The Archive

July 2001

Laursen in Ulivieri parting blast
31.7 || webmaster

New Milan defender Martin Laursen has said that Parma decided to release him because Coach Renzo Ulivieri didn’t believe in his ability. The Danish defender only moved from Verona to the Tardini this summer but has now been loaned to the San Siro outfit.

"Evidently Ulivieri didn’t consider me good enough to play in a three man defence seeing as I had always played in a four," he said. "I don’t think I would have had any particular problems but I haven’t left Parma with any regrets.

"I’m honoured to have received this offer from Milan who are a massive club. When I heard that they were interested I had no second thoughts about accepting their bid. Milan have shown their faith in me and that is fundamental."

Laursen is expected to be given his chance by boss Fatih Terim with Billy Costacurta and Roque Junior struggling for both form and fitness last season. "I’ve spoken to Terim and he seems to believe in my abilities and has said that he is happy with my arrival," continued the stopper. "Everyone I’ve spoken to have good words to say about the Turk and I can’t wait to work under him."

The blond haired defender admits that he must start to think differently in the new season. "Here I will have to change my mentality. I’ve been transferred from a side that fought for survival in Verona to one that will fight for the Scudetto. Last summer I received an offer from a big club but I turned it down because I didn’t think that I was ready but now I’m a complete athlete."

Meanwhile, Vice-president Adriano Galliani has launched an attack on the amount of games South American countries play after Roque Junior and Dida spent most of last year travelling to and from Brazil.

"Milan will not buy any more South Americans unless a new Pele is unearthed. It’s totally unjust that one national team can play 21 games in one year. Brazil this season have almost played a championship. They’ve entered four tournaments and had they reached the Copa America Final they would have played a total of 23 matches."

Football Italia

Jose Mari future still unclear
31.7 || webmaster

Jose Mari’s Milan career hangs in the balance after his proposed return to Atletico Madrid hit problems. The Spanish forward is wanted by his former club but Milan are yet to agree to his sale.

"It’s a difficult operation," said Atletico’s Paolo Futre. "He wants to join us but he’s tied down to a contract with the Rossoneri. All we can do is sit and wait until the Italian club decide what to do."

Milan are believed to be reluctant to sell the forward because they then would be forced to re-enter the market to buy a suitable replacement.

Football Italia

Inter overtakes Milan in Dalla Bona race
31.7 || webmaster

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson revealed on Tuesday evening that he was "hopeful" of selling Sam Dalla Bona to Internazionale for £6 million after AC Milan baulked at the asking price. "Inter are very keen on the boy," he said.

Inter first showed interest in the young midfielder in March, then sent officials to discuss a possible transfer with coach Claudio Ranieri at Chelsea's pre-season training camp in Italy.

AC Milan joined the race in the middle of July and looked favourites to sign Dalla Bona when Hutchinson acknowledged their inquiry, but claimed he knew nothing about a possible Inter bid.

Now he has admitted: "I have met representatives of Inter and I am hopeful that we may be able to conclude a deal with them. I have also met AC Milan, but have been unable to agree a deal with them. The ball is in their court.

"While Sam seems to have his heart set on going to AC Milan, it would be interesting to see whether he would like to join a club of the magnitude of Inter."

Dalla Bona, who joined Chelsea in October 1998 from Atalanta, made his first-team breakthrough after the arrival of Claudio Ranieri last autumn, although it was caretaker coach Graham Rix who gave him his debut just before then.

The Italy Under-21 star made 28 starts last season, but is not willing to extend his contract beyond 2003, even though Chelsea have offered him an extension.

He is therefore training with the reserves and, given that Chelsea have already signed midfielders Frank Lampard and Emmanuel Petit, the club are prepared to listen to offers for him.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admitted recently: "We are looking at Dalla Bona. He is a really interesting player."

Galliani explained that part of Dalla Bona's attraction lay in his understanding with another highly-rated youngster at Milan, Massimo Donati, who was bought for £10 million last summer before immediately going back to Atalanta on loan.

"We remember how well Dalla Bona and Donati played together in the Atalanta youth team," he said. "But we can only bring him in if we sell some players because our squad is too big now."

Inter are believed to have bid £6 million for Dalla Bona after coach Hector Cuper revealed he wanted the 20-year-old. "Dalla Bona is a player with the talent to become a major player for the future," he said.

Cuper is looking to replace midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who was sold to Milan recently, and confirmed: "We've been contacted by his representatives and, acting on their information, we have decided to try to bring the player to Inter."

onefootball.com

#24 for Laursen
31.7 || webmaster

The Danish defender will wear the shirt #24 this season. The shirt was worn in the last seasons by Guly who left for Inter.

SERIE A 2001-2002 FIXTURES DECIDED
31.7 || webmaster

Milan will open the season away vs. Brescia on the 26th of August and will end it on the 5th of May at home vs. Lecce.

1st round: BRESCIA-MILAN (26 august)
2nd round: MILAN-FIORENTINA (9 september)
3rd round: UDINESE-MILAN (16 september)
4th round: MILAN-LAZIO (23 september)
5th round: PERUGIA-MILAN (30 september)
6th round: ATALANTA-MILAN (10 october)
7th round: MILAN-VENEZIA (14 october)
8th round: INTER-MILAN (21 october)
9th round: MILAN-BOLOGNA (28 october)
10th round: TORINO-MILAN (4 november)
11th round: MILAN-PIACENZA (18 november)
12th round: PARMA-MILAN (25 november)
13th round: MILAN-CHIEVO (2 december)
14th round: MILAN-JUVENTUS (9 december)
15th round: ROMA-MILAN (16 december)
16th round: MILAN-VERONA (23 december)
17th round: LECCE-MILAN (6 january 2002)
18th round: MILAN-BRESCIA (13 january)
19th round: FIORENTINA-MILAN (20 january)
20th round: MILAN-UDINESE (27 january)
21st round: LAZIO-MILAN (3 february)
22nd round: MILAN-PERUGIA (10 february)
23rd round: MILAN-ATALANTA (17 february)
24th round: VENEZIA-MILAN (24 february)
25th round: MILAN-INTER (3 march)
26th round: BOLOGNA-MILAN (10 march)
27th round: MILAN-TORINO (17 march)
28th round: PIACENZA-MILAN (24 march)
29th round: MILAN-PARMA (31 march)
30th round: CHIEVO-MILAN (7 april)
31st round: JUVENTUS-MILAN (14 april)
32nd round: MILAN-ROMA (21 april)
33rd round: VERONA-MILAN (28 april)
34th round: MILAN-LECCE (5 may)

Galliani: "No more Brazilians for us!"
31.7 || webmaster

During the presentation of Danish defender Martin Laursen in Milanello today, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani told reporters “Milan won’t buy anymore Brazilian players, unless they are called Pele.”

The ‘Shark’ blames his decision on the Brazilian national team’s non-stop schedule, that doesn’t allow the Brazil internationals to play for their respective club teams,

“It is deeply unjust that a national team can play 21 matches in a season. Brazil practically played a championship this year, participating in four tournaments, and if they had reached the Copa America final, they would have played 23 matches” said Galliani.

At the moment two Brazil internationals play with AC Milan, Roque Junior and Dida.

soccerage.com

Inter and Milan loan out stars
31.7 || webmaster

The two Milanese clubs are loaning out some of their lesser known stars. Both are awaiting FIFA's verdict on the fake passport bans, set for tomorrow. If the Italian suspensions are not extended worldwide, then Alvaro Recoba is likely to spend a year in Spain with Malaga, while goalkeeper Dida will take his year off at Alaves.

The Rossoneri are also preparing to loan Jose Mari out to Athletico Madrid, the team he left for this Serie A experience in December 1999.


Inter have officially put their Portuguese players back on home soil. Paulo Costa, who spent last season at Reggina scoring one goal in 23 games, has moved to Porto in a co-ownership deal. His former Reggina teammate Marco Caneira has signed for Benfica.

Football Italia

Atletico wants to bring Jose Mari back
30.7 || webmaster

Atletico Madrid sporting director Paulo Futre has announced that the Spanish second division club is interested in signing Milan attacker Jose Mari Romero as their last reinforcement of the close-season.

"The Jose Mari issue is complicated, but he is a player who interests us,” said Futre. “He has a contract, however we want him to join us. He wants to come, but Milan must give their approval.”

Jose Mari played for Atletico before joining Milan.

soccerage.com

AC Milan want Ibrahimovic
30.7 || webmaster

Ramaccioni thinks he's the new Van Basten: he was paid $9m last month. Maybe it's too early to sign him, but the good relationship with the Dutch side might see the transfer happen in the future.
calciomercato.com

Squad to resume training on Tuesday
30.7 || webmaster

AC Milan will resume training session on Tuesday at 18:30cet. This Saturday, the side will face Besiktas in a friendly matches in honour of Memhet.
calciomercato.com

Brilliant Abbiati is Terim's choice
29.7 || webmaster

AC Milan coach Fatih Terim confirmed that Christian Abbiati will be his first choice keeper after the youngster excelled in the Amsterdam tournament this weekend, increasing speculation that Sebastiano Rossi's days at the club are numbered.

AC Milan followed up their 1-0 win over Ajax by losing 2-1 to Valencia on Saturday evening, and Terim admitted afterwards that the defeat could have been even heavier if it was not for the heroics of goalkeeper Abbiati.

"We have lots of work to do, but it shows that you can't possibly play two big games in 48 hours," explained the Turkish coach.

"We were lucky that Abbiati played so well," he admitted. "He had a wonderful match and is certainly our first-choice keeper. I have total faith in him."

Terim's words will not be well received by Milan's veteran keeper Sebastiano Rossi, who sparked rumours of a fall out after missing the match against Valencia.

The notoriously-temperamental Rossi was reportedly absent because of injury, but sources close to the camp suggested the 37-year-old star was unhappy about being left out of Milan's first game in the tournament against Ajax.

Meanwhile, Terim is refusing to read too much into the Valencia defeat. "Valencia played well and they deserved to win," he conceded, after watching his side surrender a 1-0 lead that had been given to them by new-signing Filippo Inzaghi.

"I need to try to change the Milan mentality a little. I have inherited a team that likes to play far too far away from the opposition goal. I want to get them pressing more and playing in a more attacking style," he revealed.

Terim also explained why he has recently signed Danish defender Martin Laursen from Parma. "I am pleased to have signed him. He is a strong, physical player who is good in the air," he said.

"What's more, he used to playing in a four-man defence, and that is the system we will be using here.

"Kakha Kaladze has done well in defence, but with injuries in midfield it would be nice to use him as cover. Laursen allows me to do just that."

With regards to Romanian star Cosmin Contra, Terim admitted: "He still has to learn about our system. He played a 3-5-2 at Alaves and that gave him the chance to play further forward than he is allowed to do here."

onefootball.com

Boban choses Spain over Spurs
29.7 || webmaster

Milan legend Zvonimir Boban has received an offer from Tottenham Hotspur, but the Croatian midfield maestro is tempted by Spaniards Celta Vigo. The 31-year-old was very close to signing for Spurs this week but the Spanish press maintains that he has reached an agreement with the Liga club.

Celta Vigo are very active on the market at the moment and have just signed French international Peter Luccin.

Football Italia

Terim satisfied despite defeat
29.7 || webmaster

Milan Coach Fatih Terim is pleased with his team’s progress despite the 2-1 defeat to Valencia in the Amsterdam Cup. "We started pre-season training 16 days ago," explained the Turk on the Rossoneri's official website, "so it's normal that the legs feel a little heavy. This is why it's impossible to sustain two consecutive matches at this level in just 3 days."

Terim unusually fielded the same starting eleven that had beaten Ajax 1-0 on Thursday evening. Nonetheless the former Fiorentina manager asked for more time to influence his new players. "It's impossible to change their mental outlook in such little time. When it does happen, you will see more pressing and attacking play."

Football Italia

Inzaghi: "We have to carry on with our work"
29.7 || webmaster

Filippo Inzaghi scored again despite AC Milan defeat against Valencia: "Now it's not important to score, but to carry on with our job and to improve. Today we were a bit tired but it's hard to play in this moment two matches in two days. We got angry about the penalty becuse we cared to win against Valencia Europe Vice Champions."
calciomercato.com

Amsterdam: Valencia vs. AC Milan - match summary
28.7 || webmaster

Amsterdam Tournament:

Valencia-Milan 2-1

Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Contra (Helveg 64'), Maldini, Kaladze, Coco; Gattuso, Donati (15' st Costacurta), Serginho (Brocchi 46'); Rui Costa; Shevchenko (Mohammed 71'), Inzaghi (Javi Moreno 76'). Coach: Terim.

