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March 2014
Ambrosini to join Kaka in Orlando?
31.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimo Ambrosini could join Kaka at MLS side Orlando City, it has been claimed in the Italian Press.
Reports earlier on Monday suggested that the Milan playmaker already has a verbal agreement with the new MLS franchise to sign for next season.
However, Calcio Mercato believe that he could be joined by former Rossoneri teammate Massimo Ambrosini.
The veteran midfielder is currently in the last year of his contract at Fiorentina, and the story indicates that the former Italy international will look for one last payday as he opts to leave the peninsula and start afresh in the States.
Kaka has Orlando agreement?
31.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Reports in the Spanish Press this afternoon suggest that Kaka has a verbal agreement with MLS franchise Orlando City.
The Florida-based outfit will become the American League’s 21st side next season, and Madrid-based paper AS believe that the Brazilian will become their first marquee signing.
The sports daily writes that the Milan playmaker already has a verbal agreement with owner Flavio Augusti da Silva.
The former Ballon d’Or winner has already intimated that he would like to play in the US one day, but these reports indicate that that could be as soon as next season.
Kaka marked his 300th appearance for the San Siro side by netting a double in their 3-0 win over Chievo at the weekend.
Berlusconi: Youth is AC Milan's future
31.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Barbara Berlusconi says that Milan’s desire is to base their future around sourcing and developing talent from across the globe.
The Rossoneri are enduring a difficult season on the pitch as they undergo a restructuring away from it, spearheaded by Silvio Berlusconi’s daughter.
Talking with FourFourTwo, the club director has considered how the reorganisation may affect the playing side of things in the future.
“These are matters within Adriano Galliani’s expertise. Milan is facing a major reorganisation,” Berlusconi has considered in an interview recently released.
“It is preparing itself as best as possible to face the new challenges of a calcio that has certainly changed.
“We place great emphasis on young people, on a structure of scouts able to unearth new talent around the world. But this is without renouncing big purchases, for the top players.”
Berlusconi was asked whether the preference was in creating a strong team without spending, or creating income to make a team stronger.
“Both of these things. The goal is to recruit young talent before they become top players, and before the costs can be, for us, difficult to sustain.
“To increase revenue, then, is a central challenge for us. Just so we can self-finance, improve facilities and afford some more top players.
“It is a challenge that will give results first in the medium term, not sooner than three years.”
The 29-year-old considered also the changing face of Italian football in recent years.
“In 2000, three of the top five clubs in Europe were Italian, by revenue. Today we are far behind. The model of football for the future is inevitably a mix of sporting success and ability to achieve commercial, financial and managerial results.
“And the best results on the field should be from those who adopt a structured and efficient business strategy.
“A good example? Germany, with stadiums that are owned, and rich sponsorships, without follies they have created a virtuous system, an example to follow.
“Accounts are in order, stadiums are full, there is commercial activity and many young people on the field.
“Then, we must remember that football is not only a business for those who earn millions of Euros, but also for the many jobs that it can create.”
The mother of two was asked about the increasing role of women in football.
“I do not see the presence of women as a merit or value added. But simply as a fact. Increasingly, women are taking key roles in football clubs.
“This is important because the clubs are now more companies, and football is really a business. And in all companies the number of and importance of women has been steadily growing.”
Ancelotti: Difficult if you don’t spend
31.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Carlo Ancelotti believes that Milan’s struggles stem from a lack of investment in the playing staff, compared to previous years.
The Rossoneri have endured a difficult season and have seen Clarence Seedorf fall under scrutiny for struggles since replacing Max Allegri as Coach in January.
For the team’s former Coach, the difference at the club now is in the money being spent on it.
“There are difficulties related to the lack of being able to make investments like in the past,” Ancelotti has considered this week to Radio Anch’Io Sport.
“Then it becomes difficult to remain competitive if you do not spend, this is a year of transition and I wish luck to Seedorf and to the club, as much as possible.
“Clarence has knowledge, skills and personality to be a good Coach, he lacks experience, but if you do not start then you will never gain it. First must be the desire to do it, then comes the experience.”
Ancelotti: 'Difference between Italy and Spain...'
31.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Carlo Ancelotti has considered the differences that he sees between football in Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s La Liga.
The former Parma, Juventus and Milan Coach is currently working at Real Madrid and has considered where the two Leagues are dissimilar at the moment.
“Spanish football is different and reflects the philosophy and culture of this country,” Ancelotti has told Radio Anch’Io Sport.
“And it is mostly played with much possession of the ball. It is different, certainly, to Italian football, which is experiencing a particular moment.
“There are cycles, it remains technically competitive, but to improve it is normal that there is a need for innovations in infrastructure.
“Spanish football is alive because there are young players who are interesting. We brought in five players to the squad this year, but everyone is talking about Gareth Bale.”
Another person everyone is talking about is Diego Simeone, who has Atletico Madrid top of La Liga ahead of Barcelona and Ancelotti’s Madrid.
“Atletico are an Italian team, one of the few who does not practice tiki-taka, but are more to the point.
“They are an incredible surprise, some expected that they would have given up, but they have not. There is a positive air around their team, they will hold until the end. Then, it is as question of details.
“Italy is not concerned in this way - we know that we have always given more importance to the tactics.
“As for Juventus, the results in Europe are not related to the Italian League. There is less quality, but the rhythms have always been different. The gap can be recovered peacefully, I have no doubt.”
Ancelotti considered Real Madrid’s performance of late, which has them third in Spain.
“In the League we have slipped to third because of two setbacks. The dream is La Decima [the 10th European Cup, but the League is a concrete objective.
“The League is interesting because beyond the three teams at the top, there are teams like Zaragoza and Athletic Bilbao who are very competitive.
“I have a strong team and complete - there are champions, experienced players and young people from the academy.
“Ronaldo? It is a simple thing to train him because he is an immense professional. He has understood that talent devoid of professionalism does not allow you to stay at the highest levels. That is the same for him, for Ibrahimovic and for many others.
“In Italy? The champions nourish affection and have no confinement to the Italian League.”
The 54-year-old considered Italian attitudes towards match officials.
“In Italy there is so much, too much pressure. They all have individual quality, but in Spain and England they are under less pressure.
“Would television replays help? No, for the love of God. There’s already too much, it should not be put in the field.”
Ancelotti was asked for his view on Rafa Benitez and Antonio Conte’s fall-out yesterday evening over how much each club has spent relating to their respective levels of success.
“Fortunately I am a Coach, not an accountant. I leave the sums to the President, I deal with tactics and other things.”
Kaka ignores exit clause
30.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Ricky Kaka has a clause allowing him to leave Milan this summer, but insists “I am very happy here.”
The Brazilian bagged a brace in last night’s 3-0 victory over Chievo, which was his 300th appearance in a Rossoneri jersey.
However, CEO Adriano Galliani revealed there is a clause in Kaka’s contract allowing him to walk away if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League.
“Since I first arrived at Milan there have been rumours on my future,” said a frustrated Kaka to journalists after the game.
“I am in no hurry and I am very happy here. I ask you not to talk about these things any more. I am very happy at Milan and that is my last word on my future.”
The concerns grew among the fans this weekend when Kaka confessed to the Corriere dello Sport that he would like an experience in America.
Orlando City appear to be the prime candidates after their owner Phil Rawlins tweeted: “We’re ready when you are Ricardo” with a link to the story.
Kaka’s current contract holds him to Milan until June 2015 and Orlando City won’t officially join the MLS until 2015.
Taarabt: 'Talks to stay at AC Milan'
30.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adel Taarabt revealed he wants “to stay with Milan” and his agents are already working out the deal with QPR.
The Moroccan international joined on loan in January and is eager to make this move permanent at the end of the season for €7m.
“My agent is already talking to Milan, as I am very happy here,” he told Mediaset.
“I played important games, I really like Italy and I want to stay with Milan.”
Taarabt spoke after the 3-0 victory over Chievo, which seems to have put the crisis behind them.
“It was a negative period for Milan after the Champions League exit, but with the draw at Lazio everything changed.
“Europa League qualification is an objective above all for the fans, but we must take it one game at a time.”
Orlando City 'ready' for Kaka
30.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Orlando City owner Phil Rawlins tweeted “we’re ready when you are Ricardo” after Kaka said he’d like an MLS move.
The Milan forward made the comments this weekend, though reiterated this isn’t necessarily going to be straight away.
Several clubs have been linked with Kaka, but Orlando City made it clear they are the favourites with a tweet on Saturday.
He linked to a story on Kaka considering the MLS and wrote: “we’re ready when you are Ricardo : ) #MLS21 ”
It should be noted that Orlando City won’t join the MLS officially until 2015 and their other owner is Brazilian Flavio Augusto da Silva.
Seedorf: 'AC Milan finding balance'
30.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf hailed Ricky Kaka and Keisuke Honda after Milan’s 3-0 victory over Chievo.
“Has the storm passed? I don’t know, I didn’t create the storm. We are very happy for all the Milanisti who can have a calmer time now,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
The Rossoneri had lost four on the bounce in all competition, but now have seven points from the last seven days.
“Kaka worked hard in training and as a man he is a guarantee, so I am very happy he is able to express himself at his best.
“Will Kaka be here next season? I cannot talk for Kaka, as it’s his future. There are no doubts on what I think of him. There are other players who deserve a mention, as Honda did everything to help the team tonight and it’s a shame he didn’t score, as he has the quality to make the difference.
“I said the other day that the club’s objective remains, which is to qualify for Europe.”
Cristian Zaccardo was surprisingly picked rather than Cristian Zapata to fill in for the suspended Philippe Mexes and Kevin Constant.
“Zapata is a player who got injured and the others did well, so it is simply an issue of form. I consider him very useful for our defence.”
Milan’s improvement has come after they went to Rome on a training retreat.
“From the start I tried to bring balance to the defence, but obviously when a Coach arrives with a different mentality it takes time to settle and get the idea. As time goes on, we are more and more able to keep that balance in both phases with 11 players.
“The improvement of the team is thanks to time and the players getting to know each other within this new approach.
“We previously lost games when we played well, such as Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Napoli, when we had nine players suffering from a high temperature, and Parma when we were down to 10 men after five minutes. These are not excuses, but reasons why those games didn’t go the way we wanted them to.”
Adel Taarabt had been dropped for a few rounds and Seedorf explained why.
“I can see more concentration, as Taarabt is creative and wants to always be creative. I saw in training he suffered his inability to perform the way he wanted to and it really hurt him, so I preferred to protect him and ease him in more slowly when he regained confidence.”
Serie A: AC Milan 3:0 Chievo - match report
29.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: Balotelli 3 (M), Kaka 27, 53 (M)
Ricky Kaka scored twice to mark his 300th Milan appearance in a confidence-boosting 3-0 victory over Chievo.
The Rossoneri seemed to turn the crisis around, as after four straight defeats in all competition they held Lazio to a draw and won 2-0 at Fiorentina midweek. Philippe Mexes and Kevin Constant sat out bans with Riccardo Montolivo, Mattia De Sciglio, Ignazio Abate, Marco Amelia, Andrea Petagna and Stephan El Shaarawy injured. Chievo had Luca Rigoni suspended, Matteo Rubin and Roberto Guana sidelined.
The Flying Donkeys had never won at San Siro against Milan, managing two draws from 11 previous attempts. It was a special day for Ricky Kaka, who marked his 300th appearance in a Rossoneri jersey.
It took just three minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock, as Mario Balotelli got on the end of an Adil Rami cross from the right for a volley off the inside of his left boot from six yards.
Moments later Adel Taarabt stung Michael Agazzi’s gloves at the near post with a powerful strike, but after 15 minutes Chievo came out of their shell. A dreadful Urby Emanuelson clearance risked an own goal and as the move continued Simone Bentivoglio’s shot was beaten away by Cristian Abbiati.
Milan-owned Alberto Paloschi volleyed over the bar from just inside the area, but Kaka marked his 300th appearance in style by doubling the Rossoneri’s lead.
He snuck round the back to surprise the Chievo defence, who were focused on Balotelli, and left totally unmarked to chest down and turn in a Keisuke Honda cross from the right.
Honda should’ve made it 3-0 on 38 minutes when Balotelli generously rolled across for the unmarked Japan international, but he incredibly ballooned over an open goal from seven yards.
Sulley Muntari was strethcered off just before half-time to make way for Michael Essien due to a calf problem.
After the restart a free kick found Honda’s header, beaten away by Agazzi from point-blank range. However, as the move continued Kaka curled a magnificent right-foot finish from the left side of the box in off the far post to leave the goalkeeper helpless.
Chievo hit the woodwork with a very strange Bentivoglio corner, as it dribbled along the by-line and through Victor Obinna’s legs to surprise Abbiati and clip the outside of the near post.
Kaka was substituted and given a standing ovation on his 300th official appearance in a Milan jersey. Bostjan Cesar prevented a fourth goal with a crucial sliding tackle to block off Balotelli as he was pulling the trigger.
Taarabt had a shot charged down in the box, but his penalty appeals for a handling offence were waved away.
In the final minute Cyril Thereau took down a cross for Ivan Radovanovic’s daisy-cutter to skim the upright.
In stoppages Cristian Zaccardo’s first touch let him down and he tripped Thereau on the follow-through for a penalty. Thereau went to take it himself, but a powerful spot-kick cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and back out off the ground.
Milan: Abbiati; Bonera, Zaccardo, Rami, Emanuelson; De Jong (Poli 59), Muntari (Essien 44); Honda, Kaka (Robinho 73), Taarabt; Balotelli
Chievo: Agazzi; Sardo, Dramé (Cesar 67), Frey, Dainelli, Bernardini; Radovanovic, Bentivoglio, Hetemaj (Guarente 77); Obinna (Thereau 63), Paloschi
Ref: Giacomelli
Missed penalty: Thereau 92 (C)
Kaka: 'My perfect 300th game'
29.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Ricky Kaka said his 300th appearance in a Milan shirt went “better than I could’ve expected,” beating Chievo 3-0.
The Brazilian netted his 12th Serie A brace after a Mario Balotelli volley at San Siro.
“The goal means many things. It is a special moment for us, tonight was an important achievement for me to play 300 games and it went better than I could’ve expected. I am very happy,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
The Rossoneri were in crisis a week ago, but have now notched up two consecutive victories.
“Football is wonderful and painful precisely because it changes so quickly. I said last week our locker room was not divided and people could see that tonight.
“We had two wins and a draw now, so these are results that will help us to end the season on a high.
“At the moment we are testing out many things with the Coach to find the best solution. I’ve always said I like to play in the middle, but I will play anywhere the team needs me.”
Even with this upturn in results, Milan’s chances of qualifying for the Europa League remain slim.
“What we do today is useful for the future, as the way we play and are set out on the field will help us next season.”
Kaka was asked about his comments that he’d like to play in the American MLS.
“I am happy here. Every time I am at Milan, people only want to talk about my future!”
Galliani on Galli, Maldini and Kaka
29.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani hinted Milan will have Giovanni Galli as director of sport and revealed a Kaka contract clause.
Galli was a goalkeeper for the Rossoneri and is currently working for Fiorentina, another of his former clubs.
“We haven’t made a decision yet. Directors can’t change clubs during the same season, so we will make a decision at the end of this campaign,” CEO Galliani told Sky Sport Italia.
“Galli is a Milanista, a good man and has excellent scouting credentials. We will certainly be bringing in a director of sport.”
Galliani was asked about the vicious criticism of the club from Paolo Maldini, but refused to discuss it.
“I will never reply to Maldini, as I have too much of a wonderful memory of him as a player.”
This weekend Ricky Kaka said he must talk to Galliani at the end of the season and was tempted by a move to the MLS.
“It’s very simple. Kaka has a contract until June 30 2015, but if we don’t qualify for the Champions League then he has a clause allowing him to leave. We will discuss it, but I firmly believe he will stay.”
Clarence Seedorf seems to have turned things around with a draw against Lazio and win over Fiorentina since the team went into a training retreat with Galliani.
“All Coaches depend on results, this isn’t news. Seedorf was wanted by the club and signed a contract for two and a half years, but like all tacticians much of his future depends on results. We are confident.
“It was perfectly normal internal dialogue and we had never left the team alone. When results don’t arrive, everyone has problems: the Coach, players and directors. When we win, everyone thinks we are the best. We know this is what football is like.”
Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes is at San Siro tonight and was seen chatting to Galliani. Are there transfers in the works?
“He simply came to watch this game, there is nothing more to it.”
Kaka: 'Long time with AC Milan'
29.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Ricky Kaka celebrates his 300th Milan game tonight against Chievo and clarified his MLS dreams can wait.
The Brazilian is set to start this evening’s Serie A clash at San Siro, which will be his 300th in a Rossoneri jersey.
“These 300 games are 300 different emotions and the story continues. I hope we can have a positive result tonight,” he told Milan Channel.
“It would be wonderful to finish this evening with a win. I expect the team to have the same attitude we did against Fiorentina, staying solid, united and all together to attack and defend as one.”
Today Kaka confessed he wanted to play in America, but clarified there is no rush.
“There is always so much talk about the future. I said I’d like to play in America, but there is time. I see myself in the Rossoneri shirt and hope to continue for a long time.”
Seedorf looks for Chievo win
28.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf has urged his Milan side to continue their good run of form with a win against Chievo tomorrow.
The Rossoneri host the Flying Donkeys at San Siro on Saturday, looking for the three points that should take them back into the top half of the table.
And after a draw at Lazio and a win in midweek against Fiorentina, the Dutch tactician has insisted that his men are full of confidence going into this weekend.
“The last two matches have been very important for us and we should remember that we haven’t always got what we deserved in some games,” he told a Press conference.
“It’s clear that when results are not forthcoming, various other factors come into play. We reacted well and we’re sticking together.
“We’ve shown courage and we have improved as we saw against Lazio and Fiorentina. We’ll be looking for three points tomorrow.
“I think the team will take to the pitch tomorrow as they did in Florence. We have to keep on playing with this spirit.
“I’ve been working on cohesion since my first day on the job, we haven’t always been successful but in the end the results will come from the pitch.
“I’ve been working with my own method since arriving here. I don’t just look at the result but the substance of the performance. We’re happy we got a result against a god team.”
The Dutch tactician then commented on Alberto Paloschi’s return to San Siro, and the style of play he’s looking to implement.
“I haven’t seen much of Paloschi but I know him. He’s doing well this season and it’ll be a pleasure to see him tomorrow.
“We want to show our strength tomorrow but it won’t be easy as many teams come to the San Siro to shut up shop but we’re not worried and I’m sure the fans will ensure a positive atmosphere.
“I know Kaka very well and I want to get the best out of him. If he has to run up and down the pitch like a full back, he becomes less effective. I think he can give more by playing closer to the striker.
“Poli can play anywhere in the middle and that’s his strength, he’s balanced. Zapata is in good form, he’s training well and when we need him, he’ll be called up. Bonera can play at full back or in the middle of the defence.”
Seedorf went on to remark on Mario Balotelli’s performance against the Viola in the week, praising the Italy international.
“All credit to Balotelli after the Fiorentina game as he played at both ends of the pitch for 90 minutes.
“He behaved well with the referee as well and that shows growth. If he continues like this, we’ll all be very happy.
“I think Prandelli is a great man and a great coach and I appreciate what he had to say about the relationship between myself and Mario.
“I think Mario has shown big improvements in the last game, both as a man and a player.”
The Coach concluded by admitting that his side have hit a nadir this term, like another European giant.
“I like looking to the future. Like a lot of big clubs in Europe, Milan is going through a transition, just like Manchester United.
“We all need to set ourselves objectives. We need patience and I’m sure the fans will appreciate that if they continue to see the team’s commitment on the pitch.”
Desailly: You can't blame Galliani
28.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan man Marcel Desailly understands the frustration voiced by club legend Paolo Maldini, but says Adriano Galliani can't be blamed.
The ex-Rossonero openly criticised the recent decline of the team, claiming to the Gazzetta dello Sport that all his hard work in building Milan had been destroyed.
Desailly acknowledged that things are being operated in a different manner to the five years he spent at the club, and feels Silvio Berlusconi’s lack of funds and the failure to produce young talent is an issue.
“Paolo was my captain and I can understand his frustration,” Desailly told Football Italia’s South African correspondent Rossella Marrai.
“After 15 years at the top level, he was committed to the club and he wanted to put his finger on various negative things that was done.
“You cannot blame Galliani. He was part of the success of Milan - on his choices, on the players they brought in like myself, George Weah and keeping some of the historic Italian players.
“They have taken some wrong decisions, but you still need to believe in them, and that it won’t be as terrible as everyone is thinking.
“When you lose some of your historic players, and you don’t go to the Primavera and replace them with new talent, you face some problems.
“Even if they have the likes of Baresi, Eranio and Filippo Galli I was expecting to see more players coming up and they are not.”
The 45-year-old went on to add: “There is also the money issue that Berlusconi doesn’t want to take money from his pocket - they are running things a bit differently now.
“Unfortunately, he bought some old players - ones that weren’t expensive - to try and see if they can still perform.
“It did not work. It worked at the time of Ronaldinho and Ronaldo but this time none of the experienced or the young players are performing. This has affected the spirit and the team at Milan.”
Desailly recently qualified for his UEFA coaching badges, a prerequisite in Italian football, and one current Diavolo head Coach Clarence Seedorf doesn’t have.
“Seedorf is the future. That season was finished and it’s just up to the fans not to be down and start off fresh next year,” continued the 1998 World Cup winner with France.
“They cannot sack him because he is not responsible for how the team is formed. I think it was a good idea.
“Will you see me on the bench one day? Nooooo.”
Seedorf given European objective
28.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf has admitted that Milan’s hierarchy have charged him with getting the club into Europe this season.
The Rossoneri are currently 12th in the table with 39 points, eight off of Parma in sixth place.
But ahead of this weekend’s game against Chievo at San Siro, the Dutch Coach has revealed his target for the end of the campaign.
“The club have given me one goal and that’s to get into Europe,” he told Milan Channel.
“There are a lot of teams in front of us going for the same thing. We’ll evaluate things and see what happens.
“We’ve been thinking about next season since I arrived though.
“We are going through a difficult time, a lot like [Manchester] United. It’s going to need patience from the fans – we just want them to get behind us.
“I’m optimistic about the future though.”
Seedorf then commented on the match on Saturday against the Flying Donkeys.
“I think everyone has recovered well and are raring to go.
“Zapata is fine and working well, and we’ll evaluate Poli later day. He’s a versatile lad and brings us balance, so hopefully he’ll be okay.
“I think we’ve played well during the last two matches, and hopefully that confidence can take us into this match.”
The former midfielder concluded by remarking on his relationship with Adriano Galliani.
“The support of the club has been here since I arrived. There is nothing out of the ordinary here.”
Paloschi: No AC Milan regrets
28.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alberto Paloschi says he has no regrets that his career has taken him away from Milan, whilst he looks at Chievo’s more ‘manageable’ calendar coming up.
The Flying Donkeys are embroiled in another relegation battle but have their young striker’s 10 League goals so far to thank for a recent resurgence.
For the 24-year-old who developed at Milan and will face the Rossoneri this Saturday night, finding success lower down the table has not left him with regret at what might have been at San Siro.
“I have no regrets, because some players need experience to mature,” Paloschi has commented in the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The big clubs want players who are ready, because they always have to win. Some of us need a different path so as to bring out the best.
“I turned to the provinces and I do not regret the experience that I have had.
“I have acquired serenity and continuity, I am more relaxed for when games come, knowing that I have worked well during the week.
“Before I was always paranoid. The national team? To play even one game would be a privilege for me.
“Milan? They will rise again, I have no doubt. I understand the bitterness of the fans, but they should put themselves in our shoes. We are not self-defeating.
“Seedorf is a great champion, he knows how to convey a winning mentality.”
Paloschi considered Chievo’s current predicament and hinted the one suffering most is President Luca Campedelli.
“At the end of every match the President is exhausted, it is not easy to keep a team like this in this League for many years.
“We now have a manageable calendar, but we have to beat Livorno, Sassuolo and Cagliari.”
Only six Serie A clubs in profit
28.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
La Gazzetta dello Sport found only six Serie A clubs ran at a profit last year, while Inter lost €82.7m.
The newspaper published the results of its investigation today into the finances of clubs in the 2012-13 campaign.
They found only six sides avoided a deficit, while there are still huge debts all around the League.
Udinese are the best run club in Italy, making a profit of €32.3m in 2012-13, followed by Napoli with €8.1m.
The only other clubs to run at a profit were Chievo (€1.5m), Pescara (€1.3m before their relegation), Fiorentina (€1.2m) and Catania (€0.1m).
Inter hold the record for the worst accounts, as they ran at a loss of €82.7m in 2012-13. It’s still an improvement on the €89.8m losses from the previous season.
Juventus have the highest revenue, mainly thanks to owning their own stadium, with €274.8m, but also the second highest expenditure at €286.8m.
It means the Bianconeri still ran at a loss of €15.9m last season.
Of the other top clubs, Milan ran at a loss of €6.9m and had the most expenses at €324m, Lazio lost €5.9m and Roma €40.1m.
In terms of outstanding debts, Inter lead the way with €293m, followed by Juventus on €227.1m and Milan €221.6m.
The club with the lowest debt is Fiorentina on just €5.1m.
Serie A debt at EUR 1.5 bil.
