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Bartosz Salamon has officially joined Milan from Brescia, and has admitted that he is delighted to have signed for the Rossoneri.
The 21-year-old versatile defender moves for an undisclosed fee and has claimed that he is 'not afraid' to have put pen-to-paper with Massimiliano Allegri's side.
“I am very happy to sign for Milan,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I am not afraid of anything.”
Salamon has been ever-present for the Serie B side this season, playing 21 League games.
VIDEO: Balotelli's first goal for AC Milan 31.1 ||webmaster
The agent of Mario Balotelli has revealed that the player’s move to Milan collapsed on numerous occasions before a deal was finally done with Manchester City.
The Rossoneri have completed the €20m capture of the Italian international striker despite the frequent complications.
“It wasn’t easy to bring Mario back to Italy, we had to take it one step at a time,” Mino Raiola told Sky Sport Italia.
“The talks broke down seven or eight times in the last 60 days. All the speculation in the media was annoying City, especially when it came to the payment methods.
“I thank Milan who always believed and who never pulled out even during the most complicated economic times.
“Fortunately, we’ve been able to bring back a top player to Italian football. Mario is a great talent and he still hasn’t shown half of what he is capable of.
“Balotelli’s arrival increases the value of Serie A by 50 per cent and it lowers that of the Premier League by 50 per cent.”
Milan’s interest in the player was unclear at one stage after President Silvio Berlusconi described the former Inter man as a bad apple.
“It was a misunderstanding,” Raiola added. “The fact that Milan signed him is the most important thing. Words don’t matter, facts do.”
Balotelli returns to Serie A after a sometimes difficult two-and-a-half year spell in English football.
“Mario’s biggest problem in England was that he couldn’t live a normal life, there were too many paparazzi,” Raiola noted.
Balotelli was in action for his new club this afternoon and scored in a practice game against Serie D side Darfo Boario.
OFFICIAL: Emanuelson loaned to Fulham 31.1 ||webmaster
New AC Milan signing Mario Balotelli has thanked Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini for his support down the years.
The Italian has worked with the tactician at firstly Inter and then City before opting for a return to Italy this week.
“I said goodbye to everyone at the meal in London before the game at Queens Park Rangers,” the youngster told mcfc.co.uk in a farewell interview. “It was a very emotional for me.
“I spoke with Roberto before I went to speak to the players. We spoke for some time about lots of things. He was sad, and I was too. But it was a good conversation.
“I love Roberto, he has been very important for my career, and I will always thank him for having trust and faith in me.”
Balotelli moved to City in 2010 and he believes the experience of playing in the Premiership has served him well.
“Being at City was an important part of my life and career,” he added. “I needed to grow up like a player and as a person and it has been a very good experience for me.
“To win the Premier League was a very special moment, and I am proud to have been a part of that,” he continued.
“I will always be interested in Manchester City and their fortunes. I really hope that City can win the League again this year and beat United.
“I think there are great players at the club and a great manager too. The club will be very successful in the future and that makes me happy.”
AC Milan confirm Balotelli signing 31.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan have assured Giampaolo Pazzini that he still has a future at the club despite the arrival of Mario Balotelli from Manchester City.
“I personally phoned Pazzini before I concluded the Balotelli deal,” Vice-President Adriano Galliani told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I admitted to him that I had not maintained a promise, but I explained to him that he remained an important player for Milan, one that we are counting on.
“I’ve told him to remain calm and he said that he had been left reassured by my explanation and phone call.”
The 28-year-old summer signing from Inter has scored 10 goals in 20 Serie A games for the Diavolo.
El Shaarawy at AC Milan until 2018 31.1 ||webmaster
There are reports Urby Emanuelson’s move to Fulham is being delayed because Milan want Pajtim Kasami in exchange.
Emanuelson and his agent have confirmed over the last 24 hours that a deal is done for the Dutch winger to see out the rest of the season at Craven Cottage on loan.
However, the transfer has still not been completed and rumours are emerging that there is a reason behind the delay.
Milan have set their sights on Swiss-Albanian midfielder Kasami and are pushing for an exchange of loans.
Still only 20, Kasami is no stranger to Serie A, having played for Palermo and Lazio.
Balotelli mobbed by AC Milan fans 31.1 ||webmaster
Mario Balotelli completed the first set of medical tests and dined with Milan directors, mobbed by over 1,000 fans.
The striker flew in yesterday afternoon to complete his €20m transfer from Manchester City. Click here for video of his first interview.
He was greeted by supporters at the airport and in Busto Arsizio where he underwent his medical. The remaining tests will be performed todayand it is reported his presentation will be at San Siro so fans can take part.
SuperMario arrived at the Da Giannino restaurant in Milan at 21.20 GMT, though over 1,000 fans had already gathered outside the noted nightspot with flags and banners.
Balotelli’s former Inter employers will not be pleased to hear he jumped when fans performed the traditional chant: ‘He who doesn’t jump is Nerazzurro.’
Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani does much of his business at this restaurant and traditionally dines here with new signings.
Balotelli’s family are also present with Rossoneri directors to welcome the Italian international.
VIDEO: First Balotelli interview as AC Milan player 30.1 ||webmaster
Galliani: 'Balotelli a dream come true' 30.1 ||webmaster
Mario Balotelli has landed in Italy to complete his move to Milan. “It’s a dream come true and he has been in our hearts for some time,” said Adriano Galliani.
The striker will now undergo a medical and sign the four-and-a-half-year contract to complete a transfer from Manchester City thought to be worth €20m plus a further €3m in performance-related bonuses.
“I certainly don’t need to present Mario Balotelli to you,” smiled Vice-President Galliani on Milan Channel after landing at Malpensa Airport.
“It is a dream come true and one that we all wanted, starting from President Silvio Berlusconi on the front line.
“With Mario’s arrival we strengthen our squad a great deal. We worked hard on this and Mario has been in our hearts for some time, so we finally managed to get him.”
Despite starting his Serie A career at Inter, Balotelli has confessed he is a Milan supporter.
He was meant to wear the Number 9 jersey left open by Alexandre Pato, but the rules bar a number from being used twice in one season, so Balotelli sticks with 45.
VIDEO: El Shaarawy freestyle with Nike boot 30.1 ||webmaster
Inter President Massimo Moratti isn’t overly concerned with Milan’s capture of Mario Balotelli. “He’s already played for us.”
The striker will complete his move to the Rossoneri this week, almost three years after leaving the Nerazzurri for Manchester City.
“I have to be honest, I’m a massive Inter fan, but I have no regrets,” he stated on Wednesday afternoon when asked for his thoughts on the move.
“He’s a Milan gamble, a good signing that we couldn’t and didn’t need to make because he’s already played for us.
“It could be a good move for them. I see it as a useful operation for Milan President Silvio Berlusconi for a thousand reasons. We’ll see how it ends.”
Turning to their own market purchases, Moratti commented on the imminent arrivals of Ezequiel Schelotto of Atalanta and Stuttgart’s Zdravko Kuzmanovic.
“We have squad needs,” he continued. “I don’t know if our transfer market will come to an end with these signings.”
Barbara Berlusconi: 'AC Milan can still sign top players' 30.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan director Barbara Berlusconi thinks that the club have proved a point by signing Mario Balotelli from Manchester City.
After being criticised in the summer for waving goodbye to a host of veteran stars, as well as selling Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain, they’ve now completed a €20m deal for the Italian international.
“This transfer has demonstrated that Milan can still invest substantial amounts in top players,” Barbara Berlusconi, the daughter of owner Silvio, told the club’s website.
“Our club has, in the last year or so, completely re-organised costing and investments,” she continued.
“It was about rationalisation, and various sacrifices were needed, not just in terms of player salaries but also about re-positioning the brand.
“Milan were the first club to choose to organise their accounts and balance the books.
“Thanks to this strong decision, we can only stand to benefit with our stars of the future, and still also be able to make some important acquisitions.”
Balotelli is set to touch down in Milan later today.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admits he will miss Mario Balotelli, as will the British Press, “but he had this big chance to go back to Italy with Milan.”
Mancini was speaking to Sky Sports in England after the Rossoneri announced a deal, as Balotelli flies in tomorrow morning to complete his medical.
“Both clubs are talking about him, maybe tomorrow they can close and Mario will undergo a medical.
“We are very sorry, as we love Mario as a guy and we love Mario as a player, but he had this big chance to go back to Italy and play for another top club like Milan.
“I hope Mario can continue to improve and show his real value, because I think that if he works hard then he can become one of the best players in Europe.
“I think the journalists will miss him, as they have something to talk about with Mario every day. It’ll be a big problem for the Press.”
Mancini also revealed that the negotiations only really intensified over the last 48 hours in a deal thought to be worth €20m plus another €3m in performance-related bonuses.
“Just four days ago there was nothing. Over the last two days they started to talk and it is important for Mario to play in Italy and stay in Italy with his family.”
AC Milan midfielder Urby Emanuelson is reportedly on the verge of completing a loan move to Fulham.
The Dutch international has been increasingly on the sidelines of the squad this season, playing as a stop-gap solution in defence, midfield, on the wing or even as part of an attacking trident.
According to Italian news sources, Emanuelson is already en route to London where he will undergo a medical and sign the contract.
However, Milan are only prepared to release Emanuelson on loan with no option to make it a permanent move.
It has been a very busy day for the Rossoneri, who secured Mario Balotelli from Manchester City for €20m plus €3m in performance-related bonuses.
Ibrahimovic 'happy for AC Milan and Balotelli' 29.1 ||webmaster
Details are starting to emerge on Mario Balotelli’s schedule, as he will fly in to Milan tomorrow morning, wear shirt Number 9 and make his debut in a friendly on Thursday.
The club has already announced his imminent arrival on Milan Channel, despite Manchester City staying silent on a deal worth €20m plus €3m in performance-related bonuses.
According to the latest reports from Italy, Balotelli will stay with Manchester City for tonight’s game with QPR at Loftus Road.
He’ll fly out in the morning and arrive at Linate Airport at around 10.30am GMT.
The medical will be performed in Busto Arsizio rather than at the Milanello training ground, then sign the four-and-a-half-year contract at the club HQ in Milan in the evening.
Balotelli will dine with Vice-President Adriano Galliani at the Giannino restaurant, where much of Milan’s business is done.
It is reported Balotelli will make his first appearance in a Rossoneri shirt during the friendly with Serie D side Darfo Boario on Thursday at Milanello.
Milan have already put SuperMario’s jersey on sale and confirmed it will be Number 9, the shirt left open by Alexandre Pato’s move to Corinthians.
His official presentation to the media will be on Friday.
Robinho: 'Open arms for Balotelli' 29.1 ||webmaster
Robinho has told Milan Channel that the team “awaits Mario Balotelli with open arms. We hope he can have a great season here.”
Although Manchester City remain silent, the Rossoneri have already announced a deal for the striker until June 2017 and are selling his jersey on their online store.
“Balotelli is a great player and will come to help the team,” said Robinho.
“We are happy and the locker room awaits him with open arms. We hope he can have a great season here at Milan.”
There are some reports the Brazilian could be sold now that Balotelli has arrived, as negotiations reached an impasse with Santos a few weeks ago.
“There is enthusiasm in the team and we are improving. There are still many games to go and we must continue notching up points to climb the table.
“We started the season badly and know Serie A is difficult, but we are in good form right now and in a crucial stage of the competition. Anything is possible.
“At this moment we cannot get it wrong and it’ll be difficult with Udinese, but we are prepared.”
El Shaarawy: 'Welcome Balotelli!' 29.1 ||webmaster
Mario Balotelli is officially a Milan player after agreeing a four-and-a-half-year contract, completing his move from Manchester City for €20m plus bonuses.
The news was confirmed on Milan Channel, the official club television channel, and he will have his medical on Wednesday.
“Mario arrives tomorrow!!!” read a statement on Milan Channel. “There is an agreement between the two clubs.
“Tomorrow he’ll undergo a medical and after that Mario will sign a contract with Milan until June 30 2017.”
Up until a couple of weeks ago, the price-tag set by City had been €37m, but Milan managed to negotiate it down to €20m to be paid over a six-year period, plus another €3m in performance-related bonuses.
Balotelli himself was crucial in the negotiations, as the lifelong Rossoneri supporter reportedly agreed to cut his wages from €6m net to just €4m.
Italian sources suggest he has already left the Manchester City training camp ahead of tonight's game with QPR and will be in Milan this evening.
Balotelli to Milan a matter of hours? 29.1 ||webmaster
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is on the verge of a move to Milan, according to reports in Italy.
Numerous sources, including Sky Sport Italia, claim that the Italy international is set to return to Serie A having agreed personal terms with the Rossoneri.
The 22-year-old will take a pay-cut to sign for the San Siro club, earning €4m per season as well as bonuses.
It is claimed that the Premier League club were holding out for €23m for the forward, whilst Massimiliano Allegri's team were only willing to pay €20m.
It seems however, that both sides have agreed a deal, with the controversial goalscorer set to sign within the next few hours.
Montolivo loves AC Milan playmaker role 29.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan are ready to tighten their grip on Stephan El Shaarawy after turning down a €30m offer from Napoli for him.
The player put pen to paper on a new deal in July which saw him handed a contract until 2017 worth €800,000 a season.
The Diavolo, however, are prepared to offer him another pay rise and extend his contract for a further 12 months – according to the Gazzetta dello Sport – following a goal-packed 2012-13 so far.
The 20-year-old has scored 15 goals in 22 Serie A appearances this season. He also has two in six Champions League ties.
Only Edinson Cavani of Napoli, thanks to his 18 goals which include three penalties, has scored more goals in the League than El Shaarawy this term.
AC Milan edge closer to Balotelli 29.1 ||webmaster
Reports in the British Press have suggested that Milan have offered Kevin-Prince Boateng in a swap-deal for Mario Balotelli.
The Daily Express believe that the Rossoneri could use the former Ghana international as a sweetener in their proposed move for the 22-year-old striker.
Stories in both the English and the Italian media have suggested that the two clubs have been at loggerheads over the asking-price of the Italy international.
But the tabloid claim that Massimiliano Allegri's side may be willing to let the midfielder go in order to capture Balotelli.
Platt: Balotelli staying at Manchester City 28.1 ||webmaster
Antonio Nocerino says he is happy at Milan amidst reports that Napoli are interested in the midfielder.
The two clubs have apparently discussed the option of a swap deal that would see Nocerino join his home-town outfit in exchange for Blerim Dzemaili.
“I’m happy at Milan,” he said when questioned about the rumours. “Then, if the club decide to put me on the market, we’ll sit down and discuss it together.
“I don’t think that I’ll be leaving in January. At the end of the season we’ll evaluate what I’ve done well and badly.”
The 27-year-old was a revelation in his first San Siro campaign following his €0.5m move from Palermo. He scored 10 goals in 35 League games.
The former Juventus man has had a more problematic season this time around seeing as he has started just 13 games in Serie A.
Boateng to Manchester City for Balotelli? 28.1 ||webmaster
Adriano Galliani has dropped another hint that Milan are pushing for Mario Balotelli, as reports emerge Kevin-Prince Boateng could be included in the €20m deal.
The Rossoneri Vice-President had said on Saturday that SuperMario was 99.9 per cent unlikely to arrive.
“Is it still 99.9 per cent? No, now it’s 99.5 per cent,” smiled Galliani on Milan Channel.
There are numerous reports that agent Mino Raiola has flown to Manchester in order to present Milan’s €20m offer.
Rai Sport suggest that Boateng could be included as part of the deal to swing it in the Rossoneri’s favour.
Many sources claim that Monday will be decisive in negotiations for Balotelli.
Meanwhile, previous transfer target Didier Drogba has reportedly agreed a transfer to Galatasaray, where he will play alongside Wesley Sneijder.
Serie A: Atalanta 0:1 AC Milan - goals/highlights 27.1 ||webmaster
Allegri: 'Niang more than Robinho now' 27.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri commented on Milan’s transfer strategy and why he picks Mbaye Niang ahead of Robinho.
Stephan El Shaarawy scored his first goal in four rounds to secure a 1-0 victory away to Atalanta.
“The team is doing fairly well and this was a good victory in a difficult arena,” said the Coach.
“Atalanta caused us a few problems, but we did well for over an hour and only ran a few risks at the end. We’re a little more organised in the middle and can move the ball better in attack, which means when we play quickly we can do damage.
“The only thing we lacked today was a cool head in front of goal. Now we will work to prepare for the game with Udinese. I am relaxed and wait to see where we’ll be at the end of February, then of course where we are at the end of May. We are growing and cannot say how much this side can improve.”
Milan signed Cristian Zaccardo from Parma this week and are still trying to sign Mario Balotelli and Ricky Kaka.
“The defence is doing better at the moment because the whole team is working to help them. We have kept two consecutive clean sheets on our travels, but at home we conceded two avoidable goals.
“We are building a team of young players with good quality. Zaccardo is a World Cup winner and came here with great hunger to play for us. Even if he is 31, he is the exception that proves the rule.
“I don’t know if Robinho will still be here next season, so for the moment I am choosing Mbaye Niang because he gives me more guarantees.
“Balotelli? I won’t think about him because he is a Manchester City player. If he arrives here, then I’ll consider how to approach him. Obviously, I wouldn't say no... We are setting up a good, disciplined group and that is important in a difficult League like Serie A.”
Allegri was also asked about Juventus raging against the referee after a 1-1 draw with Genoa.
“I didn’t see the second half, as I wasn’t feeling well and fell asleep. At this moment Juve are favourites for the Scudetto. In any case, if you don’t believe the referees are in good faith, then there’s no point having them there.”
Real Madrid: 'Still negotiating over Kaka' 27.1 ||webmaster
“Mario Balotelli would have no problem settling in at Milan,” assured assistant manager Mauro Tassotti.
The Manchester City striker is set for a January move after Roberto Mancini and the club ran out of patience with his antics.
It is widely reported that the Rossoneri have offered €20m for the striker, to be spread over six instalments.
“Is Balotelli arriving? It’s the club that works on the transfer market, not me,” said Tassotti on Sky Sport Italia.