Valencia (3-5-2): Palop; Bjorklung, Albelda (Serban 64'),.Pellegrino (A. Jandro 80'), Djukic, Marchena (De Los Santos 58'), Mista, Fabio Aurelio, Vicente (Kili Gonzalez), Angulo, Ilie (Sanchez 64'). Coach: Benitez..

Referee: Van der Ende (Holland).

Scorers: Inzaghi 28'; De los Santos 84', Kily
Gonzalez 90' (pen.).

Attendance: 25.000

calciomercato.com

Brocchi: "It wasn't a penalty"
28.7 || webmaster

Cristian Brocchi commented AC Milan defeat against Valencia in Amsterdam Tournament: "I don't understand how the referee whistled the penalty, I only wanted to protect my face so that it was not voluntary. We didn't deserve to lose. Are we tired? It's normal due to we are at the training camp since few days."
calciomercato.com

Bierhoff confirms Marseille link
28.7 || webmaster

Oliver Bierhoff has admitted that his time with Milan is coming to an end. The striker told a Dutch television programme that "I have received a very interesting proposal from Olympique Marseille." It's claimed that the French side has offered a contract worth £1.3m per season, but the German international added, "Fulham also want me."

Marseille are still in search of a new striker after they were turned down by Mario Jardel, who has been linked with Juventus and Porto.


Bierhoff has been pushed down the ranks at the Rossoneri following this summer's arrivals Filippo Inzaghi, Javi Moreno and Manuel Rui Costa. Fiorentina star Nuno Gomes is also rumoured to be making a move to Milan.

Football Italia

Amsterdam: Valencia vs. AC Milan - result
28.7 || webmaster

Valencia 2 - 1 AC Milan
Scorers: Inzaghi (M - first half), De Los Santos (V - second half), Kily Gonzalez (V - second half).

Atletico wants Jose Mari
28.7 || webmaster

Atletico Madrid want Jose' Mari back, 'As' reveals. The Second division side want to achieve promotion and already contacted AC Milan to sign the player ahead of the upcoming season.
calciomercato.com

Nuno Gomes for Milan?
28.7 || webmaster

Fiorentina are still £23m in debt and need to sell another of their top players to avoid bankruptcy. The next in line is said to be Nuno Gomes, but despite a £12m offer from Olympiakos Pireo and several Premiership clubs, the Portuguese international has his heart set on reuniting with Fatih Terim and Manuel Rui Costa at Milan.

The Greek club has offered a handsome £1.6m per season contract to Nuno Gomes but the 25-year-old is hesitating. His hopes could be realised as it is rumoured this afternoon that Milan are ready to sell Jose Mari back to Athletico Madrid, therefore freeing up a position for the Viola striker. The Spaniards need a replacement forward after selling Salva to Valencia for £9m.


However, it is also unlikely that I Rossoneri will need another striker with Pippo Inzaghi, Andriy Shevchenko, Javi Moreno and Oliver Bierhoff in the squad. Bierhoff had been linked with a move to Fulham, but it never materialised.


Enrico Chiesa’s fate is also linked to that of Nuno Gomes. The 31-year-old has asked to leave Fiorentina following another row with directors over the state of the club’s finances. It is increasingly difficult to place Chiesa in a Serie A side considering his age and the £13m price tag.

If Nuno Gomes does leave, then the Italian international would be taken off the market and handed a new contract with I Viola.

Football Italia

Celta looking at Boban?
28.7 || webmaster

After being linked with a 2 year contract at EPL outfit Spurs, Milan's Boban is now being tracked by Celta Vigo as they look to replace the outgoing playmaker Valery Karpin.


Boban is a free agent with Milan not interested in keeping him at the Siro, so a transfer should be arranged when he finishes his holiday in Croatia. The creative has also been linked with Marseille and even a return to Hajduk Split.


Celta have just added Yeray Ortega Guarda from Las Palmas to the left side of their midfield but after Karpin decided to leave, the attack-based Liga force immediately targeted Boban.


But if Boban decides to move elsewhere, Celta are said to be interested in PSG's Peter Luccin.

soccerage.com

Five years for Laursen. Bierhoff close to Portugal
28.7 || webmaster

A new signing for AC Milan which will be in action tonight in Amsterdam against Valencia. Parma's defender joins on loan with an option to sign him. $6m in five years. Bierhoff close to Porto.
calciomercato.com

Official: Milan snatch Laursen loan
27.7 || webmaster

Milan have beaten off competition from several Serie A clubs by snatching Martin Laursen on loan. The Danish defender had just joined Parma this summer after a successful two seasons at Verona.

The 24-year-old will spend one year with the Rossoneri, who also have the right to buy the player outright at the end of the loan spell.

Football Italia

Maldini: "Losing is not an option"
27.7 || webmaster

Milan captain Paolo Maldini has admitted that his Milan side are restricted to winning next season after this summer’s spending spree on the transfer front.

"It is clear to everyone here that our objective is to win things in the new season. That is why this team has been built in the way it has," he said. "In recent times it has been Real Madrid that have won the most honours and that has probably got something to do with the fact that they’ve spent so much on new players."

Milan failed to qualify for the Champions’ League last season which means that the side will only have Serie A and the UEFA Cup as their objectives. Something that Maldini believes has happened because of a lack of spending at the San Siro in recent seasons.

"You can still be competitive and aim for Champions’ League football but the truth remains that if you don’t spend big on quality players then you’re always likely to come second best."

The major newcomers to the Rossoneri this season have been Javi Moreno, Cosmin Contra plus Filippo Inzaghi and Manuel Rui Costa. The latter being a decisive capture according to the Italian defender.

"There is no guarantee that money brings success but it certainly will help. Just look at Rui Costa. He cost the club quite a bit of cash but his arrival now means that we can aim for the highest honours once more."

The main objective for the new season is obviously the Scudetto for the Milan giants. But Maldini is aware that winning the Italian championship is not as easy as it has been in the past.

"There are many stronger teams than last season," he warned. "There are a variety of clubs that will influence the outcome of the championship. Lazio are spending big again and Inter look decent even if I don’t think they are as strong as in the past. We can be competitive but other teams will make it very difficult for us."

Football Italia

Terim happy about yesterday's performance
27.7 || webmaster

AC Milan coach Terim has declared after this evening's match against Ajax: "I like my team's performance, I want to add that Ajax are more prepared than us. During the first half I had been seeing 8-9 chances for scoring."
Terim added: "We have just begun, we can not be physically ready and when the legs are not ok, the mind is not neither."
calciomercato.com

Amsterdam: Ajax 0 - 1 Milan - match report
26.7 || webmaster

Manuel Rui Costa's first goal in the Rossoneri shirt has given Milan a prestigious victory over Dutch giants Ajax in their home ground. The match, part of the Amsterdam Tournament, was very much a game of two halves as Fatih Terim's attacking football took its toll on the relatively unfit Italians after the break.

Rui Costa turned in from close range after Andriy Shevchenko's effort had thumped the crossbar. The Ukrainian missed several good chances early on and confirmed fears that a heavy pre-season workload is affecting the striker's accuracy.

Teammate Filippo Inzaghi also wasted some clear scoring opportunities while Serginho, Rui Costa and new buys Andrea Pirlo and Javi Moreno were particularly impressive.


The defence still showed problems, however, as Ajax poured forward towards the end of the match. Milan held on and with this result temporarily top the tournament. Ajax will take on Scottish giants Celtic in the Champions League preliminary round in a forthnight.

Football Italia

Chamot wants to stay
26.7 || webmaster

AC Milan player Antonio Chamot who left Milanello to join Tottenham came back because he didn't reach an agreement with the English club. The Argentinian will resume the training session with AC Milan. Chamot still has one year contract and he asked the English team for a two years contract, but they didn't agree. The player this afternoon will meet Galliani and Braida, and he wishes to continue his adventure in Italian championship even if they spoke about a transfer to Spain.
calciomercato.com

Laursen wants to join Milan
26.7 || webmaster

Parma's Danish star rejected other clubs. This evening, in Amsterdam, AC Milan to face Ajax. Dalla Bona linked as well as Chamot fails to reach an agreement with Tottenham. Laursen is wanted by many clubs, but Inter Milan are the most dangerous.
calciomercato.com

Rui: "It'll be different when the legs will work again"
26.7 || webmaster

AC Milan star Rui Costa has declared after the win (1-0) over Ajax: "I repeat what I have said after the match against Varese, we are tired and at the moment we are not able to do what coach Terim requested, but when the legs will work again everything will be different. On attack we have already got a good relationship but we can improve."
calciomercato.com

Spurs wait for Boban's reply
26.7 || webmaster

Tottenham have offered Milan's creative midfielder Boban a 2 year contract and are now waiting for the Croatian's response.


The skilful retired international is available on a free transfer after Milan replaced him with Rui Costa. Currently on holiday in Croatia - where he spent Wednesday rafting with friends along the river Cetina - Boban has also been offered a role at Marseille, but with the resignation of his compatriot Tomislav Ivic, the OM deal seems to have hit the rocks.

soccerage.com

Amsterdam: Ajax 0 - 1 AC Milan
26.7 || webmaster

AMSTERDAM, July 26 (DS) - Amsterdam four-team tournament result.

Ajax 0
AC Milan 1 - Rui Costa 14
Halftime: 0-1.

Reuters

$ 12 mil. for Laursen
25.7 || webmaster

AC Milan to sign Dalla Bona, before contacting the Danish defender. The vice-chairman explained, 'Costacurta is out injured, Roque Junior plays with Brazil and so, we have to sign new players'. Brocchi won't be sold.
calciomercato.com

Chamot rejects Tottenham move
25.7 || webmaster

Jose Chamot will not be joining Tottenham after the Milan star failed to reach an agreement over personal terms, according to Sky Sports.

Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle had earlier warned people that the deal was far from being done, despite reports that he was a medical away from signing and it would now appear that his caution was justified.

soccerage.com

Domoraud loaned
24.7 || webmaster

AC Milan has loaned today French defender Domoraud to AS Monaco for one year.

http://www.acmilan.com

Roma vs. Milan for Laursen
24.7 || webmaster

Both Milan and Roma have today been linked with Parma’s Martin Laursen – despite the fact that he arrived at the Tardini just this summer. The Danish defender could be allowed to leave his new club after Martin Djetou was yesterday signed from Monaco.

Laursen was bought from Verona after two stunning in Italy where he had attracted the interests of a number of clubs. However, it was Parma that sealed an option on him at the end of his debut term.

Now though with first team football not guaranteed after the arrival of the Frenchman, the Tanzi family could be tempted to sell the international with both Milan and Roma keen on a new defender.

Milan are chasing Laursen with growing concern over the fitness problems of veteran Billy Costacurta. Meanwhile, Roma are known to still be searching for a new defender after being turned down for Fabio Cannavaro and also failing to convince Bayern Munich to sell Samuel Kuffour.

Football Italia

Milan: objective Laursen
24.7 || webmaster

Galliani wants the Danish(fee, $10m) of Parma, who signed Djetou for five years. AC Milan need a defender after Costacurta's injury.
calciomercato.com

Galliani: "We're interested in Laursen"
24.7 || webmaster

Adriano Galliani: "We are interested in a defender, especially in Martin Laursen, but we have not started yet negotiations with Parma. We have already got 4 good central defenders but the problem is that Roque Junior will move to Brazil once a month. Dalla Bona? Chelsea made a request, AC Milan did their bid, but there is still a gap."
calciomercato.com

Terim looking forward to Amsterdam tournament
24.7 || webmaster

AC Milan boss Fatih Terim spoke to reporters today about the upcoming Amsterdam tournament before flying to Istanbul to attend a friend’s funeral.

“ Everyday things are improving. We now started to combine athletic work with technical one. However we are only at the beginning, and it will be very hard to face Ajax and Valencia after just a few days of work. They will be very important tests for me to see what level we have reached,” said Terim.

The Amsterdam tournament begins on Friday. Liverpool are also participating in the friendly event, together with Ajax, Valencia, and AC Milan.

soccerage.com

Javi Moreno: "I consider myself as good as Inzaghi, Shevchenko and Bierhoff"
23.7 || webmaster

Javi Moreno has declared after his first official match: "I am here in order to play and hope to play as often as possible. I am brave and I consider my self as good as Inzaghi, Shevchenko and Bierhoff."
calciomercato.com

Contra: "I was linked with Real and Inter but I choosed Milan"
23.7 || webmaster

Newly signed Rumanian defender Contra: "I have won nothing during my career and I want to start now. I was linked with a move to Inter Milan and Real Madrid, but I preferred AC Milan due to the board and the project presented to me. In Italy more teams can with League compare to Spain and it 's tougher because there is no freedom."
calciomercato.com

Olympiakos chasing Bierhoff
23.7 || webmaster

Olympiakos are negotiating with AC Milan for German Oliver Bierhoff. The Greek side need a strong central defender. However, Bierhoff, who was also linked with Fulham, Watford and Olympique Marseille, is not very happy of the move.
calciomercato.com

New superstar Milan unveiled
22.7 || webmaster

Milan unveiled their new and spectacular trident attack with Manuel Rui Costa, Filippo Inzaghi and Andriy Shevchenko in their first outing against Varese on Saturday evening. Former Juventus striker Inzaghi was on target immediately in the 2-1 victory over Serie C1 side Varese, but it took a late goal from Mohammed Aliyu to break the deadlock.