28.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Serie A clubs increased revenue last season by eight per cent, but also spending by four per cent, with total debt set at €1.5bn.
The Gazzetta dello Sport have followed up a recent report on the state of the Italian top-flight clubs’ accounts, which revealed earlier this month that only six teams ran a profit during 2012-13.
A more in-depth look at the accounts of the 20 clubs has produced overall figures for the League and shows that total revenue has increased on 2011-12’s figures by eight per cent, to €1.772bn, whilst total spending increased four per cent to €2.365bn, resulting in a loss of an aggregate figure for last season between the clubs of €203m.
Total debt remains at €1.572bn between Serie A’s sides, with every club posting a debt, Fiorentina with the lowest at €5.1m and Inter the worst at €293m. League leaders Juventus hold a debt of €227.1m whilst Milan owe a total of €221.6m.
Roma with €136.3m and Lazio with €102m are the only two other clubs with debt into nine figures.
Dede agent confirms AC Milan interest
28.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Cruzeiro and Brazil defender Dedè “is liked by Milan, but also tracked by other Italian clubs,” said his agent.
The 25-year-old centre-back only moved from Vasco da Gama to Cruzeiro less than a year ago, but has already been heavily linked with a Serie A switch this summer.
“At the moment Dedè is happy at Cruzeiro, where he has the chance to prove himself in the Copa Libertadores and earn a place in the World Cup squad,” agent Giuliano Aranda told tuttomercatoweb.
“I did read the reports. It’s true Dedè is liked by Milan, but also tracked by other Italian clubs. The Rossoneri are a great side, despite their recent difficulties.
“I can confirm there has been no direct contact with Milan or other Serie A clubs. I haven’t spoken to anybody, even if the interest in Dedè remains.
“Could he come to Europe over the summer? At the moment he is focused on doing well with Cruzeiro, but I won’t rule anything out.
“Playing in Europe and Italy in the future is one of his objectives. We’ll see how the situation develops over the next few weeks, as I think between April and May we’ll have a clearer idea of any summer transfer activity.”
Taarabt future 'depends on Seedorf'
28.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adel Taarabt’s agent said whether his Milan move becomes permanent depends on “if Clarence Seedorf remains.”
The Moroccan international arrived on loan from QPR via Fulham in January and scored on his Serie A debut against Napoli.
“He was benched for two games in a row purely due to his fitness levels,” agent Vincenzo Morabito told MilanNews.it.
“We should take into account the fact this lad hasn’t played very much this season, so he was lacking fuel and needed a rest to recover.”
There were reports that Taarabt’s contract included a clause automatically making the move permanent if he played a certain number of games.
“That’s not true. Clearly everyone was surprised by his great start and expected him to continue as an undisputed first pick, but he just needed to catch his breath.
“Milan now need calm. We’ll see how the season ends and what happens with the Coach, so if Seedorf remains or not and the choices made by the club.
“They will plan out their transfer strategy with a list of players to sign or sell. As of today, Taarabt has a good chance of staying with the Rossoneri.”
Mexes: Fiorentina win crucial
27.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan defender Phillipe Mexes has paid tribute to his side’s character following their 2-0 win at Fiorentina.
The Frenchman scored the Rossoneri’s first goal last night at Artemio Franchi and believes the win will do the team a power of good.
“Yesterday it was crucial to bring home the victory,” Mexes has said to the Milan Channel. “It has been great for morale, we could have won at Lazio too.
“It was a success that will do the whole group good. We were very compact and at a very difficult moment we needed a positive result.
“My goal? Muntari was there and could have scored as well but what counts is the result.
“But naturally I am pleased with the goal I scored.”
Balotelli: Referee provoked me
27.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli commented that the one to provoke him most during Milan’s win at Fiorentina was the referee.
The striker netted the Rossoneri’s second of the night from a second-half free-kick, but focused post-match on his early booking for dissent handed out by Daniele Orsato.
“The person who provoked me most in the field was honestly the referee,” complained Balotelli afterwards.
“I do not understand why some referees, in Italy, do not talk.
“The referee today gave no dialogue. I have been booked for telling him that an opponent had touched the ball with their hand.
“He warned me that I talked too much - I will talk too much, but you can also have a dialogue, it seems a stupid situation.
“Provocation in the field? If I am not provoked in the field, that would mean that I am not strong.”
Balotelli was asked if the win has helped ease pressure on Coach Clarence Seedorf.
“We have not saved anyone’s position. I have not read the newspapers, but it is not that because you lose one or two games it becomes a matter of discussing someone.
“We are not nervous and no-one fights in the dressing room. The group is fantastic and has always been united.
“Certainly there was regret at the exit from the Champions League and it is bad to not make it into Europe for next year, but rumours of quarrels are rubbish.
“The national team? We are a good group, strong, that hopes to go far in the World Cup. It will take a bit of luck…”
Seedorf saw Balotelli intensity
27.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf praised Mario Balotelli for his attitude against Fiorentina and blasted Milan critics for “spreading falsehoods.”
The Coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a 2-0 victory in Florence, which put the recent crisis behind them.
“It was a wonderful victory, because the team really did well over the last few days to react with two positive results.
“Considering the performance, the three points were deserved, as we won against a great team that plays wonderful football.
“We were a little more motivated and I saw that hunger to win in my players. It was a win for Milan and all the Milanisti. We dedicate it to one Milanista in particular, as Milan Channel journalist Claudio Lippi left us a year ago.”
Balotelli returned to the starting XI and his free kick was parried into the path of Philippe Mexes for the opener, then he curled in his own set play.
“The lads respected Fiorentina’s strength and possession football, so it was important to remain united and hit them with pace.
“A centre-forward has to work going forward and back, so when his team goes too deep he needs to spread it wide to help the others come up.
“I asked Mario for intensity and in that sense he had a great game in both phases. We already knew he had talent and could take free kicks like that, but I was most impressed by his consistency and intensity tonight.”
Seedorf took the opportunity to snap at the media, who had claimed he was already on the verge of dismissal.
“Many false things were said. I am open to criticism as long as it is constructive, but what I see here is the intention to create controversy by spreading falsehoods disguised as fact.
“The people who wrote certain things have to deal with their own conscience, because mine is clear. I tried to keep the players focused on the game, but it was impossible not to be aware of what was being said outside.”
Serie A: Fiorentina 0:2 AC Milan - match report
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: Mexes 23 (M), Balotelli 64 (M)
Mario Balotelli created one goal and scored another to end Milan’s crisis with a surprise 2-0 win away to Fiorentina.
The Viola were back in contention for third place after beating Napoli at the weekend, a fine way to put their Europa League elimination behind them. The Rossoneri were in dire straits with one point from the last five games in all competition and pressure rising on Coach Clarence Seedorf.
Fiorentina had to deal with an injury crisis, missing Mario Gomez, Giuseppe Rossi, Anderson, Juan Manuel Vargas, Marvin Compper, David Pizarro and Ante Rebic, so Alessandro Matri faced the club he left on loan in January. Andrea Poli was suspended for Milan, who were without Mattia De Sciglio, Stephan El Shaarawy and Ignazio Abate.
Milan were unbeaten in their last seven trips to Florence in all competition, but hadn’t beaten the Viola home or away in the last five meetings.
Keisuke Honda returned to the starting XI, but within three minutes hit a fresh-air shot on Kaka’s assist. Matri was taking on his old teammates and wasted a couple of early scoring opportunities.
Mario Balotelli returned to the line-up after he was dropped against Lazio, but was booked for dissent after 16 minutes.
Fiorentina lost Manuel Pasqual to injury, so he made way for Facundo Roncaglia.
Milan took the lead against the run of play, as Neto only beat a Balotelli free kick into the path of Philippe Mexes for the tap-in.
Neto fingertipped a long-range Adel Taarabt effort out from under the bar after beating away a Sulley Muntari snapshot.
Milan had a great team move before half-time with Honda putting Taarabt’s long ball back into the middle with the outside of his boot only for Muntari to balloon the volley off target.
At the dawn of the second half Matri wasted a golden opportunity, turning his free header wide from seven yards on Joaquin’s cross.
Massimo Ambrosini got on the end of a free kick, but could only find the side-netting. Milan also wasted, as Balotelli pulled back for the unmarked Taarabt to blast over the bar.
Balotelli’s free kick had set up the opening goal, but he curled the second in directly by himself. It whipped round the wall into the near top corner to surprise Neto.
Fiorentina: Neto; Tomovic (Wolski 67), Savic, Gonzalo; Pasqual (Roncaglia 18), Ambrosini, Borja Valero, Matias Fernandez, Cuadrado; Matri, Joaquin (Matos 79)
Milan: Abbiati; Mexes, Rami, Bonera, Constant; De Jong, Muntari; Kakà, Honda, Taraabt (Birsa 79); Balotelli (Zaccardo 89)
Ref: Orsato
Serie A: AC Milan vs. Fiorentina - lineups
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Fiorentina: Neto; Tomovic, Savic, Gonzalo; Pasqual, Ambrosini, Borja Valero, Matias Fernandez, Cuadrado; Matri, Joaquin
Fiorentina bench: Rosati, Lupatelli, Roncaglia, Diakite, Bakic, Wolski, Aquilani, Ilicic, Matos, Venuti, Fazzi
Milan: Abbiati; Mexes, Rami, Bonera, Constant; De Jong, Muntari; Kakà, Honda, Taraabt; Balotelli
Milan bench: Amelia, Gabriel, Robinho, Pazzini, Saponara, Birsa, Essien, Zapata, Cristante, Silvestre, Emanuelson, Zaccardo
Serie A fixture changes
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
The Lega Serie A announced more changes to the fixture list, including Roma-Milan, Inter-Napoli, the Milan Derby and Roma-Juventus on a Friday.
The calendar is still subject to change, as the following fixtures are assuming Juventus go all the way to the Europa League Final.
If the Bianconeri do not reach the Final, then Roma-Juventus will be on Sunday May 11 at 19.45.
All times listed below are UK.
Week 32
Sat April 5
Chievo-Verona (17.00)
Inter-Bologna (19.45)
Sun April 6
Lazio-Sampdoria (11.30)
Parma-Napoli (19.45)
Mon April 7
Juventus-Livorno (18.00)
Genoa-Milan (20.00)
Week 35
Fri April 25
Roma-Milan (19.45)
Sat April 26
Bologna-Fiorentina (17.00)
Inter-Napoli (19.45)
Sun April 27
Verona-Catania (11.30)
Torino-Udinese (19.45)
Mon April 28
Sassuolo-Juventus
Week 36
Sun May 4
Milan-Inter (19.45)
Mon May 5
Lazio-Verona (18.00)
Juventus-Atalanta (20.00)
Tue May 6
Fiorentina-Sassuolo (18.00)
Napoli-Cagliari (20.00)
Week 37
Fri May 9
Roma-Juventus (19.45)
Sat May 10
Verona-Udinese (17.00)
Inter-Lazio (19.45)
Sun May 11
Atalanta-Milan (11.30)
Sampdoria-Napoli (19.45)
AC Milan top Serie A transfer revenue
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have taken in more from transfers to the big five League clubs in the last five years than any other Italian side.
The Football Observatory released its findings on sales since 2008-09 to the major tournaments in Europe – Italy, Spain, England, Germany and France.
Tottenham made more from transfers than anyone else during that period, taking in €322.1m of revenue.
They were surprisingly followed by Real Madrid with €303.7m, Porto on €282.7m, Liverpool €239.8m and Milan in fifth place with €229.5m.
Inter were in sixth with €224.9m and Udinese seventh on €220m, while Roma were in ninth on €203.4m.
Juventus only made €138m from transfers over the last five years.
Berlusconi 'puts EUR 50 mil. a year into AC Milan'
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
It is reported that Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has revealed that he puts €50m of his own money into the club every year.
The 77-year-old was present at a meeting with members of Italian political party Forza Italia yesterday evening and reportedly asked who among them supported the Rossoneri.
In response to one of those present saying he was sorry to see such a great club in the situation they are currently in, Berlusconi gave a revealing answer.
“You’re sorry? Think how sorry I feel. I put €50m into the club every year!”
'Berlusconi must get involved'
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan and Fiorentina player Stefano Carobbi has called for Rossoneri President Silvio Berlusconi to return to the forefront of the club’s activities.
There has been speculation in recent weeks that the 77-year-old was considering selling the club but Carobbi thinks Milan would be worse off without him.
“The important thing is that Berlusconi gets involved again personally,” Carobbi told MilanNews.it.
“A Milan without Berlusconi is like having football without Roberto Baggio!”
The 50-year-old was then asked about tonight’s match between his two former sides.
“I think Milan will definitely be hurt by all the rumours that are going around, the team is in a difficult period.
“But the team still has great players who can make the difference at any moment.
“Fiorentina on the other hand are doing well, they have real enthusiasm at the moment and I think it will be a very good game.”
'Balotelli should listen to Seedorf'
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli believes Mario Balotelli is in good hands being coached by Clarence Seedorf at Milan.
The 23-year-old has come in for severe criticism of late and has been linked with a move away from San Siro but the former Fiorentina boss thinks the forward is fine where he is.
“Balotelli is an important player for the national team, like a lot of other players,” Prandelli said while attending an Illumia promotional event.
“But he must arrive at the World Cup fully prepared.
“It would serve Balotelli well to listen to Seedorf and to use the emotions he is feeling to express himself out on the pitch.
“When an emotion is channelled well it is always appreciated.
“He is in good hands, Seedorf knows how to handle great champions as he was one himself.
“Balotelli has always behaved well with the national team.”
Brocchi: 'Seedorf inherited difficult situation'
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan player Cristian Brocchi has defended under fire Rossoneri Coach Clarence Seedorf, insisting he inherited a difficult situation.
Ahead of the San Siro club’s game against Fiorentina tonight, the 38-year-old also said he is impressed by Vincenzo Montella’s side.
“Seedorf inherited a difficult situation,” Brocchi told Radio Sportiva. “The first person to pay the price is always the Coach when things are not going well.
“I’m not sure whether or not his job is on the line this evening.
“As for the Viola, if they don’t believe they can make the Champions League they are very wrong.
“Montella is right to aim high considering the difficult moment Napoli are going through.”
AC Milan ask Balotelli to leave agent
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have asked Mario Balotelli to leave agent Mino Raiola, according to reports this morning.
Tuttosport write on Wednesday that the Rossoneri have indicated to the controversial striker that they would prefer if h ceased being represented by the 46-year-old.
Raiola is one of the most influential agents in the game, working on behalf of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Marek Hamsik and a host of others.
The paper however, believes that the San Siro outfit have requested that the Italy international cut all ties with the representative.
Menez open to Serie A return
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Jeremy Menez has admitted that he is open to a return to Serie A, claiming that he ‘really admires’ Juventus.
The French winger has spent three seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, having moved to Les Parisiens from Roma in 2011.
But with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, the 26-year-old has conceded that he will leave on a free transfer in the summer.
“I’ve had a good time at PSG,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Especially on a personal level – I scored 21 goals, made 28 assists and also wore the captain’s armband.
“In the summer I had an operation on my back, and when I returned, the Coach had already decided who he liked.
“The competition does not scare me, but it is not healthy – there have been many choices that I just haven’t understood.
“I felt good in Rome when I was there, and in the future I could return to Italy – I know the language and the League, it would be easy for me to acclimatise.
“I really admire Juventus – they play a great style of football and are destined to win in Europe.
“And then there’s Pogba, who is an extraordinary talent.
“We’ll see what happens. I look and see what interesting projects are out there. I’m not afraid of competition or having to start from scratch, because that’s what happened at PSG.
“And of course there’s Fiorentina as well, with Daniele Prade who took me to Roma.”
Fiorentina injuries for AC Milan
26.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Fiorentina are without Juan Manuel Vargas, David Pizarro, Anderson, Mario Gomez and Marvin Compper against Milan.
It kicks off on Wednesday night at 19.45 GMT.
Vincenzo Montella has to deal with numerous absentees for the big game as he continues to target Napoli in third place.
Vargas and Compper both suffered muscular problems in training and have been ruled out of the squad.
They join Giuseppe Rossi, Gomez, Pizarro and ex-Manchester United midfielder Anderson on the treatment table.
Alessandro Matri and Massimo Ambrosini are available to face their former club.
Fiorentina squad for Milan: Ambrosini, Aquilani, Borja Valero, Bakic, Cuadrado, Diakite, Fazzi, Fernandez, Ilicic, Joaquin, Lupatelli, Matri, Neto, Pasqual, Rodriguez Gonzalo, Roncaglia, Rosati, Ryder, Savic, Tomovic, Venuti, Wolski
Albertini: 'AC Milan better than league suggests'
25.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan player Demetrio Albertini believes the Rossoneri are better than their current Serie A position suggests.
Clarence Seedorf’s side have had a torrid time of late and lie in 12th place ahead of their trip to Fiorentina tomorrow.
“There must be a way to fix what is broken because the Milan squad is better than the league table suggests,” Albertini told the Milan Channel.
“Work is everything. In 1998 we were struggling, I wasn’t feeling good, but it gets to you when you go onto the pitch and get booed.
“The fans have every right to protest.”
The 42-year-old, who now works for the FIGC, then commented on Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli and Parma Coach Roberto Donadoni.
“Prandelli’s renewal? We will discuss it and then reveal the details.
“Donadoni? I am pleased for what he is doing as a Coach, I have fond memories of him from when he was with the national team.”
Seedorf: No Galliani tension
25.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf has assured that there is no tension with Adriano Galliani, as he outlines his commitment to turning Milan’s situation around.
Vice-President Galliani is accompanying the 37-year-old and the squad this week on away trips to Lazio and Fiorentina, during a period of crisis for the club.
Whilst Barbara Berlusconi confirmed this week that Seedorf’s appointment as Coach was down to Silvio Berlusconi, the Dutchman insists it doesn’t make his situation with Galliani awkward.
“There was never any tension between us, the communication between us has always been there and we move forward to do good for Milan,” began Seedorf to reporters today.
“How am I taking my situation? I will respond philosophically…I have a philosophy of like that allows me to live moments of stress and difficulty with balance.
“I’m glad I have not read or heard certain things, I am a human being, but I have build my life with these issue and have always been successful.
“I get up early, do eight hours a day at Milanello to better prepare to the team and to bring home the results.
“There will never be anything lacking in my commitment, but now we are looking for results.”
Mario Balotelli was dropped for the weekend draw at Lazio, whilst attention is on Seedorf’s particular approach with him.
“From the first day I have tried to understand the needs of all. With Mario I have done the same thing, when he goes into the field I am very demanding because he has a lot of potential.
“He is a point of reference for the media, but there are not differences in my approach, even though the methods vary from person to person. Like with everyone I engage him in training.”
Seedorf was talking ahead of the team’s trip up to Florence, following on from a weekend draw at Lazio, which ended a four-game losing streak in all competitions.
“It was a positive result to follow a performance of substance. It was the reaction that we wanted and that we will need against Fiorentina tomorrow.
“A lack of chances created though? Against Lazio we had few chances, but we also gave away very little. In football, just a goal can win a game.
“Fiorentina have a way of playing that everyone likes, they have great players in attack. They are a squad that deserves great respect.
“Taarabt? No-one is ever set aside. Taarabt has been out for the choices I have made. He has had a great start, but we cannot expect him to be a saviour. We have a lot of quality forwards and no-one is put aside.
“Tomorrow he could return to the starting line-up. I’ve already made some changes, even against Lazio I made some changes.
“I am just trying to bring home the results. The formation for me is not sacred, my philosophy, how I see football, that is sacred. This fits into any formation. Kaka in Rome had a more central role, then in football you have to take advantage of the space that the opposing team leaves, and this was on the right [against Lazio].
“In Florence we won’t make many changes, they will have to be accurate because some players are not available. Having come back against Parma when down to 10 men was a good sign. The team is better.”
Galliani: No Champions League means wage cuts
25.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani has confirmed that Milan’s players will automatically see their salaries drop in the summer for failing to qualify for the Champions League.
A miserable season for the Rossoneri has the team languishing 12th in Serie A, 22 points away from the third and final Champions League qualification spot, with nine games to go.
“Kaka said that at the end of the season he will come to me to talk about a wage reduction? There is nothing to add,” commented Galliani to the Gazzetta dello Sport today.
“Almost all the players have signed a contract that provides for an 80 per cent fixed salary and a 20 per cent variable, relating to the qualification or not to the Champions League. Not to the Europa League.
“So, there are no discussion about it. And I guarantee that all the players will survive…”
De Sciglio injury update
25.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have today released a statement regarding an injury to defender Mattia De Sciglio.
The player completed 84 minutes of the Rossoneri’s game with Lazio last night before being substituted by Daniele Bonera.
“AC Milan announces that Mattia De Sciglio has undergone tests and consultation with the Professor Andrea Ferretti,” a statement on the club’s website reads.
“De Sciglio has suffered a sprain to his right ankle and he will be reassessed in two weeks.”
Novellino: 'Allegri could have fixed AC Milan'
24.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Walter Novellino believes that Milan’s first mistake this season was in sacking Massimiliano Allegri, as he sees Clarence Seedorf without experience.
The Rossoneri shipped out Allegri in January to bring in their former midfielder in his place, but have seen poor form continue into the second half of the season.
“I would never have sacked Allegri, he was the only one capable of fixing this situation,” former Milan midfielder and current Modena Coach Novellino has considered on Radio Rai this Monday.
“Moreover, he had a squad that wasn’t revolutionised but certainly was reinforced with players that had just arrived and were still looking to acclimatise.
“You become a Coach because you have a certain experience and Seedorf will be a good technician, but the problems with Milan are not resolved with four attacking midfielders.
“It takes time to become a Coach, as it happened with me. Seedorf has much experience of football, but not as a Coach.
“Also yesterday, the Rossoneri were not in control of the ball - Milan are another thing, they must always be protagonists.
“They are going through a period of re-growth, which, however, has led to them setting aside a competent person.
“Galliani can help Seedorf and give him advice, but the team is determined by the Coach. And the Rossoneri are paying for this.”
'Seedorf? There’s only one Guardiola'
24.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alessandro Calori says Clarence Seedorf needs time at Milan, but warns that Pep Guardiola’s example has ‘clouded the minds of many directors’.
Seedorf retired from the game in January to return to the Rossoneri and replace Max Allegri as Coach. However, a poor start to life has the Dutchman already under scrutiny.
For fellow Coach Calori, the expectation that he would follow Pep Guardiola’s successful conversion from player to tactician is part of the issue.
“When it comes to great teams, there are two possibilities - either you win, or you suffer,” the former Brescia and Novara Coach has told Tuttomercatoweb today.
“Is Seedorf a flop? No, he is different. It takes experience. Unfortunately, what Guardiola did has clouded the minds of many directors.
“But there is only one Guardiola.”
Costacurta: A step back, but...
24.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Billy Costacurta says that Milan took a ‘step back’ in their style of play against Lazio, but acknowledges it was important not to lose.
The Rossoneri broke a losing streak of four matches in all competitions on Sunday evening with a 1-1 result away to Lazio, which their retired centre-back surmised afterwards.
“The point for Milan in Rome is a building block, the team did not impress, but they stood up to Lazio and seemed better than in previous moments,” Costacurta has considered to Sky Sport Italia.
“It is a step back as far as the style of play is concerned, in some games I have found them to be livelier, but the importance at this moment was to get the point and the important thing was to not lose against Lazio.
“It is clear that Milan would not do that, even if they have not been able to play well.”
Mancini: AC Milan? Why not?
24.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Inter boss Roberto Mancini says he cannot rule out the possibility of one day coaching Milan, but says life at Galatasaray is good.
The 49-year-old spent four years on the Nerazzurro bench, winning three League titles, two Coppa Italias and two Supercoppa Italianas.
However, when it was put to him this week that his past with the blue half of Milan would rule him out of working with the red half, he was clear that nothing is for certain.
“You never know in life, why not…I am a Coach, anything can happen. It depends not only on me,” Mancini has considered to Fox Sports.
“Inter, on the other hand, I do not think I will return to. They are changing a lot and it does not make sense to talk about this now.
“Galatasaray? They are a great team playing in the Champions League, so I decided to come here.
“In Turkey is it going pretty well, it is a new experience for me. We have been working here for five months.
“The League is pretty difficult, although our level should grow much. Every game is tough, but the experience so far is positive.”
Galliani: AC Milan fight encouraging
24.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani commented after Milan’s draw with Lazio at seeing the ‘right signs of fight’ from the team.
The Rossoneri ended a four-game losing streak in all competitions on Sunday evening to record a 1-1 result at the Stadio Olimpico, and leave their Vice-President, who is accompanying them this week, satisfied.
“This is a very, very important point. Beyond the point, the team fought and fought and we old directors see these things as a sign,” Galliani told Milan Channel post-match.
“There has been the goal from Kaka [awarded as an Abdoulay Konko own-goal] and in the final stages Balotelli hit the post, which could have given us the win, but the result is fair, that’s okay.
“The point stops the losing streak, but the team has fought, these were the signs given.
“The players went to the fans after the game? I saw this, there is only one way out of this situation, that is, with the cohesion between the club, Coach, players and fans - if we regroup then I think we can get out of this.
“We are close to the team and this is right and as I have done so for 28 years. I do not see anything different, the signals communicate that the team is fighting.”