“Having said that, I’m sure Balotelli would have no problem settling in at Milan. He is a very strong player, that is beyond doubt.
“He’s still very young despite the fact he has been playing at this level for a long time. He had a fantastic Euro 2012 and we are talking about a champion.”
It is claimed agent Mino Raiola has flown to Manchester in order to present the €20m proposal.
Serie A: Atalanta 0:1 AC Milan - match report 27.1 ||webmaster
Stephan El Shaarawy broke his four-match goal drought to give Milan a 1-0 victory away to 10-man Atalanta.
The Rossoneri were out for revenge after a 1-0 home defeat earlier this season. Massimo Ambrosini, Urby Emanuelson, Nigel De Jong and Didac Vila were injured, while Atalanta missed Daniele Capelli, Stefano Lucchini, Giampaolo Bellini, Guido Marilungo and the suspended Lugi Giorgi.
Christian Abbiati flapped at a dangerous Giacomo Bonaventura cross heading to German Denis, then pushed another assist off the foot of Facundo Parra from six yards. Stephan El Shaarawy’s counter-attack was cut short by Davide Brivio and Atalanta lost Ferri to injury.
El Shaarawy broke his four-match goal drought by gathering an Mbaye Niang through ball and spinning round substitute Cristian Raimondi to place the angled drive across the goalkeeper.
Facundo Parra failed to make the most of a defensive error by blasting into the stands, then Denis completely mis-kicked a Bonaventura ball across the six-yard box.
Abbiati was called into action as Parra pulled back for Denis, while a Pazzini overhead kick was off target.
It was an increasingly tense match with arguments breaking out all over the field. Brivio paid the price, as he received a second yellow card for barging into the back of Pazzini.
Michele Canini charged down a Niang effort, as 10-man Atalanta kept up the pressure without making much of a dent.
Milan thought they had finished off the game when Mathieu Flamini went clear, but Andrea Consigli performed a crucial save at the near post.
Atalanta Coach Stefano Colantuono was also sent off for dissent, while Carlos Carmona was booked for an obvious dive. It was an incredibly tense and ill-tempered match with scuffles and arguments breaking out every few minutes.
Stefano Colantuono already beat Milan once this season and hopes Atalanta can make it a remarkable double.
The Oroboci came out 1-0 winners at San Siro and now welcome the giants to the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia. Click here for a match preview.
“We are facing a great side like Milan who have gone through a period of renewal after their sales,” said the Coach.
“They signed some interesting young talents and, mixed with the core Rossoneri veterans, make up the right combination.
“Milan always fight for the top spots and are accustomed to battling for an important result at all times.”
Atalanta have stuttered lately and found it particularly difficult to score goals, so brought in Igor Budan this week.
“I am convinced Budan can give us a hand, though he doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs yet. I’d like German Denis to be more of a fixture in the penalty area. I told him not to seek the goal like an obsession, because sooner or later it will come.”
AC Milan push EUR 20 mil. Balotelli bid 27.1 ||webmaster
Italian newspapers claim that Milan have offered €20m for Mario Balotelli and his agent is in Manchester to discuss the deal with City.
Adriano Galliani had already hinted at a bid on Saturday, but reports are emerging that the Rossoneri tabled an offer worth €20m.
It would be payable in six instalments, therefore spreading the cost over several years so as not to put too big a dent in Milan’s coffers.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims a deal is in the works and that agent Mino Raiola has already flown out to England for talks with Manchester City.
Time is running out to secure a transfer, as the January window closes next Thursday.
The push for Balotelli comes after Galliani confirmed Milan were giving up on Kaka and Didier Drogba.
FIFA agent and Milan collaborator Ernesto Bronzetti further fuelled the reports by telling Italian media “I think by January 31 Balotelli will be at San Siro. It’s only a matter of €5m difference between the clubs.”
AC Milan 'offer EUR 20 mil. for Balotelli' 26.1 ||webmaster
Mario Balotelli’s agent has said “anything can happen from here until January 31 and we are keeping vigilant” after Milan dropped hints.
Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani declared today that while Didier Drogba and Ricky Kaka were “101% not coming,” the chances of snapping up Balotelli were “99.9%...”
This opened the door for the Manchester City striker and agent Mino Raiola, who has visited Milan over the last few days, added another push.
“Anything can happen from here until January 31 and we are keeping vigilant,” Raiola told Radio Deejay.
“A loan? This formula for a transfer has been ruled out by Manchester City directors. City received an offer of €40m cash during the Euros.”
It is now a race against time for Milan to find the £24m necessary or convince City to accept payment in several stages.
Adriano Galliani left the door open for Mario Balotelli to Milan. “Kaka and Didier Drogba are 101% not coming. Balotelli is 99.9%...”
The Rossoneri Vice-President spoke of their transfer strategy in the final days of the January window and can’t bring himself to let go of the Manchester City striker.
“Kaka and Drogba are 101% not coming to Milan. Balotelli? He is 99.9%...” smiled Galliani.
Milan are still determined to bring Balotelli in on loan for six months with an option to buy, although the Eastlands club are adamant he won’t be leaving for less than £24m.
It had been reported the Rossoneri would sell Ignazio Abate and Luca Antonini to Zenit in order to raise funds.
“Abate and Antonini are staying. Their agent was in Russia to see through Salvatore Bocchetti’s transfer to Spartak Moscow, that is all.”
Meanwhile, Milan have officially bought half of Kevin Constant’s contract from Genoa in exchange for their 50 per cent of Francesco Acerbi, who had been in a co-ownership deal.
Cristian Zaccardo arrived from Parma in a straight swap with Djamel Mesbah, while Rodney Strasser joined the Tardini side on loan.
OFFICIAL: Acerbi to Genoa for Constant 26.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan will hand Francesco Acerbi back to Genoa in exchange for co-ownership of Kevin Constant, it has been announced.
Both players moved to San Siro over the summer, though defender Acerbi was in a co-ownership deal and Constant on loan with option to buy for €8m.
La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest a lengthy meeting between President Enrico Preziosi and Vice-President Adriano Galliani on Friday finalised the deal.
The official Milan website confirmed the news that their half of Acerbi is sold back to Genoa and they now own 50 per cent of Constant's contract.
Acerbi will return to Genoa with a valuation of €4m, paying for half of Constant’s contract to Milan.
“In all honesty, when the news of my transfer to Milan arrived, I didn’t think I would have so many opportunities to play,” Constant told Tuttosport.
“I knew Coach Massimiliano Allegri respected me, so I worked my socks off to prove I had qualities worthy of Milan.
“I arrived on loan, but I want to stay at Milan. My agent said the clubs discussed it and at the moment they are thinking about buying me out. I am happy, but would prefer to be with the Rossoneri 100 per cent rather than co-owned.”
Constant also spoke about the growing problem of racism in football stadiums, especially as Milan walked off during a friendly with Pro Patria.
“Since I have been here, I’ve never heard racist insults from the stands, not even when I played in Verona which is thought by many to be a racist city. I didn’t see it that way.
“I’ve lived in Italy for three years with my family and never had problems. In my view what happened at Pro Patria was a serious incident, but an isolated one. I don’t think it will happen again.”
Allegri: 'AC Milan can't throw games away' 26.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri urged his Milan side to stop throwing leads away ahead of their match with Atalanta. “We can’t risk drawing these games.”
The Rossoneri had dominated Bologna last week, but a late goal saw it end 2-1 with a lot of pressure on the home team.
“We have to improve in the way we deal with the full 90 minutes, because we can’t risk drawing these games even when we are in control,” warned Allegri during his Press conference.
“We’ve got to keep possession without risks. I am happy with the team, as for example Stephan El Shaarawy didn’t score, but he put in a good performance and that is what we want from him.”
There have been changes over the last few days, as Cristian Zaccardo came in from Parma while Djamel Mesbah and Rodney Strasser went to the Tardini, plus Francesco Acerbi to Genoa.
“We are doing good work on the transfer market, because I am pleased to have a more streamlined squad. We will evaluate all situations up until January 31.
“Ignazio Abate will remain a Milan player, despite the transfer rumours. Robinho will have to rediscover himself before starting a game, as he is not in the best shape physically.
“I think Philippe Mexes and Cristian Zapata will start in defence tomorrow.”
AC Milan 'give up' on Kaka and Drogba 26.1 ||webmaster
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that a return to Milan would be good for Kaka.
The Brazilian playmaker has been linked with a move back to the Rossoneri over the past few weeks, however vice-President Adriano Galliani has conceded that an initial deal was called off due to 'fiscal reasons'.
The Portuguese Coach though, thinks that the 30-year-old would be happier with a return to San Siro.
“First of all I want Kaka to be happy,” he told a Press conference. “I think Milan would be a good solution for him.
“For now though, he remains a Madrid player.”
The former Inter tactician then revealed that he could himself make a move back to Italy in the summer, potentially to the Nerazzurri.
“I still want to have another 20 years in football,” he added. “And during that time anything could happen.
Mattia Destro says he is proud to have a fan in Milan President Silvio Berlusconi, but he insists his future is at Roma.
The Italian international is a known transfer target for the Diavolo and Berlusconi recently publicly spoke of his admiration for the centre-forward.
“Milan? You should never say never, but I still see myself at Roma next season,” the former Inter, Genoa and Siena man told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Despite my difficulties, I don’t regret coming here. This experience is positive for me, the squad is beautiful and the fans are treating me well.”
Destro, 21, has scored just four goals in 16 League games for the capital club since his arrival.
The striker was also asked about which of his teammates had surprised him with their ability at the Stadio Olimpico.
“I’ll say Alessandro Florenzi and Miralem Pjanic,” he responded. “Miralem is extraordinary and he’ll be one of the strongest midfielders in the world in a couple of years.”
Cristian Zapata has what it takes to have a future with Italian giants Milan, says teammate Mario Yepes.
The 26-year-old moved to the San Siro in the summer on a loan deal from Villarreal following their relegation.
The ex-Udinese man, however, hasn’t been assured of a regular place in the first team and has only made eight League appearances.
However, Yepes has told Milan Channel that he believes that his fellow Colombian defender is worthy of the Diavolo jersey.
“Zapata has a lot of quality, as well as margins of improvement,” the former Chievo Verona centre-back noted. “I hope that Cristian can stay at Milan for some time to come.”
AC Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has warned fans to not expect any major signing between now and the closing of the transfer window.
The Rossoneri have been linked with moves for Real Madrid’s Kaka, Didier Drogba of Shanghai Shenhua and Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli.
“We’ll wait until January 31,” Galliani told Sky Sport Italia as he left the Giannino restaurant in Milan last night. “But it is difficult to complete transfers when you evaluate the costs.
“I don’t think that a big signing will be made. Kaka? I haven’t spoken to him, as I haven’t spoken to Drogba.”
The Diavolo did complete one piece of business on Thursday after Cristian Zaccardo was brought in from Parma.
“Zaccardo is a good player,” noted the official. “Therefore we are happy with his capture.”
Roma and Milan have not discussed the option of swapping Maarten Stekelenburg and Marco Amelia.
The Dutchman is looking for a new club after losing the first-team gloves at Roma this season, while Amelia has never hidden his dream of returning to his hometown outfit.
“It’s just a rumour,” Carlo Pallavicino, the agent of the Diavolo custodian, is quoted as saying. “It is built on the player’s feelings for the Giallorossi.
“I’ve had no contact with Roma about a possible move for Amelia. And Milan would not consider his sale.
“However, even if Marco is happy in Milan, he wouldn’t say no to Roma…”
Amelia, 30, is tied to the San Siro giants until June 2015. He has featured in eight League games so far this term.
Milan have a goalkeeping decision to make in the summer as Christian Abbiati, 35, is only contracted until June.
Zaccardo: 'Proud to join AC Milan' 25.1 ||webmaster
“It is an honour” to join Milan, said new signing Cristian Zaccardo. “The negotiations began two weeks ago.”
The 31-year-old defender has arrived from Parma in exchange for Djamel Mesbah, while the loan of Rodney Strasser to the Tardini side is also in the works.
“I am very happy and it is an honour to be at such an important club. I will give everything to provide my contribution,” Zaccardo told Milan Channel.
“I am so proud of the fact Milan were interested in me. The negotiations began two weeks ago with a chat and have now become reality, as I am here.
“You know me, as I can play in central defence or on either flank. I will give my all. I’m here at the age of 31, after many Serie A games, and already know a few of my new teammates.”
Zaccardo’s arrival fuels reports that Milan are ready to accept Zenit’s offer for Ignazio Abate.
Cristian Zaccardo expressed his joy at signing for Milan, while Parma confirm Rodney Strasser is part of the deal along with Djamel Mesbah.
“How happy am I from 1 to 10? 10!” grinned the 31-year-old right-back after putting pen to paper on a contract until June 2017.
It had until now been considered a straight swap between Zaccardo and Mesbah, but this evening it has emerged that Milan midfielder Strasser could also be included.
“We are finalising the exchange,” said Parma general manager Pietro Leonardi at Milan’s HQ.
“Strasser? The negotiations are at an advanced stage. I think we can try to close the deal, although there are still some things to talk about.”
Hoffenheim visited Parma this week to make an offer for Amauri, but Leonardi reveals there were other options.
“We do not want to weaken the side, so Amauri is staying with us. Hoffenheim’s primary objective was Gabriel Paletta. If an offer we could not turn down arrived, then we would consider it.”
AC Milan to complete Zaccardo - Mesbah move 24.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has warned “it is not possible” for the club to sign Ricky Kaka or Mario Balotelli right now.
The negotiations for both players continue, although Real Madrid and Manchester City refuse to release their stars on loan.
“Balotelli and Kaka? Neither of them will arrive,” Berlusconi told Radio 2.
“It is not possible at the moment with the economy in this condition. Adriano Galliani always has hope, but the accounts hold him back at the end of the day.”
It is reported that Manchester City set a new ultimatum for Milan to offer €25m within 48 hours or forget about signing Balotelli this month.
The Rossoneri have repeatedly stated they would love to snap up SuperMario, but only if City lower the price-tag substantially or agree to release him on loan.
AC Milan full-back Ignazio Abate could be on the verge of a move to Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg, according to reports.
Gazzetta dello Sport believe that Luciano Spalletti's side have agreed terms with the Rossoneri, and are just ironing personal terms with the 26-year-old.
The defender's agent told reporters yesterday that the reigning Russian champions would have to 'raise their bid' were they to bring him to the Petrovsky Stadium.
But the Milan-based newspaper claim that it the case, with his departure expected imminently.
Abate has been in-and-out of Massimiliano Allegri's starting XI this season, playing just 12 League games so far.
AC Milan youngster Stephan El Shaarawy has revealed that the club's former midfielder Kaka was his idol growing up.
The Brazilian playmaker has been linked with a move back to San Siro over the January transfer window.
And the 20-year-old striker has admitted that the trequarista was influential for him growing up, whilst also highlighting some of his favourite Rossoneri moments.
“My idol growing up was Kaka,” he told Forza Milan magazine. “No doubt about it. The game I remember the most as a youngster was the Champions League final against Juventus in 2003.
“That is a memory that gives me the greatest pleasure.
“As a player though, the game I will remember with the greatest fondness was when I scored my first goal against Udinese.
“I've been a Rossoneri fan since I was a child. They've always been my favourite club.”
AC Milan lead Italy in Money League 24.1 ||webmaster
The annual Football Money League report, published by Deloitte, shows that Milan are still Italian football’s top earners.
Real Madrid are the game’s biggest cash generating force after they amassed revenue in excess of €500m in 2011-12. Barcelona are second, with Manchester United third.
Milan are eighth in the list, having dropped a place from the season before, despite a yearly increase in revenue from €234.8m to €256.9m.
Juventus, thanks to income of €194.5m last season, are tenth in the standings having benefitted from winning Serie A and moving into their own arena.
Inter have fallen four places to 12th, Napoli are up five to 15th while Roma have dropped four spots to 19th.
Top 20: 1 Real Madrid €512.6m, 2 Barcelona €483m, 3 Man Utd €395.9m, 4 Bayern Munich €368.4m, 5 Chelsea €322.6m, 6 Arsenal €290.3m, 7 Man City €285.6m, 8 Milan €256.9m, 9 Liverpool €233.2m, 10 Juventus €195.4m, 11 Borussia Dortmund €189.1m, 12 Inter €185.9m, 13 Spurs €178.2m, 14 Schalke €174.5m, 15 Napoli €148.4m, 16 Marseille €135.7m, 17 Lyon €131.9m, 18 Hamburg €121.1m, 19 Roma €115.9m, 20 Newcastle €115.3m.
Ignazio Abate’s agent has told Zenit he is available “if they raise their offer, considering Milan are looking for cash to take Mario Balotelli.”
It was known that the Russian side had made a proposal for the full-back, who is wanted by Coach Luciano Spalletti.
“We thank Zenit and Spalletti for their interest, but the lad will remain in Italy with Milan,” agent Claudio Pasqualin told Personal Press.
“If Zenit raise their offer, then maybe something will change, considering Milan are looking for cash to take Mario Balotelli.”
It had already been reported that the Rossoneri were ready to sell Abate and Robinho in the January transfer window to raise funds for the Manchester City striker, but this is the first time it has been confirmed by an agent close to the club.
Brazil blame AC Milan for Pato injuries 23.1 ||webmaster
Brazil’s chief medic has accused Milan of making Alexandre Pato’s injury problems worse, as he tries to resume his career at Corinthians.
“In my view, in the past Pato has been rushed back on to the field too quickly, or Milan got the treatment for his muscles wrong while he was out of action,” Seleçao medic Jose Luis Runco declared.
“I have seen other cases like Pato’s. With the right course of action and if the player collaborates with medics, I usually don’t see any big problems.”
Pato spent much of the last two years on the treatment table for a series of thigh strains.
He even went for several days to America for tests at a specialist sports injury clinic, who said there was no medical reason why he kept suffering these relapses.
There had been suggestions that Pato pushed for a transfer to Corinthians this month so that he could deal with his injuries better in the heat of Brazil.
Lazio have pulled out of the race to sign Didier Drogba, leaving Milan and Juventus. “He is not in our plans.”