The new arrivals which impressed the most were Cosmin Contra, who almost looked like a veteran of Serie A on the right wing, Inzaghi and ex-Inter midfielder Christian Brocchi. Serginho was typically energetic and it was his cross which set up Inzaghi’s header.

However, the Brazilian’s power did seem to unbalance the team towards the left, leaving themselves open to the counter-attack and Gallo’s equaliser. Young Aliyu’s low drive sealed the victory 18 minutes from time.


Rui Costa was particularly inspired in his 65 minutes on the field, exhibiting his trademark passes, close ball skills and an already impressive rapport with Inzaghi and Shevchenko. “We have only been training with the ball for two days,” admitted the Portuguese international, “so we could not ask for more."

"I am satisfied with my debut because even if it was a friendly, this was still my first match with a Milan shirt. I think thatI am settling into this team very well and of course that makes me extremely happy.”


Rui Costa even had words with Inzaghi for his excessive altruism when the striker attempted to set up Shevchenko rather than shoot with only the 'keeper to beat. “I would hate it,” added the former Viola captain, “if certain players are so desperate to prove that they are not arrogant and egotistical, that they end up passing the ball when they ought to go for goal.”


Coach Fatih Terim was relatively pleased with this first outing of his new side. “This match is very early as we have only had five days of training and our opponents put real effort into it. However,” continued the Turk, “we won and I am happy about this because it is important to win always and everywhere.”


The new manager had a final message for the future. “I hope and believe that Milan will grow day after day. The boys were still tired from the heavy workload during this first week.” Milan's next match is against Ajax on July 26.

Football Italia

Pirlo snubs Torino
22.7 || webmaster

Andrea Pirlo has turned down an offer from Serie A newcomers Torino despite a deal reached between the two clubs. “We had sealed the move with Milan,” admitted Granata President Attilio Romero, “but the player decided to stick it out with the Rossoneri and take his chances.”

The fantasista joined Milan this summer in a £12m move from Inter, where he struggled to find space before a loan spell at Brescia.


Torino’s next objective to fill the gap behind front two Cristiano Lucarelli and Franco is Bologna’s unsettled Thomas Locatelli. The Italian could join the Delle Alpi side in exchange for Fabio Pecchia.


Milan have loaned 19-year-old defender Fabricio Coloccini to Spaniards Alaves. The starlet spent last season with Argentine champions San Lorenzo de Almagro.

Football Italia

Frustrated Coloccini finally loaned to Alaves
22.7 || webmaster

AC Milan Argentinean defender Fabricio Coloccini has finally accepted to join Spanish side Alaves on loan. World Champion Argentina Under 20 captain would had wished to join back San Lorenzo instead.
calciomercato.com

Terim: "Inzaghi and Sheva did good things"
21.7 || webmaster

AC Milan Fatih Terim at the end of the friendly against Varese said: "It's very important everybody did what I asked to. Inzaghi and Shevchenko did good things. I only want them to score. They just met and even the feeling with Rui Costa will improve day by day."
calciomercato.com

Freindly: Milan 2 - 1 Varese
21.7 || webmaster

VARESE – MILAN 1-2 (1-1)
Marcatori: 13’ pt Inzaghi, 45’ pt Gallo, 27’ st Mohamed Aliyu
VARESE (4-3-3): Castelli; Nincheri, Bandirali, Gorini, Bianchi; Centi, Borghetti, Carobbio (28’ pt Foschini); Gasbarroni, Fava, Gallo. All.: Beretta
Entrati nella ripresa: Sannino, Tolotti, Cella, Presotto, Imburgia, Ambrosoni, Panepinto, Aimé, Gasparetto, Moretti.
MILAN (4-3-1-2): Abbiati (1’ st Rossi); Contra (1’ st Helveg), Kaladze (38’ st Domoraud), Maldini, Coco (25’ st Daino); Gattuso (13’ st Donadel), Donati (1’ st Brocchi), Serginho (11’ st Corrent); Rui Costa (19’ st Mohamed Aliyu); Inzaghi (14’ st Bierhoff), Shevchenko (1’ st Javi Moreno). All.: Terim
A disposizione: Fiori.
Arbitro: Mazzoleni (assistenti: Berardi e Ferrando).

http://www.acmilan.com

Kaladze: "We aim Scudetto"
21.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's Kahka Kaladze: "Filippo Inzaghi, Cosmin Contra, Manuel Rui Costa are Javi Moreno are all great players: we aim to win Scudetto. I have got positive feeling from the group. Terim has just been watching us so far but I am aware that he is a great coach, he proves it choosing Rui Costa."
calciomercato.com

Coloccini turns down Alaves
21.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's Fabricio Coloccini, rejected the move to Spanish side Alaves. The 19-year old, loaned out to San Lorenzo last season, said: 'I was happy with San Lorenzo and I would love to stay for one more year'. Besides Alaves, the player is also linked with Zaragoza, Parma, Fiorentina, Bologna and Genova.
calciomercato.com

Terim aims to recreate Sacchi success
21.7 || webmaster

AC Milan coach Fatih Terim has vowed that he will try to produce a side that will produce the style and success of Arrigo Sacchi's Rossoneri of the late eighties. "I have huge respect for Arrigo, and I would like to see my team playing in his way," Terim explained.

"I remember the great Milan of Sacchi very well," he went on. "They were a team who played in small spaces and who always pressed. When we have the ball, all our players must be pushing forward Milan must always impose their style of play."

Between 1987 and 1991, Sacchi led Milan to the Scudetto and two European Cups, and paved the way for the success that was to come when Fabio Capello replaced him.

Terim takes charge of his first game as Milan coach on Saturday in a friendly against Varese, and he promised that right from the start he will look to impose his beliefs on how the game should be played.

"I will play with a four-man defence and with a playmaker behind two forwards," the Turkish coach said. "We need midfielders who can run and run, because it's important not to lose out in that area of the pitch.

"Serginho can help us doing that on the left side or in the centre. I asked the club to buy Manuel Rui Costa because he does great things. He's a talented player with a great personality. I believe Kakha Kaladze will grow stronger and stronger as a defender."

Terim, though, will not have a first choice squad to choose from for the friendly with Varese. "I won't be able to play Demetro Albertini, Massimo Ambrosini, Fernando Redondo, Jose Mari or Andrea Pirlo, which is a problem.

"But Albertini will be able to restart work in August and that is good news, but at the beginning we'll have to rely on Massimo Donati and Cristian Brocchi."

Terim joined the club after the end of last season with a glowing reputation thanks to his success with Galatasaray and his good start with Fiorentina last season, but he is under no illusions of the pressure he is under to produce at the San Siro.

"All our fans expect to see Milan winning all the time," he added. "We are forced to create a team they will appreciate because of their play and their results."

onefootball.com

Bonera is closer
21.7 || webmaster

Galliani still interested in Dalla Bona. Chamot joins Tottenham: it's official. The good relationship between AC Milan and Corioni's club might see Bonera joining Terim's side.
calciomercato.com

Domoraud on Terim's disposal
21.7 || webmaster

Terim has since today Cyril Domoraud on his disposal. The defender from Ivory Coast, who just played with his national team for World Cup Qualifiers, reached his mates in Milanello and this evening he will be on Terim's disposal for the friendly match against Varese in Varese.
From the beginning the attacking trio Rui Costa-Inzaghi-Shevchenko.
calciomercato.com

Milan double Alaves deal
20.7 || webmaster

Milan have continued their strong links with UEFA Cup Finalists Alaves by sealing a double deal. 25-year-old goalkeeper Gabriele Aldegani and Argentina’s Under-20 international defender Fabricio Coloccini have been loaned out to the Spaniards for a year.
Coloccini was also a target for Real Zaragozza, but the Rossoneri preferred to turn the youngster over to the club that sold them Cosmin Contra and Javi Moreno this summer.


Meanwhile, Milan defender Jose Chamot has become the latest player to refuse a move to Olympique Marseille. The French side have also been knocked back by Inter star Laurent Blanc and Galatasaray’s Brazilian striker Mario Jardel.

Football Italia

Aldegani on trial with Alaves
20.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's Raffaele Aldegani, will join Alaves in France for a trial. The two clubs also reached an agreement for Javi Moreno and Contra(joined AC Milan) and Coloccini(joined Alaves).
calciomercato.com

Dalla Bona not needed in Chelsea
20.7 || webmaster

Despite last wonderful season Samuele Dalla Bona is surplus to requirements at Chelsea as revealed by coach Claudio Ranieri. Chelsea are building up a new midfield: Lampard, Petit, the talks with Real Madrid for Geremi and "Sam" has to find a new team. The player's agents are silent but probably the young midfielder is to join AC Milan: the transfer is up to Terim.
calciomercato.com

Joke of the day from Guly
20.7 || webmaster

Today Inter Milan introduced newly signed Andres Guglielminpietro from AC Milan: "I m here in order to do a good job, the ambient is excellent, Inter Milan can truly win."
calciomercato.com

Terim wants Inter's Okan
20.7 || webmaster

Cuper not satisfied with the midfielder, who is wanted by Terim. It could be the sixth Inter Milan<>AC Milan transfer. Meanwhile, Chamot negotiating with Tottenham after the two clubs reached an agreement in the afternoon.
calciomercato.com

Repka: "I'd rather go to Milan than Inter"
20.7 || webmaster

Despite the uncertainty clouding Fiorentina's immediate future, and offers from both Milan clubs, Czech defender Tomas Repka has made it clear that he wants to remain in Florence.

If the club's debts were to force him to leave, however, the Czech Republic international would prefer to follow former Viola coach Fatih Terim to AC Milan than join Internazionale.

"The interest from the two famous Milan clubs is naturally a great honour for me," Repka said. "I've heard about it from both the Italian press and my agent Zdenek Nehoda. But I have to repeat what I said last week, that I want to stay at Fiorentina. At least until the 2002 World Cup, and after that we'll see."

Repka was reported in Czech sports newspaper Sport as saying that he found it hard to believe that Vittorio Cecchi Gori was guilty of the cocaine possession charges of which he has been charged.

And the player has confirmed his loyalty to Fiorentina and insisted that the sale of Manuel Rui Costa and Francesco Toldo would not damage the club irreparably.

"I don't want to move to another club and I have no desire to leave Florence, where I feel happy and content," Repka said. "I'm not saying it's Fiorentina for as long as I live. Maybe I will join another club one day, but for me it's out of the question for now. I really don't want to leave.

"I don't regard the sale of players as a disaster. It's a logical solution – the club has debts and needs money. It's normal that the best players get sold, so that life can go on. That's happened. Nothing more, nothing less. Fiorentina will continue to play good football."

Repka revealed that the club owes him and the rest of the team money, but even that has not shaken the defender's loyalty, as his agent confirmed.

"On Saturday we were contacted by both the Milan clubs, who are both interested in Repka," Nehoda said. "We told him immediately, but he only repeated that he does not want to move. We respect that, so at the moment we are not negotiating with Inter or Milan.

"But what is true today need not be true tomorrow – remember Pavel Nedved's recent move from Lazio to Juventus. Fiorentina are in debt. They have repaid some of the debt by selling Rui Costa and Francesco Toldo, but they are not in the clear yet.

"So far they have only been granted a league licence on the condition that everything must be in order by September 10. So it is possible that the club will have to sell Repka."

And Repka is in no doubt that if he does leave, he will be moving to Milan rather than Inter. "It's hard to choose," he explained, "but if it had to happen then I'd rather go Milan.

"I prefer their team and the players in it and they play a system I like a lot. And also Fatih Terim is there. I know him from Fiorentina, and although I had some problems with him at the beginning, they were all cleared up in time."

onefootball.com

Rui warns the rivals
20.7 || webmaster

Rui Costa has sounded a warning to AC Milan's Serie A rivals after completing his first training with the Rossoneri since his £28 million arrival from Fiorentina. "Many players have already won everything in their careers but they still have a winning attitude. This motivates me even more," he said on Thursday.

The Portuguese star joined the club from Fiorentina in a £28 million deal earlier this month and was unveiled at the San Siro on Thursday.

"I am surprised with the quality of the players," he said. "I am also stunned with the whole organisation of the club."

When asked to compare the Rossoneri squad with Fiorentina's, the playmaker said that Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi were similar to former Viola star Gabriel Batistuta.