Seedorf: 'I preferred Pazzini'
24.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf insisted Milan’s 1-1 draw at Lazio was “a positive step forward” and explained why he dropped Mario Balotelli.
“They showed that they are a compact group who want to go forward. They helped each other out throughout the game and it’s a shame we didn’t get all three points, but it was a balanced game,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Giampaolo Pazzini started the match rather than Balotelli, who did come on during the second half.
“I thought Pazzini could give us something more for this game due to his characteristics. I simply chose the side I thought could hurt the opponents more.
“I firmly believed we could surprise Lazio and I put on another striker, but unfortunately the equaliser came and the result remained like that.
“Adriano Galliani said he’d be happy if we played badly and brought home three points. So we know that if we keep that going then at least he’ll smile!
“We always try to give our best in terms of performance and style, but at this moment in time it is more important to be solid, effective and allow few scoring opportunities to our opponents. If we do that, then we can build game by game.”
The last few days have been filled with media speculation of crisis talks with Galliani and a supposed two-game deadline for Seedorf to turn the situation around or face the sack.
“There was never a separation within the club, as we were always in contact and I asked him to stay close to the squad because his experience is fundamental to calm the environment. That was the case even when I was a player.
“I was glad to see this reaction and character from the squad and club. In my Press conference I also pointed out that I never received any of the indications from the President or CEO that I had a deadline or any of the other things written this week. I remain with the indications I received when I signed the contract.
“I am enjoying the experience, when it comes to the daily work, training and being with the players. I am growing every day.
“I have tried to teach courage, bring back some joy to the players and give them belief, which is perhaps more invisible than tactical changes. It is a crisis when a Coach is fired, so I had to get the group back on track and in that sense I am satisfied with how we have progressed.
“The players are working very hard in training to improve and emerge from this situation. Tonight the result was another positive step forward.”
Serie A: Lazio 1:1 AC Milan - match report
23.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: Konko og 44 (M), Gonzalez 60 (L)
Both Lazio and Milan are in crisis and it showed with this 1-1 draw, as an Abdoulay Konko own goal was cancelled out by Tata Gonzalez.
These were two teams on the verge of a nervous breakdown, as the Biancocelesti ultras continued to leave the Curva Nord empty in protest at President Claudio Lotito, while there were on-going rumours Clarence Seedorf would be sacked with a heavy defeat in Rome after losing the last four in all competition. Miroslav Klose, Federico Marchetti, Michael Ciani and Ederson were injured with Antonio Candreva returning from suspension. Christian Abbiati sat out a ban following his red card against Parma, with Ignazio Abate and Stephan El Shaarawy sidelined. Mario Balotelli and Adel Taarabt were dropped in favour of Giampaolo Pazzini and Keisuke Honda.
It was a tense start and the hosts took the initiative, as Diego Novaretti failed to get his header from a free kick on target.
Brayan Perea was booked and some wanted an even harsher penalty for his mistimed tackle from behind on Adil Rami.
Honda blasted off target and Keita ran on to a Cristian Ledesma through ball, but was crowded out by Rossoneri jerseys.
Honda curled over the bar with Pazzini irritated that the Japanese international didn’t cross for him.
Lazio thought they had taken the lead on 41 minutes when Marco Amelia made a hash of Novaretti’s downward header, allowing it to squirm between his legs. However, the linesman had raised his flag, as Giuseppe Biava came back from an offside position and interfered with play, preventing Philippe Mexes from intercepting the cross.
Moments later it was Milan who took the lead with a moment of huge fortune. Kaka’s cross-shot down the left took a deflection off Abdoulay Konko’s face to completely wrong-foot Berisha at the near post.
In first half stoppages Honda wasted the chance to make it 2-0 with a free header over from a set play.
A deflected Konko strike from distance was smothered by Amelia and Honda seemed unhappy when substituted by Balotelli.
Amelia punched away a Candreva cross into the path of Lucas Biglia, so Nigel De Jong had to charge down the volley inside the area.
Lazio got a deserved equaliser on the hour mark, as another Candreva cross was whipped in from the right. Biglia flicked it on for Alvaro ‘Tata’ Gonzalez’s header from six yards.
Candreva failed to make the most of a counter-attack sparked by a Mexes error in midfield, then Balotelli’s free kick was straight into the wall. Andrea Poli was booked for dissent and will be suspended for Wednesday’s game with Fiorentina.
Gonzalez could’ve had a second, but he hesitated when sent through by Ledesma and allowed Rami to close him down.
Pazzini pounced when Konko failed to deal with a Balotelli cross, but volleyed over with the outside of his boot.
Balotelli was unlucky not to restore Milan’s lead on 82 minutes, as his snapshot flashed past Berisha to thump the base of the far post.
Candreva ran on to a clever cross-field pass in acres of space only to blast the finish into the empty Curva.
Sulley Muntari headed a Kaka corner over the bar, while Eddy Onazi also turned off target from a Keita pull-back.
Lazio: Berisha; Konko, Biava, Novaretti, Radu; Gonzalez (Mauri 87), Ledesma, Biglia (Onazi 78); Candreva, Perea (Lulic 54), Keita
Milan: Amelia; De Sciglio (Bonera 84), Rami, Mexes, Constant; De Jong, Essien; Kaka, Poli (Muntari 75), Honda (Balotelli 54); Pazzini
Ref: Rocchi
AC Milan name 26 man squad
23.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf has named an initial squad of 26 players for Milan’s match with Lazio at Stadio Olimipico tomorrow.
With the Rossoneri steeped in crisis, the Dutchman has overseen four consecutive defeats and it is rumoured that no signs of improvement in the next two games will see him sacked.
Milan squad to face Lazio: Amelia, Coppola, Gabriel, Bonera, Constant, De Sciglio, Mexes, Rami, Silvestre, Zaccardo, Zapata, Birsa, Cristante, Emanuelson, Essien, De Jong, Honda, Kakà, Montolivo, Muntari, Poli, Saponara, Taarabt, Balotelli, Pazzini, Robinho.
Taarabt: Start of adventure
23.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan’s Adel Taarabt says he hopes his loan spell at San Siro is just the start of a long adventure for him at the Rossoneri.
The Moroccan has impressed in spells for Clarence Seedorf’s side thus far but with uncertainty engulfing the club on and off the pitch, no-one’s future is assured.
“It’s been a dream to play in such a glorious shirt,” Taarabt told Forza Milan.
“I hope it’s just the start of a fantastic adventure at Milan.
“I scored some good goals in England too but, for sure, the one I scored at Napoli was one of the most unforgettable ones of my career.
“I was one of the important players at the stadium where Maradona played, and I have always been a big fan of his.”
Seedorf: No two-game ultimatum
23.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf says he has not been told he only has the next two games to turn around Milan’s fortune, as he reiterates his self-confidence.
The 37-year-old yesterday evening met with Vice-President Adriano Galliani, with reports indicating that it was made clear that the Coach needs to show signs of improvement against Lazio tomorrow and Fiorentina in midweek, or risk the chop, after only two months on the bench.
“I have asked for this meeting, it was constructive and I asked the club to stay close to me and the team. It was a positive meeting,” reiterated Seedorf to reporters at today’s Press conference.
“Many things have been written, Galliani and I have known each other for many years. We always find agreement, I really respect his role and I think his experience is vital for the club.
“When I began this new role at Milan I asked to have at my side Galliani.
“I always give 100 per cent, I am sure I can achieve something important as a Coach. The commitment I have to Milan will bear fruit, I am convinced of this.
“I know now that the situation is delicate and complicated, but I am focused on the team, the opponent and the results that we are after.
“What needs to change? I have been here two months and every day I have tried to do something different, I always want to improve.
“Some improvement has already been seen, whilst it is right that we always talk about the results and in this sense things are not going well.
“No-one at the club has told me that the next two games are crucial for my future…
“I feel the dressing room is with me 100 per cent. I read of a few things, but I see a team that is committed and wants to do well.
“I feel responsible for what has happened since my arrival, but not what happened before.”
The Rossoneri face Lazio on Sunday evening, in their first appearance after last week’s 4-2 home loss to Parma.
“It would have been better perhaps to play right away. Exercising for a whole week is important, we have had a good week of work.
“I have seen a great reaction from the team, we hope to see that tomorrow. We want to get a positive result, which can be achieved through a positive performance.
“It takes courage and intensity to try and get a result, even as we know we will face a team that is tough to deal with.
“Every game can be a turning point, if we won against Juve we would not now be here talking about these things.”
The first item on the agenda at today’s conference was a question on Seedorf’s decision as a player in November 2007 not to wear a black armband to mark the death of Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri, shot by a policeman.
Today Gabriele’s brother Cristiano has once more been critical of the former midfielder’s actions.
“I’ve heard a few things about the death of Gabriele Sandri and I wanted to clarify the situation - that day I did not wear the armband because I did not know what had happened.
“It was not a gesture against anyone. I have really wanted to explain this to his family.”
Meanwhile, Milan Channel believe Seedorf will line up his starting XI as follows: Amelia; De Sciglio, Rami, Bonera, Constant; De Jong, Muntari; Taarabt, Poli, Kaka; Balotelli.
Berlusconi: AC Milan need me
23.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Silvio Berlusconi has once more commented that he will remain active as Milan owner: “especially at a time like this when they need me.”
There were rumours earlier this month that the Rossonero owner and President was entertaining the idea of selling the club, after 25 years at the helm.
On from denying that, however, and addressing a political conference in Rome on Saturday, the 77-year-old has reiterated his commitment.
“One of the things I will occupy myself with again will be Milan, especially at a time like this when they need me,” half-joked Berlusconi to those in attendance.
The three-time Prime Minister of Italy also commented on reports that Milan director Barbara Berlusconi was in line alongside his other children Piersilvio and Marina to stand for election at the coming European elections.
“They are all inventions - my children will not be on the list at the next European elections.”
Seedorf: Galliani meeting planned
23.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf has commented on his meeting with Adriano Galliani, backed his own potential as a Coach and called for a reaction from Milan’s players.
The Dutchman has faced a week of increased scrutiny over his future as Coach, less than two months into the role, as form has once more deserted the Rossoneri this season.
Whilst yesterday’s meeting with Vice-President Adriano Galliani was seen as crunch talks between the two to determine the 37-year-old’s future, it is one that the tactician insists was mutually arranged.
“Two days ago we spoke and we planned this meeting,” Seedorf commented to Milan Channel ahead of today’s Press conference, in view of tomorrow’s game away to Lazio, followed a few days later by a trip to Fiorentina.
“I am glad to see that the club is always close to the Coach and the team at all times. This is the strength of this club and we are working to get out of this difficulty.
“The rumours this week? My character has taken me to great success. Through work, commitment and my personality, I am convinced that I can also build a career as a Coach.
“But I still have a lot to do, I need time and the experience of Galliani will be very useful.
“With Galliani we decided that the team would stay for a training retreat in Rome, so as to give more rest in view of the difficult match against Fiorentina.
“Tomorrow’s game is very important, against a team that has experienced a similar year to ourselves. Lazio are a team of good quality, with great players like Klose and Candreva.
“We have prepared well this week. We have worked with great determination, we must continue to work to be ready for the next two games that on paper are very difficult.
“But we are Milan and we will try to bring home some points.
“When you play against big teams there are great incentives. This team has always shown great character and that is why I am expecting a big reaction this time.
“The boys have shown attention and work in these recent days. Tomorrow is very important, all the players have shown great effort this week. Today we will finish the last few steps before tomorrow’s match.”
Honda back in against Lazio?
22.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Keisuke Honda is speculated as set for a start for Milan against Lazio tomorrow evening, but Adel Taarabt will remain on the bench.
With the Rossoneri searching for a positive result to turnaround recent form and ease pressure on Coach Clarence Seedorf, the Dutchman is reported by the Gazzetta dello Sport as set to give Honda another run from the first minute.
The 27-year-old has dropped to the bench recently, with his no-show from the bench last weekend against Parma seen as evidence that he has so far failed to convince.
It is understood that Honda will start in attack for the Diavolo against Lazio on Sunday evening, alongside most likely Ricky Kaka and Andrea Poli and one from Giampaolo Pazzini and Mario Balotelli.
Adel Taarabt, on from being dropped after the Champions League second leg defeat to Atletico Madrid, however, is seen as set to remain benched against the Aquile.
AC Milan set Seedorf conditions
22.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani reportedly outlined to Clarence Seedorf yesterday evening exactly what is required of him to save his job at Milan.
The Dutchman has only been in charge of the Rossoneri since the end of January, but poor form and reports such as apparently telling Ultras he intends to offload three-quarters of the current squad have the club considering his future already.
Yesterday evening saw Vice-President and CEO Adriano Galliani meet with the 37-year-old, as he accompanies him on a pre-match training retreat for the squad ahead of their upcoming trips to Lazio and Fiorentina in the coming five days.
The Gazzetta dello Sport today say that this meeting saw Galliani outline to Seedorf the criteria for him to remain in his position, at least until the end of the season.
Whilst a turnaround in results in the next two fixtures is a must, it is supposedly not the only stipulation handed down to Seedorf.
It is understood that the Coach must also demonstrate a change in his managerial techniques with the current group of players.
Seedorf is reported by Tuttosport as using the meeting to strongly deny the comments attributed to him by one of the chief Ultras that he wants to ship out three-quarters of the playing staff.
Even so, it is reported also that assistant Mauro Tassotti has been put on alert, to prepare to take over in an interim role to the end of the season if Seedorf is sacked, before a decision on a long-term successor - rumoured to be Pippo Inzaghi - is made in the summer.
Fernando agent: No use talking
21.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
The agent of Porto midfielder Fernando denied suggestions that Napoli have been in contact with his client.
The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch away from the Dragoes in the summer, with Milan, Juventus and the Partenopei all reportedly keen.
However, the player’s representative has refused to talk about the transfer market.
“We are pleased with how Fernando has played this season,” Antonio Araujo told TuttoMercatoWeb.
“He’s a great midfielder and is proving he can play at the highest level. Against Napoli he showed off his qualities and is focused on getting to the Europa League final.
“Right now, I’d rather not talk about the market. We are in a decisive moment in the season – so now is not the time for speculation.
“We will see what happens in the coming months, but it’s useless to talk about the market right now.”
Galliani joins AC Milan retreat
21.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani will go on a lengthy pre-match training retreat with Milan after today’s meeting with Clarence Seedorf.
Media reports went into overdrive when the Coach left a training session for an encounter with CEO Galliani at the club headquarters, something many called an emergency summit.
It lasted around 90 minutes and neither man spoke to journalists when leaving the club offices.
It’s reported that the meeting essentially backed Seedorf for the next two games, as Milan play Lazio on Sunday evening and then visit Fiorentina in the midweek round.
The team will go into a pre-match training retreat to best prepare for both Serie A matches.
The big change is that Galliani will join the squad and Coach Seedorf during this retreat, staying with the players 24 hours a day.
There are still reports the tactician could be sacked if he loses those games, having already suffered four consecutive defeats between Serie A and Champions League.
Assistant manager Mauro Tassotti would take over for the rest of the season with current Primavera Coach Pippo Inzaghi the favourite for the main job next term.
Boateng on AC Milan and Cassano
21.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Kevin-Prince Boateng said it’s “painful to see Milan like this” and trusts Italy will soar with Antonio Cassano at the World Cup.
The Ghana international left San Siro over the summer for a return to Germany, where is currently playing for Schalke 04.
“It’s painful to see Milan like this, because I am still a fan and they will always remain in my heart,” Boateng told Verissimo.
“Clarence Seedorf is certainly a better player than a Coach, as he had so many years of experience. As a tactician he’ll take a little while.
“It is not easy to arrive at a situation like this at Milan and change things in one day. He can be a great Coach, but he needs to be given time.
“As for Mario Balotelli, there is too much pressure on him. Mario is still young and, if his mind is clear of problems, he is a great player. There’s far too much piled on to his shoulders.”
If Balotelli will be at the World Cup with Italy, then Cassano and Francesco Totti are hoping to be last-minute additions.
“If Cassano plays, then Italy can certainly finish in the top four,” continued Boateng.
“Antonio is in an incredible moment of form. I’d love to talk to Cesare Prandelli and urge him to bring Cassano to Brazil.
“Totti is also strong, even if now he is a little too old. It would be a good sign for the squad and he’d bring a lot of experience.”
Boateng was born in Germany and announced he’ll soon marry girlfriend Melissa Satta, who is expecting their first child together.
“Would I return to Milan? I am very happy in Germany, as it is my home, but in the world of football you never know. I had three fantastic years at Milan and they remain in my heart.
Seedorf crisis talks
21.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
There are reports Clarence Seedorf was called to a meeting with Milan CEO Adriano Galliani during a training session.
Today’s incident only adds to the climate of uncertainty at the club after four consecutive defeats in all competition.
According to several sources, the Coach was called in to the HQ during a training session, in which the team was accompanied by youth team sector officials.
Among them was Pippo Inzaghi, the Primavera Coach who has been tipped as the likely successor to Seedorf next season.
This is not seen to be a good sign, as the Dutchman could even be asked if he wants to continue as tactician or walk away.
In that case, either Inzaghi would be promoted to the main job immediately or assistant manager Mauro Tassotti would take over for the rest of the season.
Tassotti worked under many Milan Coaches, including Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri.
The Rossoneri have been in turmoil since sacking Allegri in January.
Inzaghi to replace Seedorf?
21.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf will have lunch with Pippo Inzaghi today amid reports the ex-striker will be Milan Coach next season.
The Rossoneri have moved their training schedule to morning sessions and not just in the afternoon, an adjustment the players are said to be happy with.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Seedorf will have lunch with Primavera youth team Coach Inzaghi today.
It is a curious coming together, as there are growing reports Inzaghi will be the Milan tactician next season if Seedorf fails to turn the situation around.
CEO Adriano Galliani had wanted Inzaghi to take the job when Massimiliano Allegri was sacked in January, but President Silvio Berlusconi insisted for Seedorf.
Now La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Berlusconi is preparing a ‘dossier’ with his lawyers so that Milan can terminate the contract without paying out too much of a penalty.
The Dutchman put pen to paper on a deal holding him to the club until June 2016, worth a rumoured €3m per season.
Similar to the move Lazio used against Vladimir Petkovic in January, Milan aim to terminate the contract due to ‘just cause’ as he ‘damaged the image of the club.’
Among the elements they are working on, this week one of the chief Ultras said Seedorf told him he didn’t want three quarters of the current squad.
Scaloni: 'Lazio will beat AC Milan'
20.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Atalanta defender Lionel Scaloni says his old club Lazio will beat Milan in Sunday’s match between the sides.
The two clubs each go into the game in turmoil but the Argentine says there are less problems at Stadio Olimpico than San Siro.
“Overall, Lazio are in better shape than what Milan are, I have no doubt about that,” Scaloni told Lazio’s official radio station.
“Reja prepares extremely well for every match and with Keita how he is and a Klose who can make everyone play, I think Lazio have everything in order to win.
“The Rossoneri are going through a difficult period, within the club as well as on the pitch.
“Milan are not in good shape and for this reason I think Lazio will win.”
Amelia: No AC Milan bust up
20.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia has denied reports of a dressing room bust up at San Siro, insisting he and his teammates remain united behind Clarence Seedorf.
The 31-year-old said that if anything, the Rossoneri’s recent woes and subsequent criticism have brought the players even closer together.
“We are in crisis, we are not getting results and Milan are used to going for other objectives than this,” Amelia told MilanNews.it.
“We need to think about the ways in which we can come out if this and rediscover the philosophy that Milan are used to.
“We know that to do that we have to be giving a little bit more.
“We tried to do it against Parma after going out of the Champions League.
“In the first minutes we got ourselves into difficulty but we reacted well despite the fact we eventually lost.
“We are trying to do what Seedorf asks us to do to the best of our ability.
“We are not there to criticise the work of Clarence who everyone knows is a professional.
“What has been written in the newspapers doesn’t interest us.
“We in the dressing room are united and I need to underline that.
“Otherwise, if it were true, you would see news coming out about bust ups.
“In Milanello, we have a feeling of being even more united, all the more because we are in a moment of difficulty.
“We are united and determined to get out of this situation.
“That is the right spirit to get out of this and that is what has been happening these last few days.”
De Sciglio to Madrid?
20.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan’s Mattia De Sciglio has once again been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.
According to a report in Quotidiano Sportivo today, Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti is interested in acquiring the 21-year-old defender from his old club.
The Rossoneri are planning a squad overhaul this summer and their asking price for the player is reported to be in the region of €20m.
While the Spanish giants have the resources to meet this without much difficulty, it is said they may even consider offering Portuguese international Fabio Coentrao to Clarence Seedorf’s side in part exchange.
AC Milan eye Paratici, but...
20.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan reportedly have Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici on their list of potential recruitments this summer, but Sean Sogliano remains in pole.
The Rossoneri are widely seen as looking reorganise their structure behind the scenes in preparation for next term and are believed keen to bring in a new sporting director to oversee their new direction on the pitch.
Speculation today is that the club are interested in Juventus’ Fabio Paratici. The 41-year-old followed Beppe Marotta to Turin from Sampdoria in 2010 and has since overseen the Bianconeri’s technical development alongside the director general.
Tuttomercatoweb believe that whilst Paratici and Fiorentina counterpart Daniele Prade are both options Milan intend to look into, Sean Sogliano remains in pole position to be hired.
It is seen also that Juve are highly unlikely to want to part with Paratici.
'Seedorf wants wholesale changes'
20.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf reportedly told Milan’s Ultras in January that he hopes to change up to three-quarters of the Rossoneri’s current squad.
The Gazzetta dello Sport, who today are running the line that the 37-year-old has two games to save his job at San Siro, also suggest that his intentions with the playing staff involve a complete renovation.
The paper quote Giancarlo Capelli, leader of the club’s Curva Sud Ultras, as telling them that Seedorf indicated as much to him during a meeting held in January, at the very beginning of his tenure as Coach.
“Seedorf told us that three-quarters of this team, who he has inherited, he does not want,” Capelli has told the Gazzetta. “He told us a week after arriving here.”
Seedorf has two games
20.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
The Gazzetta dello Sport believe that Clarence Seedorf has two games as Milan Coach to avoid the sack.
The 37-year-old has been increasingly speculated as on the verge of a quick exit from the San Siro bench, after a difficult opening run since replacing Max Allegri at the end of January.
The Gazzetta dello Sport today echo previous reports in the week that suggest the Dutchman is at a real risk of losing his job, with Silvio Berlusconi, Barbara Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani having met this week to discuss the situation.
The pink paper suggest that should the Rossoneri’s current situation not show signs of respite over the course of the next two games, against Lazio and Fiorentina, then Seedorf will almost certainly be sacked.
It is reiterated that assistant Mauro Tassotti is in line to be put in temporary charge, before Pippo Inzaghi comes into consideration to take over from the summer.
Seedorf agent denies accusations
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
The agent of Milan Coach Clarence Seedorf denies leaking quotes made by club President Silvio Berlusconi about her client.
It was widely speculated in the Italian media on Monday that Berlusconi was set to axe the Dutchman in favour of Pippo Inzaghi.
“It’s not me who leaked Berlusconi’s quotes on Monday,” Deborah Martin told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It was written in Il Giornale that it was me.
“I am not a public person and I always look to avoid public appearances so I rarely release statements.
“However, with the severity of these allegations that I was the person who leaked the quotes or that I was even involved in this, I have to say it is absolutely not true.
“I don’t know who it could be but everyone knows it wasn’t me.”
'AC Milan go down in history'
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti says Milan will always remain a huge club for what they have achieved in the past.
The Italian tactician guided the Rossoneri to one Scudetto and two Champions League titles during his time at San Siro.
“I think that what Milan are going through at the moment is a negative cycle,” Ancelotti said to Mediaset Premium.
“But what Milan and its protagonists have achieved will remain in history forever.”
Sacchi: Galliani the right man for AC Milan
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Legendary Milan Coach Arrigo Sacchi has insisted that Adriano Galliani has the skill to turn things around at the club.
The Rossoneri have been pilloried all season long for their poor form, with results leaving them in 10th place in the table.
Sporting director Galliani has taken a lot of the criticism for sub-standard signings, but Sacchi has claimed that the board member can find his magic again.
“Galliani is highly respected in the world of football,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I have had the good fortune to work with him.
“He may have made mistakes, but he certainly has the expertise to take Milan back to the top.
“To stay with Milan takes seriousness, commitment and professionalism. In recent year, Galliani has done wonders with very little money.
“If you invest in young people, like they have, then you have to be patient. Galliani has the expertise to choose these players.
“We should not throw everything away now.”
Sacchi: Actions not words
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi has called for ‘patience’ as the Rossoneri look to get out of their recent slide.
The San Siro outfit have crashed out of the Champions League and currently sit in 10th place in the table.
Legend Paolo Maldini unleashed a tirade at the club on Tuesday, but the ex-Coach has insisted that the Diavolo need actions not words.
“I agree in part with the things Maldini said,” he told Gazzettta dello Sport. “Although, now I think we have to roll up our sleeves.
“It’s difficult to know the future, but the past teaches us that Milan have already been able to get out of a crisis.
“Obviously we want healthy self-criticism, but we also need patience. Don’t forget that three years ago Milan won the League.