The Biancocelesti had recently been included in the transfer stories surrounding the Ivory Coast international, who seems ready to leave Shanghai Shenhua.
“Drogba is not in our plans,” Lazio President Claudio Lotito told Radio 2 in Italy this afternoon.
It is reported that Juventus are prepared to offer Shanghai Shenhua cash to take him on loan for the rest of the season.
On the other hand, Milan would prefer for Drogba to terminate his contract with the Chinese club first so he could arrive on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Inter director Marco Tronchetti Provera commented on the Drogba situation.
“Drogba is a champion, so if he doesn’t go to Milan then I won’t be upset...”
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri says he would welcome the proposed January arrival of Didier Drogba.
The Ivory Coast international is again being linked with the Rossoneri after reports that he’s asked to quit Shanghai Shenhua this month.
“I think these types of transfers are complicated,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. “But Vice-President Adriano Galliani knows how to conclude them if there is the chance to do that.
“It is clear that when we speak about players of this calibre then they would increase the technical level of the team.
“But the squad is doing well anyway and the boys are growing.”
The Diavolo have had a problematic campaign to date as they initially struggled following the mass exodus of talent in the summer.
“We have to have an excellent second half of the season, that is our objective,” the tactician added. “We need to get some consistency to our results, even if that is not easy.
“We have improved since the start of the season. Now we are getting closer to the Champions League and the derby, and we have to get as many points as possible in order to stay in contact with the top of the table.”
The Diavolo are currently sixth in the standings, nine points behind third and the last remaining Champions League spots.
Italian media claim Didier Drogba wants his Shanghai Shenhua contract terminated, sparking a bidding war between Juventus, Lazio and Milan.
The Ivory Coast hitman has reportedly sent a letter to Shanghai Shenhua asking for his deal to be terminated.
This opens the door to a free transfer back to Europe, although the stumbling block remains his wage demand.
Sky Sport Italia suggest Drogba has slightly lowered his expectations, so he would want €4m from now until the end of the season, plus a further €6m for the 2013-14 campaign.
Milan appear to be in pole position after giving up on Kaka because Real Madrid would not release him on loan.
Juventus and also Lazio are said to be tracking Drogba’s situation, particularly if he can get away on a free transfer.
Kaka's move from Real Madrid to Milan could already be complete, reports in Italy have suggested this evening.
Calcio News have claimed that the Brazilian midfielder has put pen-to-paper on a loan-deal back to San Siro, with the Rossoneri willing to pay him €6m per season.
Talks between the attacking midfielder and the club have been ongoing for the past few days, but the website now believe that he has agreed to join Massimiliano Allegri's men.
The deal will see Kaka move back to Serie A on-loan, with Milan then having the option to purchase him outright for €25m.
Manchester City want to keep Balotelli 21.1 ||webmaster
The agent of Mario Balotelli doubts that the Manchester City striker could end up at Milan by the end of the month.
The Rossoneri have admitted that they are ready to discuss a transfer if the Premiership giants reduce their asking price.
“City want €37m? They have never asked for money because they haven’t put the player up for sale,” Mino Raiola told GR Parlamento on Monday.
“There are no negotiations going on for Balotelli, not with any side. And there will be no meeting in the week.
“City don’t want to sell Mario, never mind loan him out. At the minute there is a zero per cent chance of a move. But who knows what will happen until January 31.”
Inter recently revealed that they have an option to re-sign the player who they sold in the summer of 2010.
“There is an agreement between Inter and City, but that does not stop the player from choosing a different destination,” Raiola clarified.
Allegri: 'AC Milan can't risk like that' 20.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri hopes the transfer stories aren’t distracting Milan after they “risked throwing it away at the end” against Bologna.
The Rossoneri were leading 2-0 with a Giampaolo Pazzini brace, but the Philippe Mexes own goal kept the 2-1 result in the balance.
“The club thinks about the transfer market and I am in sync with them, but obviously I am not the one who is in control of these matters,” said the Coach.
“Today the team played well, above all in terms of technique after we raised the intensity level. Clearly we’ve got to finish off games, instead we risked throwing it away at the end.
“We can only grow by playing and learning. We’ve got to improve, as we cannot dominate a match to this degree only to risk compromising it with moments of naiveté. It would’ve been tough to swallow a draw this afternoon.”
Milan hope to remain in the race for a Champions League spot, as Lazio, Napoli and Fiorentina all dropped points this weekend.
“There are many teams in this race and we will try our best, but unfortunately when making so many changes to a squad you must expect this sort of situation.
“Many clubs have been left out of the Champions League in recent years, so it could be our turn, but we are targeting more long-term prospects.
“Our objective is to end the season on an upward swing.”
AC Milan 'will jump for Balotelli if...' 20.1 ||webmaster
Adriano Galliani confirms there are developments for Kaka and Milan “will jump for Mario Balotelli" if the price-tag drops.
The Vice-President spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of today’s Serie A game with Bologna at San Siro.
“We are trying for Kaka. It is an issue of numbers. I don’t want to get into particulars right now, but we have to make a sacrifice, as do Real Madrid and Kaka.
“In a day or two we’ll know whether the move can go through or not. It is a difficult solution to find, because there is a big anomaly in the difference between the Italian and Spanish fiscal rules.
“Of all the players who left Milan, nobody had the emotional effect of Kaka, not even Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Thiago Silva. There are thousands of Rossoneri fans who are orphans of Kaka since 2009, including me.”
Galliani was also asked about Balotelli amid reports the €37m price set by Manchester City has dropped to €28m.
“It depends on them. I am waiting, they are there and if the price drops then we will jump for Balotelli. Otherwise, we will stay in Milan. They are his legitimate employers, so we wait, observe and see what happens.
“How much does it have to drop? We don’t know. Paying in instalments is an option, but you still have to pay.”
Giampaolo Pazzini’s brace was ultimately enough to give Milan three points, though a Philippe Mexes own goal gave Bologna late hope.
The Rossoneri were under pressure to pick up all three points, though Mario Yepes, Massimo Ambrosini and Nigel De Jong were sidelined with fitness concerns for Robinho and Daniele Bonera too. Giampaolo Pazzini returned from suspension to lead the trident with Mbaye Niang and Stephan El Shaarawy. Bologna also played at San Siro on Tuesday night, taking Inter to the last seconds of extra time before capitulating 3-2 in the Coppa Italia quarter-final. Cesare Natali, Robert Acquafresca and Henry Gimenez missed out on this trip.
This has been a tight fixture recently, as in the last six editions there was never more than a one-goal gap between them.
El Shaarawy went on a solo run down the left to test Federico Agliardi’s reflexes at the near post and a long-range Kevin-Prince Boateng strike was charged down.
Niang flashed a shot across the face of goal with nobody ready to take advantage. Christian Abbiati got down to palm a Riverola daisy-cutter round the post on the half-hour.
Agliardi flew to palm a dangerous Pazzini glancing header off the line, while Kevin Constant’s first touch was heavy on a Niang assist.
After the break Philippe Mexes hit a scissor-kick against the body of Daniele Portanova from a corner, then Pazzini at full stretch failed to get on the end of another good Niang cross from the right.
Pazzini missed again from five yards after Ignazio Abate sprinted to the by-line and pulled back, but the striker felt the pressure of Portanova and Agliardi to completely mis-kick.
A corner came to El Shaarawy and his fierce shot stung Agliardi’s palms, as it was rapidly turning into a siege.
The pressure paid off when Pazzini turned Antonsson and saw his shot take a huge deflection off the prone Bologna man’s foot to loop over a helpless goalkeeper.
Pazzini netted his second with a lovely bit of skill, flicking the ball up in the air to turn round and volley under the bar.
Milan seemed to be home and dry, but left the door open when Cristian Pasquato’s header down from a set piece was accidentally prodded over the line by a clumsy Mexes intervention.
That gave Bologna hope and the final minutes were tense at San Siro as the Rossoblu poured forward.
There are reports Manchester City have lowered Mario Balotelli’s asking price to €28m, while Milan are working out a payment plan for Kaka.
“Balotelli? We can talk about it if that price drops. Up until last night it was staying firm at €37m and at these conditions it is impossible,” said Vice-President Adriano Galliani on Saturday.
Today La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Manchester City got the message, so are willing to reduce the price-tag to €28m – approximately £23.5m.
It is also suggested that the Premier League club accepted a plan to spread the payment in six instalments, so allowing Milan to still balance the books.
Meanwhile, Galliani is still in negotiations with Real Madrid to bring back Kaka and there could be developments here too.
It is reported that Milan consulted with an economic expert in Spain to find a loophole in the tax laws, allowing the Italians to take on Kaka’s contract during a loan period without paying extra on his wages.
Kaka will still have to agree to halve his wages, but the difference will be between the net and gross sum Milan are to pay up.
Galliani has complained for many years that Spanish clubs have the advantage in the transfer market because their tax laws allow for much larger net wages.
Serie A: AC Milan vs. Bologna - match preview 20.1 ||webmaster
Having played 120 minutes on Wednesday evening, Bologna are at a disadvantage as they return to San Siro to play Milan.
At least that's what defender Fredrik Sorensen thinks ahead of the game, admitting that it may be a problem on Saturday evening - not that it will stop them from trying.
"We're disappointed with the Coppa Italia loss, but we'll now turn that disappointment into anger and put it back on to the pitch when we play Milan," he revealed, while at the same time claiming responsibility for Andrea Ranocchia's late extra-time winner.
One plus is the return amongst the goals of Alberto Gilardino last week, who scored a couple in his side's 4-0 win over Chievo.
"Alberto was in need of these goals and as a striker he lives to score, but he has always remained a key reference point for the team," assured Coach Stefano Pioli after the game. "I don't think the team has failed to give him chances - he must create his own opportunities."
The player himself, however, was more interested in the forthcoming fixtures than his own personal tally, claiming that "the games with Milan and Roma will tell us a lot about who we are."
The post-Coppa Italia fatigue is something that Milan had to deal with last week, with Stephan El Shaarawy noticeably under-par.
"El Shaarawy was a bit flat, but he has played a lot of games," said Coach Max Allegri in defence of the performance.
In truth the team as a whole were a bit flat, but it has not deterred them from aiming high - specifically reaching third place and Champions League qualification.
"We can recover the position in the League, compared to last year, because there is more balance. There are more teams that are difficult to play and against whom it is difficult to win," the Coach continued. "In this championship no-one will go on long winning streaks, so we must believe."
Captain for a large part of last week's match, Riccardo Montolivo, is thinking along the same lines, with a belief that third is in reach.
"We must stay focused on the goal until we are mathematically out of it. We must continue on this path against Bologna, where we have to win," he said, according to Bwin football.
With regular captain Massimo Ambrosini out with injury, Montolivo could well take the armband again on Saturday. Mario Yepes joins the skipper on the injured list.
Bologna miss Sliti Taider - a victim of the Coppa Italia tie in midweek, Cesare Natali and Robert Acquafresca.
Keep an eye on: Manolo Gabbiadini (Bologna) - Having taken a while to get started, he now has four goals in his last six games - his total for the season so far. Playing off to the left recently, he is starting to adapt to a regular place in the team.
Form guide: Milan (W W L W D) Bologna (D W L L W)
Last season: Milan 1-1 Bologna
Bwin odds: 1.50 Milan 4.00 Draw 7.75 Bologna
Stat fact: Giampaolo Pazzini has been booked four times in 10 games against Bologna - only against Inter has he received more in his career.
Milan (probable): Abbiati; De Sciglio, Mexes, Zapata, Constant; Boateng, Montolivo, Nocerino; Bojan, Pazzini, El Shaarawy
Bologna have made a habit of causing upsets this season and Stefano Pioli warned they will “play our game” against Milan too.
The Rossoblu beat Napoli in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia, then fought back from 2-0 down to push Inter to extra time in Tuesday’s Coppa quarter-final.
“The disappointment at the Coppa result had vanished by Wednesday morning,” insisted the Coach after a 3-2 defeat in the last minute.
“However, we bring with us the performance against Inter and the knowledge we played one of our best games of the season.
“You prepare for Milan with sharpness, concentration and focus, especially as they have been on a positive run.
“A difficult match awaits us, but with the right attitude and more precision, we want to play our game.”
Robert Acquafresca, Henry Gimenez and Cesare Natali are unavailable.
AC Milan transfer chief Adriano Galliani gives an update on Kaka and reveals Manchester City set a £24m price-tag for Mario Balotelli. “We’ll talk about it if that price drops.”
The club had been adamant that there was no interest in Balotelli, but Galliani has now confirmed they made enquiries within the last 24 hours and were given a price by City officials.
“Balotelli? We can talk about it if that price drops. Up until last night it was staying firm at €37m and at these conditions it is impossible.”
The Sun claimed this morning that Balotelli was ready to leave Manchester and his price-tag had been set at £24m – which translates at roughly €37m.
Galliani is also in negotiations with Real Madrid to take Kaka on loan if he halves his wages.
“It is a very complicated operation and for it to go through we need all three parties to make sacrifices. President Silvio Berlusconi is enthusiastic about the move.”
Allegri: 'No Beckham or Balotelli' 19.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri insists Milan are “only negotiating for Kaka, so there will be no Mario Balotelli or David Beckham” as he prepares to face giant-killers Bologna.
The reports today on negotiations with Balotelli gained traction in The Sun newspaper, but Allegri took his Press conference to make a statement.
“There are talks in progress for Kaka, an important negotiation process if this great return should occur. I agree with the club and Adriano Galliani on everything, so there has never been my position opposed to that of the club. There is an exchange of ideas, certainly, but it’s not true that I don’t want Kaka.
“Beckham? I know Beckham, he is a great guy and a player of real class. However, you can’t wipe out his birth certificate and Milan have chosen to focus on youth hopefully with support from an important champion like Kaka.
“Balotelli? We are only negotiating for Kaka. In attack we have Giampaolo Pazzini, Bojan Krkic and M’Baye Niang, while we also have experienced players who bring a sense of security.”
Allegri confirmed that Riccardo Montolivo will play in front of the defence, while Pazzini will return to the starting XI with centre-backs Philippe Mexes and Cristian Zapata.
“Stephan El Shaarawy has not scored for a few games, but he is only 20 years old and mustn’t see the goal as an obsession.”
The Coach has a contract until June 2014, but President Silvio Berlusconi hinted that Allegri’s position next season will depend on results.
“I have a contract with Milan, all the rest is just talk. I have an excellent rapport with Berlusconi, so when I hear these questions I am not worried. I am concentrated only on Milan.”
There are reports that Mario Balotelli has given notice on his rented house and sending back possessions to Italy ahead of a £24m move to Milan.
The fiery Manchester City striker has repeatedly been linked with the Rossoneri, although again on Friday Vice-President Adriano Galliani denied any talks for the 22-year-old.
According to a report in The Sun, Balotelli has given notice on his rented house and is already shipping some of his possessions to Italy.
The rumours emerged after agent Mino Raiola was spotted at the Milan HQ in Via Turati this week, but £24m is likely to be beyond the Rossoneri’s transfer budget.
Italian newspapers today suggest the only way this could go through would be if Ignazio Abate and Robinho were also sold during the January transfer window.
Balotelli arrived at Manchester City in 2010 with a £22m move from Inter, but has always admitted he is a lifelong Milan supporter.
Recently his rapport with manager Roberto Mancini took another turn for the worse with pictures emerging of a training ground bust-up.
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi referred to SuperMario as "a bad apple," but then insisted he had been misquoted and apologised.
Wages key in Kaka - AC Milan talks 19.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan continue their negotiations for Ricky Kaka, but it’s reported Real Madrid have set a €25m price-tag and the club is still discussing his wage demands.
The Rossoneri have confirmed they are in talks to bring the 30-year-old Brazilian back to San Siro, although they hope to take him on loan.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Real Madrid have set a €25m price-tag that has already been enough to scare off a €6m proposal from LA Galaxy.
La Gazzetta dello Sport instead claims that the clubs have a basic agreement for a 24-month loan that will be thrashed out in Madrid on Tuesday.
With this in mind, Sky Sport Italia suggest Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani wants a guarantee from Kaka that the wage demands will be extremely low before progressing further.
Kaka has already hinted he is willing to take a pay cut to help the move go through.
According to the latest reports, Milan want to take him on loan until June 2015 with €15m net wages to be spread out over the course of that contract.
It would mean Kaka giving up on €10m worth of wages during that period, practically halving his pay packet.
AC Milan: 'Kaka our only target!' 18.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan have rubbished new links with Mario Balotelli by insisting they are only hoping to sign Real Madrid’s Kaka this month.
The Gazzetta dello Sport suggested that both players were immediate targets, but club Vice-President Adriano Galliani has looked to explain the truth.
“There is just one negotiation taking place and that is for Kaka,” he stated on Friday morning. “The numbers are difficult for him but we will give it a go.
“All three parties have to work well and the desire is there. Kaka wants to come, we want to sign him and Real want to sell – but we all have problems when it comes to balancing the books.
“A loan deal? We’ll see. There is a wages wall in Italy that you can’t get over now – we’ll have to find an imaginative solution.”
Kaka spent six glorious years at Milan before he was sold to the Spanish giants in 2009 for close to €70m.
“Our love for Kaka has never ended, it was never interrupted,” Galliani added. “We were forced to sell him because of the figures involved.”
The official also rejected reports that a loan request had been made to Manchester City for Balotelli, while he dismissed the possibility that Real boss Jose Mourinho could arrive during the summer.
“There are no talks with Manchester City for Balotelli. He’s impossible. We asked, but we ran away after hearing their asking price. Mourinho? Fantasy.”
No AC Milan for Donadoni, say Parma 18.1 ||webmaster
Parma boss Roberto Donadoni will not join Milan at the end of the season, Gialloblu chief Tommaso Ghirardi says.
Whispers that the former Diavolo midfielder is on his way to San Siro to replace Massimiliano Allegri are getting louder.
However, Ghirardi has underlined his belief that the ex-Italian national Coach will still be working at the Stadio Tardini in 2013-14.
“It is pleasing that Donadoni is being paired with a club like Milan, but I am sure that he’ll be at Parma next season,” the President noted on Friday.