"Batistuta was stronger while Filippo and Andriy are faster. But they all look for goal at the earliest opportunity and that really makes things easier for me."

He added: " Everyone wants me to create scoring opportunities and score a few goals here.

"The statistics say that I am one of the most high-scoring midfielders in Italy. This comforts and stimulates me, but my main objective is to work well with the strikers."

onefootball.com

Brocchi: "Happy to be back home!"
19.7 || webmaster

MILANELLO - Cristian Brocchi has come back home. The midfielder, grown up in Milan youth team, crossed the Milanello's threshold late morning, right after which he went straight to the bootroom, where he met his new teamates and met with Fatih Terim and the whole staff.
"When I was traded to Inter - he said - I woud never have expected to get back here. But now I'm glad to be here again in the club that helped me grow professionally and that taught me how to live."
"Unfortunately something went wrong at Inter - he added -, this past season has been a tough one; I had a lot of problems. I'm really happy to be at Milan once again, in a winning club, well set. Among other things, they show respect to people, which is something lacking at the other team."

Relating to the news that appeared in some newspapers, according to which Brocchi would be included in the trade of Samuele Dalla Bona to Chelsea, the person interested made clear that: "The managing staff told me they want me to stay. Personally I hope to carve myself a niche and to become an important player to this team."


http://www.acmilan.com

Chamot to Spurs?
19.7 || webmaster

Jose Chamot’s move to Marseilles has fallen though over the French side’s failure to match his wage demands. The latest club linked with Milan’s experienced defender is Tottenham. After losing one time Inter target Sol Campbell, manager Glenn Hoddle sees the Argentine as a replacement.

Football Italia

Milan strikers duo promise goals
18.7 || webmaster

Goal twins Andriy Shevchenko and Pippo Inzaghi believe that they can strike the perfect partnership in a bid to help Milan to major honours. Inzaghi arrived at the San Siro this summer from Juventus and is confident that he can co-exist with the Ukrainian.

"With Shevchenko I’m first his friend and then his colleague," said the £23m signing. "It’s true that we are both a bit selfish in the penalty area but at this point of our careers it is our principle objective to win."

Rossoneri hero Shevchenko mirrored Inzaghi’s view. He said: "Inzaghi and I are compatible tactically because he is a classic first striker whereas I like to come from deep."

The former Dynamo Kiev forwarded also highlighted the arrival of Manuel Rui Costa as a turning point in Milan’s future.

"We needed two great players like Inzaghi and Rui Costa. The signing of Rui Costa is just a dream for me. He’s an extraordinary player and ideal for any striker. I spoke with President Silvio Berlusconi just before Rui agreed to join and it is true that I did express how important a player like that could be to the side. In a team like this I want to stay at Milan for life."

Inzaghi is also excited of playing in front of the Portuguese international after previously being supplied service from Zinedine Zidane in Turin.

"Rui Costa plays more first touch football than Zidane and is capable of threading a through ball forward at any moment," commented Inzaghi. "But I don’t agree with Agnelli’s recent statement about the Frenchman. Zidane was both entertaining and useful."

Meanwhile, Milan are close to swapping midfielder Guly with rivals Inter in exchange for winger Christian Brocchi. And Zvonimir Boban has been requested by Bologna.

Football Italia

Brocchi to Chelsea for Dalla Bona
18.7 || webmaster

New Milan signing Christian Brocchi is expected to be offered to Chelsea in a bid to land Samuele Dalla Bona just hours after he joined from Inter. Brocchi was signed by the Rossoneri this morning when they swapped him with Andreas Guly.

However, the former Verona player could be immediately offered to the Stamford Bridge side in an attempt to try to sign young Italian midfielder Dalla Bona.

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson has confirmed that the club have received a bid from Milan for the 20-year-old. "Things are moving as far as Sam’s future goes," he said.

"We’ve had an offer from Vicenza which we accepted but he turned down. Since then we have been made aware of Inter’s interest but we now have had a bid from Milan."

Milan Vice-president Adriano Galliani has admitted that they would like the midfielder. Dalla Bona will leave the Bridge after refusing to sign a new deal with the Blues.

Football Italia

Rui: "Here, who won a lot, wants to win more"
18.7 || webmaster

Manuel Rui Costa was impressed by AC Milan: 'Everyone wants to win, especially those who won title, Champions League and other cups. I knew that I would have found a winning atmosphere, but I was impressed'.
calciomercato.com

Official: Brocchi to Milan and Guly to Inter
18.7 || webmaster

Inter and Milan finalized the swap deal that brings Nerazzurro Christian Brocchi to Milan and Rossonero Andres Guglielminpietro to Inter. Guly had already been traded to Inter as part of the Pirlo transfer, but Inter weren’t ready to pay the Argentine’s high salary.

soccerage.com

Chelsea confirm Milan interest in Dalla Bona
18.7 || webmaster

Chelsea look set to lose youngster Sam Dalla Bona to Serie A, but not to Inter as expected, but to cross-city rivals AC Milan.

The midfielder has been looking to return to his homeland after failing to secure a first team place at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea have confirmed that Milan are interested.

Blues managing director Colin Hutchinson said, “There is interest from AC Milan. But we haven't heard anything back from the player or his agent, which tells us he isn't really committed to Chelsea. That's why we accepted an offer of just over Ł5million from Venezia this summer, but Sam didn't want to join them."

soccerage.com

Bologna wants Boban
18.7 || webmaster

Bologna would be targeting AC Milan veteran star Zvonimir Boban. Guidolin's side have to re-balance a bitter summer with no relevant signing and Maresca, Lima and Binotto's departures. The Croatian playmaker despite the age, 32, may be the right man for replacing the trio but is linked with Marseilles and Galatasaray as well.
calciomercato.com

Sheva: "Berlusconi called me before signing Rui"
18.7 || webmaster

Andriy Shevchenko is very happy about the new signings of the club: 'The club signed two great champions. During the meeting between Berlusconi and Galliani, the chairman called me to ask my opinion but I cannot reveal what I told him. For sure, Rui Costa is the best midfielder in the world when it comes to release strikers'.
calciomercato.com

Boban and Bierhoff offered to Galatasaray
17.7 || webmaster

Galatasaray have tabled offers for AC Milan duo Zvonimir Boban and Oliver Bierhoff after San Siro coach Fatih Terim indicated that he would persuade the pair to move to Istanbul.

New GS president Mehmet Cansun explained: "We are a big team and therefore we need to sign some star players. That is why I have talked with Terim. He told us that Boban and Bierhoff are for sale and he will help us sign them."

Terim's top priority since taking over at Milan a fortnight ago has been to reduce the size of a squad which has see plenty of new arrivals and few departures over recent months

Rui Costa, Cosmin Contra, Andrea Pirlo, Filippo Inzaghi and Javi Moreno have all joined the club this summer, leaving president Silvio Berlusconi with a bulging squad and excessive wage bill.

Galatasaray have had a busy summer, too, selling Mario Jardel to Marseille and seeing key midfielders Emre Belozoglu and Okan Buruk leave for Internazionale.

Bierhoff, who was linked with a move to Fulham last week, is out of favour at the San Siro, and is desperate to play regularly as he looks to keep himself in the reckoning for Germany's 2002 World Cup squad.

"If I want to achieve my goal of playing in next year's finals, the there's no point wasting time sitting on the bench in Milan," said the former Germany skipper last week.

Brescia were also interested in the 33-year-old, but that move fell through when the Lombardy club snapped up £9 million-striker Luca Toni from Vicenza.

In May, Boban pledged his future to Milan. The Croatian star has another year left on his contract and confirmed that he would retire after that.

"At 33 years of age, there is no sense in risking adventures," he said. "I have another year left on my contract at Milan and, when I have completed it, I will say goodbye to football. If money was my motive, I would have changed club a long time ago.

"I have received offers from great European clubs, that have been more generous than those from Milan," he added.

onefootball.com

Ba loaned to Marseille
17.7 || webmaster

French midfielder Ibrahim Ba is ready to start a new adventure with Olympique Marseille, after that AC Milan accpeted the one year loan offer made by Marseille.

“ I want to start playing again, have fun, and allow Marseille’s fantastic fans to be entertained,” said Ba.

The Championnat and Serie A sides are also in talks to seal off the transfer of German striker Oliver Bierhoff to Bernard Tapie’s club.

soccerage.com

Coloccini to be finally loaned to Zaragoza
17.7 || webmaster

Tomorrow AC Milan board are to meet Fabrizio Coloccini's agent Marcelo Lombilla. The Italian top club are be interested in loaning out the centre back, 19, to Zaragoza. Negotiations might end by next few days.
calciomercato.com

Galliani: "Great as the Milan of Van Basten"
17.7 || webmaster

The enthusiasm showed for this new Milan hasn't run out outside Gallia Hotel with the players' parade before their fans. The press conference held to present the 2001/02 Milan was crowded with journalists and photographers.
The vicepresiden Galliani started out with a short introduction of the protagonists and spoke about Milan's targets for the year to come. Then, it was the journalists' turn to inquire about transfer market.
The reply: "This year's transfer campaign has been very important: we've purchased players in order to strengthen this team where needed. We entrust Mr. Fatih Terim with this group: we chose him as our trainer because he can manage to combine big game and results. This team must strive to win the three competions at stake: Championship, Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup, the last one, though not Champions League, it is the only major international trophy we're missing."
Speaking about the new buys, he gave the reasons for each: Manuel Rui Costa, an outstanding player, like Zvone Boban, a great number 10. Pippo Inzaghi and Javi Moreno, who share with bomber Shevchenko, a great instinct for scoring. Andrea Pirlo will represent an excellent alternative to Rui Costa. Last, but not least, Contra, to strengthen left.

Galliani showed great satisfaction for all the champions he managed to have at Milan this year: "I'm excited just like I was when we got Gullit and Van Basten back in 1987. May these newcomers enjoy the same luck the Dutch players had."

Inquired about their market still being in turmoil, he confessed that the Club would be interested in acquiring Samuele Dalla Bona: Quite interesting player, he used to pair up with Massimo Donati at Atalanta's Junior Team. We'll give him a serious thought only after some further tradings, too many players at the moment."

Galliani then wished to silence the rumours about Andrea Pirlo's alleged loan to some other Serie A team: "He's been purchased to stay at Milan - he declared - though, it's true, we've received offers from Torino."

http://www.acmilan.com

Rui: "Am honor playing for Milan!"
16.7 || webmaster

Manuel Rui Costa explains: 'I am worried, but ready to start this new spell. I am aware of responsabilities, but I won't disappoint expectations. Playing for AC Milan is a honour, because now, I will play in the team I always wanted to play with'.
calciomercato.com

Milan joins race for Dalla Bona
16.7 || webmaster

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admitted on Monday that he is trying to hijack Chelsea midfielder Sam Dalla Bona's £6 million transfer to Internazionale. "We are looking at him. He is a really interesting player," said the Rossoneri boss.

Galliani explained that part of Dalla Bona's attraction lay in his understanding with another highly-rated youngster at Milan, Massimo Donati, who was bought for £10 million last summer before immediately going back to Atalanta on loan.

"We remember how well Dalla Bona and Donati played together in the Atalanta youth team," he said. "But we can only bring him in if we sell some players because our squad is too big now."

Inter are believed to have bid £6 million for Dalla Bona after coach Hector Cuper revealed he wanted the 20-year-old. "Dalla Bona is a player with the talent to become a major player for the future," he said.

The Under-21 star is training with Chelsea in Italy at present and San Siro officials went to meet Blues boss Claudio Ranieri with their offer. Dalla Bona has rejected an extension to his current contract at Stamford Bridge, which still has two years to run.

Cuper is looking to replace midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who was sold to Milan recently, and confirmed: "We've been contacted by his representatives and, acting on their information, we have decided to try to bring the player to Inter."

The Nerazzurri began chasing Dalla Bona in March, but technical director Gabriele Oriali admitted at the time: "As long as Ranieri remains at Chelsea, Dalla Bona isn't going anywhere. Ranieri doesn't want to do without him."

Meanwhile, the AC Milan squad has assembled at the Hotel Gallia with over 3,000 fans to celebrate the arrivals of Filippo Inzaghi and Manuel Rui Costa.

The Portugal midfielder drew huge cheers when he was presented to the crowd on the hotel balcony.

ÒWe see what great enthusiasm exists around us," said skipper Paolo Maldini. "We now have a really strong team that will give great satisfaction to our fans."

