Rossoneri Advent Calendar Day 27: Serginho and the Left Side Versatility

Serginho played for AC Milan between 1999 and 2008 as a versatile left sided winger and defender. The Brazil international was known for his pace, stamina and endurance that allowed him to blow past the opposition and keep attackers grounded. Serginho played important parts in Milan's run to the 2003 Champions League, the 2003 Coppa Italia and the 2004 Scudetto.

Serginho made a huge difference for Milan through his versatility that allowed him to switch positions in game from left back to left midfield and even left wing. His ability to hold his own defensively and offensively is a truly rare trait that Milan have missed since his departure. Some of his best showings came in the derbies and in the Champions League, in the 2000/01 season Milan wrecked Inter 6-0 in the derby and Serginho managed to score and provide three assists. His influence on the team would only grow as he scored a penalty in the UCL final in the following season thereafter playing a core role in Milan's 2003/04 Scudetto run and even helping get the team to the 2005 Champions League final.

Achievements with Milan

• Serie A: 2003–04
• UEFA Champions League: 2002–03, 2006–07
• Coppa Italia: 2002–03
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
• UEFA Supercup: 2003
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2007

Top Highlight

Serginho featured as a utility player along the left and occasionally played very advanced roles with deep runs into the box. He managed to score a couple of key goals but his best highlight was against Inter Milan in the 2002/03 derby. Serginho broke forward and caught an incredible through ball behind the defence and placed the ball in the back of the net to gift Milan their first of three victories of the Nerazzurri that season. Milan would go on to beat Inter in the reverse game and knock them out of the Champions League in the semi finals that year. Watch the highlights of the game and his goal here or below.