The former Livorno, Napoli and Italy tactician was appointed by the club in January 2012 and he’s contracted until 2015.
Adriano Galliani confirmed Milan are in talks with Real Madrid to take Kaka on loan, but “it will be very difficult. We’ll try...”
The news emerged this morning from Milan Channel and Galliani met with agents Gaetano and Dario Paolillo today at the club’s Via Turati HQ.
“I have no news to give you today...” the Rossoneri Vice-President told Sky Sport Italia cameras.
“It’s true, I was very, very pleased with Kaka’s words. There is contact with Real Madrid, but at the moment I haven’t got any news for you.
“Will it be possible to sign Kaka? It will be difficult, very difficult. How hard will I try? We’ll see...”
Mario Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola was also spotted at the Milan offices today, but Galliani assured it was “a normal thing that agents come by to visit.”
Meanwhile, Mediaset claim that a deal is practically done with Real Madrid to take Kaka on loan with the Brazilian taking a pay cut.
AC Milan striker M'Baye Niang has claimed that he is not 'the next Mario Balotelli' and admits he is happy at San Siro.
The 18-year-old joined the Rossoneri last summer from Caen, but believes he made the right decision to join Massimiliano Allegri's side, as well as dismissing comparisons between himself and the Manchester City forward.
“I am not the Balotelli of Milan,” he told Sport Mediaset. “It is way too early to say that.
“Mario is a great player, but I am still very young – I've only played four games for Milan.
“I am happy with the choice I made. The Rossoneri are a great club with a history of winning many titles.”
The France Under-21 international then commented on the impact Stephan El Shaarawy has made this season, and also his own ambitions in Italy.
“Stephan is a good man. Even after scoring 14 goals, it has not all gone to his head. Hopefully he can do even better in the second half of the season.
“My personal objective is to play more, but I just want the team to reach third place.”
Italian giants Milan have admitted that they are in talks with Real Madrid about a possible January move for Kaka.
The Brazilian was in the Italian city last night where he opened the door for a return to the Diavolo.
Now the club’s own TV station, Milan Channel, have revealed that the two clubs are discussing the possibility of a loan move.
Reports suggest that Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has alreday spoken directly to Real counterpart Florentino Perez about the player.
Kaka flew back to Madrid this morning, but two of his agents – Gaetano and Dario Paolillo – did visit Milan’s Via Turati HQ for talks.
Barbara Berlusconi, as well as Adriano Galliani and Ariedo Braida, was also present during the negotiations.
Kaka, who spent six years with the San Siro giants, would have to accept a cut in salary if the move is to be completed. He reportedly earns around €13m a season.
Parma 'give' Saponara to AC Milan 17.1 ||webmaster
Real Madrid attacking midfielder Kaka has opened the door for a possible return to former club Milan.
Although Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani yesterday insisted that bringing the Brazilian back to the club was impossible because of his wage demands, the player himself thinks a deal could be done.
Kaka was in Italy’s fashion capital last night where he dined with Milan forward Robinho. He was then cornered by a Sky Sport Italia journalist.
“I had two days off so I decided to come and see Robinho,” the 30-year-old noted. “He’s a great friend and a great player, someone who can still give a lot to the club.
“A future for me at Milan? I have a contract at Real Madrid, but the present situation is not good for me or Real.
“I’m at the club's disposal, but the two sides have to come to an agreement. I’m still very thankful to Milan, I love this city and I left many friends here.”
The South American also intimated that he would be ready to lower his wages in order to complete a San Siro return.
“I’m open to any solution and I’ve already told this to Real Madrid.”
Kaka spent six years at Milan before he was sold to the Spanish giants in 2009 for close to €70m.
Galliani: 'Beckham and Kaka impossible' 17.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani assures David Beckham was “just a suggestion,” while Kaka is “impossible” due to his wages and Ignazio Abate will stay.
The Rossoneri have been linked to numerous names during the January transfer window after selling Alexandre Pato to Corinthians.
“Kaka is impossible, as his wages are the problem,” Vice-President Galliani told Sky Sport Italia this evening.
“David Beckham is a suggestion. However, I’d say it is 99.9 per cent unlikely to happen.”
Robinho had been in negotiations with Santos, while Abate is wanted by Luciano Spalletti’s Zenit.
“Robinho is absolutely confirmed to stay. We will not sell Abate, so Davide Santon will not arrive.
“We have received other offers for our players, but the sensation is that the squad will remain exactly as it is.”
Milan are buying for the future, as they have already agreed a co-ownership deal with Parma for Empoli’s Under-21 international Riccardo Saponara.
There have also been reports of talks for Bari talent Nicola Bellomo.
“Bellomo? We are stopping at Saponara.”
Galliani was also asked about the news that Pep Guardiola will take over at Bayern Munich next season, rejecting interest from the likes of Milan, Inter, Roma, Chelsea and Manchester City.
“German football represents the economic strength of Germany. I expected this move.”
Rijkaard and Donadoni on AC Milan job 16.1 ||webmaster
After Pep Guardiola joined Bayern Munich, Milan’s other management target Frank Rijkaard was fired by Saudi Arabia and Roberto Donadoni said talk of a deal was “in poor taste.”
Rossoneri President Silvio Berlusconi had confirmed he was trying to convince Guardiola to take over next season, but today it was made official that his next club will be Bayern Munich.
This news prompts further newspaper speculation over who could replace Massimiliano Allegri, whose position is unclear despite having a contract until 2014.
Today the Saudi Arabian Federation announced it has sacked Coach Rijkaard just 18 months into his €16m deal.
The former Milan midfielder was fired after they were knocked out of the Gulf Cup by Kuwait.
Rijkaard has been tipped as one of the potential Coaches at Milan along with current Parma boss Donadoni.
“Milan’s interest? I find it gratifying on the one hand, but on the other it is in poor taste,” Donadoni told Il Giornale.
“I find it in bad taste for Allegri, who is in his third year at Milan. He won the Scudetto the first year, finished second last term and is now in charge of an incredible reformation of the squad.
“Of course, that is the logic of Italian football...”
AC Milan are holding talks with Serie B side Bari regarding the transfer availability of Nicola Bellomo, report Sky Sport Italia.
Bari sporting director Guido Angelozzi stepped into the club’s Via Turati headquarters on Wednesday morning for discussions.
However, reports suggest that Roma and Inter are leading the chase for Bellomo.
Bellomo, an attacking midfielder who has a contract at the Stadio San Nicola until 2014, will celebrate his 22nd birthday next month.
Milan are actively looking for potential stars of the future and last week agreed a deal with Empoli to sign their 50 per cent share of Riccardo Saponara.
There are extraordinary rumours circulating that Milan are in talks to bring David Beckham back to San Siro for the third time.
The England star has already played for the Rossoneri on loan from LA Galaxy from January to June 2009 and January to June 2010, taking advantage of the MLS close season.
Beckham has now finished his career in America, winning the MLS Cup 2012 in his final match for the Galaxy.
He may be 37 years old, but there are reports in Sport Mediaset that Milan are willing to make an exception on their policy of signing only young players.
The story is already gaining traction and bookmakers in England are taking bets on Becks making a Rossoneri comeback.
'No punishment' for Boateng walk-off 15.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan will not be punished for abandoning a friendly with Pro Patria after racist abuse towards Kevin-Prince Boateng, decided the Disciplinary Commission today.
The incident hit the headlines when Boateng stormed off just 26 minutes into a midweek friendly in Busto Arsizio, an industrial town between Varese and Milan.
The rest of the team followed and, as the rules on what to do in these situations are unclear, some called for the player to be penalised.
This afternoon the Disciplinary Commission stated that “in the current rules no regulation allows for a team to interrupt a match and abandon the pitch if not in accordance with the decisions of the referee.
“However, the essential values that inform the sport and civilised society mean we cannot discipline a gesture of solidarity towards a man who was victim to crass insults exclusively targeted at the colour of his skin.”
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has repeatedly claimed that walking off the field in the presence of racist abuse “is not the answer.”
AC Milan talk Destro, Santon and Astori 15.1 ||webmaster
Matteo Roggi, agent of Pescara goalkeeper Mattia Perin, has admitted that whoever wants to sign the youngster will have to spend €20m.
The Delfini shot-stopper has been touted as one of the most promising keepers in European football, and his representative has revealed that a hefty price-tag has been placed on the youngster on-loan from Genoa.
“I think Perin will renew with Genoa,” he told Radio Toscana. “His contract there expires in 2015, but I personally hope Fiorentina give him a call.
“Nothing has been discussed with Milan. If something had been said, I would say so.
“Really, the only clubs that can be excluded from signing him are Inter, Roma and Juventus.
“If teams do want to sign him, they will have to spend about €20m to get him.”
'Emanuelson not happy at AC Milan' 15.1 ||webmaster
Parma have confirmed that they will hold talks with Milan this week to discuss the future of Riccardo Saponara.
The Rossoneri have signed Empoli’s 50 per cent share in the player after a €4m fee was agreed with the Tuscans.
However, the Gialloblu own the other half of the Italian Under-21 international wide attacker which casts doubts over where he will actually be playing next term.
“We’ll meet Milan on Wednesday evening,” Parma chief Tommaso Ghirardi commented. “We’ll discuss the future of Saponara.
“The final decision will hinge a lot on what the player wants to do.”
Saponara celebrated his 21st birthday in December.
Berlusconi says sorry to Balotelli 15.1 ||webmaster
Silvio Berlusconi has opened the door for a Milan future with Mario Balotelli and Massimiliano Allegri.
Just a week after calling the Manchester City ace a “bad apple” and suggesting that boss Allegri would leave at the end of the season, the former Prime Minister has made a sensational U-turn.
“I was misquoted,” President Berlusconi insisted when asked about the Italian international striker. “If I offended him then I apologise.
“The description was not directed at him, it was expressed in the general context of things. I was talking about the fact that you need positive individuals in the changing room.
“A bid for Balotelli? I’ve never been told about the opening of a negotiation for him. Vice-President Adriano Galliani and Allegri have also never told me that he is a target of ours.”
Berlusconi, who then defined Allegri as a “Coach of the future”, was also asked to comment on any impending buys and sales this month.
“Galliani has identified some possible signings and he’ll have to hurry up if he wants to bring them in before the window closes.
“I can’t tell you the names otherwise Galliani will have trouble signing them.
“A sale of Ignazio Abate to Zenit? No, I don’t think so. He’s our full-back and he’s very respected. He’s an international and we want to keep him at Milan.”
Donadoni won't rule out AC Milan move 14.1 ||webmaster
Parma Coach Roberto Donadoni has reiterated comments he made last week, claiming that he would not rule out a move to Milan.
The 49-year-old has been linked with a move to the Rossoneri as a possible replacement for Massimiliano Allegri.
But the current Gialloblu boss has admitted that he would be interested in a place on the San Siro bench, but only after his contract as run out at Ennio Tardini.
“I have only recently signed with Parma until 2015,” he told RTL 102.5. “I want to grow with this side, but I will not hide my ambitions.
“There has been no contact with Milan, but if they called, I would answer.”
Italian giants Milan will not make any signings this month unless the club opt to sell one of their players first.
“If nobody leaves then nobody will arrive,” Vice-President Adriano Galliani noted on Monday when again asked about a possible bid for Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli.
“We already have five forwards for two or three roles, therefore we are OK as we are.
“I’ve always said that if only one forward left this month, as is the case with Alexandre Pato, then we would remain as we were.”
Milan made some big changes in the summer after waving goodbye to a host of big-name high earners. They are now going down a different route after years of heavy spending.
“We have decided to target emerging youngsters,” the official continued. “We’ve explained that to the fans and I think they understand.
“We’re investing in young players this January too and we are convinced that we’ll achieve great results.”
I'm AC Milan quality, says Zapata 14.1 ||webmaster
Cristian Zapata believes he has the ability to become an untouchable figure in the heart of the Milan defence.
The Colombian joined the Diavolo from Villarreal in the summer, but he’s not been assured of regular action.
“I think that my best game for Milan came in the Champions League against Zenit, but I did well against Sampdoria too,” he told Milan Channel after the 0-0 draw at Marassi.
“I need to find the conviction that is needed to become a Milan first-teamer and I believe that I have the qualities to do that.”
Zapata, formerly of Udinese, has appeared in seven League matches so far this term, as well as three in the Champions League.
Riccardo Montolivo is still targeting a third-place finish with Milan despite being held at Sampdoria on Sunday.
The Diavolo are now nine points away from the Champions League zone, but the summer signing insists that continues to be the aim this term.
“Although we are a little distant, I hope to contribute in getting us up to third,” the Bosman capture from Fiorentina noted after the 0-0 draw last night.
“We are still hoping to get up there and that has to be the case while that objective is still possible mathematically.”
The Diavolo were looking to collect a sixth win from their last seven League games, but their preparations for Sunday night were hampered by the midweek extra-time efforts against Juventus in the Coppa Italia.
“There have been a few games very close to each other and it is only normal to start feeling some tiredness,” the Italian international concluded.
Massimiliano Allegri insists Milan “did not throw away points” in their Sampdoria stalemate.
“We did not throw away points, as don’t forget we were facing a side that was capable of beating Juventus last week,” he said after a 0-0 Marassi draw.
“In the first half they pressed us more, then my players started to push and we should’ve done better in the final third.
“We kept a clean sheet and that is important. We moved the ball around fairly well, but had to pick up the pace and do it quicker.”
The Coach was asked about his trident attack of Stephan El Shaarawy, Bojan Krkic and Mbaye Niang, who are all 20 years old.
“We had four kids on the field today,” he said referring also to defender Mattia De Sciglio.
“Niang had a good game, so did De Sciglio. El Shaarawy has played many matches and is very generous, so he was bound to feel tired eventually. Bojan showed some good things tonight.
“These games are often decided by incidents and we could’ve made more of them. I will not say the young trident was a failure. We do need to eliminate certain individual and superficial errors, but the team is growing.
“We are more organised and suffer less under pressure, as we saw against a good Sampdoria.
“If we can become more defensively solid, then that will also allow us to organise our attacking moves better.”
Serie A: Sampdoria 0:0 AC Milan - match report 13.1 ||webmaster
Sampdoria and Milan both had good chances, but were unable to break the deadlock at Marassi.
The Blucerchiati caused the shock of the season when they fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 away to Juventus despite playing with 10 men for an hour. Gaetano Berardi was sent off in Turin and therefore suspended for this game, while Enzo Maresca, Maxi Lopez and Nicola Pozzi were injured.
Milan were knocked out of the Coppa Italia in extra time by Juventus on Wednesday. Giampaolo Pazzini was banned against his former club, while Daniele Bonera, Mario Yepes, Sulley Muntari, Luca Antonini, Djamel Mesbah and Nigel De Jong were on the treatment table.
The Rossoneri’s last victory at Marassi was six years ago, but they used a trident attack with a combined age of 60.
Christian Abbiati had his palms stung after five minutes by Lorenzo De Silvestri, then the goalkeeper flew to flap an Andrea Poli off target. Abbiati was again forced to push a fierce Eder free kick out from under the bar, as Samp had a very aggressive start.
Daniele Gastaldello couldn’t keep his free header down from a corner to the back post. Milal finally had their first chance after 21 minutes with Riccardo Montolivo’s effort charged down.
Massimo Ambrosini’s muscular problems flared up again, so he had to make way for Mathieu Flamini.
Sergio Romero fumbled another Montolivo snapshot from distance, but nobody was ready to follow it up. A Bojan Krkic solo run came to nothing with a wayward finish.
Within 40 seconds of the restart, Niang had burst down the right and his cross-shot was flapped away by Romero. From that corner, there were Milan appeals for a De Silvestri handling offence, but it seemed to be ball-to-hand.
Marcelo Estigarribia’s strike from distance took a deflection off Cristian Zapata, looping wide with Abbiati stranded.
On the hour mark Milan had a fantastic opportunity. Niang pulled across the face of goal, Bojan flicked it on for Boateng and Romero scrambled back desperately to clear off the line.
Samp immediately went on the counter and Abbiati was at full stretch to fingertip an angled Estigarribia drive round the post.
Moments later Mauro Icardi was sent clear on goal, but fired wide of an open net as Abbiati came tearing out. De Silvestri flashed a shot across the face of goal. Robinho made his comeback after the failed transfer to Santos, replacing a surprisingly sluggish El Shaarawy.
Flamini tried to pounce on a Fernando Tissone error, but his opponent got back to deflect the finish wide. From that corner, Romero smothered the Philippe Mexes header.
Boateng fired high and wide in stoppages from a promising position, then was caught offside from a well-worked free kick.
Sampdoria: Romero; Gastaldello, Palombo, Costa; De Silvestri, Obiang, Kristicic (Mustafi 87), Poli (Tissone 78), Estigarribia (Soriano 70); Icardi, Eder
AC Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Montolivo, Ambrosini (Flamini 26), Boateng; Niang, Bojan (Nocerino 87), El Shaarawy (Robinho 67)
Ref: Guida
Serie A: Sampdoria vs. AC Milan - lineups 13.1 ||webmaster
Gennaro Gattuso reveals he has changed his mind on Massimiliano Allegri. “He is the only person who can lead this Milan.”
The midfielder had been one of the tactician’s harshest critics when walking away from San Siro in the summer for a new career with Swiss club Sion.
However, the last few months seem to have allowed Gattuso to re-evaluate his position on how Allegri deals with pressure and criticism.
“I changed my mind on Allegri,” Gattuso told Milan Channel.
“He is the only person who can lead this Milan. He took control of the locker room precisely because he has the ability to let everything slide off him.”
Robinho is in the Milan squad to face Sampdoria tomorrow evening, but “unlikely to play,” while Luca Antonini and Giampaolo Pazzini miss out.
The Brazilian striker only started full training with the squad on Friday, so Coach Massimiliano Allegri warned in his Press conference that it would be “difficult” for him to feature on Sunday night.
Pazzini is suspended against his former club, while Daniele Bonera, Mario Yepes, Sulley Muntari, Djamel Mesbah and Nigel De Jong are injured.
Full-back Antonini is a late addition to the absentee list, as he skipped training today with back pain.