One banner in the crowd read: "With this team and the Emperor, we will win the Scudetto." The Emperor is the nickname given in Italy to Milan's new coach Fatih Terim, who takes over following a stormy spell with Fiorentina last season.

onefootball.com

Contra is here to learn
16.7 || webmaster

Right winger Cosmin Contra: 'I am an offensive player, but I know that I will have to learn how to defend here at AC Milan'.
calciomercato.com

Pirlo hopes he'll be a regular
16.7 || webmaster

Andrea Pirlo talks about his new spell with AC Milan: 'My expierence with Inter Milan was not a good one, but I hope to play as a regular with AC Milan'.
calciomercato.com

Terim: "Nothing worries me!"
16.7 || webmaster

Fatih Terim and his future. Carlo Ancelotti to take over if he fails? 'I believe I'll do well, I'm not worried. I have a 2-year contract and I think that it will be extended'
calciomercato.com

Rui: "Lucky to be here"
16.7 || webmaster

Manuel Rui Costa: 'AC Milan is my choice, I was flattered to see that the club wanted me. I am lucky to be here, and I want to take full advantage of this chance'.
calciomercato.com

Perini: "My first choice would be Milan!"
16.7 || webmaster

Firentina defender Alessandro Pierini looks forward to leave Cecchi Gori's club: "My contract still belongs to Fiorentina, but I want to leave soon. My wish is not connected with the board's economical problems because I already decided few months ago about leaving Florence. My favourite alternative is AC Milan better than Lazio. AS Roma are third placed on my list."
calciomercato.com

Lippi: "Milan, Juve, Roma, Lazio and Inter for the title"
16.7 || webmaster

Marcello Lippi expalines on the championship: "I see five teams with the same opportunities to win the title: AS Roma, Lazio, Inter Milan, AC Milan and us." On the attack line he said: "Del Piero-Trezeguet is a very good duo and they'll show it on the field."
calciomercato.com

Inzaghi: "No problems with Sheva"
16.7 || webmaster

Pippo Inzaghi and his relationship with Shevchenko: 'A team can't win thanks to two/three players. There are no problems with Sheva and I believe that we will do well together'.
calciomercato.com

"If we don't win it'll be our fault"
16.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's captain Paolo Maldini: 'It's not easy to compare present with past. This AC Milan can do well and if we fail, we will be blamed'.
calciomercato.com

Galliani: "We want Dalla Bona but we have to sell first"
16.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's Adriano Galliani, talks about Dalla Bona. He explained: 'We are following him, because he did well alongside Donati with Atalanta's youth side. We will try to sign him if we sell players'. On Pirlo: 'He was signed to stay here. Torino want him, but at the moment, we won't sell any players'.
calciomercato.com

AC Milan's old guard hails new team
16.7 || webmaster

AC Milan skipper Paolo Maldini opened the Rossoneri’s pre-season training camp that kicked off today with enthusiastic and optmisitc words.

“I can’t wait for the season to kickoff. I am very happy with this team, we are a very strong side, that can reach important goals,” said the AC Milan captain.

Maldini’s words were echoed by another AC Milan veteran, Demetrio Albertini.

“ It’s time to start again. We all had our nice vacations and now we need to concentrate ourselves on preparing for the new season, even though I personally never stopped training. Great players have arrived over the summer, and I am convinced they will mend perfectly in group. We can aim for the most important titles this year. My personal objective is to recover from my injury, and regain a 100% form,” said Albertini.

AC Milan will hold their pre-season training camp at Milanello until July 31st, and of course everything will be conducted by AC Milan’s new boss Fatih Terim.

soccerage.com

Chamot to join Alaves
15.7 || webmaster

According to Spanish sources AC Milan Argentinian defender Jose' Antonio Chamot, 32 years old, should have reached an agreement with Deportivo Alaves.
calciomercato.com

Napoli to request Coloccini on loan
15.7 || webmaster

Napoli are linking with a move Georgian international defender Rekhasvhvili and Brazilian forwards Sorato Dodo' and Gaucho. Newly signed coach De Canio appreciates the Italian forwards Borgobello and Di Napoli, while the board want to ask AC Milan Coloccini's loan and Juventus' Uruguayan O'Neill
calciomercato.com

Fulham deny Bierhoff interest
14.7 || webmaster

English premier league side Fulham have denied reports that they have made an offer to sign German international striker Oliver Bierhoff from AC Milan. Bierhoff was linked in newspaper reports earlier this month with both Fulham and French club Paris St Germain. The 33-year-old veteran reportedly said the promoted English premier league side had offered 2.4 million pounds ($3.36 million) for his services. 'Further to the reports in various newspapers, the club would like to state that no offer has been made for the purchase of Oliver Bierhoff', Fulham said in a statement.
calciomercato.com

Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus to compete for the 'TIM Cup'
14.7 || webmaster

Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus will be competing on August 8 in Trieste for the 'TIM Cup' Tim'. The tournament will feature three matches, 45 minutes long.
calciomercato.com

Rebrov: "Spurs wanted Sheva"
14.7 || webmaster

Sergei Rebrov confirmed that Tottenham Hostpurs wanted to sign AC Milan's Andrij Shevchenko. 'The chairman of Tottenham was really ready to pay around £30 million for Andrei Shevchenko', said Rebrov. 'But [Silvio] Berlusconi and [Adriano] Galliani asked Shevchenko his opinion on the move and he told them that he wanted to stay at Milan and extend his contract - which he did. It is not difficult to understand for him, he is playing with one of the best Italian clubs and will not change for an English club, which couldn't even sneak into the Uefa Cup. If Tottenham reached the Champions League in a year, there would be grounds to return to the issue, especially as Andrei would not mind playing alongside me again'.

calciomercato.com

Italian football is doomed, warns Galliani
14.7 || webmaster

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has warned that Italian football is on the brink of disaster if players' wages continue to spiral out of control. "Only the owners are saving the clubs from bankruptcy," he claimed.

Galliani has already clashed with Milan's new coach Fatih Terim over transfer policy after making it clear to the ambitious Turk that there is a limit to the signings he is prepared to sanction this summer.

But Galliani is worried by more than his own club's excesses. He said: "We are nearer to disaster in Italian football. The situation here is far worse than in other countries. We are just paying out too much to the players.

"The top clubs pay players nearly £400 million every year, and with coaching staffs that figure goes up to nearly £500 million. It is just too much because in total we get in only about £600 million in revenue and that is with all other costs to cover.

"We don't have more bankruptcies in Serie A only because the owners ensure it doesn't happen at the end of every season. This can't go on."

This week an Italian court gave Fiorentina two months to stave off bankruptcy. The club must find £40 million to pay off debtors, as well as show that players and TV rights will be sold to prevent the club falling into the red once again.

Fiorentina giants were also ordered to call in £23 million from Finmavi, a company owned by president Vittorio Cecchi Gori, which owes the money from an old loan taken out when it was struggling with the film arm of its business.

A recent survey discovered that of the top 20 earners in world football, half played in Serie A with Zinedine Zidane (ex-Juventus), Gabriel Batistuta (Roma) and Ronaldo (Inter) the three best paid.

Zidane was reported to be earning £3.6 million in wages alone before his move from Juve to Real Madrid.

Galliani, whose own club were ready to tempt Alvaro Recoba with a £5 million per year deal last season, believes Italy can no longer afford to head the wages table.

He added that in an ideal world there would be a salary cap in operation in Serie A, but that this was unworkable because of competition for players from foreign leagues.

He explained: "We can't have a salary cap like the NBA in America because we have an open situation with other countries. This is why the bigger teams are getting bigger across Europe and the smaller ones can't compete with them.

"If a player is a top player with one of the six big teams in Italy, then only Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal can compete financially. We can only sell star players to those clubs."

Galliani, who admitted recently he would like to replace Silvio Berlusconi as president at the San Siro, believes a European League for the continent's elite teams might be the only way to save the clubs from themselves.

The top teams could then operate a proper salary cap to limit players' wages, while smaller teams would no longer have to compete with the richest clubs in their own domestic competitions.

onefootball.com

AC Milan legend Gullit close to coach Cameroon
14.7 || webmaster

A Cameroon spokesman has confirmed that Ruud Gullit is in talks to lead the national team to the 2002 World Cup.

Cameroon, who have gone through three different coaches in the last nine months, have suggested that ex-Nantes boss Jean-Claude Suaudeau will step in if Gullit does not lead the side in Japan and South Korea.

A source close to the negotiations told L'Equipe: "Ruud Gullit is extremely interested in coaching a team in the 2002 World Cup. He has given his agreement but has insisted on relatively expensive financial demands.

"Jean-Claude Suaudeau is more accessible but has requested more sporting guarantees. He wants to be certain that he can be given a completely free rein in his role.

"But all the changes of these last months has made us very careful."

Gullit has been out of football since quitting Newcastle in August 1999.

Former Strasbourg coach Claude Leroy, who coached Cameroon during their World Cup campaign in 1998, has also thrown his hat into the ring. "I do not consider myself favourite," he said.

"Among the options that I'm looking at right now, the first nation I'm considering is Cameroon, which occupies a place in my heart."

The managerial merry-go-round has not affected Cameroon on the pitch. Despite Jean Lechantre replacing Jean-Paul Akono in November 2000 and then seeing Robert Corfou take over in May 2001, the Indomitable Lions are the reigning Olympic and African Nations Cup champions.

Lechantre was sacked because of Cameroon's poor recent showing in the Confederations Cup and Corfou got off to the perfect start as coach when Cameroon secured a place in the World Cup finals by beating Togo 2-0 in Yaounde earlier this month in his first match in charge.

Last month, former Olympiakos coach Yiannis Matzourakis claimed that he was set to be the new Cameroon coach. "A deal is in place," he said, "unless something comes up at the last minute to endanger it.

Romanian-born Matzourakis claimed in January to be on the verge of a move to coach Serie A side Bari but that never materialised.

onefootball.com

Terim's First Choice - Player by Player
14.7 || webmaster

Okay, Milan's transfer season appears to be just about over bar the shouting and inconclusive rumours regarding Luccin, Cisse, Repka and Gamarra. So I decided I'd try and get inside Fatih Terim's head, and try and work out what his first choice side will be for the upcoming season. I expect him to play with a 4-3-1-2 formation, with a playmaker just behind the front two strikers. However, I'm not sure where this will leave the wingers. 4-4-2 as played by Cesare in the final weeks of last season relied heavily on crosses from the flanks, which is why Serginho came to such prominence. However, if he plans to play like Lippi did at Juventus, with most play directed through the middle, then that would suit less naturally attacking players such as Gattuso on the wing. My prediction is somewhere between the two. The wingers will be allowed to attack as they did with Maldini, but with some added defensive responsibilities.

Here's my prediction of the team.

GOALKEEPER- Christian Abbiati. At present we basically have three keepers, what with Dida banned for a year. Fiori is unlikely to make any impact, so it appears to be between Abbiati and Rossi. I believe Terim will elect to go with Abbiati, as he is younger and more agile than the aging Rossi. One of Cesare's more mystifying decisions made during his spell in charge was his selection of a 37 year old whose best days were clearly well behind him above one of the best young keepers in Italy. Abbiati could be Milan's keeper for the next twelve years, and by leaving him to warm the bench Cesare risked disillusionment. It also sent out a potentially dangerous message to Milan's young players- whatever you do, we'll pick veterans ahead of you. Now it appears that Rossi, he of many comebacks into the side, is staying for another year, something I don't agree with. He makes mistakes, is old and has a history of disruptive dressing room behaviour. We should have brought in another, younger reserve. However, it looks that our new No. 18 will be starting as first choice keeper come August.

RIGHT BACK- Cosmin Contra. This is one position about which there can be no dispute. Cosmin Contra is probably among the best attacking right backs in the world. He can also, unlike many who own that title (Salgado and any Brazilian you care to imagine) defend. At last it looks that Milan have found a valid replacement for Mauro Tassotti. He is probably our biggest transfer coup of the summer, along with Rui Costa. Half of the G14 group was after him. Because of his arrival, we were able to let Cristian Zenoni leave. He is very inferior to Contra. The Romanian has shown his ability on a wider European stage (witness his brilliant performance in the UEFA Cup final which somehow didn't get him the Man of the Match Award) while Zenoni was ripped to shreds by Kily Gonzalez on his international debut. As well as Contra, we have the injury prone but talented Daino and Thomas Helveg, whom we have inexplicably loaned back from Inter. Call me a cynic if you like, but I see something dodgy in these trash exchanges between big Italian clubs. Parma and Roma seem to be in some sort of a pact (why else would the champions sign Raffaele Longo, Saliou Lassissi and Diego Fuser) where they exchange their crap squad players for other team's crap squad players. Now Milan appear to have a similar deal with, of all people, Inter. We've signed Domoraud (Why?- I look forward to his arrival with the same anticipation as a full cavity search) and Pirlo, while they've got Helveg and, according to http://www.soccerage.com,/ Drazen Brncic, unquestionably one of the worst players ever to wear the Rossoneri shirt. He couldn't even get into Vicenza's side for Chrissakes...

