. Then opened his notebook.

October 5 — Milan 2, Lazio 0

Minutes: 90 (starter)

Clearances: 8

Interceptions: 6

Blocks: 4

Rating: 8.5 (Player of the Match)

Nesta: Respect

Kaká: Still closest

Pirlo, Gattuso: growing ties

I belong here.

Next up: Sampdoria at San Siro.

Let's keep going.