AC Milan squad for Sampdoria: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel, Abate, Acerbi, De Sciglio, Mexes, Zapata, Ambrosini, Boateng, Constant, Emanuelson, Flamini, Montolivo, Nocerino, Traorè, Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Robinho
Allegri not worried about AC Milan 12.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri is not concerned by Milan’s latest downturn in form and Coppa Italia exit, but demands improvements against Sampdoria tomorrow night.
The Rossoneri scraped past Siena 2-1 last week and were knocked out of the Coppa quarter-finals by Juventus in extra time on Wednesday.
“We are disappointed to be out of the Coppa Italia, but in Turin we again saw a team growing in terms of performance,” insisted the Coach in his Press conference. “We must above all improve on set plays.”
While Milan lost at the Juventus Stadium, last Sunday Sampdoria fought back to win 2-1 despite playing with 10 men for an hour.
“Sampdoria are in great physical shape and winning away to Juventus when a man down is absolutely not an easy task. They have two great strikers and are very organised, as Angelo Palombo at centre-back has brought more technique.
“I still saw a step forward from Milan on Wednesday in terms of pace and passing. The players are getting more confident and working as a unit. I was happy with what the lads did, though of course disappointed with the result.
“Tomorrow we need a better performance than Wednesday, especially as Samp have had all week to prepare for this game.”
Allegri remains under fire after President Silvio Berlusconi refused to confirm whether he’d still be on the Milan bench next season, even though his contract runs until 2014.
“I have an excellent rapport with the club, though clearly a Coach is always tied to results. This season the task was to get the best out of young players.
“Seeing Mattia De Sciglio, Stephan El Shaarawy, Riccardo Montolivo, Kevin Constant and also Kevin-Prince Boateng improve gives us optimism for the rest of the season.”
Boateng met with his agents, Allegri and Vice-President Adriano Galliani at the Milan HQ this week, though the Coach denied a transfer was discussed.
“He was very relaxed. Robinho only joined the full training schedule yesterday, so it’ll be difficult to see him playing tomorrow.”
The Rossoneri remain in seventh place, a full seven points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots.
“Third place is neither a miracle nor a huge achievement. Our duty is to always give our best. It’s not easy to catch up six teams, but at the same time people thought we’d thrown everything away after our defeat to Roma, yet we’re only two points behind them thanks to a game they were awarded by the authorities.”
Allegri was referring to the 3-0 win in Cagliari that was handed to the Giallorossi after problems with the Is Arenas saw the game called off.
There are reports Milan have identified Parma Coach Roberto Donadoni as the natural successor to Massimiliano Allegri.
President Silvio Berlusconi refused to confirm whether Allegri would still be on the bench next season, despite the fact he has a contract until June 2014.
Pep Guardiola is the ideal candidate, but the Rossoneri face a bidding war with clubs such as Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and even Roma.
According to Tuttosport, Milan have targeted Donadoni as the next man in charge at San Siro.
He would fit in with the club’s history, as Donadoni was a member of the Grande Milan of the 1980s and early 90s that dominated world football.
The former winger won six Scudetti, four Italian Super Cups, three Champions League trophies, three European Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
The 49-year-old also has international experience after a two-year stint on the Italy bench.
However, Parma are not eager to release Donadoni and he has a contract with them until 2015.
Arsenal are said to be targeting versatile Milan man Urby Emanuelson for the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old Dutchman has started only eight Serie A games this season and his position in the team is unclear, as he has played in a trident attack, as a trequartista, in midfield or as a left-back.
According to reports from England, Arsene Wenger is eager to sign Emanuelson this month to reinforce his squad.
Emanuelson arrived from Ajax in January 2011, but is often used as a stop-gap solution by Coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Rossi sets Sampdoria sights on AC Milan 12.1 ||webmaster
Delio Rossi’s Sampdoria are fresh from a shock victory over Juventus and now hopes to cause another upset against Milan. “We’re sticking to a 3-5-2, just as we did in Turin.”
The Blucerchiati caused one of the most surprising results of the season when they fought back with 10 men to conquer the Juventus Stadium.
“On Sunday we’re sticking to a 3-5-2, just as we did in Turin against Juventus,” declared Rossi in his Press conference. Click here for a match preview.
“I think we have set out our path, though we’re still trying things out and I might have to make a few variations due to the characteristics of the players at my disposal.
“I had hoped the team would play the way they did against Juve. I told them that when you’re playing with 10 men, you have to keep moving or it becomes really difficult.”
Argentine 20-year-old Mauro Icardi bagged a brace in Turin and is attracting attention from some top clubs.
“Icardi is a real talent, but I don’t think he’s going to get big-headed. He’s just started his professional career, it’d be the end if he already got a massive ego! He seems very relaxed and I think he’s got the right mindset to work well.”
Sampdoria welcome Milan on Sunday evening and Coach Rossi was asked how he will approach this latest giant.
“I don’t think Milan will be tired after their Coppa Italia quarter-final, as they are a team accustomed to playing every three days.
“How do you stop Stephan El Shaarawy? When playing against teams like this, you cannot just focus on one element. If we stop El Shaarawy, then we mustn’t forget about Robinho or Bojan Krkic.”
Sampdoria already beat Milan 1-0 at San Siro this season, when Ciro Ferrara was on the Blucerchiati bench.
Former Italian Under-21 boss Gigi Casiraghi has applauded Milan for their Riccardo Saponara swoop.
The Diavolo have signed Empoli’s 50 per cent share in the player, who is co-owned with Parma, and he’ll move to San Siro in July.
“He is emerging in a difficult championship like Serie B,” the former Juventus and Chelsea striker, talking to Sky Sport Italia, said of the wide player.
“He has it all – technique, pace and a good sense of where the goal is. He is certainly a good signing for Milan.”
Saponara, born in December 1991, will cost the Diavolo around €4m.
AC Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has answered transfer questions about Didier Drogba, Kevin Prince Boateng, Francesco Lodi, Cristian Zaccardo, Luca Antonini and Ignazio Abate.
Cornered by journalists as he arrived at the Lega Calcio offices, Galliani discussed his outfit’s market intentions.
“I don’t think there will be any major signings this month,” he stated. “Drogba to Milan or Juventus? There will be no Italy for Drogba.”
On suggestions that Galatasaray had made an offer for Boateng, he responded: “There has been no bid for him. If one would have arrived then we would have said no. No one has asked us for Luca Antonini either.
“Lodi? We asked Catania for him, but they rejected us.
“Signing Cristian Zaccardo from Parma was a possibility, but that is not the case anymore. We’ve turned down Zenit’s offer for Abate, we won’t sell him.”
The official was also asked about the future of current Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri. “He has a contract until 2014. But, as is always the case, a Coach’s future is subject to results.”
Genoa cool Perin - AC Milan rumours 11.1 ||webmaster
Genoa chief Enrico Preziosi has silenced suggestions that Mattia Perin is on his way to Milan. “Let’s leave him in peace.”
The 20-year-old goalkeeper is currently on loan at Pescara, but he has been linked with a possible summer move to the Rossoneri.
And, after having dinner with Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani last night, Preziosi was again asked about the possibility of a Diavolo switch for the Under-21 international.
“We didn’t talk about transfers,” he insisted. “It was just a meal between two friends.
“We can’t possibly sell anyone this month because we need to stay up and we can’t weaken the squad.
“Perin to Milan? The boy now needs to be left in peace so that he can show people what he can do. We’ll have to see what happens in the future.”
Manchester City set EUR 30 mil Balotelli fee 11.1 ||webmaster
Despite the Milan President referring to him as “a bad apple,” it’s reported Manchester City are prepared to accept a €30m offer for Mario Balotelli.
Manager Roberto Mancini has repeatedly defended SuperMario despite off the field antics and a training ground bust-up, but The Guardian claims City directors have finally run out of patience.
According to the latest reports, Manchester City would be willing to accept an offer of €30m - £24.6m – for the Italian international.
This matches the fee that City paid to take him from Inter in 2010.
Today Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio confirmed Inter still have “first refusal on Balotelli if he leaves Manchester City,” but they do not seem intent on exercising that option.
Milan have concerns too, as President Silvio Berlusconi referred to Balotelli as a “bad apple” who did not belong in their locker room.
However, the 22-year-old would fit the club’s strategy of focusing on youth and is much admired by Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani.
On Thursday agent Mino Raiola told Sky Sport Italia that the chances of Balotelli returning to Italy right now are “0.0001 per cent.”
AC Milan: 'Boateng and Abate stay!' 10.1 ||webmaster
Adriano Galliani assured “Kevin-Prince Boateng is going nowhere. We want Francesco Lodi, have no interest in Maarten Stekelenburg, while we rejected Zenit’s offer for Ignazio Abate.”
The Milan Vice-President emerged from a series of meetings at the club’s headquarters and spoke to Sky Sport Italia.
The first questions were obviously about Boateng, who had a surprise two-hour meeting with Galliani, Coach Massimiliano Allegri and his agents in Via Turati this afternoon.
“I can say that Boateng is going nowhere, even if there have been rumours of a Galatasaray offer. He is only 25 years old and will not be leaving here,” assured Galliani.
“Boateng is a part of the present and the future of Milan. Galatasaray were here to talk to us for different reasons. Nobody has asked us for Boateng and if an offer were to come in, we would say no.”
Zenit and Galatasaray have reportedly made bids for full-backs Abate and Luca Antonini.
“I don’t think Abate and Antonini will leave. Zenit made an offer for Abate, but we rejected it. Cristian Zaccardo from Parma? Zaccardo will absolutely not join Milan.”
He also commented on reports that Milan are battling Inter with bids for Catania creative midfielder Francesco Lodi.
“We want Lodi and he is of interest to us, but this is a difficult negotiation process. We made a proposal after Nigel De Jong’s injury, but Catania turned us down.”
A potential swap of goalkeepers with Roma was suggested, sending Marco Amelia to the Olimpico in exchange for Stekelenburg.
“Stekelenburg is of no interest to us. Mattia Destro is impossible to get from Roma.”
Milan have made one deal, as they signed Empoli’s half of Italian Under-21 international Riccardo Saponara. The other 50 per cent still belongs to Parma.
“I am happy that we got Saponara, who will be with us from July. Don’t call me crazy here, but he reminds me of Kaka.”
Boateng in surprise AC Milan meeting 10.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan have assured Kevin-Prince Boateng “is not on the market” after the Ghanaian arrived for a surprise meeting with directors and Coach Massimiliano Allegri today.
The midfielder was spotted at the club’s HQ in Via Turati this afternoon with his agents and left two hours later without speaking to the media.
He was asked if he was staying at Milan, but would only reply: “Good evening.”
There were fears Boateng was ready to follow up on his threat to quit Italian football after racist abuse during a friendly game with lower league side Pro Patria.
Galatasaray are said to be interested in Boateng, but Vice-President Adriano Galliani assured “he is not on the market.”
The Ghana international’s contract does not expire until June 2015. It is reported the meeting was to discuss his ‘tactical position.’
Allegri was also asked by waiting journalists whether Boateng would stay at Milan, but his reply was more cryptic. “Ask him.”
AC Milan to replace Allegri with Prandelli? 10.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan could be lining up a sensational move for Italian national team boss Cesare Prandelli, reports on the peninsula claim.
Ilsussidiario.net believe that the Azzurri Coach would be the ideal candidate to replace Massimiliano Allegri, who looks set to leave San Siro either at the end of this season, or in 2014.
President Silvio Berlusconi has already publicly admitted that he has tried to approach Pep Guardiola to take charge of the Rossoneri.
But with a number of clubs chasing the former Barcelona man, the Milanese giants could look to bring in the 55-year-old tactician, who has a contract with Italy until the 2014 World Cup.
Prandelli guided the national team to the final of Euro 2012, and has made a positive start to qualification for the tournament in Brazil in 18 months' time, winning three of their first four matches.
AC Milan have joined the race to sign Catania playmaker Francesco Lodi, according to reports in Italy.
Sky Sport Italia claim that the Rossoneri are interested in bringing the 28-year-old to San Siro, but may have to fight off advances from city rivals Inter.
The club's vice-President Adriano Gallini spoke with the player's agent this morning, with the intention of trying to persuade the set-piece specialist to choose the Diavolo over the Nerazzurri.
Catania meanwhile have tried to shrug off those claims, with reports suggesting that they will only sell in the summer, not January.
Lodi has been ever-present for the Elefanti this season, playing 19 League games and scoring four goals.
Zaccardo agent at AC Milan headquarters 10.1 ||webmaster
Empoli’s Riccardo Saponara has admitted that he cried tears of joy after hearing reports that Milan have done a deal to sign him.
The Tuscan club, who part own him with Parma, have agreed to sell their share of the winger to the Rossoneri for around €4m.
“It is not yet official, but if it is true then it would be extraordinary,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday.
“I would never have thought that I would be able to reach such an objective.
“I was at training yesterday when my teammates, who had heard the stories, came over to me and hugged me. I knew nothing.
“For me, Milan are football and Kaka has always been my idol. I couldn’t ask for more, this is a dream.
“When I was told of all this I started to cry, but I feel ready. Now I just have to concentrate on doing as well as possible over these next six months for Empoli.”
The deal for Saponara, who is expected to head to Milanello in July, should be wrapped up at some stage next week.
AC Milan fail with Destro & Stekelenburg bids 10.1 ||webmaster
Stephan El Shaarawy has urged Milan to now focus on Serie A following their Italian Cup exit to Juventus on Wednesday.
The young Italian international gave his side the lead at the Juventus Stadium, but they eventually lost the quarter-final tie 2-1 after extra-time.
“We played a good game and created a lot of chances,” said the forward. “I’m happy with the goal and the performance.
“We held our own well and defended well. We didn’t concede any really big chances, but they did well technically – especially when Mirko Vucinic came on and then scored.”
The Montenegrin international, just like he did last March, came off the bench to net the crucial qualification goal in extra-time.
“Their second came from a bit of an unlucky deflection for us,” the former Genoa attacker added. “It’s a disappointing loss, but now we have to think about Sampdoria.
“Now we have to get back to work because we have a fundamental game on Sunday in order to stay in touch with the top spots in the table.”
Galliani happy with AC Milan challenge 10.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri feels Milan “deserved more” after their Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Juventus in extra time.
The Rossoneri had taken the early lead in Turin through Stephan El Shaarawy, but Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic turned it around for a 2-1 result in the Quarter-Final.
“It was a balanced game and on the second goal we made a mistake in defence that allowed the counter-attack,” Allegri told RAI.
“In any case, I am happy with the performance because we had several chances to equalise after Vucinic’s goal.
“It’s a shame about the result, especially Marco Storari’s final save. We can improve, but also deserved more from this match.”
Coppa Italia: Juventus 2:1 AC Milan (a.e.t.) - match report 9.1 ||webmaster
Juventus will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia Semi-Final after Mirko Vucinic secured a 2-1 victory over Milan in extra time.
There was a last-minute change to the line-ups, as Andrea Pirlo was rested in favour of Under-21 international Luca Marrone. Claudio Marchisio, Simone Pepe, Giorgio Chiellini, Nicklas Bendtner and the suspended Fabio Quagliarella missed out.
Milan used Urby Emanuelson in a trident attack and were without Robinho, Christian Abbiati, Djamel Mesbah, Mario Yepes, Kevin Constant, Daniele Bonera, Cristian Zapata, Sulley Muntari and Nigel De Jong.
The first chance arrived after three minutes, as Marco Storari fingertipped a Massimo Ambrosini strike out from under the bar.
They had the more aggressive start and took the lead moments later. Giampaolo Pazzini’s dummy let a Kevin-Prince Boateng pull-back from the by-line through for Stephan El Shaarawy to fire into the near bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Juve went very close to an equaliser, as Alessandro Matri’s header whistled just wide with Marco Amelia rooted to the spot.
Sebastian Giovinco did draw the Bianconeri level when he curled a trademark free kick over the wall and into the near top corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance.
Philippe Mexes was perhaps fortunate to only get a yellow card for his extremely late, high and cynical challenge on Giovinco on the touchline. Antonio Conte was absolutely furious and had to be calmed down.
A long-range Arturo Vidal effort was accidentally charged down by teammate Matri. Boateng was booked for tripping Emanuele Giaccherini from behind to stop a counter-attack and Amelia fingertipped the resulting Giovinco free kick out from under the bar.
Giovinco should’ve made it 2-1 when he took advantage of Francesco Acerbi’s defensive error to go clear, but blasted wide with only Amelia to beat.
Leonardo Bonucci threw himself at the feet of El Shaarawy to block after Storari’s misplaced clearance. From that corner, Storari grabbed the ball and was then barged over by Mexes, who ran a huge risk of a second yellow card.
Giovinco wasted another chance after the restart when he hit a weak shot at Amelia after a lucky ricochet set him up. Storari also smothered a Boateng solo effort, and Amelia intercepted a Stephan Lichtsteiner pull-back in the six-yard box.
Lichtsteiner was clear on goal and lining up his shot when El Shaarawy sprinted back to defend with a crucial tackle.
Pirlo was introduced for the final stages, but M’Baye Niang went close as he rose to nod a Mattia De Sciglio cross just wide of the far post.
Giaccherini’s shot was deflected off target and Massimo Ambrosini went off with cramp. In stoppages Leonardo Bonucci tripped Bojan for a free kick in the D, but it was touched on for Riccardo Montolivo and charged down, so this Quarter-Final went to extra time.
Juventus took the lead for the first time of the evening with a classic counter-attack. Vucinic allowed a Giaccherini through ball to reach Paolo De Ceglie and the pass back was prodded past the on-rushing Amelia by the Montenegro international.
Storari parried a Montolivo snapshot, then blocked El Shaarawy’s follow-up. Amelia also had to be alert, smothering at the feet of Giaccherini after trapping a cross-field De Ceglie pass.
Niang sprinted past Andrea Barzagli, but his finish was a weak effort into the arms of Storari.
Juve also wasted a golden opportunity, as Vucinic drew two defenders away and rolled into the centre for an unmarked Mauricio Isla, but Amelia performed a crucial one-handed save.