LEFT BACK- Paolo Maldini. This is another position about which there can be no dispute. Our capitano, for over a decade the premier left back in Europe (although Harry Redknapp believes Stuart Pearce to be superior...) could be having his swansong this season. He has indicated in the past that should he lift the World Cup in Yokohama next year, then he will retire at the top. In my opinion this would be a wise move, as retiring before time takes it's toll on his pace would allow his reputation to remain intact. Baresi made himself look a fool by playing on a season too many. However, if Paolo does retire next summer, he will be missed greatly by all at Milan, and could prove impossible to replace. Unless, that is, Francesco Coco continues his improvement. He will probably spend this season as understudy to both Maldini and Serginho, and must recover his form of late 2000 if he is to continue his ascendency.

CENTRAL DEFENCE- Kakha Kaladze and Alessandro Costacurta/Roque Junior/ New signing? This is one of two positions which I cannot work out who will be first choice. The one certainty appears to be Kaladze, who deserves the title bestowed by myself of "The Baresi of the Caucausus" Playing him in midfield is a waste. It took us four years to replace our greatest ever player, and you cannot piss that away by playing him elsewhere. Alongside him we need a Passarella type stopper, a real tough marker. I'm unsure which option Terim will elect to go with for next season. He could stick with the experience but waning abilities and pace of Billy Costacurta, develop the talented but as yet sadly inconsistent Roque Junior or bring in another central defender. We have recently been linked with Alessandro Pierini (not of any great quality in my opinion), Carlos Gamarra (excellent but 30 years old) and Tomas Repka (excellent but card prone. In addition, we have secured first refusal on Daniele Bonera, though whether he will follow the tried and tested pattern of an up and coming young player remains to be seen. That pattern is
1. Makes debut for small team. Is outstanding, and attracts attention from a wide range of clubs.
2. Sold to big club for sizeable fee, but loaned to another small club to gain experience.
3. Plays like crap for small club, and ends up with reputation in tatters.
4. Spends next few years bouncing around smaller relegation fodder Serie A clubs.
Whoever partners Kaladze in defence next season, they can be assured of a busy time, given the way Terim's Fiorentina played last season. It'll be exciting, but painful for the defenders.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD- Fernando Redondo (If healthy...). Florentino Perez's greatest achievement as Real Madrid president was not the signings of Zidane and Figo, nor the wiping out of the club's debts, but his ability to con Adriano Galliani out of Ł11 million for a 31 year old who then proceeded to suffer a career threatening injury a week after signing. His arrival was intended to pull the wool over our eyes after the protests in Milano the previous week, but the whole sorry episode resulting in Adriano Galliani looking an even bigger fool. However, if he regains his full fitness, then he should be a certainty in defensive midfield, a position where he has few equals. He is one of a select group of players who have the ability to both disrupt opponents attacks and start new ones. However, he is not without competition in this position. We also have Gennaro Gattuso, Max Ambrosini, Pablo Garcia (whom I thought was a pub player until I heard about his perrformance against Brazil) Massimo Donati and Demetrio Albertini. Gattuso looks set to cover on the right wing, Ambrosini is injured, Garcia will probably be loaned out and Donati will be allowed to develop slowly. It is the future of Demetrio Albertini which raises the most questions. He is not the type of player to fit into Terim's plans, as he is neither suitable as a destroyer or playing in the "hole" behind the strikers. Added to his age (30), these factors make him a likely candidate for departure. We also have Donadel, who made his debut against Parma last March.

RIGHT WING- Jose Mari. This is one of the two positions where Milan probably still need to strenghten the squad (central defence is the other). We have a choice between Jose Mari, a natural winger, and Gennaro Gattuso, a natural destroyer. Jose Mari has failed to live up to expectations since his arrival at Milanello in January 2000, but looks likely to be given another chance by Terim. He has been extremely inconsistent, occasionally producing glimpses of his undoubted talent (remember the screamer against Brescia?) but more often than not playing like a monkey. We have been linked again with Gaizka Mendieta, but he looks unlikeely to join, even though his arrival would probably make us favourites for the Scudetto. There seems to be little in the way of back up for this position, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a new arrival before the kick off. However, don't expect it to be Mendieta or Beckham.

LEFT WING- Serginho. After his superlative displays towards the end of last season, who could replace him? He looked on his way a few months previously, but after several match winning performances, especially in the Derby, there was no way he could leave. We were linked heavily with Laurent Robert earlier in the summer, but he now seems set for Barcelona. A pity, as I'd have liked to have seen him in a Rossoneri shirt. Serginho was also the subject last summer from Terim's Fiorentina, indicating that the coach holds him in some esteem. If he was to lose form or fitness, however, then Francesco Coco will probably stand in for him. He propelled himself into the Azzurri line up on the back of some impressive performances last Autumn, but then lost his way after Christmas. Lets hope that the form he showed in the Nou Camp was not a flash in the pan, as only six months earlier he couldn't get into a dreadful Torino side.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD- Manuel Rui Costa. I don't really need to say too much here, apart from the fact that he is Milan's best signing since Shevchenko. However, why did we sign Pirlo for 12 million pounds, only to loan him out again? (he seems set for Torino)

ATTACK- Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi/Javi Moreno. Sheva is a certainty, and as I've been sitting here for ages I can't be bothered repeating myself for the hundredth time saying how good he is. What intrigues me is who will partner him. I never agreed with the Inzaghi purchase, as I don't rate his abilities and despise his continuous whining, diving and complaining when he's dropped. I still can't forget his behaviour in April 2000, when he caused untold dressing room strife by demanding a transfer on the morning of a game. But I'm Fatih Terim now, remember, so I'll look at his good points, should I find any. However, we also have the top scorer in Spain, Javi Moreno, who will also want to start. I can't decide personally, so we'll have to wait until after the first pre-season friendlies.

Written by Robert Mann

Vieri and Rui: Milan means business
14.7 || webmaster

Bobo is part of Inter Milan's project: he will finally play alongside Ronaldo. The Portuguese: 'It will be nice to play against Toldo in the derby'. Christian, a weird birthday party on the beach. This evening, he will join his teammates. Manuel happy to work with Terim and says: 'For me, being the successor of Boban is a honour'.
calciomercato.com

Rui: I want the title
14.7 || webmaster

A special day for the 'captain', back in Firenze. Yestreday, he waved goodbye to his fans: 'I have to think about AC Milan now'. 'Cecchi Gori? I didn't talk with him, but I wish to thank him for what he did to me'.
calciomercato.com

Shevchenko: "Rui, Terim... we can win the title"
13.7 || webmaster

(Shevchenko) 'A defender will sign. Inzaghi? Numbers talk for him'. 'I want one thing: winning the title'. 'Rui Costa and Inzaghi can do the trick'. 'The club worked hard to create such a strong side. Rui Costa is a terrific player'. 'Inzaghi and I will have no problems'.
calciomercato.com

West Ham wants Bierhoff as well
13.7 || webmaster

Oliver Bierhoff is very close to Fulham, but West Ham are ready to join the race. From England, rumours say that the Hammers are ready to make a good offer. Fulham, who signed Jan Koller, need a striker to complete their squad.
calciomercato.com

Milan chasing Repka
13.7 || webmaster

Fatih Terim is determined to reunite with Tomas Repka, forcing Milan into the transfer market once again. The Fiorentina central defender is also being tracked by city rivals Inter after they failed to land Sol Campbell.


Terim is adamant that he needs a new tough defender and if the Czech international doesn't sign for the rossoneri, the Turkish boss will settle for the Viola's Alessandro Pierini instead.


Elsewhere, Alaves have asked Milan for defender Chamot and midfielder Ibrahim Ba. The relations between the teams are relatively good after Milan raided the modest Spanish club for Moreno and Contra.

soccerage.com

Fulham in surprise bid for Bierhoff
13.7 || webmaster

Fulham have their sights set on German international Oliver Bierhoff according to press reports today.

The Sun state that the 33 year old Milan striker wants to move away from the San Siro to guarantee a first team place both domestically and internationally with a view to the finals of the 2002 World Cup.

He told the newspaper, “I've had a Ł2.4million offer from Fulham and the assurance of a first-team place. I'm very tempted to play in the Premiership and I am giving the offer serious consideration.”

soccerage.com

Coloccini to join back Milan
13.7 || webmaster

According to Clarin, Fabricio Coloccini is to join AC Milan after spending one season on loan in Argentina. The player's agent Ernesto Bronzetti would have revealed the news to the newspaper.
calciomercato.com

Boban linked with Hajduk Split
12.7 || webmaster

Milan creative midfielder Zvonimir Boban is considering a return home to Croatia to end his interesting career.

Representatives of the Croatian champions have been in discussion with retired international Boban to try and find a way to get his guile and trickery on board. Hajduk are gearing up for a shot at Champions League qualification and already have some very useful support - both financially and media-related thanks mainly to Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic and his love affair with the club.

soccerage.com

Coloccini loan to Lecce failed
12.7 || webmaster

Earlier today it appeared that AC Milan had decided to loan out the young Argentine prospect Fabio Coloccini to Lecce for a season.

However new reports from Italy suggest that the deal never went through, apparently because Liga side Zaragoza increased their offer for a two year loan.

Earlier today a Zaragoza emmisary was quoted as saying:

“We still have somethings to work out with AC Milan, but the important thing is that the player wants to come and play with us, and we hope to get a two year loan from the Italian club.”

In the late afternoon, another Serie A side, Brescia, have made an inquiry for the strong Argentine defender as well.

soccerage.com

Juve's Zenoni in Milan's parting blast
12.7 || webmaster

Cristian Zenoni was today officially presented as a Juventus player and instantly took a parting shot at Milan after they released him to the Bianconeri. The youngster had only just signed for the Rossoneri from Atalanta before he was included in the deal that took Juve’s Pippo Inzaghi to the San Siro.

"The fact that I’m here is proof that Juventus believed in me more," said the 24-year-old. "I decided to accept the move because in these past few seasons this club has proved itself to be more competitive than Milan."

The versatile played added: "Had it been any other team then I would never have accepted the move. However, there has always been a strong link between Atalanta and Juventus when it comes to transfers and I hope to be of use here."

Zenoni, whose twin brother Damiano had also interested Juve, can play on the right hand side or midfield or in defence. He’s been called up to the national side under Giovanni Trapattoni but has yet to make his debut.

Football Italia

Anyone interested in Coloccini has to pay $11 mil.
11.7 || webmaster

Fabrizio Coloccini's move from AC Milan to Real Zaragoza has hit a stumbling block as the Italians are refusing to lower their asking price for the Argentine defender.

The 19-year-old, who helped his country win the World Youth Cup, has stated that he wants to move, but Milan have told all interested parties that they want around £11million for the 19-year-old.

Zaragoza believed they were close to landing their man after AC allowed them to approach the player's regarding a move to the Aragonese club.

Real Betis, Alaves, Villarreal, Bologna and Fiorentina have all expressed an interest in Coloccini, but again the price tag has forced them to look elsewhere.

"Since the beginning of the World Championships I have been isolated," said Coloccini. "So I hope to learn what is happening when I return to Italy.

"Milan is the owner of my contract for now and I do not yet know my destiny, although my representative, Marcelo Lombilla, knows what my preferences are."

Milan's new coach Fatih Terim has stated that he would like to watch Coloccini in pre-season before making any decision on the youngster's future.

But Lombilla is not as keen to see Coloccini start training with Milan if he is to begin the season with a different club.

"Milan have taken a great step by agreeing to the boy's wishes. If everything goes well then Coloccini will be a Zaragoza player by next week. We are very close to concluding a deal with them."

onefootball.com

Giunti joins Brescia
11.7 || webmaster

Brescia signed AC Milan's midfielder Federico Giunti who signed a 5-year contract. By now it seems possible Brescia talented defender Daniele Bonera's transfer to AC Milan.
calciomercato.com

Inzaghi: "Rui better than Zidane"
11.7 || webmaster

(Inzaghi) 'Zidane is strong, but he keeps the ball too much. For me, the best would be to play alongside Totti or Rui Costa. Shevchenko? No problems'. 'After all, it's the year of the World Cup and I have to fight to be a regular'. 'Juventus? It's history now'.
calciomercato.com

Pirlo to be loaned at Torino
11.7 || webmaster

AC Milan is set to loan out recent signing Andrea Pirlo to newly promoted Serie A club Torino.
Pirlo, who only just moved to AC Milan from San Siro co-tenants Inter Milan, most recently was on loan to Brescia before returning to Inter and the subsequent move to Milan.

In other transfer news, Milan has acquired a half share in Brescia's Italian Under 21 international Daniele Bonera.

