Crimson Wall: The Last Defender

November 30, 2003 — Dacia Arena (Stadio Friuli), Matchday 11

The train to Udine pulled into the station just before sunset. A grey veil hung low over the northeastern hills, and the cold was different here — sharp, biting, more Alpine than Milanese. Luca Bellini stepped off the platform with his collar turned up and breath visible in the air.

He loved nights like this. They reminded him of youth matches in Cremona — long drives, frozen toes, and adrenaline. Now, it was Serie A. But some sensations never changed.

Udinese were seventh in the table — compact, organized, and lethal on the counter. Their coach, Luciano Spalletti, had them drilled like clockwork.

Ancelotti called it a trap game.

"You underestimate Udine, they'll humble you," he warned at the pre-match meeting. "Discipline and patience. And don't let them draw you into their rhythm."

—

Formation: 4-3-1-2

Milan remained unchanged at the back — Dida in goal; Cafu, Nesta, Luca, and Maldini forming the defensive line. Pirlo anchored the midfield with Gattuso and Seedorf wide. Kaká as playmaker. Shevchenko and Inzaghi up front.

Udinese countered with a 3-4-2-1:

Morgan De Sanctis in goal. Sensini, Kroldrup, and Bertotto in defense. Alberto and Jankulovski as wingbacks. Pizarro and Muntari in midfield. Jorgensen and Fava as attacking midfielders. Iaquinta as lone striker.

Ancelotti's instructions were clear:

"Don't get dragged wide. Pizarro and Muntari will try to overload. Watch Iaquinta — pace and vertical movement."

Luca sat alone in the corner of the locker room before the warm-up, notebook in hand. He jotted down:

— Jorgensen likes inside cuts.

— Iaquinta — don't overcommit.

— Muntari: press late in half.

He closed it and slipped it into his bag.

"Ready?" Nesta asked.

Luca nodded. "Let's not blink."

—

Kickoff.

Udine's stadium felt like a cauldron, tight and metallic. Rain began to fall gently, turning the surface slick.

From the first whistle, Udinese pressed high. Luca was tested early — a long ball to Iaquinta forced him into a full sprint recovery. He slid in just before the striker could shoot — clean.

Maldini clapped behind him. "Good. Watch the wind. It carries the long balls."

In the 9th minute, Pirlo pinged a cross-field ball to Cafu, who darted forward, laid it to Seedorf — shot low. Saved.

In the 14th, Pizarro wriggled through the center, drawing Gattuso wide. He slipped a ball to Fava, who danced into the box. Luca tracked across — shoulder-to-shoulder. Blocked the shot, cleared.

But Udinese kept coming.

In the 21st, Jorgensen whipped a ball across. Iaquinta rose between Nesta and Maldini — headed just over.

Commentator: "Udinese aren't here to defend. Bellini and company have a real fight on their hands."

Luca stayed calm. He kept talking. Readjusted positioning. Covered Nesta when needed.

But then, a lapse.

In the 27th minute, Seedorf was dispossessed. Muntari pounced, fed Pizarro, who curled a perfect pass to Iaquinta.

This time, Dida couldn't stop it.

1–0 Udinese.

The home crowd erupted.

Luca slammed his palms into the turf, then stood quickly. He looked at Kaká. "Get us forward."

And Kaká did.

Just seven minutes later, Kaká danced past two, fed Inzaghi, who held the ball and returned it. Kaká slid it through to Shevchenko — chip over De Sanctis.

1–1.

San Siro roared across hundreds of away fans.

But Udinese didn't crack.

The rest of the half was a midfield chess match. Muntari snapped into tackles. Pizarro controlled tempo. Milan played more cautiously.

Halftime.

Locker room tense.

Ancelotti: "They're winning the flanks. Stretch them wider. Luca — good recoveries, but coordinate the line. Push it up quicker."

Nesta: "Stay tight on crosses."

Luca: "We're late on transitions. I'll adjust."

—

Second half.

Rain now heavier.

In the 50th, Udinese nearly took the lead. A corner fell to Sensini — header — off the bar.

Luca cleared it again. Booted long. Inzaghi chased.

The tempo shifted.

Gattuso began winning duels. Kaká found space. Maldini, despite his age, made two perfect overlaps.

In the 63rd minute, Cafu intercepted a lazy pass and burst forward. Laid it to Seedorf, who played Shevchenko in. First-time shot — goal.

2–1 Milan.

This time, Luca shouted. Pumped his fists. Ran to the sideline.

But they weren't done.

Udinese responded with fire. Jankulovski began overlapping. Pizarro dropped deep, launched diagonal passes.

In the 72nd, a curling ball nearly found Iaquinta — but Luca rose and headed it clear. Perfect timing.

Commentator: "Bellini's positioning has been flawless. He's reading two passes ahead."

In the 78th, Ancelotti subbed off Inzaghi for Tomasson, Seedorf for Ambrosini.

More control. More composure.

In the 84th, Pizarro tried a direct ball over the top. Luca sprinted again, outpaced Fava, shielded, and earned a goal kick.

He collapsed to one knee — not from fatigue, but relief.

In the 89th, Kaká nearly sealed it. He danced through Muntari, nutmegged Pizarro, and shot — saved.

Final whistle.

Milan 2 – Udinese 1.

—

In the tunnel, Luca leaned against the wall. Wet hair plastered to his forehead.

Gattuso came over. "You're a wall, kid."

"Try hitting me with a hammer," Luca muttered.

Kaká: "I'll get the chisel."

They laughed.

—

Back at the hotel, Luca texted Sofía.

"Cold. Wet. Victory."

She replied: "All three describe you tonight."

He stared at that message for a long time. Then smiled.

Notebook:

November 30 — Milan 2, Udinese 1

Minutes: 90

Tackles: 4

Blocks: 5

Clearances: 6

Interceptions: 3

Key headers: 3

Weather: brutal

Composure: held

Still learning.