At the 118th minute Niang hit a volley sweetly, but central and it smacked Storari in the chest without the Juve goalkeeper seeming to know much about it.
Moments later Storari was at full stretch to deny another Niang angled drive, then Martin Caceres charged down El Shaarawy’s follow-up.
Police will have the final say on whether to stop football matches in Italy due to racist chanting, as new guidelines were drawn up today.
The debate has been raging since Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off during a friendly between Milan and Pro Patria due to persistent racist chants from a small group of local fans.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter insisted stopping games “is not the answer,” but the FIGC has pushed ahead with guidelines to suspend play if there is reiterated racist abuse.
Today the Osservatorio – the group that organises safety and security measures around sporting events – released suggestions on how to deal with the problem.
The referee should tell the Fourth Official, who will then inform the official representing the Osservatorio in the stadium. He is “the only person responsible for the decision on whether to suspend the game.”
The players can make the referee aware of racist abuse, but the decision must still go through the officials.
Before taking such drastic action as to halt the game, the current procedure remains – the referee can order a message over the tannoy system warning that further racist abuse will result in the match being suspended.
The Osservatorio pointed out after today’s meeting that “there has been a further drop in the number of violent incidents, while manifestations of racism and intolerance, which are to be contrasted strongly, are episodic and always limited to a restricted group.”
Pro Patria, the lower League side whose fans insulted Boateng last week, will have to play their next match behind closed doors as punishment.
Ancelotti: 'Juventus favourites, but I cheer with AC Milan' 9.1 ||webmaster
PSG Coach Carlo Ancelotti gives his view on tonight’s Coppa Italia Quarter-Final. “Juventus are favourites, but I always cheer on Milan.”
The two giants go head-to-head in Turin for a place against Lazio in the Semi, kicking off at 19.45 GMT.
“Juventus are the favourites, but I always cheer on Milan,” Ancelotti told Rai Radio 2.
He has been at the helm of both clubs during his career and is now at Paris Saint-Germain.
“I don’t think Andrea Pirlo went to Juventus because of a problem with Massimiliano Allegri. I think there was a problem with the contract between him and Milan.”
Another figure who has been at both clubs is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently starring for Ancelotti at PSG.
“I couldn’t tell you if Ibra has changed or not. In my view he is a great player and a great professional. He’s altruistic too, which people seem to forget.”
AC Milan: 'No Ramirez, yes Saponara' 9.1 ||webmaster
Adriano Galliani slammed the door on Gaston Ramirez, admitted to talks for Riccardo Saponara and said goodbye when Alexandre Pato paid a surprise visit to Milan HQ.
It has been a busy day at the club’s Via Turati base, as Pato was there for 40 minutes this afternoon to say goodbye to directors ahead of his transfer to Corinthians.
Meanwhile, Vice-President Galliani is hard at work on incoming transfers and commented on the latest rumours.
“There’s no need for Ramirez, we are fine as we are,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “If someone leaves then we’ll see, but there are no ‘gifts’ on the horizon for the fans.”
There had been reports that Milan made an approach to Southampton for Ramirez, who left Bologna for the Premier League this summer.
Galliani was much more open to talk of a co-ownership deal for Under-21 international creative midfielder Saponara.
“Saponara is certainly a player that fits in with the policy of focusing on youth that Milan are taking.”
The 21-year-old is currently co-owned by Empoli and Parma, but the Rossoneri would be willing to pay €4m to buy out the Tuscan club’s half of his contract.
Saponara had also been linked with Juventus, Inter and Liverpool after scoring eight goals in Serie B this season.
“It’s true, there is a deal with Milan for half of Saponara’s contract,” Empoli director of sport Marcello Carli told Calciomercato.it.
“He was tracked by many clubs, but the Rossoneri were quick off the blocks. The player will remain with us until the end of the season. That was a decisive factor in negotiations.”
Gattuso: Montella made for AC Milan 9.1 ||webmaster
Gennaro Gattuso says he can imagine a Milan future with Coach Vincenzo Montella and striker Mario Balotelli.
The current Fiorentina boss is one of a number of names being mentioned as a possible successor to Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the season.
“I like Montella a lot,” the Sion man, who left the Diavolo in the summer, told Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday.
“He has a clean face, an innovative mentality and his sides play some very nice football. Yes, he could be a Milan man.”
Another individual who continues to be paired with Milan is Manchester City’s Balotelli, despite the fact that he was labelled as a “bad apple” by owner Silvio Berlusconi this week.
“Balotelli could be a player worthy of Milan too,” the midfielder continued. “He and his agent have done well not to respond to Berlusconi.
“I’m convinced that when things are in place for a transfer to occur then a deal can be done.
“Saying that, Mario, in relation to his altercation with City boss Roberto Mancini, needs to keep his instinctiveness at bay.”
AC Milan have reportedly agreed a deal with Empoli to sign their share in young attacker Riccardo Saponara.
The wide player, born in December 1991, is currently co-owned between Second Division Empoli and Serie A side Parma.
According to Sky Sport Italia, the Diavolo will take over 50 per cent of his contract after agreeing to pay the Tuscan club around €4m.
Initial whispers claim that the San Siro giants could conclude the transfer at some stage next week, even if Saponara would be allowed to end the season with his current club.
The former Ravenna man, eight goals in Serie B this term so far, was understood to be on the transfer radars of Juventus, Inter and Liverpool.
Davide Santon is ready to reject the advances of Milan in order to continue his career with Newcastle United.
The full-back has been highlighted by President Silvio Berlusconi as the type of young player that the Diavolo are now targeting in the transfer market.
However, the former Inter man has told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle that he has no immediate desire to play his football at San Siro again.
“I am happy at the club,” the 22-year-old stated. “I have had a year and a half here. I really enjoy it.
“This is really important for a young player. We are a young team here and we are growing together. That will only make us stronger in the long-term.”
Mesbah agent at AC Milan headquarters 9.1 ||webmaster
The representative of Djamel Mesbah has arrived at Milan’s Via Turati headquarters to discuss the future of his client.
The Algerian international is surplus to requirements at the club and he is expected to move on in January.
After turning down a switch to Torino in the summer, Mesbah could now join Parma in a swap deal which would see Cristian Zaccardo head in the other direction.
The 28-year-old Mesbah, who has played in just one League game this season, only joined the Diavolo a year ago from Lecce.
Mesbah, represented by Alessandro Lucci, is a left-sided player who can be used in defence or midfield.
Coppa Italia: Juventus vs. AC Milan - probable lineups 9.1 ||webmaster
The agent of Mario Balotelli says he’d be delighted to introduce the forward to Milan President Silvio Berlusconi.
The latter has seemingly blocked a potential future move to the Diavolo for the striker after describing the Manchester City player as a bad apple who could infect the dressing room.
However, Mino Raiola has told Sport Mediaset that Berlusconi doesn’t know who the real Balotelli is.
“Mario and I are saddened by what Berlusconi said,” the representative commented. “We certainly can’t be pleased to hear certain definitions.
“But Berlusconi doesn’t know him, everyone who does love him. Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani knows him and loves him.
“If someone asks me to introduce Mario to Berlusconi then I will with pleasure.”
Raiola was also questioned about the future of Robinho, another of his clients, after Santos made a January bid for him.
“Negotiations took place and we were very close to concluding the deal,” Raiola confirmed. “However, Milan didn’t accept the terms.
“You’ll have to ask Milan about what could happen next.”
FIGC President Giancarlo Abete has broken away from UEFA and FIFA by insisting “we are prepared to suspend games” due to racist abuse.
Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off during a friendly between Milan and Pro Patria last week, prompting praise from most quarters, but FIFA President Sepp Blatter insisted it was “wrong to run away” from the insults.
The Italian Federation has declared its intention to stand by Boateng and any other players who find themselves in the same situation.
“We must not worry about fixture lists or difficulty in organising a re-match. That is not the problem,” said FIGC President Abete after a meeting with the Chief of Police.
“The problem is taking away from the stadiums those people who don’t belong there, because they pollute the civilised coming together for a sporting event.
“If necessary, we are prepared to suspend games on a temporary or permanent basis to fight racist abuse.
“The sporting world strongly supports sending these people away from the stadiums with stronger bans and more capability to expel from the arenas those who do not have the right to stay in a sporting venue.”
Meanwhile, it has emerged that one of the Pro Patria fans charged with hurling racist insults at Boateng is a councillor in nearby Corbetta.
Riccardo Grittini is a 21-year-old who is responsible for Sport and Youth Politics. He has now been banned from attending any sporting event for five years and resigned from his post.
He was voted in as part of the Lega Nord, the anti-immigration party that has declared its intention to separate the richer northern territories from the poorer south of Italy.
Pro Patria, the club whose friendly was abandoned when Boateng and Milan walked off, have been ordered to play a game behind closed doors.
Berlusconi: 'Results decide for Allegri' 9.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has refused to back Coach Massimiliano Allegri. “Results will make his future clear. We’ll see what he achieves on the pitch.”
The patron caused a stir when giving an interview to SportMediaset in which he refused to answer whether Allegri would still be in charge next season.
Berlusconi went back on to the subject this evening, but was no more reassuring in his response.
“We have a rapport of friendship and respect, but there’s no need to look forward now,” said the Milan chief.
“The results will make his future clear. I don’t want to say one way or the other right now, we’ll see what he achieves on the pitch.”
Berlusconi has hinted numerous times he’s trying to convince ex-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola to take the Milan job next season.
Pro Patria ban after Boateng insults 9.1 ||webmaster
Pro Patria, the lower league club whose supporters prompted Kevin-Prince Boateng to walk off due to racist abuse (see video below), will play a game behind closed doors.
The incident occurred during a midweek friendly between Milan and Pro Patria at their tiny stadium in Busto Arsizio, an industrial town between Varese and Milan.
Boateng walked off in protest at reiterated racist insults from a small section of the fans and captain Massimo Ambrosini took the rest of the team off too, abandoning the game.
It has now been confirmed that the Federation’s Disciplinary Committee punished Pro Patria for the incident by forcing them to play their next Lega Pro home game behind closed doors.
The ruling also states that if racist abuse is heard again at their matches, there will be even harsher punishment.
The note from the Disciplinary Committee suggested “the behaviour of the Pro Patria supporters appeared to be particularly serious as it was a clear manifestation of racist discrimination during a friendly game, so there was no sporting tension or spirit of competition.
“These are not to be considered justification of course, but can be seen as attenuating circumstances when working out punishment.
“This sanction for incidents of this nature is not only punishment, but also a preventative measure to avoid a repeat incident. In the current season, Pro Patria had already been fined €5,000 for incidents of this nature and has proved to be inefficient.”
Robinho is again left out of the Milan squad to face Juventus in the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final on Wednesday.
The Brazilian striker is not 100 per cent fit after his training schedule was affected by the failed negotiations for a move to Santos.
Philippe Mexes returns after he missed Sunday’s 2-1 win over Siena with suspension.
Christian Abbiati, Kevin Constant, Mario Yepes, Djamel Mesbah, Daniele Bonera, Cristian Zapata, Sulley Muntari and Nigel De Jong are injured.
The Coppa Italia Quarter-Final kicks off at the Juventus Stadium at 19.45 GMT on Wednesday.
Milan squad for Juventus: Amelia, Coppola, Gabriel, Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, De Sciglio, Mexes, Ambrosini, Boateng, Carmona, Emanuelson, Flamini, Montolivo, Nocerino, Traorè, Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini
Allegri clings to AC Milan contract 8.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri, speaking on the eve of the Coppa Italia tie at Juventus, insists he’ll stay as Milan boss until 2014.
The tactician’s future was again placed into doubt last night after President Silvio Berlusconi refused to confirm him for 2013-14.
“I intend to respect my contract which expires in 2014 and give my best so that this side can express itself to the maximum,” he stated. “I have nothing to say about the President’s statements.”
Turning to Wednesday’s last eight Cup tie in Turin, Allegri expected a tight affair – especially in the early exchanges, and is under no illusions about the difficult task ahead for the men in the Adidas football kits.
“It will be a competitive game of great intensity, where both sides will show their defensive strength. We’ll have to repeat the performance we gave at the weekend in the championship versus Siena.
“Winning always matters to us, but I look to be a realist. We are working hard to improve, but I can’t expect my side to dominate a game for 90 minutes.
“The semi-final is an objective, but it will be hard as we are going to play on one of the most difficult grounds that there are. It’s a shame that this is only a quarter-final tie.
“Juventus are the strongest and most solid team in Serie A. They collected 44 points in the first half of the season, there is not too much more to say. It is excessive to look for negatives in this Juventus.”
Allegri is limited by injuries, especially at the back, while he also has other selection issues to resolve further forward.
“Mario Yepes, Daniele Bonera and Cristian Zapata are out. Philippe Mexes will return, while I’ll have to evaluate Kevin Constant.
“Giampaolo Pazzini is suspended for the weekend, so he’ll play in attack. I need to understand whether to play Bojan from the start or not.”
Allegri was understandably questioned on the January transfer market, but refused to go into too much detail about specific players.
“We had a three-hour meeting yesterday,” he added. “We evaluated a number of transfers, both sales and signings. We’ll decide together with the club about which roads to go down.
“Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli a bad apple? He’s certainly an asset for Italian football. The mistakes he has made should be used so he doesn’t make errors in the future.
“Davide Santon? He belongs to Newcastle and it is not right to talk about players at other clubs. I just train the players that my club gives me.”
The representative of Christian Abbiati is hopeful that his client will be offered a new contract by Milan.
The goalkeeper is only tied to the Diavolo until June and it is unclear whether the San Siro giants will hand him a 12-month extension.
However, in an interview with Sport Italia, Claudio Vigorelli says he would not be surprised to see the ‘keeper put pen to paper.
“Christian is very tied to the Rossoneri colours and the club are very tied to him,” the agent commented.
“Therefore I do believe that there are the conditions in place for the renewal of his contract.”
Abbiati, now 35, joined the Diavolo in 1998 from Monza. He’s been with the club ever since – although he has spent time on loan with Juventus, Torino and Atletico Madrid.
Berlusconi: Balotelli? A bad apple 8.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi says he would never sanction the signing of Mario Balotelli, while he hinted at a summer exit for boss Massimiliano Allegri.
Italy and Manchester City ace Balotelli is constantly being linked with a future with the Diavolo, but Berlusconi is adamant that the enigma will not arrive at San Siro.
“The human aspect is very important at Milan,” the former Italian Prime Minister told Antenna 3 in an interview.
“If you place a bad apple in the dressing room then it can infect all of the others. Balotelli is someone who I would never accept in the Milan squad.”
Rumours of a Balotelli switch intensified last week after his altercation with City boss Roberto Mancini coincided with Alexandre Pato’s sale to Corinthians.
“Pato has promised me that he will return in a year and a half,” the Diavolo official continued. “A series of injuries created a certain distance between himself and the establishment at Milanello.
“The agreement is that he goes there, stays for 18 months and then returns to Milan. That is what he told me when we embraced for the last time at Arcore.”
Berlusconi was also asked about the future of boss Allegri, a tactician whose contract at Milanello won’t expire until June 2014.
“A President must always tell the truth,” he said when asked whether Allegri would stay for 2013-14. “Therefore, let’s go to the next question…”
Berlusconi’s dream tactician for the future is available former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
“The chances of him arriving are very low,” he admitted. “I’ve always wanted to take him to Milan because Barcelona have played the best football over these years.”
The Italian giants have opted to start a new era at the club after opting to wave goodbye to a host of veteran players in the summer, as well as selling the likes of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.
“We are focusing on youth,” he added. “We have three youngsters on our radar, one plays in Italy and the other two are abroad – but we don’t know whether we can sign them in January.
“A bid for Inter’s Wesley Sneijder? How old is he? 28? Well then, he’s not part of Milan’s plans.”
Antonini and Mesbah to Galatasaray? 7.1 ||webmaster
Galatasaray President Unal Aysal has been at Milan's training ground today discussing the possibility of signing Djamel Mesbah and Luca Antonini.
The head of the Turkish club was present at Via Turati today and according to reports, is looking to bring the defensive pair to the Istanbul-based team.
Mr Aysal failed to divulge any information however as he left this afternoon, telling Milannews.it, “It was just a courtesy visit to see the great Dr. Galliani”.
Mesbah has failed to impress at San Siro since his move from Lecce last January, racking up just 14 League appearances for the Rossoneri.
Antonini meanwhile has fallen down the pecking order due to the emergence of Mattia De Sciglio, and could be available for around €5m.
Stephan El Shaarawy or Edinson Cavani? Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi says he prefers the Diavolo’s striking sensation.
The Napoli ace overtook El Shaarawy at the top of the Serie A scorers’ charts last night with a sublime hat-trick against Roma.
However, speaking to Radio RTL, Berlusconi has this morning kept faith with his 20-year-old Italian international.
“I’m very attached to El Shaarawy,” the former Italian Prime Minister stated on Monday when asked whom he preferred between the two attackers. “So I’ll say him…
“Cavani, though, is a great player and he’ll turn Napoli into protagonists.”
Cavani has 16 Serie A goals so far this term, while the former Genoa and Padova man has netted 14 in the Italian top flight.
Robinho 'turned down Brazilian move' 7.1 ||webmaster
Adriano Galliani has confirmed Robinho turned down offers from other Brazilian clubs after talks with Santos broke down. “He’s staying with Milan.”
The Vice-President was in Brazil over Christmas to complete Alexandre Pato’s €15m sale to Corinthians, though Robinho did not get his move to Santos.
“Binho did not want to leave Milan, he just wanted to go home,” explained Galliani this evening.
“We failed to agree a deal with Santos and his agent couldn’t agree personal terms either.
“Other Brazilian clubs were ready to fulfil all the requirements, but Robinho wanted to stay with Milan. I heard from Gremio yesterday and they wanted him at all costs.
“There are regrets over Pato, as he had two stratospheric seasons without injury and was also decisive in the 2011 Scudetto.
“The lad wanted to go back to Brazil and joined the side that won the Club World Cup.
“With Pato there were six strikers, while now we have five and they are enough. If nobody else leaves, then nobody will come in during the January window.”
AC Milan reply to Blatter on Boateng 6.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan have responded to Sepp Blatter by releasing a new statement urging “national and international authorities” to take action on racism.
