SALERNITANA V AC MILAN: A PREVIOUS MEETING

We're away at Salernitana for the first time in almost 24 years. When the Rossoneri last travelled to the Stadio Arechi in Serie A was in 1998/99. In 2021/22, we are just at the beginning of a new cycle but back in the late '90s, it was the start of a season that would end in triumph, surprising and unforgettable triumph given the two difficult seasons prior.

SETTING THE SCENE
It was 20 September 1998, Serie A matchday 2. Alberto Zaccheroni was at the helm for AC Milan after joining the Club from Udinese to give the Rossoneri fresh impetus. That trip to Salerno was Zac's third match in charge of the Rossoneri after a defeat in the Coppa Italia to Torino and a 3-0 win on opening day in Serie A over Bologna. The Rossoneri lined up in a 3-4-3 formation with Guglielminpietro, Bierhoff and Weah in the attacking trident. Almost 35,000 packed into the Stadio Arechi and the atmosphere was electric.

THE WOODWORK
It was an even first half and Delio Rossi's Salernitana - spurred on by a young Marco Di Vaio - looked incredibly dangerous. It was Di Vaio in the 19th who came the closest in the opening stages as his effort sailed past a beaten Lehmann and crashed against the upright. The game opened up and AC Milan responded with a chance of their own, though Granata goalkeeper Balli stood firm to deny Weah. Chianese had Rossoneri hearts in mouths as he fired just over the bar before Guly's effort struck the post at the other end. 

FORWARDS ON SONG
Midway through the second half, AC Milan grabbed the opener: Albertini swung in the free-kick and Oliver Bierhoff headed it home, leaving Balli with no chance. The Rossoneri tried to hit the hosts on the counter and twice came close to adding a second, first through Weah and then Bierhoff, both of whom were denied by Balli. The game wound to a close and AC Milan did double their lead - almost by accident. Weah's volley effort from range deflected of Leonardo and into the back of the net, 2-0 to AC Milan. Salernitana pulled one back in the 88th minute thanks to a stunning Breda free-kick but it wasn't enough for the hosts to rescue something from the game and the Rossoneri came home victorious.

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