The highly rated defender will remain at Brescia for next season with Federico Giunti moving to Brescia as part of the Bonera deal

tribalfootball.com

Terim: "It won't be easy to beat my AC Milan"
10.7 || webmaster

The coach is happy with the squad and the atmosphere: 'My players are strong and I am optimistic'.
calciomercato.com

Valencia begs Mendieta to join Milan
10.7 || webmaster

A banner in Valencia reads: 'Mendi, if you want to leave, join AC Milan. But please, don't leave us for Madrid'.
calciomercato.com

Zaragoza could finally get Coloccini on loan
10.7 || webmaster

Milan are reportedly on the verge of loaning their Argentine under-20 international stopper Fabricio Coloccini to Zaragoza for the upcoming season.

Coloccini played on loan to San Lorenzo last season and won the Argentine Clausura title there, but Milan now want him to play in Europe, and Zaragoza have already expressed their interest in the player.

soccerage.com

Terim denies jet-ski clash with press
9.7 || webmaster

AC Milan coach Fatih Terim has furiously denied reports in Turkey that he fought photographers after ramming their boat with his jet-ski. "Somebody out there does not like me coaching a major club and is trying to hurt me," he told onefootball.com.

The story, published over the weekend by a news agency, was splashed across the papers in Turkey on Monday.

But Terim claimed: "I am taking a holiday in Bodrum, but I have not seen any journalists or photographers all week.

"And I have not had a problem or a fight with anybody recently. These reports about me are lies.

"I don't know where this story came from, but I must still have enemies in Turkey. Somebody out there is trying to make my life hard by inventing things to hurt me."

Terim was reported to have spotted several paparazzi while sunbathing in the resort of Bodrum, on the south-west coast of Turkey. He recently bought a £650,000 property there in the hope of getting some privacy.

The AC Milan boss allegedly shouted a warning to the photographers, who stayed where they were.

It was then reported that Terim charged down to the seafront and pursued the men's boat on a jet-ski, crashing into the vessel then coming to blows with its occupants.

Terim quit Istanbul giants Galatasaray as a hero in 2000 after guiding the club to the Uefa Cup and four successive championships.

He moved to Fiorentina, where he was worshipped by the supporters, but following clashes with the directors he quit half-way through the season.

Onefootball.com reported before Christmas that he would coach AC Milan in 2001-02 and sure enough the charismatic Turk was appointed at the end of last season, replacing caretaker boss Cesare Maldini.

onefootball.com

Watford want Bierhoff
9.7 || webmaster

English side Watford are still searching for a top-class striker and AC Milan's Oliver Bierhoff looks to be in the club's shortlist. The German, who will leave the club after the arrival of Filippo Inzaghi, wants a new club, although he might decide not to join Watford, who only play in the First Division. Recently, Fulham and Seville were linked with the player as well.
calciomercato.com

Listed players
9.7 || webmaster

AC Milan: Boban, Ba, Guly, Bierhoff and Chamot all set to leave.
Zaragoza want Coloccini, Domoraud to join a French club.
calciomercato.com

Milan looking to make Bonera last signing
8.7 || webmaster

Milan are looking to cap off a good transfer campaign by trying to tempt Brescia to sell their young defender Daniele Bonera. Despite Vice-president Adriano Galliani stating that the Rossoneri’s spending spree was over they are believed to be ready to make a bid for the Under-21 international.

The 19-year-old is widely considered as one of the most promising youngsters in the Italian game but Milan will have to spend big in order to secure his signature. Brescia value the versatile stopper at around £10m.

Football Italia

Marseille to swoop for Boban
8.7 || webmaster

Veteran midfielder Zvonimir Boban is ready to join Marseille. The French side are interested in the Croatian who is set to leave Milan after the Rossoneri brought Manuel Rui Costa from Fiorentina and Andrea Pirlo from Inter.

Boban is expected to leave on a free transfer after spending a decade in Italy with the San Siro club.

Football Italia

Zaragoza request Coloccini on loan
8.7 || webmaster

Zaragoza seek for a defender in order to fill the gap left by Marco Lanna and asked AC Milan the Argentinean Fabrizio Coloccini on loan.
calciomercato.com

PSG: we want Jose Mari for Luccin!
7.7 || webmaster

Guly stays, Brncic joins Inter Milan and Graffiedi joins Napoli. For Luccin, Paris S.G. want Jose' Mari. The French club wants parts exchange, but AC Milan prefer not to. Boban could join Everton, Bierhoff and Chamot for Seville and Damoraud to Bordeaux.
calciomercato.com

Milan clubs fight for Luccin
6.7 || webmaster

Having comfortably outspent their city rivals in the transfer market this summer, Milan are now on the verge of signing Inter target Peter Luccin.

A meeting has been arranged between representatives of the rossoneri and Paris Saint-Germain over a swap deal which would take Spanish international striker Jose Mari across the Alps.

Having seen the deal flounder when PSG turned down Oliver Bierhoff and Cyril Domoraud, Luccin (22) is now hopeful that an agreement will be reached.

"I asked to come back early from our training camp in Spain so I could concentrate on sorting out my transfer," he said. "There are some big clubs following me and it's very flattering".

"I think players progress more when they are turning out in the top leagues. Without being pretentious, I'm working to get into the France squad".

"There are perhaps places to be taken in midfield. I might be the only one who feels like that bit I will give it my best."

Milan have been among the major players in the transfer market this summer, snapping up Manuel Rui Costa, Filippo Inzaghi, Andrea Pirlo, Cosmin Contra and Javi Moreno.

http://www.italian-soccer.com

AC Milan vs Juventus
6.7 || webmaster

You would think that you would chose the defending Champions for a comparison, but since I think that Juventus is a better team than AS Roma i chose them. A look at the new faces at both teams. Juventus has two big signings this season, Buffon and Thuram, and Milan also two: Rui Costa and Inzaghi. Juventus really needs a strong goalkeeper after Van Der Saar flop season. And Buffon seems to be the ideal replacment. Thuram will surley strenghten the defence, but is that enough? With Davids suspended for the Nandrolon use and Zidane on his way out to Real Madrid.


Milan has made an excellent signing in Rui Costa. His creative skills will probably prove an important piece in Milan's game next year. Inzaghi and Shevchenko will become a feared couple up front, and with Javi Moreno to back them up the goalstack will become larger than the 2000/01 season. But without Leonardo and (probably) Boban, two very important players have disapeared.


MILAN JUVENTUS
Goalkeepers *** ****
Defence *** ****
Midfield **** ***
Attack **** ****


I belive that Milan will and up third or fourth in the league whilst Juventus will be fighting for the top spots. But Milan have some VERY good youngsters coming so in the next two years it will be an intressting time for us Milan fans!

Written by Per Tjernberg

Albertini's aim
6.7 || webmaster

Demetrio Albertini interviewed by Milan Channel said: "I train all the mornings as my programme. Yesterday I run without feeling any pain on my operated knee. Everything is taking the time we supposed to and I'm happy for this If ther won't be problems, I'll be ready to start the season with my mates on July 16th. This is my aim at the moment."
calciomercato.com

Milan bids for Canizares
6.7 || webmaster

Valencia have contacted Las Palmas about the contractual status of goalkeeper Nacho Gonzalez, as the Champions League runners-up prepare to replace their Spanish International 'keeper Santiago Canizares should he accept an offer from either Inter or Milan.

If Canizares were to move to Italy, he would likely make double his current Valencia salary, but he still has not yet made a final decision on whether to stay or go.

soccerage.com

Guly sent back
6.7 || webmaster

The Argentinean midfielder that Milan had sold to Inter in exchange for Andrea Pirlo, Guglielminpietro, has been sent back to the Rossoneri due to the players ridiculously high salary: $1,8 million US a year.

Milan have now offered Inter the choice out of Brnicic or Beloufa.

soccerage.com

Luccin
6.7 || webmaster

Deschamps's heir in Italy. PSG's midfielder, ex captain of the French Under 21 side, is the match Galliani wants to complete Terim's squad. However, PSG want Jose' Mari, but Terim doesn't want to sell him.
calciomercato.com

Braida: transfers are over!
5.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's Ariedo Braida talks about the future of the club: 'In transfers are over, but out transfers are going on. Some players can leave, including Boban.
calciomercato.com

Galliani in Paris for Luccin
5.7 || webmaster

Galliani wants to sign Luccin and he is ready to offer Domoraud or Bierhoff to Paris S.G. Jose' Mari to leave as well. The problem is that coach Fernandez doesn't like the Frenchman or German.
calciomercato.com

Sala to Atalanta
4.7 || webmaster

Luigi Sala has been introduced to the press by Atalanta. Ex AC Milan defender is happy to be in Bergamo. "I know they looked for me the last season too, I thought to do another good year with AC Milan, but things went in another way and and now I'm ready to play with this team that last year did very well." Sala knows that Atalanta have a very fighting squad: "I also know in Bergamo I have a fierce competition and now it's my turn to show my skills. Here there is a good coach who is used to reward who is doing well. So I have to work seriously to conquer a place with the major team."
calciomercato.com

Rui: "Proud of choosing Milan"
4.7 || webmaster

The dream of all Milan fans has come true at last. Manuel Rui Costa is now part of the great Milan clan.
He landed at Malpensa airport coming from Lisbona at 5.50 pm. Few minutes after his signing of contract the portuguese soccer magician expressed his first feelings at Milan head offices located in via Turati. Present also managing director Adriano Galliani who explained the reasons for such a swift agreement: "The two parties deeply wanted this union. It all happened over night, precisely from midnight on".
The official presentation of the player is scheduled for July 16, to coincide with the team meeting. To follow the first statements of Rui Costa as a Milan player.

Are you thrilled to be here?
"Today is a great day, I'm glad because I was given the chance to choose about my future. I come here to play at a great club which will allow me to aim at great goals. But, at the same time, I feel sad because I'm leaving my past behind: Florence. I only console myself when I think that my trading help save Fiorentina Club".

Is is true that your father is a Milan fan?
"I was raised watching Sacchi and Van Basten's Milan. I still cherish that memory, so it's normal for me now to aim at this team. And affirms: This is a Club that will allow me to strive for top ranking".

Shevchenko himself said he's happy of your coming.
"I thank Sheva a lot. It'll be great to play with him, it's a big spur for me. Again, I'm very proud of choosing this team".

Do you think Florence will regret your loss?
"I'm very fond of both the town and its fans. If what everybody knows about, didn't happen, I wouldn't had the chance to be here. Now, it's time for me to make a new start".

Your choosing Milan instead of Lazio (that contacted him in the last hours) means you will not be able to contest Champions League.
"I'm not worried about it at all. My target is to take Milan in Champions League. I've also looked for the perfect team and club for me".

Finally, let's talk about Terim, who reportedly said he's very happy of your joining in.
"I's known me both as a person and as a player. We got along very well in Florence, both professionally and personally. I'm also glad to find him again here at Milan".



http://www.acmilan.com

Bierhoff to PSG in exchange for Luccin
4.7 || webmaster

Paris Saint-Germain have swapped midfielder Peter Luccin for Milan's Cyril Domoraud and veteran hitman Oliver Bierhoff.


Milan effectively signalled the end for Bierhoff after signing Alaves striker Moreno and Juve's Inzaghi. Yesterday, the rossoneri tied up a deal with Atalanta for their highly-rated forward Gianni Comandini while Shevchenko extended his deal until 2006.


New signing Rui Costa will now partner the superb passer Luccin in Fatih Terim's new-look midfield making Milan the team to watch based on the dealings so far.

soccerage.com

Deschamps chasing Boban
3.7 || webmaster

Didier Deschamps still aim at Italian Championship's players to biuld his Monaco. According on a French web site, he is interested in Fiorentina's Angelo Di Livio (his mate with Juventus) and AC Milan's Zvonimir Boban and they should be to finalize their transfer to the Principality.
calciomercato.com

Rui would have signed for Lazio if not for Milan
3.7 || webmaster

Carlo Pallavicino reveals on 'Radio Radio': 'Had he decided not to sign for AC Milan, he would have signed for Lazio. But they made a late move. The offers were all the same($35m) and with no players offered, because Fiorentina need money'.
calciomercato.com

Guly sent back
6.7 || webmaster

The Argentinean midfielder that Milan had sold to Inter in exchange for Andrea Pirlo, Guglielminpietro, has been sent back to the Rossoneri due to the players ridiculously high salary: $1,8 million US a year.