The club has been in the headlines this week after Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off during a friendly with lower league side Pro Patria due to persistent racist abuse from the stands.
Today FIFA President Blatter was in Dubai and insisted Boateng was wrong to “run away” from the insults.
“AC Milan reaffirm its dissent towards all forms of racism, however they are manifested,” read a statement released this evening.
“We invite the national and international sporting authorities to adopt and apply every rule against racism.”
Allegri: 'AC Milan won despite crisis' 6.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri concedes Milan improved considerably in the second half, but “won even without centre-backs.”
The Rossoneri were at the centre of an injury crisis going into this afternoon’s 2-1 victory over Siena, so Mattia De Sciglio had to play in the middle of a back four.
“Nothing in particular happened during the break, it’s just that at times with bad first half performances you can risk defeat, but we got back on track in the second,” said the Coach.
“The first game back from Christmas is always a little strange, but we got over a bad start, remained compact and won even without centre-backs.
“De Sciglio proved himself to be a lad with great quality. This is an important victory that takes us closer to the top teams.”
Bojan Krkic was a substitute and scored the opening goal at San Siro.
“Bojan has great technique and can change a game. If he plays like this all the time, then he cannot be marked and is world class.”
Milan wore anti-racism shirts before kick-off, as Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off in protest at abuse from the stands during a midweek friendly with Pro Patria.
“There need to be rules set in place to put responsibility on to the fans and clubs,” added Allegri.
“Will Boateng leave Milan? No, I doubt it. Didier Drogba will not arrive either, as our policy is to lower the wage bill further.”
Serie A: AC Milan 2:1 Siena - goals/highlights 6.1 ||webmaster
Blatter: 'Boateng wrong to run away' 6.1 ||webmaster
Scorers: Bojan 67 (M), Pazzini pen 81 (M), Paolucci 87 (S)
Bojan Krkic and a Giampaolo Pazzini penalty gave Milan a very hard-fought victory over Siena.
The Rossoneri ended 2012 with a heavy defeat to Roma and the pressure was on after Alexandre Pato’s €15m move to Corinthians. Robinho missed this game after negotiations with Santos broke down, while Daniele Bonera, Mario Yepes, Cristian Zapata, Djamel Mesbah and Nigel De Jong had injuries. Adding the suspended Philippe Mexes, the crisis in defence meant Mattia De Sciglio had to play as centre-back. Siena were looking for their first result under new Coach Beppe Iachini, but top scorer Emanuele Calaiò sat out a ban and Marcelo Larrondo was unavailable.
The Rossoneri came out before kick-off with special anti-racism jerseys after Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off during a midweek friendly against lower league side Pro Patria due to abuse from the stands.
Kevin Constant’s cross-shot was flapped over the bar, while Stephan El Shaarawy dribbled between two defenders to force another save out of Gianluca Pegolo from point-blank range.
Giampaolo Pazzini couldn’t get on the end of an El Shaarawy assist or an Antonio Nocerino cross. Milan seemed thoroughly uninspired apart from El Shaarawy, whose right-foot curler skimmed the base of the upright.
Instead, Siena had a great scoring opportunity in the second half when Christian Abbiati had to stick up a hand to palm Alessandro Rosina’s effort away from point-blank range.
El Shaarawy really should’ve scored on 59 minutes, but his header from a Boateng cross flashed all the way across the face of goal.
Milan finally found a way through with substitute Bojan Krkic. Siena gave away possession to spark a counter and Boateng curled the cross on to Bojan’s head at the near post, the Spaniard glancing it past the goalkeeper.
Bojan tried to complete his brace, but the strike shaved a coat of paint off the base of the upright.
Pazzini was awarded a penalty for a nudge from behind by Felipe and he insisted on taking the kick himself, firing confidently under the bar.
It wasn’t over yet, as substitute Michele Paolucci timed his header brilliantly to get one back for Siena on Angelo’s cross.
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, De Sciglio, Acerbi, Constant (Antonini 63); Montolivo, Ambrosini, Nocerino (Bojan 58); Boateng; Pazzini, El Shaarawy
After reports of Zenit’s €10m bid for Ignazio Abate, it is now suggested Russian, Turkish and German sides are pushing for his Milan teammate Luca Antonini.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, full-back Antonini has attracted attention from both Spartak Moscow and Rubin Kazan.
There is also interest from Galatasaray in Turkey and Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg.
It had already been reported on Saturday that Zenit St Petersburg had made a proposal for Abate.
Siena visit San Siro this afternoon and new Coach Beppe Iachini demands the elimination of “dips in concentration that cost us against Napoli.”
The tactician was brought in last month to replace Serse Cosmi and begins 2013 against the Rossoneri.
“Milan are a very strong squad who have found their identity. I don’t think they are weakened by absentees, because they have so much strength in depth,” said Iachini.
“I don’t believe they are distracted by the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final with Juventus either. They are a very tough side to break down.
“We must be wary not to let ourselves get taken by surprise with those dips in concentration that cost us against Napoli,” he said of the late 2-0 defeat.
“I am taking care of every little detail and like my team to have a precise identity. We want to consolidate our certainties and improve on our defects.”
Top scorer Emanuele Calaiò is suspended, while Neto and Gaetano D’Agostino are linked with moves to Napoli and Pescara respectively.
“I told my players not to get distracted by transfer gossip, as they must give their all to take Siena to safety.
“I have spoken to the club and by the end of the month we are going to have a competitive squad capable of staying in Serie A.”
Siena squad for Milan: Campagnolo, Farelli, Pegolo; Angelo, Belmonte, Contini, Del Grosso, Dellafiore, Felipe, Neto, Paci, Rubin; Bolzoni, Coppola, D’Agostino, Mannini, Rodriguez, Valiani, Vergassola, Verre; Bogdani, Paolucci, Reginaldo, Rosina
AC Milan and Udinese against racism 5.1 ||webmaster
On Sunday afternoon clubs including Milan and Udinese will have anti-racism messages before their games.
This week Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off during a friendly between Milan and Pro Patria after repeated racist insults from a small section of the crowd.
His Rossoneri teammates joined him in walking away to terminate the match in the industrial town of Busto Arsizio.
Milan have announced they will step on to the field for tomorrow’s Serie A game with Siena wearing special shirts displaying an anti-racism message.
Udinese also confirmed they’ll have a group of children before kick-off in their match against Inter carrying a banner on this issue.
Pro Patria are making their own statement, giving free tickets to the black community this week.
Robinho out, De Sciglio central defender 5.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan are forced to use Mattia De Sciglio in central defence after losing Mario Yepes, Daniele Bonera, Philippe Mexes and Robinho.
The Rossoneri welcome Siena to San Siro on Sunday afternoon in their first match of 2013.
However, there are problems for Massimiliano Allegri, as Mexes sits out a ban, while Yepes has a knee problem that will keep him out for two to three weeks.
Bonera was hoping to make his comeback, but limped off during training with a new muscular problem.
“Tomorrow in central defence we’ll have De Sciglio, who is not a centre-back but has the qualities to take that role,” said the Coach.
Djamel Mesbah, Cristian Zapata and long-term absentee Nigel De Jong also miss out.
Robinho is not included in the squad as he has not been training regularly. He had hoped for a transfer to Brazil, but Milan confirmed negotiations with Santos broke down last night.
AC Milan squad for Siena: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel; Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, Cristante, De Sciglio; Ambrosini, Boateng, Constant, Emanuelson, Flamini, Montolivo, Muntari, Nocerino, Strasser, Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini.
Allegri: 'Robinho and Abate remain' 5.1 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri tried to focus Milan on Siena, but instead had to reassure “Robinho and Ignazio Abate are staying with us.”
The Rossoneri are at the centre of numerous transfer stories this week after Alexandre Pato was sold to Corinthians for €15m, but talks with Santos for Robinho collapsed last night.
“Robinho wanted to go back to Brazil last summer,” revealed the Coach in his Press conference.
“Now he has to find the right state of mind and physical condition, seeing as he hadn’t trained in three weeks.
“Last night the negotiations broke down, so he is and remains a Milan player. As far as I’m concerned, he will stay until June.”
There were also reports that Zenit made a €10m offer for full-back Abate.
“Abate is a Milan player and is very happy to remain at Milan. I am not even going to consider his exit.
“Selling Pato is not a defeat for us, nor a victory. Milan lost an important player who always did score goals, but unfortunately had numerous injuries. He has the quality to recover and I hope he can find his fitness.”
Didier Drogba’s agents have suggested there are negotiations with Milan and Juventus for a return to Europe, but Allegri is not convinced.
“Considering our business model, Drogba will not arrive, because we have to focus on youth. The Ivory Coast international does not fit in with the ideas set out by President Silvio Berlusconi.
“Mario Balotelli? He is a Manchester City player. He just has to concentrate on himself, otherwise he can throw away his career.”
The last few days were also extremely tense after a friendly with Pro Patria was abandoned due to racist chanting against Kevin-Prince Boateng. The Ghanaian told German newspaper Bild today he is reconsidering his future in Italy.
“I didn’t see him particularly upset today. Perhaps he was letting off steam in the bitterness of the moment, but I think it’s all calmed down now. I don’t think he wants to leave Milan, as nobody likes leaving this club.
“In stadiums we ought to focus only on the sporting event. We should take down the barriers, as we are in 2013 and have to progress. It means taking important decisions and setting an example for youth.”
Milan ended 2012 with a heavy 4-2 defeat to Roma and need to get back on track on Sunday afternoon by welcoming Siena.
“Despite that defeat, we have amassed many points recently. Now we have to start again, but it won’t be easy against a Siena side that defends very well. The first game after a break is always very dangerous, especially if transfer rumours are distracting the players.
“Giampaolo Pazzini and Stephan El Shaarawy will start tomorrow, but I haven’t yet decided who will be behind them.”
Kevin-Prince Boateng is so shaken by the racist insults he received during a friendly that he confessed “I’ll meet my agent next week and see if there’s still a point to playing in Italy.”
The Milan midfielder earned praise from around Italy and the world when walking off during a friendly game with lower league side Pro Patria. See below for video. Several ‘fans’ were arrested and today another five have been charged with hurling racist insults.
“This isn’t something you can just shake off,” Boateng told German newspaper Bild.
“I’ll sleep on it for the next three nights. I’ll meet my agent Roger Wittmann next week and see if there’s still a point to playing in Italy.”
The Ghanaian who was born and raised in Germany confirmed he was “proud” of his teammates for walking off the pitch with him.
The game in Busto Arsizio, an industrial town between Varese and Milan, lasted only 26 minutes. The referee had already stopped play twice due to racist insults from a small group of supporters and the Pro Patria players had pleaded for them to stop.
“I heard the first monkey noises after five minutes,” continued Boateng. “At first I didn’t think anything of it, then it happened again and I told the referee if this continued I would leave the field.
“He tried to calm me down, but when the chants resumed I thought enough is enough, I can’t continue playing like this.
“It is easy to turn a blind eye and much harder to take action, but I would’ve done the same thing even if it was a Champions League game against Real Madrid. I’d do it all again, always.
“I was angry, sad, shocked and it’s a disgrace this sort of thing still happens in 2013. It’s not just about Italy, but the whole world. I wanted to send a strong signal because this sort of thing cannot exist. We’ve got to open our eyes.
“Racism has no place in football.”
Drogba agent:: 'AC Milan and Juventus talks' 5.1 ||webmaster
Didier Drogba’s agents have suggested “he has a lot of possibilities to arrive in Italy in January” for Milan or Juventus.
The striker has repeatedly been linked with a Serie A switch during the January transfer window after just six months in China with Shanghai Shenhua.
“Didier has a termination agreement with the Chinese club and I think he has a lot of possibilities to arrive in Italy in January,” his agent Carlos Arino Bajo told tuttomercatoweb.com.
“There is real interest from Juventus and AC Milan, and it is the same from Didier regarding the transfer.
“There have been contacts with both clubs and next week we will hear from them again. He would love to compete in one of the world’s best leagues, such as the Italian Serie A.”
The 34-year-old Ivory Coast international has been training with his former Chelsea teammates during the Chinese close season.
In today’s Press conference, Juventus Coach Antonio Conte insisted nobody at the club had proposed a bid for Drogba.
It’s reported that Santos and Atletico Mineiro have pulled out of talks for Robinho, as they cannot meet the €10m price-tag set by Milan.
The striker had declared he wanted a return to Brazil and, after selling Alexandre Pato to Corinthians for €15m, the Rossoneri were in intensive negotiations.
However, several different sources claim Santos would not go above their €7m proposal and are still falling short of Robinho’s wage demands too.
Adriano Galliani is expected to fly back to Italy today, effectively terminating talks for Robinho’s imminent exit.
Atletico Mineiro had been mentioned in the Brazilian media as preparing a €10m proposal, but their President shot down these reports.
“We don’t have the money,” insisted President Alexandre Kalil. “This is why we didn’t make any offer to Galliani, nor do we have meetings planned.
“Robinho is expensive and his wage demands are too high as well.”
With this situation, it looks increasingly likely that Robinho will stay at San Siro until June.
There are surprise reports that Luciano Spalletti’s Zenit have made a €10m offer for Milan full-back Ignazio Abate.
The Italian international defender grew up in the Rossoneri youth academy, though he also had spells at Napoli, Sampdoria, Piacenza, Modena, Empoli and Torino.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Russian side Zenit have offered €10m to take the right-back during the January transfer window.
Alexandre Pato has already been sold to Corinthians this week, while talks are continuing with Santos for Robinho.
It is claimed Milan hope to add Abate to the exit list in order to raise the necessary €35m to take Mario Balotelli from Manchester City.
The Corriere dello Sport maintains the Rossoneri are also eyeing a cheaper option in Juventus bench-warmer Alessandro Matri.
It would be a reunion for Matri, who was a Milan youth team player and also worked with Coach Massimiliano Allegri at Cagliari.
Having sold Alexandre Pato to Corinthians, Milan are now intensifying negotiations to sell Robinho. “If he wants to join Santos, he has to give something up.”
The striker has made it clear he wants a return to Brazil ahead of the 2014 World Cup and is wanted by Santos, Flamengo, Fluminense and reportedly now also Atletico Mineiro.
Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani held a meeting with Santos officials on Friday night, though the €7m is still well below their €10m asking price.
The gap could be bridged by including an option on 19-year-old Felipe Anderson as part of the deal.
“The transfer fee and wage demands are really very high,” Santos President Muricy Ramalho told Globoesporte.
“Robinho wants to return and that helps us a little. Considering this desire exists, we hold on to our optimism. Negotiations have not collapsed completely, but they are very complicated.
“If he wants to join Santos, he has to give something up.”
Would Balotelli and El Shaarawy work well together? 5.1 ||webmaster
After some speculation that Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could return to Italy and join the forces of AC Milan, questions have been posed if this would be a smart move to pair him up with 20 year old forward Stephan El Shaarawy.
The latter is of Egyptian descent but has been called up to play for the Italian national team and scored his first goal in November 2012 in a friendly against France. El Shaarawy ended the year 2012 as top scorer in the Serie A and promises a great deal of goals yet to come.
The 2010 European Golden Boy Mario Balotelli, originally from Ghana is also a naturalized Italian, and part of the Italian national team. Balotelli has a bit more fame to his name having been one of the main focuses of the English media since his move to Manchester. His antics both on and off the pitch have led to his presence being a regularity in the newspapers.
El Shaarawy definitely has a keen eye for goal and has very good positioning on the pitch. He has somewhat of a trademark move of lobbing his defender before running around and beating him in an attack. He looks to pass quite often when there is an open man but also likes to finish off attacks with a precise shot towards the goal. El Shaarawy has noticeable composure in front of the goal which explains the repetition of his name on AC Milan’s score sheets.
Balotelli is definitely a player with natural skill and unspeakable talent. He is pumped up with agility, pace, strength, power and technique, really all the things one looks for in a fantastic striker. He does have one downside though, and that would be his attitude and level of maturity. Of course, he is a young player and has to have fun in his youth but there is a certain level of responsibility that comes with being a highly paid professional athlete. This is just something Balotelli will have to overcome in order to be taken more seriously on the football pitch.
Regarding Mario’s transfer to AC Milan, it is a large possibility, especially considering Balotelli’s latest controversial dispute with his club Manchester City. Along with this incident, there is also the known fact of Balotelli’s love for AC Milan. The striker, who used to play for fierce rivals Internazionale, had once showed up to an interview wearing the football kit of AC Milan, causing all sorts of havoc and fuss in the media.
Should the deal go through, there are a number of benefits that the decision could bring:
1. El Shaarawy for one, is extremely versatile and adapts to basically any offensive position, and with Balotelli’s strength, the latter can draw defenders towards him and leave El Shaarawy easily open and free in front of goal.
2. Both are very young players with more than a decade of football left inside them, so playing together could help them form a long lasting striking partnership which would also be used in the Italian national team.
3. Since El Shaarawy is more of a wing forward, AC Milan are currently lacking a proper centre forward, with Alexandre Pato out injured. This, of course, is Mario Balotelli’s true position, so it should be no problem for the young City based striker to adapt.
4. Balotelli moving to AC Milan could help out some players show their true potential in the squad. This includes Riccardo Montolivo, who would have more passing options in the final third of the pitch.
It could prove to be a great decision with fantastic results, and of course, it could be a flop like some cases in football where two players just do not get along as expected. It is all left to be seen, should the transfer even go through.
Column written by Vladimir Nikolic.
Robinho-Santos still on, but difficult 4.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has admitted that he would walk off the pitch again if he was subjected to racist abuse.
The Rossoneri man led his teammates off the field in a friendly match on Thursday against Pro Patria after he was jeered by a section of the home support.
And the former Ghana international has claimed that he would do it again, even in a competitive match.
“I don't care what game it is,” he told CNN. “A friendly, Serie A or Champions League match, I would walk off again.
“I'm sad and angry that I'm the one that has to take action. All the people who support me would support me in a big game.
“Players like Rio Ferdinand and Patrick Vieira have supported me and I just want to say thank you.