“I understand the objections of the fans, but with Milan, Berlusconi has won everything. The President and Galliani have built teams that have won before – one’s been considered the greatest of all time.
“I have respect for the fans but also for everyone else at the club. We have to tell the fans not to behave like those of less successful teams.
“Now we need to talk less and start to do things.
“We can’t judge Seedorf right now. We need patience. He’s smart guy and I like his ideas.”
Real Madrid offer EUR 18 mil. for De Sciglio
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Real Madrid will look to make the most of Milan’s decline by offering Mattia De Sciglio a way out of San Siro.
With the Rossoneri crashing out of the Champions League and sitting 10th in the table, Los Blancos will hope to lure the defender to Spain in the summer.
Tuttosport claim that Carlo Ancelotti’s men will table an €18m offer for the Italy international during the off-season.
With Fabio Coentrao heavily linked with a switch away from Santiago Bernabeu, the Liga giants are on the look-out for a full-back and have targeted the Milan graduate.
Galliani 'won't give up'
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan Vice-president Adriano Galliani says he will keep fighting despite coming under heavy pressure from Rossoneri supporters over the club’s transfer dealings.
The 69-year-old was one of the main targets of a fan protest on Sunday and was also criticised by San Siro icon Paolo Maldini today.
“I hear from the President every day,” Galliani is quoted as saying on CalcioNews24. “I have heard about some unrest recently but I am not giving up one bit.
“I have been working with Berlusconi for 35 years and until he tells me to leave I will be at his side.
“I have no intention to quit.”
Maldini 'feared decline was coming'
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Paolo Maldini believes Milan are light-years away from the Rossoneri side he was part of in 1999.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport today, the former centre-back also said he feared a decline in fortunes was around the corner for the San Siro side as far back as 2007.
“This Milan is a light years from 1999,” Maldini said. “To rebuild the squad there will need to be a lot of investment.
“When we won the Champions League in 2007 I said to Galliani that we weren’t thinking about being the best in Europe.
“Even then I already knew that without a rebuild a decline would start.
“That was the first step, but the final blow came when we let Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva leave.”
The 45-year-old also revealed his anger at the way Andrea Pirlo was allowed to leave the club and then answered questions on recent fan protests and the role of Silvio Berlusconi at San Siro.
“I have always hated these sorts of things, I would never have accepted people who were younger than me telling me to work harder when I was the one with the most appearances.
“If you’re not happy, boo me but it ends there.
“I remember in 2007, when we won everything, we had no support from the curva for six months.
“They annoyed me and I didn’t understand it.
“The current situation with Berlusconi makes it seem like he isn’t very involved.
“The Berlusconi I knew was involved in other ways as well as from a sporting perspective.”
Maldini: 'Balotelli would do better at Juventus'
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan legend Paolo Maldini says he believes Mario Balotelli would be putting in better performances if he played for Juventus.
The 23-year-old has been heavily criticised recently but the Rossoneri legend blames a lack of long-term strategy and infrastructure at San Siro as the main factor behind his sub-par displays.
“Balotelli is still not a champion,” Maldini said in part of an in depth interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It is the same with Pato. Until the day they manage to carry the team on their shoulders for the full 90 minutes that will remain the same.
“I don’t know for sure, but I have the impression that if Balotelli went to Juve, a team with clear ideas, a great Coach and a core group of Italian players his game would go up another level.
“Because of this I believe it’s wrong to put all the blame on his shoulders.
“He is not the saviour of the country.
“The league table reflects how good performances have been.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone about the current problems and I don’t listen much to rumours but the team is going through a strange situation.
“The group is clearly not happy and there is an anxiety about them.
“The performances are then affected by this and there are other players who are less involved in things because maybe they already know they will be leaving.
The 45-year-old was then asked about how long it would take to make Milan competitive once more.
“It depends on their targets,” he said. “I don’t think the fans just want a winning Milan.
“They want to see a project going on as well.”
Amelia: We are in a delicate situation
19.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia has admitted that the club are in a ‘delicate situation’ this season.
The Rossoneri are currently in 10th position in the table and have just crashed out of the Champions League after being battered by Atletico Madrid.
And the shot-stopper has conceded that last weekend’s loss to Parma was a nadir for this side, but has insisted that they will bounce back.
“It’s a delicate situation for us at the moment,” he told Milan Channel. “We haven’t been getting results and we’re very sorry for the club, the fans and ourselves.
“It’s going to be difficult to reverse this trend , but in the next games we have to pull together and have the right mentality.
“It’s been difficult since the summer, but we won’t get a reaction if we keep being negative.
“It’s normal to be criticised at moments like this, but now it’s up to us to us to prove that we have value as players.
“At the end of the season I’m sure there’ll be assessments so that we can become a team that is capable of winning.
“I remember in 1998 Milan had a difficult season, but the following year we managed to win the championship.”
AC Milan to offload Balotelli to Monaco?
18.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli’s turbulent relationship with Milan could come to an end in the summer, with Monaco apparently keen.
The Italy international has been a target for Rossoneri fans this season after a series of uninspiring performances.
The club’s nadir is said to be personified by the former Manchester City man, and the hierarchy are reportedly willing to let the striker leave in the summer.
Sport Mediaset believe that Monaco will be at the front of a queue to sign Balotelli, offering him a pay rise and the chance of Champions League football.
It is not yet clear however, how much Milan would want for Balotelli.
El Shaarawy to return in April
18.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have received some uncharacteristic good news this afternoon, with Stephan El Shaarawy set for a return.
The Italy international has only played four games all season suffering with a metatarsal fracture at the start of the campaign, and then undergoing surgery for the same injury in December.
But reports in the Italian Press on Tuesday, including from Calcio News, insists that the youngster will return to action in April.
The former Genoa man has been given the all-clear from doctors in Netherlands, and will be allowed to play again in the Rossoneri’s match against Catania next month.
Ultimatum for Seedorf
18.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Pressure continues to mount on Clarence Seedorf, with reports that the Dutch Coach will be gone before the end of the month.
Sport Mediaset have claimed this afternoon that Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has been so unimpressed with performances, that he may consider sacking the former midfielder.
Seedorf replaced Massimiliano Allegri earlier this year, but has failed to helm an upturn in results, with the club languishing in 10th position and crashing out of the Champions League.
The station believes that Berlusconi wants to see wins against Lazio and Fiorentina in the next two games, or the ex-Netherlands international will be pushed towards the exit door.
Mauro Tassotti is expected to take over until the end of the season, before Pippo Inzaghi is brought in from the youth team.
Leonardo: All to blame at AC Milan
18.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Leonardo believes no one person can be blamed for Milan’s crisis, as he talks of links to Inter and the hope of a return to the field.
The Brazilian recently served as sporting director and Coach at San Siro for the Rossoneri and has cast an eye on the club’s current struggles on and off the pitch.
“I think it is normal, even if you can say that Milan were not prepared to experience this,” Leonardo has told Sky Sport 24 today.
“I cannot understand a complaint made against a single person, a player or Galliani - I do not believe this is the fault of one person, but of everyone who is in this situation.”
The 44-year-old left Milan as Coach at the end of the 2009-10 season and then spent six months of the following season as Coach at Inter, a club who he has been linked with making a return to, perhaps as sporting director.
“With Inter there remains a craving for something more, it is true. My relationship with President Moratti is important, I admire him very much, I have great respect for him.
“Today the roles are covered - there is Piero Ausilio and it is fair to give him a chance after what he has done for many years for Inter.
“Mazzarri is an experienced Coach who is doing well, and there is a President who has arrived with a project that he is managing with precision.
“My future? I’m very attached to the project, what one intends to do. I am not one to hold back and would evaluate a possible proposal.
“Today, however, I see myself more in the field than behind a desk.”
Antonini: What truth, Maldini
18.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan full-back Luca Antonini has echoed Paolo Maldini’s critical words on Milan’s crisis, whilst affirming his commitment to Genoa.
The 31-year-old, who left the Rossoneri for Marassi last summer, has taken to his Twitter account to back Maldini’s comments in today’s edition of the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“What truth. I simply share in what Maldini is thinking…(which by the way is there for all to see),” posted Antonini today.
“I will add - I am currently playing and fighting for Genoa and I am proud! It’s called professionalism and love for your work, Genoa fans have understand this and I thank them.
“I reciprocate by doing the best for them and their beloved Grifone.”
Maldini: 'No-one opposed Allegri on Pirlo'
18.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Paolo Maldini’s strike out at Milan includes Adriano Galliani’s acceptance in 2011 to release Andrea Pirlo on Massimiliano Allegri’s say-so.
Pirlo endured a difficult final season with the Rossoneri under Allegri’s tenure and was released at the end of his contract, with Juventus picking him up that summer.
With the Bianconeri benefiting from consistent form from the Italy international, Maldini’s attack on the Rossoneri’s leadership today has included the decision to release the No 21.
“Leo wanted me at all costs to become sporting director. Galliani said that I was someone the club had moved on from,” stated Maldini in part of his interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It is not true. If you surround yourself with capable people then you can make fewer mistakes.
“The best example is Pirlo - if you have a Coach who says that Andrea as a player is finished and he is no longer needed, there must be someone in the club who replies ‘it’s not true, Pirlo is part of the tradition of this club and must remain’.
“So perhaps we would not have done a favour for Juventus…”
AC Milan give injury updates
17.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Stephan El Shaarawy was given the all-clear, but Ignazio Abate is out for 10 days, while Riccardo Montolivo and Daniele Bonera have problems.
Milan released a statement from the medical staff giving updates on various situations.
“Stephan El Shaarawy can begin athletic work with a view to resuming full training with the rest of the group in the coming weeks following his final check-up with specialist doctor van Dijk earlier today.”
It means the Little Pharaoh is finally on his way back to recovery after surgery for a microfracture in his foot.
“Bryan Cristante will recommence on a personalised training programme from tomorrow and will soon resume full training with the rest of the group.
“During Milan-Parma, Daniele Bonera suffered an adductor muscle injury and will be assessed by the club’s medical staff between Wednesday and Thursday.
“Riccardo Montolivo meanwhile suffered a lower back injury during the match with Parma in addition to a facial injury. The club captain will also be assessed between Wednesday and Thursday.
“Finally, Ignazio Abate has reported a muscle injury in his right thigh and will be re-assessed in 7 to 10 days’ time.”
Ancelotti: Madrid my best team
17.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti says the team he currently has at his disposal is probably the best he has ever worked with.
The Italian tactician has an impressive CV, having also coached Milan, Chelsea and Paris St Germain but believes his current crop could be the best of all of them.
“This could be the most complete team I have ever coached,” Ancelotti said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It’s difficult to compare to teams from the past.
“I have had teams with a lot of quality but this team has experience, youth, character and personality.”
The 54-year-old was then asked about his future plans.
“I’m giving my best,” he replied. “I am very happy to be here but I always believe Coaches in today’s football depend on results.
“In the League we have an advantage, but it is a different sort of competition compared to the Champions League or Copa del Rey.”
Zamparini: 'No Inzaghi for Palermo'
17.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini says he has every faith in Coach Giuseppe Iachini and that Pippo Inzaghi will not be replacing him.
The Sicilian outfit currently lead Serie B and seem set for a return to Italy’s top flight at the first time of asking but there have been doubts about the current tactician’s Serie A pedigree.
“The Coach will be staying here,” Zamparini told Giornale di Sicilia. “There is a relationship between us that goes beyond written contracts.
“The Inzaghi links? They are a hoax that has made me angry.
“I’ve told Iachini that he will be a great Coach in Serie A because we will give him great resources to do the job.
“Palermo’s future is in his hands, not Inzaghi’s.
“They were rumours put in motion by a Rossonero site and they have really annoyed me.
“I spoke to Iachini straight away, he will be a great Coach at the top level.
“We are working hard and everything will depend on the team we put at his disposal.”
The President then commented on the Rosanero’s chances of securing promotion.
“I am very confident but we still haven’t achieved anything,” he said.
Berlusconi: Seedorf staying
17.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi says Coach Clarence Seedorf’s position is safe despite a run of recent poor results.
The Rossoneri were beaten 4-2 at home by Parma yesterday amid a backdrop of protests from fans who have lost patience with the club’s turbulent season.
“Seedorf is not up for debate,” Berlusconi has sad to SkySport24.
“He will still be the Milan Coach next year. Milan are a badly built team."
The quotes come as a surprise, with reports this morning suggesting the Dutchman’s long term future at San Siro was far from certain.
El Shaarawy set for assessment
17.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Stephan El Shaarawy is set for consultation in the Netherlands today to ascertain the state of recovery in a foot injury.
The young forward has been out of action since the end of 2013 with a fractured toe, and today is reportedly set for a meeting with Professor Van Dijk to evaluate his process of recovery up to this point.
It is believed that if the prognosis is positive then the Italy international can begin a period of physical fitness recovery at Milanello, with an eye on a possible return to the team before the season is out.
Sacchi: Fans must be patient
17.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Arrigo Sacchi says fans must have patience at Milan, as he backs Clarence Seedorf and Adriano Galliani amid crisis.
The Rossoneri are under increasing scrutiny from their support as a series of poor results continued with a 4-2 home defeat to Parma on Sunday afternoon.
Fans protested before and during the game, whilst the likes of Ricky Kaka, Mario Balotelli and Seedorf met with Ultras post-match.
For the club’s former Coach, who oversaw one Serie A title and two European Cup wins in the late 1980s, focus should be on the football, not on the fans.
“Because of 25 years of success, is it right that the fans challenge the club and threaten the team? It is a serious matter,” Sacchi has reflected on Radio Anch’Io Sport today.
“There is a lack of appreciation, a lack of respect towards the players. The violence has once again prevailed and in that environment it is difficult to grow. I would like greater support.
“You cannot always be on top, there are times when you go wrong and others are better than you, you must know how to accept that. In our football we lack civilisation.
“The choice of the right people is key, then return to a focused style of play and go and find the most suitable interpreters. Functionality first, then talent.
“In Italy, we think everything is born at the feet of the players, in fact everything comes from the mind. When I arrived at Milan, Van Basten, Gullit and Baresi had not won the Ballon d’Or, so you need a club with clear ideas. Milan must first not only win, but also persuade.”
Sacchi believes that the right people includes Clarence Seedorf, Adriano Galliani and Mario Balotelli.
“Arriving and managing players who you have not chosen is difficult. For the first time in a long time, the club, apart from anything else, have proven not to be cohesive in the past - it is broken at the top, let alone at the base.
“Fans must have patience - Galliani is one of the greatest directors, Berlusconi is engaged in politics and is less present, but Galliani is an added value to this club.
“There are those with a lot more money, so they serve to have more options. Milanello can be a workshop of champions - Real Madrid and Barcelona invest €40m-€50m per year on this issue.
“Balotelli? He is definitely a talent, but that does not mean that is enough. He has to find a positive environment, a game that will help him and a team that suits his qualities.
“Undoubtedly he does not seem very helpful. He has yet to mature as a person. At a technical level he has extraordinary talent - I was impressed when I saw him at Inter, but it is not enough.
“The individual cannot solve a complex problem, which in the case of Milan is the play.”
Fake Weah blasts AC Milan after defeat
16.3 || webmaster
Source: SerieAddicted
Former Milan legend George Weah attacks his former team via Twitter after lopsided loss to Atletico Madrid. The Italian press gives great coverage to the news, only to find out thanks to his agent’s denial- and after several hours- that it was a fake
If you have a good inventiveness and a Twitter account, you can be cited by the most important Italian websites. That's the case of the supposed George Weah, former Milan player (and Ballon d'Or in 1995) who pounced on Milan players after their elimination from the Champions League to Atletico Madrid. The legendary Liberian forward wrote a deluge of tweets such as these:
“I'm so sad. You are in a great crisis. You can't keep playing this way. If you are able to play what are doing there?”
“You don't enjoy the pitch, you don't enjoy the game. The best you can do is to go home and play some PlayStation4!”. The websites of the most important Italian newspapers and news agencies reported the news. Ansa, La Gazzetta dello Sport, la Repubblica, Rai Sport and many others. Actually what's odd is that no one questioned the truthfulness of the tweets.
The account @weah_official has not been verified by Twitter, a common practice for the majority of the celebrities on the web, including former players as Franco Baresi, for example. What's more, the daughter of George Weah doesn't follow the @weah_official account on Twitter. Finally, for those of you who speak Italian, the quality of the language of his tweets might- or rather, should- seem suspicious for a player who wasn't even fluent 15 years ago when he used to live and work in Italy every single day. Quite strange, isn't it? “We are uncertain about the authenticity of that account, we are verifying”, a Milan press officer said to SerieAddicted. But Fabio Parisi, George Weah ex agent, anticipated any official communication by the Club.
“The @weah_official account is FAKE. I just talked with George and he confirms it and warns not to use his name on Twitter”. The majority of the websites that fell into the trap without verifying grasped at straws, adding Parisi's tweet and editing the title.
But this story tells us, once more, with how much ease a fake news can spread online and – above all – how easy it is to fool even a journalist who works in the most important newsrooms. Actually, this fake account is online since November 2013 and, whoever exploited Weah's name, is very good at this, as he even convinced Ignazio Abate, Alessandro Nesta, Christian Vieri, Urby Emanuelson (the real ones!) to follow him.
Nobody remembers the last time the real George Weah released a statement on Milan, so the fact that he could blast the team for a poor performance should have raised some doubts. Doubts should have become certainties in re-reading his career with the rossoneri: after all his Milanese cycle started and finished with a Scudetto, but in the middle were an 11th and a 10th place, alongside two group stages eliminations from the Champions League versus teams like Rosenburg, Gothenborg and Hertha Berlin. Ok, at the time there was no Twitter, and only one Playstation, but can we be sure his fans didn't think exactly the same things that (fake) Weah wrote last night? Technological development runs fast, but some things never change...
Serie A: AC Milan 2:4 Parma - match report
16.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: Cassano pen 9, 51 (P), Rami 56 (M), Balotelli pen 76 (M), Amauri 78 (P), Biabiany 96 (P)
Antonio Cassano’s brace and a fantastic Amauri flick gave Parma a 4-2 victory over 10-man Milan after Christian Abbiati’s early red card.
The atmosphere at San Siro was tense, as a fan protest outside continued into the Curva Sud, targeting Mario Balotelli and CEO Adriano Galliani in particular after three consecutive defeats between Serie A and the Champions League. Parma, on the other hand, were sitting pretty in sixth place and on a club record 15-round unbeaten run, though Gabriel Paletta was suspended and Walter Gargano injured. It was a return to this stadium for Antonio Cassano and ex-Rossoneri star Roberto Donadoni. Mattia De Sciglio sat out a ban with Stephan El Shaarawy, Bryan Cristante and Andrea Petagna sidelined.
Parma’s last official win at San Siro was the Italian Super Cup in 1999, but in Serie A the most recent was decided by Mario Stanic in 1996.
It was the worst possible start for Milan, as within six minutes Christian Abbiati had rushed off his line to clatter into Ezequiel Schelotto, who had sprung the offside trap. The goalkeeper was shown a straight red card and a penalty awarded, so Marco Amelia’s first job was to pick the ball out of the net, as Cassano fired his spot-kick into the near bottom corner.
FantAntonio was enjoying himself in his old hunting ground and a curling cross-shot was just past the far top corner.
Balotelli was unlucky not to draw 10-man Milan level on 18 minutes, as he flicked on a corner from six yards and saw it thump against the base of the upright.
Daniele Bonera crucially charged down a Jonathan Biabiany attempt, then Cassano peeled off his marker for an effort blocked by Riccardo Montolivo.
Balotelli sprinted to the by-line and pulled back, but Montolivo couldn’t turn it on target. Bonera was again decisive with a sliding tackle to stop Biabiany’s pull-back reaching an unmarked Schelotto from six yards.
Amelia needed a desperate reaction save from point-blank range to stop Philippe Mexes turning a Mattia Cassani cross into his own net. Mexes ran quite a few risks and before the break was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card, but he was not replaced during the break.
Schelotto ran rings round Bonera only for Afriyie Acquah to finish over the bar. It was all Parma and Cassano doubled his tally as well as their lead. FantAntonio was left in acres of space to turn in at the back post undisturbed.
Adil Rami came off the bench and scored within three minutes, his towering header beating two defenders at the back post on a Ricky Kaka corner.
That goal seemed to boost their confidence, as Kaka controlled a long Balotelli ball over the top and saw his shot crucially charged down by Cristian Molinaro.
Milan had penalty appeals, but replays show Molinaro clearly charged down a shot with his chest, then Balotelli blasted over from distance and curled another attempt just wide.
Parma seemed to rest on their laurels and were punished, albeit in controversial fashion, as Joel Obi was harshly judged to bring down Montolivo in the box. Replays suggest if anything Montolivo was holding Obi’s jersey and fell over in front of him, but Balotelli stepped up and coolly converted for his first goal in a month.
It was a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down for a team that played almost the entire match with 10 men. However, it did not last long, as Schelotto pulled a ball across from the right and Amauri flicked it in with his heel from six yards, improvising as the cross was slightly behind him.
Amelia prevented it being 4-2 in stoppages, as he used his legs to deny Schelotto, who this time was down the left flank.
However, the last move of the game saw Biabiany’s diving header beat Amelia from six yards.
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Bonera (Pazzini 66), Emanuelson (Rami 53); Essien (Amelia 8), De Jong; Poli, Montolivo, Kaka; Balotelli
Parma: Mirante; Cassani, Felipe, Lucarelli, Molinaro; Acquah (Munari 80), Marchionni, Parolo; Biabiany, Cassano (Amauri 63), Schelotto
Ref: Celi
Sent off: Abbiati 6 (M)
Seedorf: 'AC Milan listen to ultras'
16.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf explained why he and Milan players met with ultras leaders after a 4-2 defeat to Parma, assuring he is “not arrogant.”
This was the fourth consecutive defeat between Serie A and Champions League, conceding eight goals in the last two.
There were protests before and during the game, while a group of players including Ricky Kaka, Mario Balotelli and the Coach went out to meet four ultras leaders after the match. Only after this encounter did Seedorf speak to the media.
“These are delicate situations with people who have this club in their heart, both on and off the field,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“The meeting was very peaceful, they expressed their sentiments, but nothing in particular happened. They all want what is best for Milan, so after two years of suffering they felt the need to express their emotions.
“I have experienced this before, yes, at Botafogo a less calm one! We were fourth in the table and fighting to get into the Libertadores, so there was a feeling of worry.
“I was there briefly and there were also some positive things said, as everyone has great respect for the jersey. Sometimes it helps just to listen and give the fans a voice, so they know we hear them.
“After Atletico Madrid and Juventus, the fans applauded, as they appreciated the performance and the hard work. It’s not for me to explain their reasons.”
Milan had fought back from 2-0 down for 2-2, but capitulated late on 4-2 to Parma with Christian Abbiati sent off after five minutes.
“The players gave all they had today, trying to get back a game that started in the worst possible way.
“It was a strange game and obviously the red card after five minutes changed everything. The lads did well to fight back to 2-2, but their determination to get the victory ended up leaving the team unbalanced and we suffered this defeat.
“We never gave up. At half-time I told the players to believe, as even with 10 men we’ve seen before that teams can improve and get important results. They did well to get back on the field with that reaction and on 2-2 we perhaps should’ve read the situation better to avoid the counter-attack.”
Riccardo Montolivo started in a new trequartista role alongside Kaka and Andrea Poli behind Balotelli.
“It’s a shame, he got a knock and is in hospital for tests. I cannot judge his performance in that role, as I had to change everything after six minutes! He was in the best shape over the last few days and had recovered better after Madrid, so it’s a real shame we didn’t have time to play this way properly.”
Seedorf again hinted that Massimiliano Allegri’s tenure was behind the current problems, something he already said after the defeats to Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
“I will defend these colours right to the end. All problems that have come before and the journey to get us to this point is the past, so we must look forward and find a way to fix the problems. There’s no point finding a scapegoat.
“It requires more focus and concentration, as we pay a heavy price for every mistake and that’s what happens when a team is in a negative spiral.
“I continue to believe we will change the situation, get the best out of the players for the rest of the season and form a competitive side for next year.”
Considering the references to Allegri, Seedorf was asked whether he ought to be more humble and self-critical.
“I think my humility is in the hard work I do every day. I don’t see that I’ve done or said anything arrogant. In my view I’m pretty objective.
“I know that I have much to learn and have just started my coaching career, but I’ve also worked in this world for over 20 years and I know what the players are going through.
“I accept everyone’s opinions, as long as they are constructive. We admitted Atletico Madrid were stronger, so how was that not humble?”
Galliani: 'AC Milan protest hurts'
16.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani said the fan protest “hurts” and defended Mario Balotelli ahead of the Parma game.
Hundreds of ultras waited outside San Siro with banners and jeered at the team bus, which drove in round the back entrance.
The Curva Sud will be left empty in today’s Serie A showdown with Parma, click here for the line-ups.
“Of course it hurts, especially as people ought to remember the journey of this squad. I was looking at the statistic and over the last decade we’ve been the only Italian side regularly in Europe,” Galliani told Sky Sport Italia.
“We hope not to miss out on Europe next season, but if it does happen then it won’t be the end of the world.
“I am disappointed and it’s certainly not pleasing to see the fans against the team and part of the club, but I continue smiling.”
