Serie A - Week 19: Saturday Review

AC Milan recorded a crucial 1-0 win over Fiorentina in a match overshadowed by protests against the club's decision to consider a world record-breaking offer for star player Ricardo Kaka. Earlier in Serie A, Siena secured a win over relegation rivals Reggina.

AC MILAN 1-0 FIORENTINA
Milan cemented their third position in Serie A with a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina at the San Siro but the match was overshadowed before, during and after by protests from the home fans against the possible sale of Ricardo Kaka to Manchester City. However, while all of the attention was focused on Kaka and the chances of it being his last game for Milan - for whom David Beckham made his home debut - it was to be another Brazilian who shone. Alexandre Pato has just completed his first full year as a Milan player and the 19-year-old seems to be settling in nicely. His goal after seven minutes was his sixth in the Rossoneri's last four fixtures, and it took his side to within six points of league leaders Inter. Fiorentina went close several times in the second half, but not even a red card for Marek Jankulovski in stoppage time could alter the outcome.

If Kaka's decision to leave Milan for the English Premier League club for a reported 120million euros (£108m) has not yet been made, the Rossoneri fans ensured it would be a tough choice for him by displaying banners such as "Kaka is Priceless" and "Hands Off Kaka" and chanting his name for the whole 90 minutes and implored the club not to sell him. There were also plenty of protests against owner Silvio Berlusconi and vice-President Adriano Galliani.

SIENA 1-0 REGGINA
Reggina remain deep in the relegation mire after suffering their 12th Serie A defeat of the season at the hands of Siena. Mario Frick's goal 15 minutes from time was enough to give the Bianconeri three points which sees them leapfrog Sampdoria and move up to the relative comfort of 14th spot in the table. The Amaranto, in contrast, stay second from bottom and could slip to the foot of the standings if results go against them on Sunday.

SERIE A REVIEW:
[Saturday 17 Jan] - [Sunday 18 Jan]