“If it happens again, I'm not going to play anymore,” he added. “The referee said to me 'don't worry' but I said I do worry.
“I was angry and I was sad. There were so many negative emotions that came up with me.
“I am surprised we're still hearing these things in 2013. It's not the first time in my life that I've heard these things, but I'm 25 now and I've had enough of this.”
Berlusconi backs AC Milan racism stance 4.1 ||webmaster
President Silvio Berlusconi says his Milan side are ready to walk away from any game, in any competition, should they again be targeted by racists.
The Diavolo made a stance on Thursday when, led by Kevin Prince Boateng, they withdrew from a Pro Patria friendly 26 minutes into the game after being taunted by a section of fans.
“I can assure you that if a similar situation occurs again in the future then Milan will walk off the pitch in all matches – even international ones,” Berlusconi noted.
“I spoke to Boateng a little earlier and I congratulated him for his reaction to this deplorable episode of racism at Pro Patria’s stadium in Busto Arsizio.
“I really liked the behaviour of my Milan on this occasion and of the subsequent statements made by the players, the Coach and my daughter Barbara.
“These uncivilized episodes, these jeers and these denigrating chants are heard too often and offend football and the whole of sport.
“These heinous acts cause suffering to not only the athletes, but to clubs and the vast majority of fans.”
AC Milan are facing a defensive crisis ahead of their Serie A match against Siena at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this weekend.
The Rossoneri, already without the suspended Philippe Mexes, are expected to be shy of three other centre-backs.
The club have today confirmed that Daniele Bonera picked up a right thigh problem and subsequently missed this afternoon’s training session.
Colombian veteran Mario Yepes, meanwhile, has twisted his right knee which will require medical tests.
Cristian Zapata was also absent from the session at Milanello as the summer signing from Villarreal has a fever.
Midfielders Massimo Ambrosini and Sulley Muntari could be used as emergency centre-backs by boss Massimiliano Allegri given that he can presently only count on Francesco Acerbi in that role.
An emotional Alexandre Pato has said goodbye to his now former Milan teammates after completing a move to Corinthians.
The Brazilian international, who leaves in a €15m deal, bid farewell to the Rossoneri squad at Milanello before Friday morning’s training session.
“I’m unable to speak, I’m very emotional,” the forward told journalists as he left the club’s training base.
“I said bye to everyone, which I really wanted to do, and I want to thank all of the Milan fans.”
Pato not only leaves behind the Diavolo, but also his girlfriend Barbara Berlusconi – a club director and the daughter of owner Silvio Berlusconi.
“The club and the player reached the agreement that they wanted,” Barbara told ANSA. “The interests of the club have always come before my private life.
“Like last year, I was not involved at all in this affair. Pato was not sold to Paris Saint-Germain a year ago because neither he nor my father were totally convinced of that transfer.
“Our relationship? We are a happy and calm couple, the distance between Milan and Sao Paulo does not scare us.”
Seedorf: AC Milan wrong to walk off 4.1 ||webmaster
Clarence Seedorf has questioned Milan’s stance to abandon Thursday’s friendly in reaction to acts of racism.
The Rossoneri refused to continue the match against Pro Patria after midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng felt he could no longer play on after receiving taunts from a small section of fans.
While the Diavolo have been widely praised for hitting back at the racists, Seedorf is not convinced that was the best response.
“Milan were wrong to leave the field of play,” the Botafogo midfielder is quoted as saying. “In doing so they gave space to these people who have racist behaviour.
“They should just be identified and kicked out of the stadium. Leave the 90 per cent that were enjoying the match and finish the game.
“If Boateng was able to identify the whole corner, you just kick the whole corner out – that is how I think it should be handled.
"Walking away? Yes, you send a signal. But this has happened more than once and I don't think it really changes all that much.
“We are just empowering that little group with their behaviour to make this mess.”
The 36-year-old spent 10 years with the Rossoneri before leaving Milanello at the end of the last campaign.
Gennaro Gattuso is not convinced that former Milan teammate Kevin Prince Boateng was a victim of racism in the friendly against Pro Patria.
The midfielder was targeted by a small section of fans and, 26 minutes into the game, reacted by kicking the ball at them in anger before walking off the playing field. His teammates followed him.
“I’ve lived five kilometres away from Busto Arsizio for years and that area is full of foreigners,” Gattuso told the Corriere della Sera.
“There are no racists in Busto. What happened yesterday was the fault of a group of imbeciles.”
The Sion veteran then added: “How many times have there been boos against white players in the past? It’s happened to me to, but I didn’t give it any importance.
“Boateng certainly felt he was offended, but I continue to not see it as racism. It just seems to be the latest episode of collective idiocy from a minority.
“But if we are convinced that there is a racism problem then strong decisions need to be made. And yesterday’s stance was strong.
“I, however, continue to believe that Italy is not a racist country.”
Alexandre Pato has said goodbye after agreeing a move to Corinthians. “I am going to Brazil to play consistently, but it won’t be easy to forget Milan.”
This evening both clubs released statements confirming a €15m transfer has been agreed pending a medical and he will sign a four-year contract.
Instead of a signing-on fee, Pato has secured 40 per cent of any future sale.
“I wish to salute, but above all to thank, everyone,” wrote Pato in an open letter on the Milan website.
“From the President to the many people I worked with in these unforgettable years at Milan.
“I am going to Brazil, to Corinthians, so I’ll have the opportunity to play consistently. It won’t, however, be easy to forget Milan.
“I am and always will be very tied to this jersey, the club colours and all the Rossoneri fans. Above all at this moment my thoughts and my biggest thanks go to them.”
Pato arrived at San Siro as a 17-year-old, but at the age of 23 his career has been blighted by a series of muscular injuries.
Alexandre Pato has officially completed his transfer from Milan to Corinthians for €15m, pending a medical.
The striker had made it clear he wanted a return to Brazil this month and negotiations were finalised with Vice-President Adriano Galliani this evening.
Corinthians announced the deal was complete and released a picture of Pato wearing their team jersey.
“Over the next few days Pato will undergo medical tests and sign the four-year contract. Corinthians have bought 100 per cent of the economic rights of Pato for €15m.”
The statement also confirmed in future sales, Corinthians are to gain 60 per cent of the rights and Pato would get 40 per cent.
Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli, M’Baye Niang, Patrick Vieira and Rio Ferdinand praised Kevin-Prince Boateng and Milan for walking off amid racist chanting. “Finally! We are all tired of this.”
The Ghanaian kicked the ball into the stands just 26 minutes into today’s friendly against Pro Patria and walked away with his teammates after repeated racist chanting from a small section of supporters.
“Finally!” declared Italy manager Prandelli on TG1. “A great team, a great Coach and a great man. Massimiliano Allegri understood the problem. We are all tired of this. We are all fed up.
“Italy must grow up and this is the first step. Milan were fantastic, as all together we can probably manage to ruin the plans of these few people...”
Boateng was not the only player insulted in today’s game in Busto Arsizio, a small industrial town between Varese and Milan, as Sulley Ali Muntari and M’Baye Niang were also playing.
“We are ready to do this again in Serie A or the Champions League, even if we are playing against Barcelona or Real Madrid,” declared Niang.
“Our captain Massimo Ambrosini did the right thing by taking the team off the field. I’d never seen anything like this in France.”
Around the world football stars are flocking to congratulate Boateng and Milan on their reaction to the racist chanting.
“It was brave of Kevin Prince Boateng to do what he did today, and it was the right thing. We need to stand up and stand together. Well done,” wrote ex-Milan midfielder Vieira on Twitter.
“Now is the time for the football authorities to stand up and do something. We need to see real actions that will have a genuine influence.
“AC Milan are an example to all. It's a strong and bold statement to make by the Club and players.”
England defender Ferdinand also took to Twitter to discuss the incident.
“If the stories about KPB walking off the pitch with teammates after being racially abused are true, fair play to him...well done.”
The Italian Players’ Association and FIGC publicly supported Kevin-Prince Boateng after he abandoned a friendly match due to racist chanting, but the Busto Arsizio Mayor incredibly blamed the Ghanaian.
The Milan midfielder interrupted today’s game with Lega Pro Second Division team Pro Patria by kicking the ball into the stands and walking off, followed by his teammates.
“It was a good signal to send out,” said Italian Players’ Association (AIC) President Damiano Tommasi.
“The ideal is not to suspend games, though, but rather be able to kick out those responsible for these incidents.”
Barbara Berlusconi, who is the daughter of President Silvio Berlusconi and on the Milan Board of Directors, also weighed in.
“We need zero tolerance for these incidents and games ought to be suspended even in Serie A. It is a shocking incident and it was right to leave the field. We can’t always pretend we don’t see or hear these things.”
Federation President Giancarlo Abete also released a statement on the official FIGC website.
“Any sanction or punishment could not cancel out the disgust for a shocking and intolerable incident. The Federation has already begun an investigation to discover who is responsible and collaborate with the Police to punish the racists who ruined a friendly game.
“We show full solidarity to the players who were victims of the racist chants and to Milan who refused to finish the game, a decision that was shared by the referee – who had already suspended play twice – and the authorities in the stadium.
“We must react strongly and without the protection of silence to isolate those delinquents who transformed a friendly match into a disgusting situation that offends all of Italian football.
“Today’s incident confirms once more we must not lower our guard against racial discrimination and racist undertows of society, calling together all the healthy elements of football to fight them.”
However, one lone voice refusing to condemn the racist chants was the Mayor of Busto Arsizio, an industrial town between Varese and Milan.
“It was above all the fault of a bunch of idiots, maybe even of a bunch of professionals who didn’t know how to do their jobs properly – by which I mean the referee and some players,” declared Mayor Gigi Farioli.
“If these professionals had been able to do their jobs, then it wouldn’t have ruined a festival of football that at that point could no longer continue.
“Boateng kicked the ball at 200km/h at a fan and we all know that a reaction foul from a professional player is punished more severely than any other foul. In any other stadium in Italy, he would’ve been sent off.
“But if this had been at the Bernabeu or at San Siro, Boateng would not have had such an improper reaction.”
Farioli was elected with support from the Lega Nord (an anti-immigration party that wants to separate the north of Italy from the poorer south) and the Popolo della Liberta (Milan President Berlusconi’s centre-right party).
AC Milan: 'Racism infests stadiums' 3.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan released a statement on their official website after Kevin-Prince Boateng suspended a friendly with Pro Patria due to the racism “that infests our stadiums.”
This was meant to be a typical midweek run-out against a Lega Pro Second Division club in Busto Arsizio, Varese, but the game was abandoned when Boateng became frustrated with racist chanting from a small section of the crowd.
The Ghanaian kicked the ball into the stands, removed his jersey and walked off, followed by his Milan teammates. This gesture has earned praise and declarations of solidarity from all over the world as well as within Italian football.
“Busto Arsizio is a civilised town,” wrote Milan on their official website. “Nobody can argue against that. Milan will return gladly and with heads held high.
“But the racist chanting from those tiny, tiny people today could not go unpunished. They are condemned by the shame they must feel when, caused by a few, many are robbed of a relaxing afternoon of sport.
“In the stands of the Stadio Speroni in Busto Arsizio there were sports fans, their families and their children. There were good people representing sport, the pure and healthy spectators who wanted to sit next to others and enjoy a great friendly match.
“These people were the first to disassociate themselves from the tiny, tiny group in the stadium that made the continuation of this game impossible.
“At a certain point, Milan said enough. Those who share the colour of the heart of Boateng, Sulley Muntari and Mbaye Niang couldn’t take it anymore and decided it was time to teach a lesson to those fools.
“They were standing up with their ignorance, but it was as if they were under our feet. ‘Let everyone learn from this experience,’ said Coach Massimiliano Allegri. ‘We will return,’ promised captain Massimo Ambrosini.
“That will be the case, but only if Italian football definitively isolates those tiny, tiny people who infest our stadiums.”
Kevin-Prince Boateng took to Twitter after storming off amid racist abuse to end Milan’s friendly with Pro Patria. “Shame that these things still happen.”
The Ghanaian had been repeatedly insulted by a small group of Pro Patria supporters in the stands when he kicked the ball into their section.
He then took off his shirt and walked away, followed by captain Massimo Ambrosini and the rest of the Rossoneri squad, in protest at the racist chanting. The friendly match was abandoned.
“Shame that these things still happen... #StopRacismForever” wrote Boateng on his Twitter feed.
Pro Patria President Pietro Vavassori was horrified by the incident and apologised on Sky Sport Italia.
“The people who made the racist chants have been isolated. These people were not familiar to us at the stadium and they used this event to ruin a celebration of football.
“I am bitter about this and feel speechless. The club can’t do anything when faced with these incidents.
“Milan’s decision was understandable, as some of their players did not want to resume the game because they were upset by the incident.”
Rossoneri midfielder Riccardo Montolivo also wrote his reaction on Twitter.
“In 2013 these things still happen... How sad. I’m disappointed for the families who were present and give the utmost solidarity to my teammates. Shame on you.”
Stephan El Shaarawy wrote on his Twitter account: “I am truly speechless at a shameful afternoon. I’m sorry for the intelligent people at Busto, but it was right to walk away...”
Corinthians and Milan have confirmed Alexandre Pato’s €15m transfer is just a matter of time. “The decisive meeting will be today or tomorrow.”
The striker has made it clear for some time that he wants a return to Brazil and has chosen Corinthians as his destination.
“The decisive meeting with Adriano Galliani will be this afternoon or tomorrow morning,” Corinthians director of sport Duilio Monteiro Alves told Globoesporte.
“The situation is heading towards its definitive conclusion.”
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi also acted as if the deal had already been done when talking to Radio Kiss Kiss today.
“Unfortunately Pato has declared he wants to go to Brazil, with the promise he’ll return to Milan in two or three years.
“We are therefore trying to sell him to Corinthians, the most prestigious club in South America.”
Ambrosini: 'We have to stop these episodes' 3.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has claimed he is 'disappointed and saddened' after his side were subjected to racist abuse in a friendly match.
The Rossoneri walked off midway through the first half in a match against Pro Patria this afternoon, after Kevin-Prince Boateng was racially abused by home supporters.
And the 45-year-old Coach has admitted that the team 'could not make any other decision'.
“We are disappointed and saddened by what has happened,” he told reporters. “Milan play for the right to respect all players.
“We need to stop these uncivilized gestures.
“We are sorry for all the other fans who came here for a beautiful day of sport.
“We promise to return, and we are sorry for the club and players of Pro Patria, but we could not make any other decision.
“I hope it can be an important signal.”
AC Milan friendly cancelled due to racism 3.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan's friendly match with Pro Patria this afternoon has been cancelled due to racist chanting.
The Rossoneri were being put through their paces by the lower League team in a friendly match after the winter break.
But the game was marred by racist chanting towards Kevin-Prince Boateng, who was seen picking up the ball midway through the first half, before subsequently kicking it into the crowd towards the fans.
He then left the pitch, at which point captain Massimo Ambrosini withdrew the rest of the team from the field.
AC Milan reject Drogba, Osvaldo, Balotelli 3.1 ||webmaster
AC Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi has ruled out moves for Didier Drogba and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, while airing doubts about Mario Balotelli.
The Rossoneri have been linked with numerous strikers given the possibility that they will sell both Alexandre Pato and Robinho this month.
“Pato asked us to allow him to go back to Brazil,” the former Prime Minister noted to Radio Kiss Kiss. “He’ll join Corinthians, but with the promise that he’ll return to us in the future.”
When asked about a new striker for January, 34-year-old Drogba and Roma’s Osvaldo were told they can stay with their respective clubs.
“They are too old for us,” he continued. “After 26 years, we’ve put a stop to spending crazy money in order to build a young side for the next 10 years.
“We need two or three years to become competitive in Italy and the world again.”
Manchester City’s Italian international Balotelli is seemingly young enough for Milan’s new project, but maybe not mature enough for the Diavolo owner.
“Balotelli doesn’t convince me as a man, but I’d definitely sign Roma’s Mattia Destro…”
Siena ‘keeper Gianluca Pegolo is hoping that Milan’s Stephan El Shaarawy let himself go during the Christmas festivities.
Pegolo will come up against the Serie A top scorer on Sunday when the Tuscan minnows travel to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
“Let’s hope that he ate quite a lot of panettone – an Italian Christmas cake – and that he’s a bit heavier than he was,” the goalkeeper joked to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
El Shaarawy, still just 20, has been a revelation in the Italian top flight this season after Zlatan Ibrahimovic left in the summer for Paris Saint-Germain.
El Shaarawy, now a full Italian international, has scored 14 goals in 18 games for the Rossoneri in Serie A this term.
AC Milan youngster Mattia De Sciglio is “happy with what I’ve done so far” and looking forward to an even stronger 2013.
The 20-year-old full-back has come up through the ranks to represent his hometown club and is tipped by many to be the next Paolo Maldini.
“I am happy with what I’ve done so far,” he told Milan Channel. “At the start of the season I had set myself the target of playing a series of games, but I never expected to have played so many by the Christmas break.
“Playing consistently is important for any player, especially a youngster. For 2013 my objective is to remain concentrated and continue working this way.”
De Sciglio could be losing two teammates this month, as Alexandre Pato is on the verge of joining Corinthians and Robinho is in talks with Santos.
“It’d be a shame if even one of them were to leave, as they are players of great quality,” continued De Sciglio.
“We must try to climb up the table as quickly as possible to reach the top spots, trying not to drop points the way we did early in the season.”
Alexandre Pato is just one meeting away from leaving Italian giants Milan for Corinthians, his agent has confirmed.
“I think that everything will be sorted out in a couple of days at the maximum,” representative Gilmar Veloz told the Brazilian media.
“Milan and Corinthians are a step away from an agreement for Pato’s transfer. There is just one more step, a meeting between the Brazilian club and Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani.
“Corinthians have agreed to everything which Milan have asked for,” he continued.
“The transfer will be on a permanent basis seeing as nobody will loan you a player who is 23-years-old. Pato received other offers too, but he decided that he wanted to return to Brazil.”
The Brazilian international will cost the South American outfit around €15m.
Galliani is also in Brazil hoping to find a buyer for striker Robinho as he too has asked for a January transfer home.