A statement released by the Curva Sud specified Galliani and Balotelli were among the main targets of their protest.
“I am very happy that we signed Balotelli and the fans ought to be too. If the club hadn’t snapped him up last January, then Milan would not have qualified for the Champions League.
“He helped us out this season too and has been here for just over a year, scoring more goals than anyone else.
“Unfortunately, people only remember the last game. People have a very short memory in football. Balotelli has done a lot and will do even more, while I don’t think a protest is the way of getting the best out of the players.”
Galliani was asked about Clarence Seedorf pinning the blame on predecessor Massimiliano Allegri this week.
“I think that the media enjoy pitting everyone against everyone else. I defended Allegri, who did well for three years, then the club – including me, as it’s not true that I didn’t want Seedorf – decided after 22 points in the first half of the season a change was necessary. Allegri understood that too.”
Serie A: AC Milan vs. Parma - lineups
16.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf sticks with Mario Balotelli amid fan protests, as a Milan in crisis faces Antonio Cassano’s Parma.
It kicks off at San Siro at 14.00 GMT.
The Rossoneri’s bubble has truly burst after three consecutive defeats between Serie A and the Champions League.
Ultras in the Curva Sud are staging a protest today, targeting CEO Adriano Galliani and star striker Balotelli among others, with hundreds outside the stadium already.
Despite a poor performance in the 4-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Balotelli is again in the starting XI with his Coach standing by him.
Kaka is surprisingly joined by Riccardo Montolivo and Andrea Poli in the supporting trident, but Mattia De Sciglio is suspended with Stephan El Shaarawy, Bryan Cristante and Andrea Petagna injured.
Parma are in a very different mood to Milan, as they are sitting pretty in sixth place and plan to continue their club record 15-match unbeaten run in Serie A.
It is a return to San Siro for Cassano, who left Milan in bitter circumstances, and Coach Roberto Donadoni, who won it all playing in the Rossoneri midfield.
Walter Gargano has been ruled out by injury with Italy defender Gabriel Paletta suspended, making way for Dias Felipe.
Cassano and Jonathan Biabiany form an unusual trident attack with ex-Inter winger Ezequiel Schelotto, who famously scored against Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Bonera, Emanuelson; Essien, De Jong; Poli, Montolivo, Kaka; Balotelli
Milan bench: Amelia, Zaccardo, Zapata, Silvestre, Mexes, Constant, Muntari, Taarabt, Honda, Saponara, Robinho, Pazzini
Parma: Mirante; Cassani, Felipe, Lucarelli, Molinaro; Acquah, Marchionni, Parolo; Biabiany, Cassano, Schelotto
Parma bench: Bajza, Pavarini, Galloppa, Gobbi, Sall, Rossini, Nyantakyi, Munari, Obi, Palladino, Cerri, Amauri
Ghirardi: 'Sad' at AC Milan crisis
16.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Parma are ahead of Milan going into today’s game and President Tommaso Ghirardi admits it’s “sad to see them in this state.”
The teams go head-to-head at 14.00 GMT.
There will be a fiery atmosphere at San Siro, as Rossoneri ultras have announced a protest against the club, CEO Adriano Galliani and players including Mario Balotelli.
“This is part of football and it’s only normal that the fans are very demanding, especially with what is happening at Milan,” Ghirardi told Radio Deejay.
“Fortunately, I haven’t received any of these protests because my team is going very well. It’s sad to see Milan in this state.”
It has been rumoured Clarence Seedorf is already at risk and that Milan could poach Parma boss Roberto Donadoni next season.
“We are holding on tight to Donadoni. I don’t know if he will go to Milan in future, but for now we are going to enjoy his presence.”
Among the reasons for Parma’s successful campaign is Antonio Cassano, who continues to dream of a World Cup call.
“I have spoken to Cesare Prandelli several times, but we did not discuss Cassano,” noted President Ghirardi.
“In my view, he deserves to play for the Nazionale, then of course the Coach makes his decisions. I am very proud that my team is built primarily with players from Italy.”
Altafini blasts 'failure' Balotelli
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan legend Jose Altafini said Mario Balotelli is “the real failure” at the club and Clarence Seedorf is a “huge mistake.”
The former striker spoke to the Corriere dello Sport about the current crisis, as fans prepare a protest targeting Balotelli and CEO Adriano Galliani ahead of tomorrow’s game with Parma.
“Galliani did what he could. If anything, the real failure is Balotelli,” blasted Altafini, who is now a TV commentator.
“It’s no longer even surprising, as he keeps doing the same things. In my view we shouldn’t pay him any more attention, in the hope that eventually he’ll figure it out.
“Great players are above all distinguished by their character. Balotelli lacks it. Just compare him with Kaka and you’ll see.”
Altafini is also not convinced Seedorf should be Coach, taking over in January from Massimiliano Allegri.
“I said from the first day he arrived on the bench that he made a huge mistake in accepting Milan. He should’ve waited until June and started the season from the beginning, with a new squad at his disposal.
“The way things are going now, this group of players will end up penalising him.”
AC Milan squad for Parma
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli is in the Milan squad to take on Parma on Sunday afternoon, despite skipping training for two days.
The Serie A encounter kicks off tomorrow at 14.00 GMT.
There had been doubts as to whether Balotelli would take part, as he has not trained for the last two days due to a muscular problem.
However, Coach Clarence Seedorf assured it was only a precautionary measure and SuperMario is expected to start.
Mattia De Sciglio sits out a ban, while Stephan El Shaarawy, Bryan Cristante and Andrea Petagna are injured.
Milan squad for Parma: Abbiati, Amelia, Coppola, Abate, Bonera, Constant, Mexes, Rami, Silvestre, Zaccardo, Zapata, Emanuelson, Essien, De Jong, Honda, Kaka, Montolivo, Muntari, Poli, Saponara, Taarabt, Balotelli, Pazzini, Robinho.
Parma lose players for AC Milan
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Parma are without Walter Gargano and Gabriel Paletta for Milan, while Nicola Pozzi needs knee surgery.
The Ducali visit San Siro on Sunday at 14.00 GMT.
Italy international defender Paletta is ruled out by suspension and has been joined by Gargano, who is out with a muscular problem in his left calf.
There is a far more serious issue for former Sampdoria striker Pozzi, who damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Pozzi will require surgery and the season is now over for him.
Parma squad for Milan: Acquah, Amauri, Bajza, Biabiany, Cassani, Cassano, Cerri, Felipe, Galloppa, Gobbi, Lucarelli, Marchionni, Mirante, Molinaro, Munari, Nyantakyi, Obi, Palladino, Parolo, Pavarini, Rossini, Sall, Schelotto.
Seedorf: 'I don't punish AC Milan'
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf insists he won’t “punish” Mario Balotelli in the Parma game, but again blamed “the situation” he inherited at Milan.
San Siro hosts sixth-placed Parma on Sunday at 14.00 GMT.
“Parma are in good shape, so it’s going to be a tough game,” the Coach told Milan Channel just days after a 5-1 aggregate Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
“They are organised and have a lot of quality in attack. Roberto Donadoni has done a great job and achieved consistent results. I have to compliment him, but we’ll do everything to play with the Milan spirit.”
The 4-1 result at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday was widely considered to be one of Balotelli’s worst performances, so will he be dropped this weekend?
“As a preventative measure due to a slight muscular problem, he stayed behind to work in the gym, but it’s nothing serious. It’s only natural for people to now seek scapegoats, but we will remain united and focused. If we had beaten Juventus and Atletico at home, then things would’ve changed.
“Do I use the carrot or the stick? I only use the carrot. When there’s the need to check on a situation, I do it, but my philosophy is to face everything with a smile. Will I punish him? I want a rapport between adults, not between an adult and a child. Will Giampaolo Pazzini start tomorrow? No.”
The ultras have announced a protest ahead of tomorrow’s Serie A game, particularly targeting Balotelli and CEO Adriano Galliani.
“I feel a lot of love and expectation from the fans towards me,” commented Seedorf. “They expect something more from me, but I am certain that I’ll do Milan good. It wouldn’t be football without the fans, so we must respect and understand their sentiments. They want effort and appreciate sacrifice.
“For the past two years Milan have been chasing down the others and psychologically it was tough. When I got here, I did not find a team in good physical or psychological shape. We can’t think everything will improve straight away.
“The players are improving, but results have not been consistent, so that is what we are looking for now. We have to turn the page, target European qualification and focus only on what happens on the field.
“There is nobody guilty here, as we are all working to get the best for Milan. With Galliani we’ll do everything in future to make the Milan fans proud of us. It’s a difficult situation right now, as we are lacking confidence.”
Seedorf was even asked if he felt himself at risk after a series of defeats, having only replaced Massimiliano Allegri in January.
“How many times has a Coach been at risk after a few months, despite signing a two-year contract? I am not responsible for the situation that was created. I am here to improve the situation.
“I have a contract, the club has faith in me and I am trying to give my best. There was a lot of work to do here, so I am certain that with me the club will construct a strong Milan for future seasons. It doesn’t matter if you are not optimistic, because I am.”
Cantona on Balotelli, Ibrahimovic and Pogba
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Eric Cantona said Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic can’t be considered “football rebels,” but Paul Pogba was right to quit Manchester United.
The Frenchman spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport at the presentation of a documentary on rebels in the sport.
“Ibrahimovic, Balotelli and I cannot be considered rebels,” declared Cantona.
“We might not fit into the boxes created by you journalists, but we are nothing if compared to the Chilean Caszely, whose mother was tortured because he opposed a dictatorship, like Socrates in Brazil, the Bosnian Pasic who remained in Sarajevo to teach football to children under bombardments, Drogba who opposed the war in the Ivory Coast or Mekloufi who gave up on a career with France to fund the national team of Algerian rebels.
“Balotelli is a great player and you can see his talent in the goals he scores. He also has great mental strength to put up with the enormous media pressure.
“Balotelli is the example for a country that is only now starting to deal with immigration. To be one of the first black players in your national team makes him a little like Viv Anderson for England in 1978. All of this makes him special, just as the children of immigrants like Kopa, Platini and Zidane were special for France.
“Maybe one day Balotelli will be a part of one of my documentaries.”
Cantona hit his peak at Manchester United, but praised fellow Frenchman Pogba for leaving Old Trafford.
“Pogba certainly did well to quit Manchester United and Juve did well to take him.”
Finally, the often troubled former forward explained why he was arrested for assault this week.
“I had a row with a paparazzo. He was too invasive. I spent three hours in the police station, but the scandal was created by the journalists, as he doesn’t have a scratch on him.”
Donadoni: 'Parma, Cassano and AC Milan'
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Roberto Donadoni explained the secret to Parma’s success, dealing with Antonio Cassano and ignoring the Milan crisis.
The Coach steps back into San Siro on Sunday at 14.00 GMT.
“It is going to be a difficult game, Milan want to get back on track and have a squad with great quality,” said Donadoni in his Press conference.
“However, we must focus only on ourselves. We need to try to show our best qualities and keep raising the bar on an individual and collective level so we can bring home another positive result. That is the mission.”
The Ducali are on a club record 15-round Serie A unbeaten run and consolidated sixth place with last week’s win over Verona.
“We are in a positive moment, but we must make the most of it without being superficial. We still need to prove ourselves, especially in an important and complicated game like the one that awaits us.”
Milan, on the other hand, have lost their last two Serie A matches and were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday, 5-1 on aggregate by Atletico Madrid.
There will be a fan protest in the stands, targeting CEO Adriano Galliani and star player Mario Balotelli among others.
“We mustn’t let ourselves get distracted by what will happen off the field tomorrow, as it would be a huge risk and counter-productive for us,” continued Donadoni.
“I want to be concentrated on my team and focusing my energy on that. I lived a different era at Milan, not the current one.
“Those who base their own success on how they measure up to others are losers. We have to think only of our own path, with no calculations and no distractions.”
Former Milan star Donadoni also spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Sunday afternoon game.
“When you go out of the Champions League like that and are inconsistent in Serie A, it is only normal for criticism to rain down on you. However, they need the right balance, especially in difficult moments.
“Unfortunately, Italian football always piles too much tension on to situations. It will be very difficult for us, as we are without Gabriel Paletta due to suspension and Milan have a thousand reasons to give it everything they’ve got.
“This is the worst possible moment to face the Rossoneri. Having said that, we have no intention of stopping.
“The key to our success is in our desire to improve every day in every training session. To aim high, we’ve got to enjoy the struggle. If that feeling is there, then I am happy.
“The important thing is to realise an entire season cannot be judged on just one result – and that goes for Milan as well as Parma. Am I the Coach of the moment? If I am, then it’s down to the players who got me to that level.
“As a player at Milan, they used to call me ‘bone’ – because I would not let things go. That’s what I’m like, as to go home after a training session I must feel I’ve given my all. I am very demanding with myself and consequently with others too.”
Donadoni worked with the greats at San Siro, so is he more like Arrigo Sacchi or Fabio Capello in his management career?
“Sacchi was non-stop. The only thing in his head was football. Capello was less intense, but still very demanding. He wasn’t a hard man at all, as you could have a row and the day after it was all back to normal. He understood things and ensured he was understood.”
Antonio Cassano had problems at Milan and with Capello at Real Madrid, but seems to have found his niche at Parma.
“What method did I use with him? Dialogue. Antonio can be extremely difficult to control, but also very easy. It depends on how you approach him. At this precise moment, it’s impossible not to care about him. In December he was stirring up trouble and then I had to bring the best out of myself to calm him down.
“I spoke to him, I listened and these are the results. In football terms he has another gear. In Italy the only others with talent like him are Andrea Pirlo and Francesco Totti. He belongs in the top 10 players in the world.
“Parma has a family atmosphere that is beyond mere cliché. The other day they were all together for dinner and nobody had obliged them to be there. In my many years at Milan, things like that never happened. In the long run, that makes the difference.”
Donadoni had similar advice for Milan and Cesare Prandelli in their treatment of Mario Balotelli.
“If we really want what is good for him, the less we talk about Balotelli, the better.”
AC Milan plan revolutionary stadium
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan are reportedly lining up plans for a new 55,000-seater stadium with revolutionary acoustics.
The Rossoneri are pushing through the project after formalising their interest for the Expo area of the city.
According to reports, the stadium will seat 55,000 and architects have planned an innovative structure that will make the acoustics much stronger than regular stadiums.
There will be panels to raise the sound towards the rafters and make the atmosphere extraordinary.
The cost of the project could require foreign investors and naming rights.
AC Milan Ultras plan protest
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan Ultras on the Curva Sud will hold a pre-match protest against Adriano Galliani and some of their own players on Sunday.
The Rossoneri have been heavily criticised since their Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid and it seems many fans have had enough.
“As a result of yet another disappointment resulting from this troubled season, and having already mentioned a protest in December, now we have decided that we have run out of patience,” a statement on the Curva Sud website reads.
“We have identified those who, in the opinion of our fans, are the key figures who have led our Milan into this bad situation.”
One of these figures is Galliani, who they hold responsible for the club’s recent transfer activities.
“We wonder, for example, how it was possible to send away Ambrosini, who as well as being the captain was a strong voice in the dressing room,” the statement continues.
“Even more we wonder how it was possible to release Pirlo and not to grant him a three-year contract on his terms.
“Today the results of this policy are the horrible sight before us.
“Milan are 37 points off the top of the league and out of everything.”
Milan’s players will not get an easy ride either.
“We come now to the team, made up of a few serious professionals but surrounded by a host of useless overpaid players.
“Their first thought is to put idiotic photos on social networks or to book a table for a lovely night at the disco.
“We wish they would follow the example of real professionals like Montolivo, Bonera, Abbiati, Kaka, De Sciglio, Abate, De Jong, Poli and Pazzini to name a few.
“We hope that the boss Seedorf takes serious action against such players as there is no longer a place for them.”
Cerci to AC Milan?
15.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Calciomercato.com are reporting that Milan are eyeing up a potential summer transfer swoop for Alessio Cerci.
The forward, who has starred for Torino this season, has recently said he is happy at Stadio Olimpico.
This has however not stopped him from being linked with a host of top clubs, including Juventus, Inter, Roma and now the Rossoneri.
According to the report, San Siro Vice-president Adriano Galliani has made contact with the Granata with a view to signing the player.
Milan are rumoured to be prepared to offer the 26-year-old wages of €2m a season after taxes in order to secure his signature.
Balotelli returns to full training
14.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli today trained with the rest of the Milan first team squad as they prepare for their weekend match with Parma.
The 23-year-old trained alone yesterday after suffering a slight muscular strain following the Rossoneri’s defeat to Atletico Madrid.
It had been feared that this would rule him out of Sunday’s game against Roberto Donadoni’s side, but the Azzurri international completed the full session at Milanello and may now be available after all.
Mattia De Sciglio and Brayan Cristante however were again forced to train separately from the squad as they continue their recovery from injuries.
Both are definitely out of Sunday’s match at San Siro.
AC Milan make EXPO offer
14.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have officially offered to buy part of the EXPO site in the city, with the prospect of building a new stadium.
The Rossoneri have been looking to move away from San Siro for some time now, with the club ear-marking the area around Rho-Pero in the north-west of Milan.
There has, however, been no word from the club at the moment.
Europe or the sack for Seedorf
14.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf has been ordered to finish in the Europa League places this season or face the sack.
Corriere dello Sport report this afternoon that the Milan Coach has been contacted by President Silvio Berlusconi, with the Rossoneri chief telling the tactician that he will be fired should the team not qualify for European competition next term.
The San Siro outfit are currently 10th in the table, eight points off sixth place Parma.
And despite the former midfielder being handed a contract until 2016 earlier this year, the paper believes that Berlusconi will have no qualms about ditching Seedorf should they finish outside the top six.
Perin agent: No contact from any team
14.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mattia Perin’s agent has insisted that there has been no contact from any other team for his client.
The Genoa goalkeeper has been a mainstay in the rumour mill in recent seasons, with Milan and Juventus said to be keen on the youngster.
However, the former Pescara man’s representative has claimed that the 21-year-old is likely to stay with the Grifone.
“Right now, I have had no contact with any other club,” Moreno Roggi told tuttojuve.
“There is no news regarding the lad.”
Mirante: AC Milan will want to react
14.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Antonio Mirante has warned Parma of a Milan looking to react this weekend, as he outlines his objectives to the end of the season.
The in-form goalkeeper and his Ducali colleagues head out to San Siro on Sunday afternoon to face the Rossoneri, on a club record unbeaten run and eight points and four places above Clarence Seedorf’s side.
Even so, Mirante sees a test for he and his defence at the Giuseppe Meazza.
“Sunday will be an uncomfortable game because Milan will want to make up for the Champions League elimination and they have so many players who can provide a decisive action in the game,” the 30-year-old has considered to the Gazzetta dello Sport today.
“Balotelli? I judge and study him as an opponent, he has a strong shot and a decent speed of execution.
“Our form? At the beginning of the season we conceded too many goals. With the work and experience, we have found the right balance.
“Playing four at the back gave us cover, and then from that has come the individual performances. Paletta has gotten into the national team, Lucarelli as captain is 36 and still a pillar, then Cassani and Gobbi are always in place.”
Mirante’s performances of late earned him a call-up to Cesare Prandelli’s training camp held in Rome for the first three days of this week, and it has him dreaming of what might be come the summer.
“Going to Brazil is an objective, I’m happy with myself and I have confidence in the choices made by Cesare Prandelli.
“It would be great to reach Europe with Parma and then go to the World Cup.
“I am a goalkeeper for an act of bullying, my brother forced me and now here I am. In my career, I was lucky enough to arrive at Parma after two years at Sampdoria.
“Here I have found an environment that has believed in me and allowed me to play with continuity.
“I owe a lot to Luca Bucci, who has played for this club and won a lot - he has taught me to become a complete athlete.”
Seedorf sidelines Balotelli
14.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Reports are that Mario Balotelli has been sidelined by Clarence Seedorf in reaction to Milan’s midweek Champions League elimination.
The Italy international has faced criticism for his performance for the Rossoneri during their defeat against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.
Whilst his absence from training yesterday was initially explained as due to a thigh problem, the Gazzetta dello Sport lead speculation that in fact he was primarily sidelined to the gym by Coach Seedorf for his attitude.
Whilst the forward’s injury is described as surmountable in time for Sunday’s visit of Parma, it is understood that Seedorf will choose to use Giampaolo Pazzini from the start, over Balotelli.
Seedorf is speculated as perhaps ready drop as many as half a dozen of those who started in midweek in Madrid, with the Dutchman seen as pushing for a greater simplicity and concreteness to the team’s play.
Costacurta: 'Balotelli never world class'
14.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan legend Billy Costacurta blasted Mario Balotelli, warning he “will never be world class.”
The striker is back in the firing line after Tuesday’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, one of his worst performances.
“Balotelli can be a player the Rossoneri can count on, but only as long as he isn’t the fulcrum of the team,” said Sky Sport Italia pundit Costacurta.
“He is not a star and in my view will never be a world class player.”
Former defender Costacurta also gave suggestions to Coach Clarence Seedorf on how to structure the side next season.
“I would take up the options on both Adel Taarabt and Adil Rami, who in my view haven’t shown all they can do yet.
“Then Riccardo Saponara, Andrea Petagna and Bryan Cristante are all young talents they can count on.”
Milan have been linked with summer swoops for PSG defender Alex, who is a free agent, and Tottenham forward Emmanuel Adebayor.
“I doubt either of them will arrive. Seedorf wants young players who are really hungry for victory.”
Balotelli doubt for Parma
14.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli did not take part in training today due to a muscular problem and is in doubt for Milan-Parma.
The striker has been at the centre of controversy since the 4-1 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening, perhaps his worst performance for the club.
The team flew back to Italy on Wednesday and therefore only returned to the Milanello training ground this morning, but SuperMario did not take part.
He is struggling with a thigh problem and is in doubt to feature on Sunday in the encounter with sixth-place Parma.
This game could well be decisive for Europa League qualification, something that is now Milan’s only target for the campaign.
AC Milan 'monitoring Adebayor'
13.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Sky are reporting that Milan are currently monitoring the situation of Togolese striker Emanuel Adebayor.
The 30-year-old has impressed since returning to the Tottenham first team following the appointment of new Coach Tim Sherwood.
Rossoneri Coach Clarence Seedorf is reported to be an admirer of the player but it is said that any potential move for the former Arsenal man could depend on who leaves San Siro this summer.
High profile names who could be on their way out of the club, according to the report, include Mario Balotelli, Mattia De Sciglio and Ignazio Abate.
Balotelli training alone
13.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
MilanNews.it are reporting that Mario Balotelli is training separately from the rest of the Rossoneri first team squad today.
Clarence Seedorf’s side are back in training today following their Champions League elimination by Atletico Madrid.
However, it is said that the 23-year-old forward has a minor muscle strain and as such is doing personalised gym work at the club’s Milanello base instead.
Zaccardo: 'AC Milan matches all finals'
13.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan defender Cristian Zaccardo says his side must treat every game from now until the end of the season like a cup final.
The 32-year-old also praised the Rossoneri’s Serie A opponents on Sunday, surprise package Parma.
“Unfortunately we only have one target left, to qualify for the Europa League,” Zaccardo told the Milan Channel.
“We were hoping to get through in the Champions League but now we have to recover and finish as high as possible in the league.
“The upcoming games are all finals, us being Milan means winning is the most important thing and we must always look to win.
“On Sunday it won’t be easy against Parma, they have a great Coach and strong players like Cassano.
“They are in good form but we have to get the defeat in Madrid out of our systems as soon as possible.
“Up until now it has not been a brilliant season for us but we must now look to finish the campaign as strongly as possible and then get back into the top positions in the league next season.”
Tacchinardi: 'Seedorf doesn't see limitations'
13.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi believes Milan Coach Clarence Seedorf has not recognised the limitations of his squad.
The 38-year-old is also disappointed by Mario Balotelli and thinks the Rossoneri appear physically and mentally tired.
“Nothing much is certain at Milan at the moment,” Tacchinardi said to Sky Sport. “I don’t know where they can start rebuilding from.
“Seedorf has tried to inject enthusiasm into the team but it has not been enough.
“He was a great player but at the moment I’m not sure whether he realises the limitations of this team.
“They are in great difficulty, physically and mentally.
“As for Balotelli, he isn’t a kid anymore. Milan took him because they hoped he could help the team and that he could become a leader.
“He is also lacking tactically on the pitch, he can’t play as a lone striker.”
Prandelli: AC Milan no disaster
13.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Cesare Prandelli has called for calm on drawing assessments on Milan’s season and laughed off Luciano Spalletti’s links to the Rossoneri.
The sacked Zenit St Petersburg Coach has in some quarters of the media been paired with possibly replacing Clarence Seedorf at San Siro in the summer.
But, according to Italy Coach Prandelli, to assess Milan’s season based on their recent disappointing exit to Atletico Madrid and League defeat to Udinese is not wise.
“Milan is not a disaster, there are too many expectations being placed on a team that is changing, that is finding a new structure to reorganise for the future,” Prandelli has told Rai Sport this week.
“I do not look at the results, but at the quality of person and in Seedorf there are many ideas.
“Spalletti to Milan? He does not need anyone’s backing, he has great ability.
“It makes me smile, because 10 days ago Seedorf was the saviour of his club but now there are rumours about Spalletti. But, Italian football can get weary.”
