Crimson Wall: The Last Defender

December 17, 2003 — San Siro, Coppa Italia Round of 16, First Leg

The stadium lights felt different on a Wednesday night. Quieter. Cooler. The roar of the league matches softened into a buzz. It wasn't empty, but it wasn't the full-throated San Siro either. Still, it carried weight — this was Coppa Italia, and Milan were in it to win it.

Luca Bellini arrived at the stadium early. The halls were quieter, too. No media crowding the entrance. Just echoes of boots and equipment wheels rolling down the corridors.

The rotation was expected. Ancelotti had spoken to the team the night before: "Fresh legs. But no drop in standard."

Luca would start. So would a few of the usual backups. But it was still Milan. Still a fight.

—

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

Dida kept his place in goal, showing Ancelotti's insistence on continuity. The back line was slightly rotated: Cafu remained on the right, but Kaladze came in on the left. Luca and Costacurta formed the center-back pairing — youth and experience.

In midfield, Pirlo sat deep, with Brocchi and Ambrosini flanking him. Rui Costa took the playmaker role behind Jon Dahl Tomasson and José Mari.

The opponents? Brescia.

They lined up in a 4-4-1-1:

Matteo Sereni in goal. Stendardo, Petruzzi, Zambelli, and Martinez at the back. Filippini twins in midfield, with Di Biagio and Del Nero. Roberto Baggio floated behind Caracciolo.

Yes — Baggio. The legend, now playing his final professional season.

Luca had marked him before — but it never got easier.

—

Kickoff.

Milan started slowly. Rotation always brought rhythm issues. In the 5th minute, Baggio took the ball wide, turned inside Luca, and nearly curled one into the top corner.

Dida tipped it over.

Corner.

Brescia swung it in. Caracciolo rose — header — wide.

Early warning.

Luca reset quickly. Commanded the line. Communicated with Costacurta.

"Watch Baggio's drift. He doesn't stay central."

"Right," Billy said.

In the 11th minute, Milan responded. Cafu darted forward and found Rui Costa, who chipped a clever ball into Tomasson's path.

Volley. Blocked.

José Mari collected the rebound — shot again — saved by Sereni.

Brescia broke quickly. Di Biagio with a long diagonal to Del Nero. Kaladze intercepted.

Luca roared: "Line up!"

He was vocal tonight. Even more than usual.

—

In the 19th minute, a moment of class.

Pirlo picked out Rui Costa in a pocket of space. The Portuguese maestro turned, danced past Filippini, and fed Tomasson.

Tomasson played a quick one-two with José Mari — returned the ball — shot low.

Goal.

1–0 Milan.

Rui Costa clapped his hands. "More. Let's kill it early."

Luca jogged back smiling. His job wasn't glamorous tonight — but it was efficient.

—

Baggio still sparkled. In the 26th, he received a pass at the top of the box, juggled once, and volleyed — just over.

The crowd gasped.

Luca gave a thumbs up. "Class."

Baggio smiled faintly.

—

Halftime came with Milan in control but not dominant.

Ancelotti: "Solid. But no mistakes. We've seen games flip fast."

Luca sat with a bottle of water. He was tracking every movement in his head.

—

Second half.

Snow began drifting down again.

In the 49th minute, Brescia found space. Caracciolo drifted left, drew Costacurta out. Baggio darted into the space — pass — shot.

Blocked by Luca. Perfect positioning.

Commentator: "Bellini didn't bite. He waited, then struck. That's discipline."

In the 54th, Brocchi won a free kick. Rui Costa stood over it.

He curled a delicate ball into the box — Luca rose highest.

Header — off the bar!

So close.

The crowd cheered. His name echoed.

—

In the 63rd minute, Ambrosini flicked a ball into José Mari's path — chip — wide.

Then came a rare error.

In the 70th, Kaladze misjudged a bounce. Del Nero pounced, played in Baggio.

Luca reacted late — couldn't intercept.

Baggio slotted past Dida.

1–1.

The away section erupted.

Luca clenched his fists. "That was mine."

Costacurta patted his back. "He's still Baggio."

—

But Luca didn't let it settle. He advanced with the ball more. Urged teammates forward.

In the 78th, Milan broke. Cafu to Brocchi, Brocchi to Rui Costa.

Rui Costa found Tomasson again — shot — saved.

Rebound fell to José Mari.

Goal.

2–1.

The stadium roared. Relief.

Luca held his hand up to signal calm.

—

Final minutes.

Brescia pushed.

Luca cleared a cross in the 87th. Blocked a shot in the 89th. Intercepted a through ball in stoppage time.

Full time.

Milan 2 – Brescia 1.

A lead going into the second leg.

—

In the locker room, Luca sat quietly.

"Good recovery," Ancelotti said.

He nodded. "It's different without the core."

"That's why you're here. To become the core."

Later that night, at home, he iced his ankles and reread his notes.

Notebook:

December 17 — Milan 2, Brescia 1 (Coppa Italia)

Minutes: 90

Tackles: 3

Blocks: 4

Clearances: 6

Header off bar: 1

Error: 1 — covered by offense

Leadership: rising

Sofía left soup on the stove. Gone to a night shift.

Texted: "Saw the block. I yelled."

He replied: "I heard you."