Is Nocerino the new Gattuso?

The Italian played a big part in another victory for AC Milan Tuesday night as Serie A’s top spot changed hands for the 22nd time in 2011-12, and his performance in the 2-0 win over Cagliari simply reiterated his growing importance to the Rossoneri cause.

It was his run which forced Francesco Pisano to make the sliding challenge that resulted in Milan’s opening goal in just the fourth minute. He then went to work in midfield, chasing, harrying, getting in crucial blocks and tackles, making it tough for the home side to get back into the game despite their territorial supremacy.

On the other flank, Radja Nainggolan continued his recent ascendancy into the national consciousness with another influential display, but the Isolani were unable to find 10 more displays like the Belgian’s. Like Nocerino, Nainggolan was suggested by this writer as a potential buy to at least one Premier League club more than two years ago. Last night showed that England’s loss is Italy’s gain.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic took down a flick-on on the hour and stretched to lift over the advancing Michael Agazzi, and with that the game was over. But it was over as much because of the workrate of Nocerino as anything else.

The ultimate in unsung heroes, the Italian international has quickly made himself just as important to Milan as he was to Palermo last term. The Rosanero currently find it difficult to get any kind of foothold in a game in midfield, but at San Siro and on the road Nocerino has made a massive impact, and his endeavour would help to ensure that there was no way Cagliari would rescue anything from the game.

His six goals this term are only a small part of his output. After a difficult first few weeks, he has taken to the task of proving himself as a valuable commodity for the champions with relish. Now he could well force his way into the thinking of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli when he looks at who should start the crucial opening Euro 2012 match against Spain in Gdansk on June 10.

Much has been said of the form of Claudio Marchisio this season, and the Juventus man has certainly enjoyed the best spell of his career over the last few months, but Nocerino offers much more as an all-round performer. With a tireless work ethic based on a very humble approach to the game, his displays over the last few years have got him this far and he is not about to stop turning in match-winning stints now.

While Pastore would regularly go missing from games wearing the pink of Palermo, that was never a claim you could level at Nocerino. And despite the step up in quality and in expectation, the No. 22 has made the leap with relish. He’s now ready to help Milan have a real go at winning back-to-back titles.