Sacchi: Galliani the man to rebuild
13.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Arrigo Sacchi has backed Adriano Galliani as the man to oversee Milan’s new start, whilst he says Clarence Seedorf ‘has great ideas’.
The Rossoneri are set for a restructuring during the summer in response to a disappointing season which has left them off the pace in the League and eliminated from the Champions League at the Last 16 stage to Atletico Madrid.
Whilst sharing his directorial role with Barbara Berlusconi, Galliani has received backing to oversee the next stage of Il Diavolo’s plans from one of the club’s most notable former Coaches.
“I would start again with Adriano Galliani,” Sacchi has declared to the Gazzetta dello Sport today.
“He is the right man to create a new project. He knows how to move, the first move is to identify the young talent before the other clubs, and everything depends on the Coach.
“Seedorf has great ideas, total football has always been at the base of the big teams.”
Sacchi was highly critical of Milan’s performance against Atletico post-match.
Parma: 'We can beat AC Milan'
13.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alessandro Lucarelli and Raffaele Palladino are confident Parma can beat Milan at San Siro on Sunday.
The Ducali are arguably the favourites going in, as they are unbeaten in a club record 14 rounds and now sit comfortably in sixth place, eight points clear of the Rossoneri.
“We know that Milan tend to leave a lot of spaces for their opponents, so we will try to make the most of them,” striker Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“Losing Gabriel Paletta to suspension is a heavy blow, as he is a fundamental player, but in this team the replacements have always done well.”
Lucarelli will start at the back and also trusts Parma can get all three points.
“We must step on to the field ready to make our style of football count. We’ll be careful, but certainly won’t just go there to defend. We have our own strengths too.
“We are convinced that we can get into the Europa League and can go for this small dream without the pressure of needing a result.”
AC Milan eye Alex and Adebayor
13.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Sky Sport Italia claim Milan already have a deal for PSG defender Alex and are chasing Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Rossoneri are already planning their revolution for next season after elimination from the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate to Atletico Madrid.
According to Sky Sport Italia, a deal has already been agreed with Brazilian defender Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa.
He will be a free agent at the end of the season, as his contract expires in June, so it would be a cheap option to reinforce the Rossoneri’s back four.
However, Alex will also be 32 years old by the time next season starts.
The same sources suggest that Milan are targeting Tottenham striker Adebayor, who could well leave in the summer because his contract expires in 2015.
The 30-year-old has scored eight goals in 13 Premier League games this season.
Cassano on AC Milan
12.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Antonio Cassano “would be the happiest man in the world” if he went to the World Cup, but scoffed at Milan’s problems.
The Parma striker has not been entirely ruled out of the running for the tournament in June, although he has not been part of Cesare Prandelli’s plans for some time.
“As far as I know I’m not going, but there are two months left and I would be the happiest man in the world,” Cassano told Striscia La Notizia.
FantAntonio was also asked about the problems had by his old club Milan after their Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid.
“How are Milan doing? I’m an Inter fan. The only teams I have to talk well about are Sampdoria, who remained in my heart, Inter and Parma.
“I don’t give a damn about any of the other clubs I played for.”
AC Milan 'want Europa Leaguequalification'
12.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan Vice-president Adriano Galliani says his team want to and still believe they can qualify for the Europa League.
The Rossoneri are nine points off fifth placed Inter with 11 Serie A matches remaining, having been knocked out of the Champions League last night.
“It’s absolutely not true that Milan don’t want to be in the Europa League,” Galliani told the Milan Channel.
“That will be the target for us now until the end of the season.
“On Sunday we must win against Parma and get to within five points of them.
“Milan have been ever-present in Europe in recent years and we want that to continue.”
Abbiati: Atletico fair and deserved winners
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Source: Football Italia
Christian Abbiati admitted that Atletico Madrid were ‘fair and deserved winners’ on Tuesday night.
Milan lost 4-1 last night to crash out of the Champions League at the Last 16 stage, going down 5-1 on aggregate.
And the goalkeeper has conceded that his men just weren’t at the races.
“I think Atlético are fair winners and they deserve to be quarter-finalists,” he told uefa.com.
“They have a good team and a good coach. We didn't play well [in the defeat at Udinese] at the weekend and we took another step back tonight.
“Their second goal was a pity for us as it took a deflection before dropping in.
“We now need to recharge our batteries for our next match.”
Garcia: AC Milan weren't easy
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Source: Football Italia
Raul Garcia has claimed that despite the scoreline, Atletico Madrid didn’t find facing Milan easy.
The Spanish side beat the Rossoneri 4-1 on Tuesday night, eliminating Clarence Seedorf’s men 5-1 on aggregate.
But the goalscorer was insistent that the match wasn’t as simple as the final result would suggest.
“The team is progressing nicely, we are showing hunger to get through the rounds,” he told uefa.com.
“Our objective has been achieved so let's see what happens next. Knowing that we were facing difficult opponents, we are very happy [to have gone through].
“It wasn't easy at all. We must remember and be conscious of the fact that we had difficult moments tonight.
“However, I think our team is mature and we know how to tighten up when these moments arrive. In the end you saw how we managed to win.”
Poli: 'Atletico not that superior'
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Source: Football Italia
Andrea Poli concedes Milan had “the wind knocked out of us” by Atletico Madrid in the first half.
Diego Costa opened the scoring within three minutes, then Arda Turan’s shot took a huge deflection to make it 2-1 during the Rossoneri’s most intense period of pressure.
“Conceding such an early goal was not a promising start,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia after a Champions League 4-1 defeat.
“After the 1-1 we had another opportunity to score and I really didn’t sense Atletico were superior to us.
“Then the goal for 2-1 meant we had the wind knocked out of us before half-time. After the break they ran riot because they are a great side.
“In repeat, in the first 30 minutes I didn’t get a sense Atletico were superior or dominant. We leave with a bitter taste in our mouths. We came here to put in a great performance, but they did better than us.
“We will sit down and analyse our errors together.”
Seedorf: 'AC Milan are damaged'
12.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf hinted Max Allegri’s era damaged Milan, so they “struggle psychologically to react” against Atletico Madrid.
They went out of the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate, losing 4-1 at the Vicente Calderon tonight.
“You could see after the second goal that the team struggled psychologically to react, as they often do. The second goal turned off the light and sapped the energy from the team,” Seedorf told Sky Sport Italia.
“We analysed the situation together. Obviously the Champions League was an important objective for us and economically for the club. We had played well in the first leg and showed in the first half tonight we could play on a par with Atletico, but couldn’t be consistent for the whole game.
“We spoke clearly and set objectives in the League, which is our only remaining target. There are 11 games to go and we have some very specific objectives, which are the ones we believe we can get. It’s our only tournament, so the squad must feel a realistic sense of what we can achieve.
“We can’t throw away the good work we’ve done. Of course it is very sad to go out of the Champions League and the players are very disappointed, but I am here to lift them up, let them know they can keep working the way they have done and face Parma with the spirit of a side that wants to make up for this setback.”
Seedorf was asked about the Rossoneri’s stamina and again pointed to Allegri’s tenure before he took over in January.
“We’ve said more than once that the fitness levels I found here weren’t optimal, but that’s normal to struggle when you have been chasing since the start of the season.
“This moment of difficulty lasted so long that it affected the team. They can react once, but after a second blow they can’t get back on their feet.
“In the second half the whole team no longer produced the right level of grit and determination to keep fighting. We sat back too much and in general it was not positive.”
Despite the setbacks, Seedorf insisted he did not regret ending his playing career in Brazil early to take this job.
“I am absolutely convinced I made the right choice. I wore these colours for 10 years, the President gave me so much and the club is trying to rebuild what has been lost.
“This request pleased me and it was not ideal to take over midway through, but we are preparing for the future and trying to end the season as best we can.”
Sacchi: 'AC Milan aren't a team'
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Source: Football Italia
Arrigo Sacchi launched a scathing attack on Milan after their 4-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid. “This is not a team.”
The former Rossoneri Coach is now a pundit for Sport Mediaset and was horrified by the 5-1 aggregate exit.
“It is a sad moment for Milan and for Italian football,” said Sacchi.
“This is not a team. They do not defend collectively and this just highlights the limitations of every individual player.
“In attack they have many soloists, but the style of football has no logic to it. I was also disappointed by Adel Taarabt tonight, as he wandered around the field.
“On the other side, we have a good collective with a great striker like Diego Costa who is wonderful at moving off the ball.”
Champions League: Atletico Madrid 4:1 (5:1 agg.) AC Milan - match report
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: Diego Costa 3, 85 (A), Kaka 27 (M), Arda Turan 40 (A), Raul Garcia 71 (A)
Milan’s Champions League campaign is over after a 4-1 defeat away to Atletico Madrid, 5-1 on aggregate.
The Rossoneri had to overturn a 1-0 home defeat to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Mario Balotelli had his first start since suffering a shoulder injury in the first leg, Sulley Muntari returned from suspension on the bench, but Riccardo Montolivo was still suspended and Keisuke Honda cup-tied. Atleti had Filipe Luis back from injury, though Javi Manquillo and Tiago were long-term absentees.
Diego Simeone’s men had won 15 of their last 16 European home games, a run blemished only by a 2-0 to Rubin Kazan in the Europa League in February 2013.
It took just two minutes and 34 seconds for Atleti to double their lead on aggregate, as a Koke cross was whipped in from the right for Diego Costa to volley in at full stretch at the back post, having peeled away from a distracted Adil Rami. Michael Essien had given possession away in midfield.
It was almost 2-0 on nine minutes, but Diego Godin volleyed inches wide on the end of a free kick. Balotelli chested down the ball and turned between two defenders only for the scuffed shot to finish calmly into the arms of Thibaut Courtois.
Milan did equalise before the half-hour, as Poli floated a cross in from the right and found Kaka’s cushioned header at the back post. It was a precious away goal, the Brazilian’s 30th in the Champions League, and also a morale-booster after going behind so early.
The Rossoneri started getting more possession and gaining momentum, as Atleti seemed slightly shell-shocked by that goal. Kaka nearly got a second with his header just over from six yards on an Adel Taarabt corner.
However, against the run of play Atletico Madrid restored their lead. Arda Turan’s half-volley from the edge of the D took a huge deflection off Rami to loop over a helpless Christian Abbiati.
Raul Garcia almost scored the goal of the season moments later, his spectacular overhead kick skimming the far post by a matter of inches.
Balotelli was irritable and ineffective, then booked before the break for dissent, meaning he’ll be suspended for the next European game.
Within seconds of the restart Diego Costa had flashed a shot across the face of goal, then Atleti went on the counter from a Milan corner and Gabi’s finish clipped the crossbar.
Rami was accidentally kicked in the back of the head by Diego Costa during an attempted volley, then Courtois smothered at substitute Robinho’s feet on an Essien knock-down.
Balotelli saw his free kick deflected over the bar and Miranda’s header was into Abbiati’s arms. Robinho shot from a very tight angle to force a one-handed Courtois save in a dangerous scoring opportunity.
Clarence Seedorf threw on Giampaolo Pazzini too, but Atletico Madrid extended their advantage with a goal that highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of each team. A Gabi free kick was floated in for the towering header of Raul Garcia.
Robinho had the chance to open the tie up again moments later when he ran on to a Kaka through ball, but smacked his strike on to the crossbar as Courtois came tearing out.
Milan visibly lost confidence and Diego Costa added a fourth with his angled drive from a tight angle in off the inside of the far post.
In the other Round of 16 tie this evening, Bayern Munich eliminated Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Germany. Lukas Podolski scored against his old club, but a Bastian Schweinsteiger strike ensured qualification was never really in doubt. In the final minutes Lukasz Fabianski saved a Thomas Muller penalty.
Atletico Madrid 4-1 Milan (5-1 agg)
Scorers: Diego Costa 3, 85 (A), Kaka 27 (M), Arda Turan 40 (A), Raul Garcia 71 (A)
Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis; Koke (Diego 82), Gabi; Adrian, Raul Garcia (Sosa 72), Arda Turan (Cristian Rodriguez 78); Diego Costa
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Rami, Bonera, Emanuelson; De Jong (Muntari 78), Essien (Pazzini 69); Taarabt (Robinho 46), Poli, Kaka; Balotelli
Ref: Clattenburg (ENG)
Seedorf 'has spoken to Ancelotti'
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan Coach Clarence Seedorf admits he has spoken to Carlo Ancelotti ahead of his team’s Champions League game with Atletico Madrid.
Ancelotti is now coaching Atleti’s cross city rivals Real Madrid and the Dutchman has asked his former boss for advice.
“I picked up the phone and I called Carlo Ancelotti, who wished me luck for tonight,” Seedorf told TVE.
The Rossoneri Coach then commented on a rising star at Ancelotti’s Madrid, Isco.
“Is Isco the Seedorf of Real Madrid? I suppose there are parallels.
“The Spaniard has a lot of talent and watching him play is a pleasure.
“I definitely see some of my traits in him when he plays.”
Ancelotti: Difficult for AC Milan
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Carlo Ancelotti admits his former side Milan face a tough task to secure Champions League progression against Atletico Madrid.
The experienced tactician coached the Rossoneri to two victories in Europe’s premier club competition during his time at San Siro.
“Anything is possible but it will not be easy,” Ancelotti said to Sky Sport ahead of tonight’s Round of 16 second leg.
“Atletico Madrid at home with the help of their fans can be a very determined outfit.
“They are a very organised team who are very good at on the counter-attack after winning back possession.
“Milan must use the ball well and with intelligence to avoid exposing themselves too much.”
Carboni: 'Atletico are favourites, but...'
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Amadeo Carboni considers that whilst Milan ‘lack victories’ and Atletico Madrid ‘have the advantage’, nothing is certain in tonight’s meeting.
The two clubs face off for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, with Atleti holding the advantage of home support, a one-goal lead from the first leg and the better domestic form.
For one former Italian full-back to have played in La Liga, though, nothing is settled just yet.
“There are a lack of victories,” Carboni has conceded today to Tuttomercatoweb.
“But, playing well is important, when you play a good game then the chance to get a result is always there.
“They have changed the way they play, which their Coach is someone who is also a former teammate.
“In holding pace with Real Madrid, Diego Simeone and his management should be given credit at Atletico Madrid.
“Clearly Atletico have the advantage against Milan for playing at home and with the one goal lead.
“But football is beautiful because you never know what can happen.”
AC Milan director set for Charlton
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan youth team co-ordinator Jose Riga is reportedly at Charlton’s training ground ahead of being confirmed as their new Coach.
The Belgian is seen as having close links with the London club’s new owner Roland Duchatelet and is strongly believed as set to be appointed as head Coach today.
The club earlier today confirmed Chris Powell has left as manager, with Duchatelet writing in a public statement that failure to agree on ‘strategy going forward’ was to blame.
Riga, who is reported by Sky Sports News on Tuesday as having arrived at the club’s training ground, only joined Milan in his capacity as academy technical co-ordinator in October.
Taarabt has AC Milan confidence
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adel Taarabt believes that Milan can turn around their Champions League Last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid.
The Rossoneri are in the Spanish capital for tonight’s second leg as the underdogs, chasing a one-goal deficit courtesy of Diego Costa’s header in the first leg at San Siro.
For Il Diavolo’s Moroccan playmaker, though, the tie is not yet decided, nor that heavily in Atleti’s favour.
“It is a very important game. It will be difficult because we will face a good team, but at San Siro we deserved the victory,” Taarabt has considered in today’s edition of AS.
“If we had won 3-0 then there would be nothing to say against that, but in our way we found a great goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois.
“If we play with intensity as we did in Milan, we can progress. We have so many great players and we are all adapting to Seedorf’s philosophy. But we can say that we are in a period of rebuilding.
“Milan are a great club, one of the biggest in the world. Everything is great, the organisation is fantastic, just look at the great players to have worn this shirt.
“I will try to make the most of this opportunity.
“Playing at the Calderon will not make a big difference. Atletico have a goal lead from the first leg, but we know we are good and what to do.”
Balotelli, Poli to start
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli and Andrea Poli are both seen as in line to make Milan’s starting XI against Atletico Madrid this evening.
The Rossoneri are at the Vicente Calderon tonight for their Champions League Last 16 second leg, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
Previous fitness doubts for the encounter, reports are that both Balotelli in continued struggles with a shoulder issue and Poli, after sustaining a blow to the head against Juventus recently, will make the starting line-up.
Poli is seen as in line to feature alongside Ricky Kaka and Adel Taarabt in an attacking three behind lone forward Balotelli, whilst central midfield will be Nigel de Jong and Michael Essien, in the suspended Riccardo Montolivo’s place.
Defence is expected to see Ignazio Abate and Urby Emanuelson on the flanks, with Adil Rami and Daniele Bonera sitting in front of Christian Abbiati.
Meanwhile, Diego Simeone’s quandary for Atletico Madrid reportedly hinges on selecting Raul Garcia or David Villa to support Diego Costa in attack. Los Colchoneros are at full strength.
Probable line-ups
Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe; Gabi, Mario Suarez; Arda Turan, Raul Garcia, Koke; Diego Costa
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Rami, Bonera, Emanuelson; Essien, De Jong; Taarabt, Poli, Kaka; Balotelli
Essien not worried by Calderon
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Michael Essien has conceded that the Atletico Madrid fans will play their part in Milan’s clash tomorrow.
The Rossoneri travel to the Spanish capital to face Diego Simeone’s men in their Champions League Last 16 match, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first encounter.
And the Ghana international has claimed that the supporters inside the Vicente Calderon will be a factor.
“We know the kind of atmosphere that the Atletico fans can produce here,” he told a Press conference.
“We know we’ll be able to feel that, but we’re here to play football.”
Essien then commented on this being a special occasion for himself, having played for Real Madrid, and his arrival at San Siro.
“Yes, this is something of a small derby for me!
“I had the offer of coming to Milan, and then Seedorf arrived. Mourinho told me it was a good option.”
Seedorf: We will honour the AC Milan shirt
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf admits that Atletico Madrid are favourites on Tuesday, but has ensured that his Milan side will fight to stay in Europe.
The Rossoneri go to Vicente Calderon tomorrow looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit as they go into their Champions League Last 16 second leg.
But despite being down by a goal, the Coach has insisted that his men will do all they can to make the quarter-finals.
“I’ve often been in situations in which we’re not the favourites, even in years in which we achieved important things,” he told a Press conference.
“The favourites were and are Atletico Madrid. I think the two sides will play in a similar manner to the first leg.
“They have a narrow advantage - the game is open and I’m expecting changes with regards to the first leg.
“We have to fight as a team and play with our hearts tomorrow. These things come before the technical and tactical aspects.
“Our approach to tomorrow's match will be similar to the one in the first leg. We will be aggressive and try to score
“Milan have a great history, and we have to honour the club and the shirt.
“I am doing this job with great enthusiasm and am confident that we can build a great future. And it is a future that won’t change whatever tomorrow’s result.
“The players are also extremely motivated. It’s an important moment for everyone – we know we can write a beautiful page in this club’s history.”
The Dutchman then commented on their opponents, and remarked on specific members of his squad.
“Atletico Madrid are a team in the true sense of the word. They know what they want and they have quality.
“They may not have great champions, but they have two or three world-class players and a good level throughout the side. This makes the difference out on the pitch.
“Atletico have been playing well for years. They know each other well and we respect their strong points. We want to limit them to give us opportunities.
“Simeone’s career speaks for itself. I have complimented before, so I think we should talk about the game now.
“Balotelli and Diego Costa are two very important players. Costa is devastating – a fantastic player. But Atletico Madrid aren’t just Diego Costa – they are a good team.
“The same goes for us and Mario.
“Adel Taarabt is growing along with this team. He is one of the 11, but he can make the difference.”
Zapata: 'AC Milan working to be back at the top'
11.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Cristian Zapata has admitted that this current crop of Milan players are working hard to make the club a force in Europe again.
The Rossoneri play Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their Champions League Last 16 second-leg.
And the Colombian centre-back has insisted that his men can make their own history, despite success in the past.
“That is definitely what we are working hard to achieve,” he told uefa.com. “To make Milan big again on an international level. It will be hard work, but with the lads we have we will get there.
“I think it's a big responsibility. They are players who made history in football and at Milan. I have been trying to make my own history and to give everything I have for this shirt.
No. I never really thought I would get to play at that level. But thank God I had the opportunity, and I am very happy with everything I have been doing up to now.
“I think in the Champions League we have been very compact and solid. We have always been very careful and given our full concentration.
“I think this is fundamental, especially when you play over two legs and teams make you pay for any mistakes.”
The defender then commented on Clarence Seedorf’s impact since replacing Massimiliano Allegri as Coach.”
“I think that, as a player, Mr Seedorf was at the very top. And so far he has had a really positive impact.
“I think he has been coaching us very well. We hope Milan can become a big team again under him.
“He has very clear ideas. He demonstrates the moves and runs he wants very well. He is a very well-organised person and he is a winner. He likes to win.
“His philosophy is that the team has to always go out onto the pitch and be competitive. The team has to be aggressive and push up, especially in defence.
“He doesn't like the defence to stay too deep. I think that is something positive. I think that gives you the mentality to go out there and look for a good result from the very start of the match.”
AC Milan squad for Atletico Madrid
9.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Andrea Poli and Mario Balotelli are in Milan’s squad for the Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid.
The second leg of the Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 19.45 GMT.
The Rossoneri have to overturn a 1-0 first leg home defeat and are still without the suspended Riccardo Montolivo.
Sulley Muntari is available again, while Poli, Balotelli, Nigel de Jong and Urby Emanuelson have shaken off injuries.
Keisuke Honda and Riccardo Saponara are cup-tied.
Milan squad for Atletico Madrid: Abbiati, Amelia, Coppola, Abate, Bonera, Constant, De Sciglio, Mexes, Rami, Zaccardo, Zapata, Birsa, De Jong, Emanuelson, Essien, Kaka, Muntari, Poli, Balotelli, Pazzini, Robinho, Taarabt
Clattenburg for Atletico - AC Milan
9.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
England’s Mark Clattenburg will officiate the Atletico Madrid-Milan Champions League tie.
The second leg of this Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 19.45 GMT.
It follows on from Atleti’s 1-0 first leg victory at San Siro.
UEFA announced this morning that English referee Clattenburg will officiate with linesmen Simon Beck and Stuart Burt.
Jake Collin is the Fourth Official with Andre Marriner and Lee Probert as the goal-line referees.
Pazzini: 'Game of the season'
9.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Giampaolo Pazzini warns Milan’s trip to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday “is the game of the season.”
The Rossoneri have to overturn a 1-0 home defeat from the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.
“There is disappointment, as we wanted to play a different type of match,” Pazzini told Milan Channel after a 1-0 Serie A loss to Udinese on Saturday.
“Instead we made far too many mistakes, allowing Udinese counter-attacks and an avoidable goal.
“Now on Tuesday we have the game of the season, so we must immediately focus on that. We wanted to win in Udine so we could go to Madrid with more confidence.
“In any case, now we must go to Spain to get the victory.”
Atletico Madrid climbed back on to the top of the Liga table last night thanks to a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo, secured by a David Villa brace.
Seedorf: 'An avoidable defeat'
8.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf was disappointed with an “avoidable” defeat to Udinese, but still believes Milan can beat Atletico Madrid.
It is the first time this season the Rossoneri have lost two Serie A games in a row, beaten 1-0 by an Antonio Di Natale strike.
“Of course there is disappointment, we can never be happy after a defeat, especially an avoidable one,” said the Coach on Sky Sport Italia.
“I asked straight after the game for the team to focus on the next target, as if we dwell too much on this performance it will sap confidence ahead of next week’s Champions League game.
“I told the players to keep believing, as there were 20 minutes after the goal. They gave what they could and clearly there was a lack of freshness in some players who were on international duty midweek.
“We weren’t determined enough in front of goal and today encountered a good goalkeeper. We knew Udinese’s strength is pouncing on errors and going on the counter, so we should’ve made better choices in our passing and not tried to go through the middle.
“On the goal it was an impressive move and you could also see our legs were tired compared to theirs.”
Milan have lost two in a row now and failed to find the net despite having a series of attempts.
“I must continue working and said from the start this would be a long process. We certainly won’t scrap or forget the good work done so far,” added Seedorf.
“I believe it is an issue of individual reading of situations rather than a collective one, as that would be more difficult to fix. We made some changes thinking of next week. I had wanted to substitute Muntari earlier, especially as he was on a yellow card and I know with him that’s dangerous!”
Keisuke Honda made a rare start, but again struggled to make an impact.
“He must give himself the patience to get to know Italian football. I am convinced he can do very well cutting in from the right. It’s never easy when there are too many expectations, so I think the thing he needs the most is time.”
The Rossoneri now travel to Atletico Madrid, where they have to overturn a 1-0 home first leg defeat to stay in the Champions League.
“We are convinced that we can win, as we can win any football match. We all saw the first leg performance and how that could’ve gone for us.”
Serie A: Udinese 1:0 AC Milan - match report
8.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorer: Di Natale 67 (U)
Antonio Di Natale finished off a brilliant team move to give Udinese a 1-0 victory over Clarence Seedorf’s Milan.
The Rossoneri rested several stars ahead of their Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid, while Stephan El Shaarawy, Andrea Poli, Bryan Cristante and Andrea Petagna were injured. The Friulani missed Andrea Lazzari and the suspended Danilo, but still ended their month-long winless streak. Coach Francesco Guidolin was on the bench, but still suffering from flu symptoms.
Udinese had a great chance after three minutes when Roberto Pereyra burst through down the left on a mazy run and forced Christian Abbiati into a desperate one-handed save, then a Cristian Zapata clearance prevented Antonio Di Natale getting the rebound.
Moments later Giampaolo Pazzini’s header was over from six yards after Mattia De Sciglio ran on to a Riccardo Montolivo cross-field pass.
Pazzini nodded another De Sciglio cross inches wide when 17-year-old goalkeeper Simone Scuffet failed to intervene. At the other end, Abbiati had to smother at Widmer’s feet when his first touch let him down on a free kick. Remarkably, Abbiati made his Serie A debut when Scuffet was only two years old.
It was a fiery affair with three bookings in the opening 17 minutes, including De Sciglio who’ll be suspended against Parma next week. Zapata wasted a golden opportunity when a corner found him unmarked at the back post, but his diving header was wide.
Moments later Scuffet performed a fine one-handed save on Pazzini’s effort from close range and parried a Robinho snapshot. A splendid Di Natale first touch trapped a ball over the top and Philippe Mexes crucially deflected the finish off target.
After the restart Scuffet performed a great reaction save on Robinho’s glancing header from an Urby Emanuelson cross. Honda showed his talents in defence with a sliding tackle to stop Di Natale going clear.
Mexes gave the ball away in his own penalty area, but was fortunate Di Natale rushed the finish and fired wide.
Udinese did break the deadlock with a well-worked team move. There was great one-touch passing between Pereyra, Bruno Fernandes down the left and rolled into the middle for Di Natale to tap in from eight yards. It was the veteran’s 12th career goal against the Rossoneri, his 185th in Serie A.
Substitute Mario Balotelli blasted over the bar, but the hosts continued to have the better of the game and Allan’s curler skimmed the far top corner.
Balotelli’s flick with his back to goal sent Pazzini clear, but Scuffet was alert to block at his feet. Scuffet also flapped away a Michael Essien header, while from that corner Luis Muriel went on the counter to test Abbiati.
Udinese: Scuffet; Heurtaux, Domizzi, Bubnjic; Widmer, Pinzi (Badu 85), Allan, Pereyra (Basta 89), Gabriel Silva; Bruno Fernandes, Di Natale (Muriel 77)
Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Zapata, Mexes, Emanuelson; Montolivo, Muntari (Taarabt 70); Honda, Birsa (Essien 57), Robinho (Balotelli 63); Pazzini
Ref: Russo
Serie A: Udinese vs. AC Milan - lineups
8.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan reshuffle their line-up with Keisuke Honda and Giampaolo Pazzini as they visit Antonio Di Natale’s Udinese.
The Serie A Week 27 opener kicks off at 17.00 GMT.
Clarence Seedorf must do without the injured Stephan El Shaarawy, Andrea Poli, Bryan Cristante and Andrea Petagna.
Mario Balotelli is back in the squad after a shoulder injury, though he starts from the bench to avoid running risks ahead of the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
Others such as Ricky Kaka, Michael Essien, Adil Rami and Adel Taarabt are also rested ahead of that game.
Honda gets a rare start, as he has struggled to settle in at San Siro since his January arrival from CSKA Moscow.
Robinho and Valter Birsa return from injury to support striker Giampaolo Pazzini.
Udinese are without the suspended Danilo in defence, while Andrea Lazzari is on the treatment table, but Ivan Bubnjic shakes off an injury to start in defence.
Veteran Di Natale starts with support from Bruno Fernandez, moving Roberto Pereyra into a deeper role.
Once again, 17-year-old local boy Simone Scuffet is entrusted with the goalkeeping gloves.
Milan’s recent record at the Stadio Friuli is poor, as the last time they won here current Coach Seedorf played the full 90 minutes.
Udinese: Scuffet; Heurtaux, Domizzi, Bubnjic; Widmer, Pinzi, Allan, Pereyra, Gabriel Silva; Bruno Fernandez, Di Natale.
Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Zapata, Mexes, Emanuelson; Montolivo, Muntari; Honda, Birsa, Robinho; Pazzini.
Only six Serie A clubs in profit
8.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
La Gazzetta dello Sport found only six Serie A clubs ran at a profit last year, while Inter lost €82.7m.
The newspaper published the results of its investigation today into the finances of clubs in the 2012-13 campaign.
They found only six sides avoided a deficit, while there are still huge debts all around the League.
Udinese are the best run club in Italy, making a profit of €32.3m in 2012-13, followed by Napoli with €8.1m.
The only other clubs to run at a profit were Chievo (€1.5m), Pescara (€1.3m before their relegation), Fiorentina (€1.2m) and Catania (€0.1m).
Inter hold the record for the worst accounts, as they ran at a loss of €82.7m in 2012-13. It’s still an improvement on the €89.8m losses from the previous season.
Juventus have the highest revenue, mainly thanks to owning their own stadium, with €274.8m, but also the second highest expenditure at €286.8m.
It means the Bianconeri still ran at a loss of €15.9m last season.
Of the other top clubs, Milan ran at a loss of €6.9m and had the most expenses at €324m, Lazio lost €5.9m and Roma €40.1m.
In terms of outstanding debts, Inter lead the way with €293m, followed by Juventus on €227.1m and Milan €221.6m.
The club with the lowest debt is Fiorentina on just €5.1m.
Taarabt: 'Wasted time before AC Milan'
8.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adel Taarabt feels he “flourished” at Milan and did nothing but “waste two or three years” with QPR and Fulham.
The Moroccan international spoke to local media after a friendly game against Gabon this week and had harsh words for his Premier League owners.
“Have I finally found the club I need to show my talents? Clearly,” he told Le Matin.
“There is no comparison between where I’ve been and where I am currently. Milan is a great club and I am well suited to it here. There are all the conditions to let me give my best.
“I am fortunate to be at a great professional club, one that strives to ensure the players only have to focus on the pitch. When you are in a context like this, it makes you transcend your limitations.
“I flourished at Milan and it shows on the field. I am happy to join this great club and hope to stay as long as possible.”
It’s particularly surprising to see the January signing’s form considering he struggled to get into the first team at QPR and Fulham.
“I would say that I wasted two or three years of my career staying at Queens Park Rangers. I did not change or develop much in that time.
“People have judged me on my behaviour off the field and generally it was unfair. I’m not saying that I didn’t screw up, but it was a bit exaggerated. Now I hope they will judge me on my performance on the field.
“When you look at a player like Ricardo Kaka, he is class personified. A Ballon d’Or winner. When you play alongside this kind of player, it makes you want to work hard. Playing alongside professionals of this calibre, you learn and evolve.”
'Arsenal, Dortmund, Atletico want Montolivo'
8.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Riccardo Montolivo’s agent says “Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal” want the Milan midfielder.
He also stressed however that the player is very happy at San Siro and that he did not see him leaving any time soon.
“There have been a few polite enquiries,” Giovanni Branchini told MilanNews.it.
“From Atletico Madrid, Dortmund and Arsenal to name a few. All of them wanted to know whether Montolivo was available.
“At the moment though, I really do think it would be very difficult to see the player leaving Milan.
“Milan have had a troubled season and I think I can say that he has been one of the highlights.
“He has become an important part of the Rossonero starting line-up this season. He is very happy with the club he is at, and the club and the fans are very happy with him.
“He has a contract until June 2016 so it is not a priority to talk about a renewal just yet. It’s something we will maybe discuss next year.”
Cerci: 50-50 whether I stay
8.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Torino forward Alessio Cerci says he is around 50 per cent sure he will still be at Stadio Olimpico next season.
The 26-year-old has been in impressive form for Toro this season and has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s top clubs.
“I know that important opportunities could come along and I will need to be ready to consider them,” Cerci said to Sky Calcio.
“I think that in football money is not the only thing that matters, the important thing is to feel good and at Torino I have everything.
“Everyone here values me and I have met some fantastic people to work with.
“I would say I am 50 per cent sure I will stay.
“It’s a complicated subject, but it is flattering that teams like Juventus, Milan and Inter are following me.
“I still don’t really know anything about the future.”
Balotelli back for AC Milan
7.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli looks set to return to action for Milan when they take on Udinese tomorrow in Serie A.
Rossoneri Coach Clarence Seedorf has named a 22-man squad for his side’s trip to Friuli-Venezia-Guilia, with the Azzurri international included.
The 23-year-old suffered a shoulder injury during his team’s narrow Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid and has been out of action ever since.
Milan squad to face Udinese: Abbiati, Amelia, Coppola, Abate, Constant, De Sciglio, Mexes, Silvestre, Zaccardo, Zapata, Birsa, Emanuelson, Essien, Honda, Kakà, Montolivo, Muntari, Saponara, Taarabt, Balotelli, Pazzini, Robinho.
Guidolin: Udinese have to be perfect
7.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Francesco Guidolin has insisted that his Udinese side have to be ‘at their best’ if they are to get anything from tomorrow’s match with Milan.
The Zebrette host the Rossoneri tomorrow evening, and the Coach has been moved to praise Clarence Seedorf’s team.
“I can assure you that we will go onto the pitch convinced that we can come away with something,” he told a Press conference.
“We know Milan’s strength – they are a team full of quality and have slowly learned the concepts of the new Coach.
“We have to play to the best of our ability if we want to get a positive result, but I know we can do it.
“We’ve had some ups and downs this season, but now is not the time to focus on that. The important thing is to guide this boat to port.
“Milan are playing well though, so we know we’re going to have to have the perfect game to win.”
AC Milan looking for new investment
7.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan are looking for fresh investment of between €150m-€200m, according to reports in the Italian Press.
With no Champions League money coming in next season, Corriere dello Sport believe that President Silvio Berlusconi is seeking new money for the club.
The paper believes that the Rossoneri will look to Russia, China and the Middle East for investment, with said individual or company getting a 30 per cent stake.
Milan could allow the name of their new stadium to go to the highest bidder, or offer a seat on the board of directors.
Member of the Qatari royal family Sheikh Al Makhtoum is one name in the frame, but the Al-Thani family could also be interested in investment.
Seedorf won't punish Balotelli
7.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan boss Clarence Seedorf has said he won’t punish Mario Balotelli for posting a picture of himself playing table tennis.
The striker missed Italy’s game with Spain in midweek after suffering with a shoulder injury.
However, the controversial forward took to Twitter on March 5, posing with a racket.
The Coach though, has claimed that no action will be taken against the former Manchester City man.
“I’m not here to tell people how to use their own means of communication,” he told a Press conference.
“For you this is news – that is a sad thing. What makes for news in Italy is a worry to me.
“This is such a trivial thing. Who cares if he played table tennis? He had a six-hour treatment.
“Ban players using Twitter? Unless there is a legal issue, I don’t think you can do that. I’m not here to discuss Balo’s behaviour.
“He’s done his recovery and is available.”
Seedorf to make AC Milan changes
7.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf has confirmed that he will make several changes to the Milan XI for the game against Udinese tomorrow.
The Rossoneri go to Udine on Saturday afternoon, but ahead of their match with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, the Coach has revealed that he will tinker with his starting line-up.
“I’ll make changes,” he told a Press conference. “We have another really important game in five days’ time, and we have to take into account the players.
“But this is going to be an important test for us. I want the team to continue with the same attitude they have shown since I’ve been here.
“We’re going to find a very dangerous Udinese team tomorrow, but we have to focus on ourselves first.
“Their strengths are clear. It’s normal to have ups and downs as a club, but we’re preparing to face the best possible Udinese.”
The tactician then commented on Keisuke Honda and not focusing on the League table.
“Honda will play tomorrow. Tomorrow he’ll be ready to make some sort of contribution. A lot of players have found adapting to Italian football difficult, but Keisuke is a great player.
“He is available and will undoubtedly grow in his role.
“It doesn’t help anyone to look at the League table. We just have to strive to do as well as we can on the pitch and then see what happens.
“We’re going into every match with a good attitude. We don’t need to be reminded every minute where we are in the table.”
Seedorf concluded by looking ahead to the European clash with Atletico Madrid, highlighting Diego Costa’s danger.
“He’s a very dangerous player when he gets the ball and drives towards the box. He’s a striker in form, that’s for sure.
“Sometimes it seems as if he’s not in the game, but then, when he comes to life, he’s dangerous.”
Seedorf: No-one misses on purpose
7.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf has defended his misfiring Milan frontline and confirmed Cristian Zapata and Mario Balotelli’s availability for this weekend.
The Rossoneri head out to Udine on Saturday evening off the back of a promising performance last weekend against Juventus, but also with a 2-0 defeat.
With his team having missed a number of first-half opportunities, Seedorf was asked before his pre-game Press conference on Friday on that lack of a cutting edge.
“I focus on the fact that we have created, it is very important to create those chances,” the 37-year-old responded to Milan Channel.
“Nobody misses on purpose, I do not need to remind anyone of how many strikers do not score for three months.
“Then, suddenly they will come back into the goals. This is football, it is a spinning wheel - someone who knows how to score goals like Pazzini, Balo and Kaka can stay dry. Eventually they will score.”
Milan can welcome back Mario Balotelli and Cristian Zapata for tomorrow, according to the Coach.
“Zapata is fine, he has finished training well. Bale is still feeling pain, which is normal, he will have to live with it. They will be available for Udinese.
“Udinese? We need to give continuity to our performance, if not then we cannot help the result.
“I hope to see the team with the same character and concentration. The result will be a consequence of that.”
Thiago Silva: I am a fan of Seedorf
7.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Brazil skipper Thiago Silva says he in full support of seeing former teammate Clarence Seedorf at the Milan helm: “I am of fan of his.”
The Dutchman played alongside the Brazilian for three seasons at San Siro, before both departed at the end of the 2011-12 campaign.
“He is a great Coach and a Coach with a lot of intelligence,” the defender has told Football Italia’s South African correspondent Rossella Marrai, during Brazil’s Gillette Global tour.
“He can change a lot of things at Milan. I am a fan of his, above all, because he is a friend.”
Thiago Silva also featured for 90 minutes during Brazil’s 5-0 demolition of Bafana Bafana on Wednesday evening at Soccer City, a fixture which marked the passing over of South Africa’s host nation duties to Brazil.
“We played well, we played a beautiful game,” continued the Paris Saint-Germain player.
“We finished some perfect training sessions and now I am concentrating on the Champions League and the French League and finishing the season off well.”
The international friendly against African opposition was also deemed as preparation for Brazil’s final Group A match against Cameroon in the World Cup.
And the 29-year-old says his Selecao teammates have to be wary of what the Indomitable Lions can do.
“All the African teams in the World Cup are good teams who play well, therefore, we have to be cautious.
“Cameroon is a team who likes to play with the ball and doesn’t like to mark players. We now have to prepare well and study them well.”
Berlusconi: 'I won't sell AC Milan'
7.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
President Silvio Berlusconi wanted to “reassure fans that I have no intention of selling Milan.”
The reports had emerged after Bloomberg claimed a company had been given the mandate to seek out buyers for the Serie A club.
“I want to reassure fans that I have no intention of selling Milan,” Berlusconi told journalists at a book presentation this evening.
His company Fininvest had already released a statement denying there was any truth in the Bloomberg report.
A former Prime Minister, Berlusconi has been in charge of the Rossoneri since 1986.
"I don't know why certain stories come out," added CEO Adriano Galliani.
'AC Milan deserved more from Juventus'
6.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Udinese sporting director Cristiano Giaretta says Milan were extremely unlucky to lose to Juventus last week.
The Friuli-Venezia-Giulia side lock horns with the Rossoneri on Saturday and Giaretta admits his team face a tough task.
“I’m expecting a very tough game because Milan at the moment are playing like Milan,” Giaretta told MilanNews.it.
“Their performances are of a high level, their last one against Juventus deserved a lot more than what they got.
“It will be a very difficult match for Udinese.
“If I could remove one player from the Milan team on Saturday, maybe it would be Pazzini, considering Balotelli might not play anyway.
“Pazzini is always very dangerous, I would get rid of him!”
Zapata: 'Udinese win important'
6.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan’s Cristian Zapata has spoken of the boost a win over Udinese would give the team ahead of their Champions League second leg with Atletico Madrid.
The Colombian defender is back at Milanello from international duty and says Saturday’s trip to Friuli-Venezia-Guilia is vital for building confidence.
“Udinese aren’t doing too well at the moment but it will be a difficult game as they will want to win at all costs,” Zapata said to the Milan Channel.
“Winning in Udine would give us the ideal boost for when we go to Spain on Tuesday.
“We know we will have to give everything to win and we will do everything possible to bring the three points home.
“It is a difficult place to go to. Di Natale will be dangerous, these are his kinds of games, we must be alert.
“Against Atletico it will hard but we need to try to be aggressive and get through to the next round.”
Costa anticipates tough AC Milan
6.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa says his side face a tough task to see off Milan in the Champions League Round of 16.
The Rojiblancos hold a 1-0 lead going into the second leg of the tie but the new Spanish international is taking nothing for granted.
“We know it will be a very tough game against Milan,” Costa told Sky Sport.
“They are a good team, even though they lost they played well in the first leg and they will be looking to come back.
“None of us can think we are already through, we know the task we have in front of us because Milan will always be Milan.”
Taarabt: AC Milan my chance
6.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adel Taarabt has told Moroccan media sources that his loan move to Milan is a huge career opportunity for him.
The attacking midfielder arrived at San Siro from English Championship side QPR in January and has impressed so far for the Rossoneri.
“For me, playing for Milan represents a huge opportunity,” Taarabt said.
“Here I get the chance to train with players of a very high calibre, like Kaka.
“I’m very happy with what I’ve done so far in the Rossonero shirt.
“The Champions League? In the second leg against Atletico we will do our best to get to the next round, that’s all we can do.”
Mourinho: Balotelli fun to work with
6.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Jose Mourinho holds fond memories of Mario Balotelli and says he’d work with him in the future, even if that possibility seems unlikely.
The Portuguese tactician’s two years with Inter saw him struggle to work with the young forward and he once labelled him as ‘unmanageable’.
However, having seen current side Chelsea recently linked with making a bid for the now Milan player, the 51-year-old has a fonder appreciation for his previous time spent with the 23-year-old.
“It was great fun, I always thought that was great fun and I have good memories of that,” Mourinho has considered to Yahoo Sport this week.
“Obviously with a kid like him - when he was a kid, maybe now he is a bit different - at that time you have your ups and downs and we had our ups and downs.
“But at the end of the day I enjoyed it, I think he enjoyed it too.
“He learned a few things – or not! – but he enjoyed it too and he was a Champions League winner at 18-years-old.”
Mourinho was asked of the prospect of working with Balotelli once again.
“In football you never know the future but I think at this moment he is with a big club, Milan.
“I suppose that they want to keep the best players and they want to keep the best Italian players.
“He was already in English football, for sure I am not going to be his manager at Milan or at the Italian national team so I don’t think there is any situation in the future but he’s a good guy, he’s a good kid.”
Balotelli: Trying with all my strength
6.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli says he is ‘trying with all his strength’ to return for Milan in time for their weekend trip to Udinese.
The Rossoneri have been without their forward since he sustained a shoulder injury during the first leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie with Atletico Madrid.
Reports are that Clarence Seedorf is hoping to put the 23-year-old through a targeted training regime in the coming days, with a view to handing him a few minutes against Udinese on Saturday evening and to then have him fully fit in time for next midweek’s return match against Atleti.
On from this, the striker has revealed that he is targeting a weekend return, through his official Twitter account, where he posted an image of his shoulder during ultrasound therapy.
“The impossible! I’m trying with all my strength to recover for Saturday!” wrote Balotelli this morning.
“I cannot stand any more to not play.”
Yesterday evening Balotelli challenged his followers to a game of ping-pong: “And if someone think to beat me just let me know! I own you all i bet! I Never lost!”
'AC Milan sale talk without foundation'
6.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan’s holding company Fininvest has denied speculation that Silvio Berlusconi is looking to sell the Rossoneri.
Bloomberg broke yesterday evening the story that the Berlusconi family, who have held ownership of the club since 1986, had appointed Lazard Ltd to oversee a potential sale.
Whilst reports have been that Lazard Ltd have already sent out relevant information to prospective purchasers for the club last valued at €688m, Milan’s holding company Fininvest have issued a denial.
“Despite the numerous denials, rumours about the possible sale of Milan have come back into circulation,” the statement issued late last night says.
“Fininvest reiterates once again that these hypotheses are totally without foundation.”
The Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Silvio Berlusconi is also reluctant to sell Milan, which has prompted Fininvest to look to a possible sale of another asset from under their umbrella. The company own Mediaset and publishing company Arnoldo Mondadori too.
Report: Berlusconi to sell AC Milan?
6.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Bloomberg claims President Silvio Berlusconi has hired a company to seek potential buyers for Milan.
The American financial analysts reported this evening that Berlusconi had brought in Lazard Ltd to send out marketing documents to new investors.
It is claimed this “process isn’t public” and Bloomberg also noted a spokesman for Berlusconi’s company Fininvest assured the club is not for sale.
Forbes Magazine valued Milan at $945m, even though they have dropped to 10th place in Serie A so far this season.
Berlusconi has been at the helm since rescuing the club from bankruptcy in 1986, but has recently made changes with his daughter Barbara taking over as joint-CEO with Adriano Galliani.
There have long been rumours of attempts to sell a large chunk of the club’s shares to investors from Dubai.
Fans have also urged new investment after venting their frustration at what they consider to be a low-budget approach to the transfer market.
Balotelli and Poli train alone
5.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli and Andrea Poli trained separately from the rest of the Milan squad this afternoon, according to reports.
The Rossoneri, though somewhat depleted due to the absence of their international players, completed the session today at their Milanello base.
The aforementioned duo however were restricted to doing gym work, with Balotelli still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Atletico Madrid and Poli on the way back from a blow to the head during Sunday’s defeat to Juventus.
One positive for Clarence Seedorf’s side was, report milannews.it, that defender Matias Silvestre did train with the group as he nears making a comeback from a lengthy lay-off.
Poli hopeful of facing Udinese
5.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan’s Andrea Poli says he is hopeful of being fit in time to face Udinese in Serie A this weekend.
The 24-year-old took a bad blow to the head during Sunday’s defeat by Juventus following a challenge with Bianconero defender Martin Caceres.
“I’m feeling better, it was a real blow, but fortunately I always remained conscious,” Poli told the Milan Channel.
“Now we’ll see day by day how it goes. I have a great desire to be back soon but we’ll see what happens.
“Against Udinese it will be a tough game, but we want to approach it in the best way possible.
“I will look to be ready for that match.”
The midfielder then commented on the Rossoneri’s chances of Champions League progression.
“With Atletico it will be a great match and we want to go through.
“Even in the home leg we showed that we are capable of doing it.”
Manchester United target De Sciglio
5.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Manchester United have shifted their attentions from Angelo Ogbonna to another Italian defender, reports suggest.
The Premier League outfit have been linked with a move for the Juventus man in recent weeks, but Il Tempo suggest that David Moyes is not convinced by the Italy international, and will now move from the Bianconeri to Milan for his next target.
The same paper claims that the Old Trafford side are now interested in signing Mattia De Sciglio in the summer.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been rumoured to be circling around the Rossoneri graduate, with Real Madrid also reportedly interested.
However, it is the English giants who are now keen on De Sciglio, and with a hefty budget available, are willing to splash out to get their man.
Zaccheroni: Be patient with Honda
5.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Japan Coach Alberto Zaccheroni has urged Milan fans to be patient with Keisuke Honda.
The former CSKA Moscow midfielder has struggled since joining the Rossoneri in January, with many suggesting that the move may be just for marketing purposes.
However, the current boss of his national team has insisted that supporters at San Siro have to back their playmaker.
“You have to have patience,” he told Tuttosport. “Even Platini and Zidane took six months to adapt to Italian football.
“Hopefully this international break will be a chance for him to give some positive signals to Seedorf.”
Cerci turns down Torino offer?
5.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alessio Cerci looks to be a step further towards the exit door at Torino, with reports that he has turned down a contract offer.
The winger’s current deal ends in 2015, but with Milan, Manchester United and Juventus said to be circling, Tuttosport claim that he has so far turned down Il Toro’s advances.
Giampiero Ventura’s side are desperate to keep hold of their star asset, but with this news could now be forced to sell him in the summer, rather than lose the wide man next season on a Bosman.
AC Milan option for Puyol
4.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have been linked with Carles Puyol after he announced he was leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old defender made the announcement today, revealing he had decided to terminate his contract with the club two years early.
“I am here to announce I am leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. After two knee operations, I cannot perform as I wish,” he told reporters.
“I do not know what I will do after June 30. I will need to rest and think. We will see then.”
In February 2013 Puyol revealed his passion for the Rossoneri.
“I love Milan, it’s my second team. I always want them to win, except against us. If I’d have left Barça, I would’ve liked to have gone to Milan, but I’m old now and I want to play at my club until I retire.”
Now that he has opted to leave in May, he could crown his San Siro dream as a free agent, although it is reported a move to Qatar is more likely.
Puyol has won six Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and three Champions Leagues in his time with the Catalan giants.
Italian Coaches back TV assistance
4.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
A majority of high profile Coaches in Italy polled are in agreement over the introduction of video technology into the game.
The Corriere dello Sport have this week announced the results of a quick survey asking whether or not the Italian game would benefit from the use of ‘moviola’ - television images - to determine key decisions live.
The publication report that of the 25 tacticians they asked during yesterday’s assembly at the Panchina d’Oro at Coverciano, 16 showed they are in favour of bringing in technological assistance.
“We use television in other sports, why not in football, certainly I am very much in favour,” Milan boss Clarence Seedorf has offered.
Rudi Garcia has this week seen Daniele De Rossi handed a three-game ban thanks to video evidence, and he sees a contradiction to not using replays in game: “I ask myself and I ask you. In Italy, no-one wants to use TV images for replays, but then they disqualify players based on video evidence. Why?”
Lazio were eliminated in the Europa League by Ludogorets in a second leg result that saw the Bulgarians awarded a goal even as replays suggested the ball had not entirely crossed the line.
“The referees behind the penalty area have not solved the problem,” Edy Reja has considered.
“In line with the posts you would need a sensor to determine whether or not the ball had crossed the line.”
Not everyone was in agreement, however, with Vincenzo Montella proving the only Serie A Coach asked to say no to the suggestion, whilst Zdenek Zeman offered that: “It would be the end of football.”
In total, eight Coaches rejected the notion when put to them yesterday, whilst Sinisa Mihajlovic abstained: “I don’t know, what is the moviola?”
Ancelotti: Atletico favourites to advance
4.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Carlo Ancelotti has wished Milan good luck, but says Atletico Madrid are favourite to progress from their Champions League tie.
The two face off in the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 clash a week today at the Vicente Calderon, with Atleti holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at San Siro.
For the Rossoneri’s former tactician, who is now in charge of Los Colchoneros’ rivals Real Madrid, the Spanish will likely navigate through the round.
“Good luck to Clarence Seedorf, but the favourite is Atletico,” Ancelotti has told Marca this week.
“Atletico Madrid are favourite for the football they have, the atmosphere at the Vicente Calderon and the advantage they gained from the first leg at San Siro. Simeone will progress through.
“It will be a very intense game.”
Seedorf: AC Milan still confident
3.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan Coach Clarence Seedorf says his side’s confidence has not been harmed by their 2-0 home defeat to Juventus.
Despite losing the Rossoneri delivered another promising performance and the Dutchman was keen to take the positives from the match.
“We still have the same feeling of confidence, that hasn’t changed,” Seedorf said at the ‘Panchina d’Oro’ award ceremony.
“The results in the Champions League and yesterday came despite great performances by us.
“There is no reason to not believe in us.
“Our courage was the foundation of our good performance against Juve.
“We played with speed, quality and created lots of chances but unfortunately we couldn’t take them.
“The performance was very important, it can give the lads confidence for the upcoming months.
“Now we have to think about finishing the season well and next season will definitely be a different story.”
Galliani: AC Milan development clear
3.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan vice-President Adriano Galliani has paid tribute to the impact of Coach Clarence Seedorf and says the team have improved of late.
The Rossoneri lost 2-0 at home to champions Juventus last night but the 69-year-old believes they deserved more.
“Milan played well yesterday,” Galliani told MilanNews.it. “The fact they finished the first half behind was incredible, but that’s football.
“I was very disappointed that Poli went off.
“Without taking anything away from Saponara, Seedorf’s decision to use Poli to mark Pirlo was perfect.
“After playing two good games without winning, I’m hoping for two wins while playing badly.
“We are however in a period of transition and growth, and the fact we are playing well is obvious.
“Pazzini is doing well and Seedorf, who is the Coach and in charge of the tactics, is responsible.”
Emanuelson: 'Seedorf has changed our mentality'
3.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Urby Emanuelson has revealed how Clarence Seedorf has changed things at Milan and commented on the belief in European qualification.
The Rossoneri replaced Max Allegri with the Dutch tactician in January and have since seen an upturn in form.
Whilst Milan were defeated on Sunday night at home to Juventus, their performance was well received and is seen as the latest example of a rejuvenated spirit.
For their returned full-back, the change under Seedorf has been at a psychological level.
“He has changed a little the mentality of the group,” explained Emanuelson to Sportal.it today.
“The Coach has asked us to help each other, to trust in ourselves and to give everything on the field, as if we were always playing a final.”
Il Diavolo sit 10th in the table and a handful of points behind those in the Europa League qualification places, whilst progression in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid hangs in the balance.
“I think that at this moment, third is a difficult goal, but Europe is still within reach, because we are not
very far away from the Europa League qualification places.
“I believe that it is possible to make a comeback like we did last year - we must think game by game and play to the fullest, as the Coach asks of us, then we’ll see…
“The Last 16 clash with Atletico Madrid? I think we can beat them, because we played very well at San Siro and we were a bit unlucky with the woodwork, with Kaka first and then Poli.
“The 0-1 result is not a fair reflection and we can reverse it in Madrid - just play as we did in Milan and have close attention - that’s the recipe.”
Emanuelson was asked for his view on loan signing Adel Taarabt.
“I have seen him play before, as an opponent last year in the Premier League and I assure you that last year he seemed very strong!
“He was really the star at QPR because he is an unpredictable player who can beat his man, provide an assist at any moment of a game.
“I guess that he has the makings of a champion and he can do really well here at Milan, also because he is one who believes in himself and plays without fear.”
Galliani: 'AC Milan can compete with Juventus'
3.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani has enthused at the growth he has seen in Milan and remarked at how there was ‘no difference’ yesterday with Juventus.
The Rossoneri fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to the Bianconeri, but had dominated large passages of play and had missed several goalscoring opportunities before Fernando Llorente netted just before half-time and Carlos Tevez wrapped it up in the second half.
“The team is growing, the first half was beautiful,” began Vice-President Adriano Galliani in conclusion.
“We are progressing, even when we lose and we are sorry - I see the glass as half full. A good defence, good midfield, there are players to return too.
“Clarence told the players what had been achieved - we have not seen a difference between Milan and Juventus.
“I have spoken to the President and he is calm, satisfied with the performance of the team. This is also his thought, that the team is growing.”
Conte: 'Compliments to Seedorf'
3.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Antonio Conte complimented Clarence Seedorf and Milan, admitting he didn’t expect Juventus to win tonight.
Seedorf said after the 2-0 result at San Siro that the only way to stop Juve is with a tank.
“We hope we never cross paths with it! Today we met half a tank, as Milan played an excellent game in every aspect, were very enthusiastic, kept the tempo very high in the first half and had numerous chances to score,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We did well to make the most of a good combination in attack. In the second half we adjusted tactically and suffered less under pressure, controlling the situation and we could’ve added more goals.
“Compliments to Seedorf and this Milan. Let’s not forget under my tenure we’ve always had huge problems at San Siro, never winning here before.”
The Bianconeri are now 11 points clear, albeit as Roma have a game in hand, as the Giallorossi and Napoli were held to draws.
“Now to get this victory when I was afraid we’d lose points compared to the chasing pack, but instead we gained an advantage, is remarkable.”
Milan had dominated the first half and Conte admitted he didn’t expect to go into the break 1-0 up.
“In the first half the defence wasn’t working very well, as we were spread too wide and Milan kept finding Pazzini behind Pirlo. My objective was to at least hold on to the 0-0 at half-time before making tactical adjustments in the locker room.
“Carlos Tevez is the kind of player who gets more fired up the more passionate the game is. He’s a fiery person and brings the best out of himself in difficult situations.
“Fernando Llorente was also extraordinary tonight, as he caused the Milan defence a lot of problems. I am very happy, as in seven days the different strike pairings all did well. I need the whole squad for this season and am getting comforting responses from everyone.”
Juventus have 11 points more than at this stage last season and Conte had particular praise for Leonardo Bonucci, who performed a crucial goalline clearance.
“Let’s not forget these players have been consistently on, especially Bonucci who had to play more than expected due to injuries for Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli. I want to thank him in particular, as it isn’t easy to be at that level so regularly.
“Paul Pogba took part in the Under-20 World Cup and only had 15 days to rest this summer. He played regularly due to Pirlo and Marchisio injuries, so at his age it’s inevitable there will be a slight dip in form at Juve’s level. He is doing very well, he still needs to grow and knows full well as long as I am in charge he’ll have a carrot on one side and a stick on the other.”
Seedorf: 'Happy with AC Milan'
3.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf maintains Milan’s performance against Juventus can only boost confidence, despite losing 2-0.
“This is the result, but I’d say it was a very good performance. We knew that we were facing a great side, but we imposed our tempo on the game and eliminated their strengths as much as possible,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“Juve were able to sit back even more in the second half after taking the lead, but I am impressed with the growth of the team.
“I helped the players to find their courage. We said before the game, this was another opportunity to prove to ourselves we are on the right track and can play well against Atletico Madrid, Juventus and a good Sampdoria. That gives us confidence to continue the work.”
Juventus are now 11 points clear at the top of the table, even if Roma have a game in hand.
“Who can stop them? A tank! Compliments must always be given to a team that has shown its strength throughout the campaign. Tevez made the difference with two moments and showed he is world class.
“We had many chances, were unable to turn them into goals and as we saw tonight that can prove costly.
“The two goals can be read in certain ways and we could’ve blocked Lichtsteiner’s run, while on the second if Emanuelson had closed down then Tevez wouldn’t have had so much space. However, when you get a shot like that – and I’ve had a few of those in my career – you can only sit back and applaud a fantastic goal.
“We too have very talented players, for example Kaka, who can make the difference the way Tevez does. I think what really makes the difference is the confidence and structure behind the scenes, as they can ride any difficult moment knowing they’ve won two titles in a row and we do not have that situation.
“We have seen our spirit grow in the last few games, keeping up with Juventus in terms of tempo and determination too. Of course you need to take your chances to control games, but the team is getting there.”
Serie A: AC Milan 0:2 Juventus - match report
2.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: Llorente 44 (J), Tevez 68 (J)
Milan paid the price for wasting chances, as Juventus conquered San Siro with Fernando Llorente and a Carlos Tevez blockbuster.
Antonio Conte’s men are now 11 points clear at the top of the table, even if Roma have a game in hand, and 17 points clear of Napoli in third place.
The Rossoneri had to reshuffle with Mario Balotelli, Stephan El Shaarawy and Bryan Cristante injured, while Sulley Muntari was suspended. Christian Abbiati and Daniele Bonera returned after suffering from flu. Giampaolo Pazzini wore a face mask to protect a nose injury. Juve didn’t risk Giorgio Chiellini from the start and drafted in Claudio Marchisio for the banned Arturo Vidal, while Kwadwo Asamoah passed a fitness test. The Bianconeri were fresh from Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League victory away to Trabzonspor and Andrea Pirlo stepped back into the stadium that was his home for a decade.
Early on Adel Taarabt tested Gigi Buffon from distance and then his cross was nodded wide by Pazzini.
Juventus had a great chance on 17 minutes when Fernando Llorente only scuffed his attempt, but the ball kept going for Stephan Lichtsteiner who forced Abbiati into a desperate reaction save with his knee.
Less than 30 seconds later Milan had an opportunity, but Pazzini just failed to get the flick before Buffon on an Ignazio Abate assist.
Milan somehow failed to score on 26 minutes with a strong counter. Kaka’s first shot was parried by Buffon, then the second beat him only for Leonardo Bonucci to perform a desperate goalline clearance.
Andrea Poli ballooned over after Pazzini’s effort was charged down on the edge of the box, then Buffon beat away a Riccardo Montolivo snapshot from distance.
Taarabt’s first touch let him down when Kaka robbed Andrea Barzagli. Milan were dominating as the first half wore on and Buffon acrobatically flew to palm away a Kaka curler, but again Poli couldn’t keep the follow-up on target.
However, it was Juventus who got the ball in the net with a well-worked move. Claudio Marchisio pounced on an Adil Rami error to pull back for Lichtsteiner and the ball eventually fell to Fernando Llorente to turn in unmarked from seven yards.
After the restart Tevez tested Abbiati with an angled drive after shaking off Rami, then Buffon beat away a Taarabt cross-shot that Pazzini didn’t connect with.
Poli wasted another good chance, his header wide from a Kaka curling cross under pressure from Martin Caceres. The former Sampdoria midfielder clashed heads with Caceres during that move and came off worse, having to be stretchered off. The Uruguayan was able to continue with a large bandage.
Andrea Pirlo was booked for a studs-up challenge on Ricky Saponara and will be suspended for next week’s game against Fiorentina.
Juve doubled their lead with an astonishing strike from Tevez, who gathered from 20 metres and unleashed an incredible right-foot blockbuster that bounced in off the underside of the bar. Abbiati would’ve probably broken his hand if he had got a touch to it. This was also Tevez’s 15th of the season, making him lone Capocannoniere.
Rami drilled straight at Buffon and the goalkeeper beat away an Urby Emanuelson snapshot, then Pirlo’s free kick skimmed the bar.
It was almost 3-0 in the final minutes, as Paul Pogba’s scorcher flew past Abbiati to thump the base of the far post.
There wasn't a consolation goal for Milan, who deep into stoppages also hit the crossbar with Robinho.
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Rami, Bonera, Emanuelson; Montolivo (Honda 71), De Jong; Kaka, Poli (Saponara 53), Taarabt (Robinho 75); Pazzini
Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner (Padoin 84), Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez (Giovinco 92), Llorente (Osvaldo 90)
Ref: Guida
Serie A: AC Milan vs. Juventus - lineups
2.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
AC Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Rami, Bonera, Emanuelson; Montolivo, De Jong; Kaka, Poli, Taarabt; Pazzini.
AC Milan bench: Amelia, Gabriel, De Sciglio, Mexes, Robinho, Saponara, Honda, Birsa, Essien, Constant, Petagna, Zaccardo.
Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente.
Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Peluso, Isla, Padoin, Osvaldo, Giovinco, Quagliarella.
Bonucci: 'Juventus here for victory'
2.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Leonardo Bonucci insists Juventus intend to leave Milan “with all three points” tonight, especially after Roma’s slip-up.
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT at San Siro.
“Roma’s draw with Inter was an important result for us and this evening we have to win in order to make the most of it,” the defender told Mediaset.
Arturo Vidal is suspended, while Giorgio Chiellini is on the bench after a calf injury.
“It doesn’t matter who plays, as long as everyone does so with the maximum spirit and trying to give their all.
“It’s going to be a great game against Milan, because they are working towards entertaining football and getting good results under Clarence Seedorf.
“Having said that, we are here to win and to take home all three points.”
Poli: 'AC Milan prepared for Juventus'
2.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Andrea Poli assures Milan “are prepared for Juventus in a fundamental game” this evening.
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.
“We know that we are facing a very strong side, but we are prepared for Juventus,” the midfielder told Milan Channel.
“This is a fundamental game for us, above all to help us grow in terms of football and determination. We want to continue that growth process tonight.
“We did well against Atletico Madrid, working hard and making sacrifices for the team. We need that same spirit tonight in order to do our best.”
Although it was a solid performance, Milan lost 1-0 to Atleti in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Llorente: 'AC Milan - Juventus a key moment'
2.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Fernando Llorente believes tomorrow night’s trip to Milan is “a key moment” in the Scudetto race for Juventus.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.
“We do not fear anybody and are going to San Siro in order to win, even if Milan are improving under Clarence Seedorf,” the Spaniard told SportMediaset.
“We know how important this game is, as it’s a key moment for the Scudetto. It’s true Milan are a good team, but we have no concerns.
“The objective is to win the title and for that winning at San Siro is fundamental. We are the team to beat and it won’t be easy for anyone.”
Llorente has been won over by Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte since joining as a free agent from Athletic Bilbao last summer.
“I am happy to have him as a Coach. I needed to work very hard at the start to assimilate the playing style of the team, but that was the way it had to be.
“I learned so much with Conte and he really surprised me.”
Despite 12 goals in 29 official club appearances this season, the 29-year-old did not receive a call-up for Spain’s friendly against Italy next Wednesday.
“There’s a long way to go before the World Cup. I have to think about doing well with Juventus, which right now is the most important thing.”
AC Milan squad for Juventus
2.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mattia De Sciglio, Giampaolo Pazzini and Robinho are available, but Mario Balotelli misses Juventus.
The two teams go head-to-head on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.
Christian Abbiati and Daniele Bonera return after suffering from flu, while De Sciglio has recovered from a sprained ankle sustained against Atletico Madrid.
Balotelli hurt his shoulder in an awkward fall during that Champions League tie and is still not fit enough to play, so left the Milanello training ground today.
Sulley Muntari sits out a ban, while Stephan El Shaarawy and Bryan Cristante are injured.
Also included despite not being 100 per cent fit are Urby Emanuelson, Valter Birsa and Robinho.
Milan squad for Juventus: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel, Abate, Bonera, Constant, De Sciglio, Mexes, Rami, Zaccardo, Birsa, Emanuelson, Essien, De Jong, Honda, Kaka, Montolivo, Poli, Saponara, Taarabt, Pazzini, Petagna, Robinho.
Juventus squad for AC Milan
2.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Giorgio Chiellini is back in the Juventus squad to face Milan on Sunday, but Arturo Vidal is suspended.
It kicks off at San Siro tomorrow at 19.45 GMT.
Chiellini missed Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League victory at Trabzonspor, but is in the list of 21 players making the journey to Milan.
Kwadwo Asamoah also passed a late fitness test.
Vidal sits out a one-match ban, while Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe are sidelined.
Juventus squad for Milan: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Tevez, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Osvaldo, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho.
Balotelli out of AC Milan - Juventus
2.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mario Balotelli is out of Milan’s game with Juventus, as he still hasn’t recovered from a shoulder injury.
The striker picked up the problem during the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
He had resumed training and was hoping to make his comeback on Sunday evening against the Bianconeri.
However, Balotelli was spotted leaving the Milanello training ground, meaning he will not be in the squad.
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT on Sunday.
Seedorf: 'AC Milan - Juventus an opportunity'
1.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Clarence Seedorf praised Antonio Conte and Juventus, but sees this game as “an opportunity” for Milan.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.
The Dutchman has faced Juve many times in his playing career, but this will be his first as a Coach.
“We will have a packed San Siro behind us, just as we did against Atletico Madrid. The lads really need it,” he said in his Press conference.
Mario Balotelli remains in doubt after sustaining a shoulder injury in the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Atleti.
“It is also important to have all the players at my disposal, as everyone trained regularly apart from Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini. Balo needs to be examined today, while Mattia De Sciglio and Pazzini are available, albeit with a bit of pain.
“Pazzini is more experienced than Balotelli and is already a complete player, whereas Mario is still learning. Giampaolo’s motivation is a guarantee.”
Seedorf was asked whether this showdown with leaders Juventus represents a test of Milan’s maturity.
“I think the trip to Sampdoria was more than this game. Samp were unbeaten at home in 10 games, whereas against Juve it is an opportunity.
“This is my first Milan-Juve as a Coach. I feel honoured and privileged to experience it at such a young age. For the team this is the chance to put in a great performance, build confidence and help us face the rest of the season in the best way.
“Antonio Conte has done a great job and I tip my hat to him. Since winning the title in the first season, Juventus have only improved. When you win the self-confidence grows and players get more accustomed to working together.
“I have never worked with Conte, but he certainly helped to renew Italian football. I consider him a very positive influence, like Vincenzo Montella at Fiorentina. I still have everything to prove and am trying to learn quickly.
“Serie A is the toughest League in the world precisely because every Coach is well-drilled in tactics. In terms of players the level of individual stars might’ve dropped because the money migrated elsewhere, but it’s still a very high level.”
Seedorf confirmed it is “very probable” Andrea Poli will start tomorrow evening, but shrugged off questions about referees or the infamous Sulley Muntari phantom goal that wasn’t awarded in Milan-Juve.
“Muntari’s goal? I don’t remember anything about that. I don’t want to cause controversy, but I share Montella’s comment that we must all try to be united. Controversy is a headache. We should have technology to help referees, who in Italy are very good, but until we do then we’re always going to have these debates.”
Barzagli ready for AC Milan and Fiorentina
1.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Andrea Barzagli acknowledges Juventus have a tough time ahead of them against Milan and Europa opponents Fiorentina.
The Bianconeri visit San Siro in Serie A on Sunday evening.
“Am I ready to face Mario Balotelli? Of course, I’m ready for him and all of Milan, as it will be a difficult game all over the pitch,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.
“Milan are a fearsome prospect on their own turf. We will both want to win the game, but we must focus only on ourselves.”
Juventus are fresh from a 2-0 victory away to Trabzonspor on Thursday, which set up an intriguing Europa League Round of 16 clash with Fiorentina.
“Those two legs will certainly be fascinating. It’s just a shame to be meeting another Italian team at this stage, as I’d have preferred both of us to progress a bit further,” continued Barzagli.
“The cities and the fans care a great deal about this match. We know each other well and will do our best to win. Naturally, I hope we can go through.”
Chiellini unlikely to start against AC Milan
1.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini may not be fit enough to face Milan on Sunday evening, according to reports.
The Milan Channel claim that the centre-back, who was a substitute in the Bianconeri’s win over Trabzonspor on Thursday, may not be back in time for the game this weekend.
Coach Antonio Conte will decide over the next 36 hours whether to risk starting the Italy international at San Siro.
Should the tactician deem Chiellini not fit however, Angelo Ogbonna is expected to start in the backline.
76 clubs investigated by UEFA
1.3 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
UEFA have confirmed that 76 clubs will be ordered to submit information about their finances ahead of new Financial Fair Play rules.
In April the Club Financial Control Board, which is responsible for implementing the new rules, will reveal which of the clubs will be referred to its disciplinary panel for sanctions.
The rules are being brought in to force so that clubs live within their means, and to try and prevent those with rich owners from simply spending their way to success.
In principle, clubs cannot spend more than their generated revenue although they are allowed cash injections of up to 45 million euros over three years. Spending on training facilities and youth development is exempt.
"UEFA is taking the lead to protect European football from greed, from reckless spending and financial insanity," Infantino told reporters.
"Financial Fair Play basically proposes helping the clubs to live within their revenues in a sustainable way," he added.
"UEFA is not seeking to exclude or isolate clubs, Financial Fair Play is to help the clubs but on the other hand UEFA is not afraid to take the necessary measures to protect the game."
UEFA said all the 237 clubs who qualified for European competition this season have been assessed. Of those, 103 were ruled exempt as their revenue or income was below the minimum of 5 million euros annually.
Reports in several media outlets, including the Daily Mail and The Guardian suggest that Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain could be two of those clubs.
It is not known however, whether any Italian sides will be caught up in the sanctions.
Serie A: AC Milan vs. Juventus - match preview
1.3 || webmaster
After the Atletico disappointment despite a decent performance and the Sampdoria bore-fest that ended favourably, Clarence Seedorf's men are ready to face the Serie A leader, Juventus, which, despite being the best team in the league, still failed to qualify from their Champions League groups and are facing second rate opponents in the Serie B of European football.
The match kicks-off Sunday, March 2nd, 20:45 CET and the only value at stake is the honor of both teams, as Juventus seems set to win another title while most Milan fans would like to see the team not play Europa League next season.
AC MILAN
It was expected in mid-week for Mario Balotelli and Mattia De Sciglio to be fit by kick-off and right now it seems that both will make despite Mario still feeling pain in his right shoulder and not training with the team on Thursday. Robinho and Valter Birsa are also expected to return.
Confidence is running at a decent level again at Milan with several players including veterans Daniele Bonera and Riccardo Kaka coming out in the press stating the club is getting better, a thought that is shared by Pippo Inzaghi as well.
JUVENTUS
Giorgio Chiellini was expected to make a comeback in the league with this match but reports suggest he might not be fit enough to start. Angelo Ogbonna is expected to replace him.
Arturo Vidal will be serving a one-match suspension but Kwawdo Asamoah could be returning form his injury to feature in the game.
Pepe and Vucinic are both out injured.
REFEREE
Marco Guida has been appointed to officiate this game.
TEAM FORM
AC Milan (WWLWLD) - not a particularly bright season for Milan but ever since Seedorf took over there are signs that the team's performance is slowly but surely getting better and better, having recorded 4 wins and 1 draw in the last 6 Serie A games.
Juventus (WWWDW) - on the other side, Juve's outstanding form continues; no wonder since most of its Serie A competitors have been mismanaged for a quite a while.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
AC MILAN: Ameila; Emanuelson, Rami, Mexes, De Sciglio; Montolivo, De Jong, Kaka, Taarabt, Honda; Balotelli.
JUVENTUS: Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Asamoah, Marchisio, Pogba, Lichtsteiner, Pirlo; Llorente, Tevez.
EXPECTED TO SHINE
AC Milan - Adel Taarabt has been in sensational form lately and many Milan fans will be looking to see whether he can keep this up for another game. All eyes will also target another winter signing, Adil Rami, to see whether he can cope with the high pressure of such an important Serie A match.
Juventus – the midfield wonderkid Paul Pogba is a sure bet when it comes to choosing the best from Juventus, even more so now that Arturo Vidal is out injured.
OTHER FACTS
Juventus beat Milan on San Siro 1-6 during the 1996-1997 season. On the other hand, Milan beat Juve in Turin 1-7 on February 8th 2014, with 4 goals scored by none other than Gunnar Nordahl.
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