Milan have now offered Inter the choice out of Brnicic or Beloufa.

soccerage.com

Luccin
6.7 || webmaster

Deschamps's heir in Italy. PSG's midfielder, ex captain of the French Under 21 side, is the match Galliani wants to complete Terim's squad. However, PSG want Jose' Mari, but Terim doesn't want to sell him.
calciomercato.com

Braida: transfers are over!
5.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's Ariedo Braida talks about the future of the club: 'In transfers are over, but out transfers are going on. Some players can leave, including Boban.
calciomercato.com

Galliani in Paris for Luccin
5.7 || webmaster

Galliani wants to sign Luccin and he is ready to offer Domoraud or Bierhoff to Paris S.G. Jose' Mari to leave as well. The problem is that coach Fernandez doesn't like the Frenchman or German.
calciomercato.com

Sala to Atalanta
4.7 || webmaster

Luigi Sala has been introduced to the press by Atalanta. Ex AC Milan defender is happy to be in Bergamo. "I know they looked for me the last season too, I thought to do another good year with AC Milan, but things went in another way and and now I'm ready to play with this team that last year did very well." Sala knows that Atalanta have a very fighting squad: "I also know in Bergamo I have a fierce competition and now it's my turn to show my skills. Here there is a good coach who is used to reward who is doing well. So I have to work seriously to conquer a place with the major team."
calciomercato.com

Rui: "Proud of choosing Milan"
4.7 || webmaster

The dream of all Milan fans has come true at last. Manuel Rui Costa is now part of the great Milan clan.
He landed at Malpensa airport coming from Lisbona at 5.50 pm. Few minutes after his signing of contract the portuguese soccer magician expressed his first feelings at Milan head offices located in via Turati. Present also managing director Adriano Galliani who explained the reasons for such a swift agreement: "The two parties deeply wanted this union. It all happened over night, precisely from midnight on".
The official presentation of the player is scheduled for July 16, to coincide with the team meeting. To follow the first statements of Rui Costa as a Milan player.

Are you thrilled to be here?
"Today is a great day, I'm glad because I was given the chance to choose about my future. I come here to play at a great club which will allow me to aim at great goals. But, at the same time, I feel sad because I'm leaving my past behind: Florence. I only console myself when I think that my trading help save Fiorentina Club".

Is is true that your father is a Milan fan?
"I was raised watching Sacchi and Van Basten's Milan. I still cherish that memory, so it's normal for me now to aim at this team. And affirms: This is a Club that will allow me to strive for top ranking".

Shevchenko himself said he's happy of your coming.
"I thank Sheva a lot. It'll be great to play with him, it's a big spur for me. Again, I'm very proud of choosing this team".

Do you think Florence will regret your loss?
"I'm very fond of both the town and its fans. If what everybody knows about, didn't happen, I wouldn't had the chance to be here. Now, it's time for me to make a new start".

Your choosing Milan instead of Lazio (that contacted him in the last hours) means you will not be able to contest Champions League.
"I'm not worried about it at all. My target is to take Milan in Champions League. I've also looked for the perfect team and club for me".

Finally, let's talk about Terim, who reportedly said he's very happy of your joining in.
"I's known me both as a person and as a player. We got along very well in Florence, both professionally and personally. I'm also glad to find him again here at Milan".



http://www.acmilan.com

Bierhoff to PSG in exchange for Luccin
4.7 || webmaster

Paris Saint-Germain have swapped midfielder Peter Luccin for Milan's Cyril Domoraud and veteran hitman Oliver Bierhoff.


Milan effectively signalled the end for Bierhoff after signing Alaves striker Moreno and Juve's Inzaghi. Yesterday, the rossoneri tied up a deal with Atalanta for their highly-rated forward Gianni Comandini while Shevchenko extended his deal until 2006.


New signing Rui Costa will now partner the superb passer Luccin in Fatih Terim's new-look midfield making Milan the team to watch based on the dealings so far.

soccerage.com

Deschamps chasing Boban
3.7 || webmaster

Didier Deschamps still aim at Italian Championship's players to biuld his Monaco. According on a French web site, he is interested in Fiorentina's Angelo Di Livio (his mate with Juventus) and AC Milan's Zvonimir Boban and they should be to finalize their transfer to the Principality.
calciomercato.com

Rui would have signed for Lazio if not for Milan
3.7 || webmaster

Carlo Pallavicino reveals on 'Radio Radio': 'Had he decided not to sign for AC Milan, he would have signed for Lazio. But they made a late move. The offers were all the same($35m) and with no players offered, because Fiorentina need money'.
calciomercato.com

Rui Costa: "Milan is a dream come true"
3.7 || webmaster

Portugal star Manuel Rui Costa completed his £28 million move from Fiorentina to AC Milan on Tuesday evening, then admitted he had mixed feelings about the switch.

The coveted international has agreed a deal that will net him around £3 million a year, but insisted that the most important factor was Fiorentina giving him the chance to join the club he wanted.

"I was able to choose my own destiny and that is crucial for me," said the former Benfica star. "I have to admit I am sad to leave Fiorentina, but they have been forced into to selling me to balance the books.

"I have played at Fiorentina for so many years and the club has become so important to me. Fiorentina were my life," he explained.

The 29 year old is now hoping to play a major role in transforming Milan back into a championship-winning outfit, after becoming the club's fifth major signing of the summer along with Filippo Inzaghi, Andrea Pirlo, Cosmin Contra and Javi Moreno.

"I'm pleased to join the club I've dreamed of since I was a kid and a club that has so much ambition," he continued. "I grew up watching Arrigo Sacchi's Milan side with Marco van Basten and it is a great to think I will be wearing the same shirt."

Rui Costa's manager Carlo Pallavicino had earlier revealed that the intervention of prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, the president of Milan, had been decisive after a last-minute bid by Lazio.

"I know Lazio will be playing Champions' League football next season, but I am an ambitious person and I want to help establish AC Milan as a great side again," said the player.

Attacking midfielder Rui Costa also stated that he was looking forward to teaming up with former Viola coach Fatih Terim again. "I had a great relationship with him at Fiorentina and we had very similar ideas," he claimed.

Rui Costa joined his former team-mate Francesco Toldo on Monday in criticising Fiorentina over their attempt to sell the pair to Parma. "I will have the last word on where I go," he said. "I am not a piece of merchandise.

"Fiorentina appear to be in a hurry and so do Parma, but it's my career and my life and I'm not in a rush.

Real Madrid were then thought to be the favourites to sign Rui Costa, who said he "wouldn't even think twice" were the Bernabeu club to make an offer for him.

But AC Milan's Georgian full-back Kakha Kaladze told onefootball.com earlier this year that Rui Costa was at the heart of a rebuilding plan orchestrated by Berlusconi.

"I know that Milan intend to go for the Brazilian forward Jardel and Portugal international Rui Costa. These are major plans," he said.

onefootball.com

Rui will earn less than what Parma offered
3.7 || webmaster

Carlo Pallavicino,Rui Costa's agent, talked on 'Radio Radio' about the transfer of the
player to AC Milan: 'AC Milan have been linked with the player for a long time now. They
were leading the race since the beginning, and the arrival of Terim helped the transfer.
The point is that everyone decided to let go, after Parma's offer, but then both Toldo
and Rui Costa said no. Rui wanted to play in a great side - he wanted it so much, that with
AC Milan, he will earn less that what Parma offered'.
calciomercato.com

Pippo to fans: "I'm here to win!"
3.7 || webmaster

AC Milan sign Inzaghi for Zenoni and $18m. The striker said: 'Terim is a winner: we'll win with him'. Meanwhile, AC Milan on Empoli's Maccarone.
calciomercato.com

Shevchenko extends
3.7 || webmaster

Good news for AC Milan’s supporters comes from the signing of Italian national striker Filippo Inzaghi (till 2006) and the extension of Ukraine forward Andryj Shevchenko’s contract till the 30th June 2006.

This move guarantees the Rossoneri 2 top level strikers for another 5 years, even if the motivation behind a new contract for the Ukraine international could be Inzaghi’s $5 million US a year contract, where as Shevchenko was earning “only” $3,4 million.

soccerage.com

RUI TO MILAN!!!
3.7 || webmaster

It is now official: Rui Costa has joined AC Milan for a sum calculated around $40 million US dollars. The mega-deal was finalised during the middle of last night (roughly at 12.50 (CET)) and the Portuguese midfielder has agreed to a 5 year contract that will earn him $5 million dollars per season.

The player's 2 agents, Branchini and Pallavicino, were actually on their way to Rome to meet with Lazio's management, when a phone call by the Rossoneri’s chairman, Silvio Berlusconi, convinced them to turn back and seal the transfer

The player will be in Milan tomorrow to sign the new contract with AC Milan.

soccerage.com

Summer Freindly Matches
3.7 || webmaster

MILANO - Milan's new season will start, as usual, on Monday 16 July at Milanello where the team will begin the pre-championship training camp.
In the meantime, some friendly matches have been set and, on these occasions, Fatih Terim will have the chance to see the new Milan at work:


26th-28th of JULY at Amsterdam, four-way tournament with Ajax, Liverpool and Valencia;

4th of AUGUST at Istanbul, Besiktas vs Milan (on this occasion the Turkish team captain, Mehmet Ozdilek, will celebrate his farewell to football);

9th of AUGUST (location yet to be fixed) Tim three-way tournament with Juventus and Inter;

18th of AUGUST at SAN SIRO, Milan vs Juventus (Berlusconi Trophy, 11th Edition);

2nd of SEPTEMBER at Vitoria (Spain), Milan vs Alaves (friendly match with Contra and Javi Moreno's team of origin).

http:///www.acmilan.com

It's official: Inzaghi to Milan for $ 25 mil. + Zenoni
3.7 || webmaster

The news was in the air for more than a week, now it is official: Filippo Inzaghi will wear the AC Milan outfit for the next four years. The official announcement was made by the Via Turati club around 17:00 Central European Time. In exchange for Inzaghi Juventus will receive around $25 million US dollars plus Atalanta midfielder Cristian Zenoni, who Milan had bought earlier this year, and who is valued around $12-15 million dollars. AC Milan have yet to disclose the amount of money Inzaghi will receive over the four years (contract expires June 2006) he has bound himself to the club for.
soccerage.com

Guly finally joins Inter
2.7 || webmaster

It'll be the Argentinean and not Comandini to join Inter Milan after the departure of Pirlo. Inter wanted to sign the striker, but AC Milan and Atalanta had already reached an agreement.
calciomercato.com

Zenoni for Inzaghi
2.7 || webmaster

Inzaghi for AC Milan for $23m + Cristian. Juventus to sell Iuliano after the arrival of the former Atalanta player.
calciomercato.com

Rui not close anymore
2.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's coach Terim still wants Rui Costa, but Galliani is working on the alternative. Meanwhile, Inzaghi and Pierini will sign this week.
calciomercato.com

Guly signs with Inter, Pirlo with Milan
1.7 || webmaster

AC Milan announce: Guly reached an agreement witn Inter Milan and he is the technical counter item for Andrea Pirlo. Yesterday Inter Milan and AC Milan met to finalize Pirlo's transfer to AC Milan.
calciomercato.com

Milan contact Roma for Nakata
1.7 || webmaster

Roma's president Franco Sensi has revealed that he has been approached by Milan for Japanese creative hub Hidetoshi Nakata.


Milan need a new creative star as Leonardo has left and Boban is now veteran-class. Nakata featured just 15 times for the giallorossi in the Scudetto-winning campaign and Sensi admitted that if Rui Costa goes elsewhere, Milan look favourites to sign the Japanese international. "If Milan fail to sign Manuel Rui Costa, then I think Nakata will be their next objective," he said.

soccerage.com

Guly on his way to Inter
1.7 || webmaster

Inter Milan through their web site inform: "concerning Andrea Pirlo's transfer to AC Milan, the black&red board might involve Argentinean midfielder Guglielminpietro, who has been playing in Italy for three years now. The player currently in Argentina still does not know about the chance."
calciomercato.com

RUI TO MILAN!!!
3.7 || webmaster

It is now official: Rui Costa has joined AC Milan for a sum calculated around $40 million US dollars. The mega-deal was finalised during the middle of last night (roughly at 12.50 (CET)) and the Portuguese midfielder has agreed to a 5 year contract that will earn him $5 million dollars per season.

The player's 2 agents, Branchini and Pallavicino, were actually on their way to Rome to meet with Lazio's management, when a phone call by the Rossoneri’s chairman, Silvio Berlusconi, convinced them to turn back and seal the transfer

The player will be in Milan tomorrow to sign the new contract with AC Milan.

soccerage.com

Summer Freindly Matches
3.7 || webmaster

MILANO - Milan's new season will start, as usual, on Monday 16 July at Milanello where the team will begin the pre-championship training camp.
In the meantime, some friendly matches have been set and, on these occasions, Fatih Terim will have the chance to see the new Milan at work:


26th-28th of JULY at Amsterdam, four-way tournament with Ajax, Liverpool and Valencia;

4th of AUGUST at Istanbul, Besiktas vs Milan (on this occasion the Turkish team captain, Mehmet Ozdilek, will celebrate his farewell to football);

9th of AUGUST (location yet to be fixed) Tim three-way tournament with Juventus and Inter;

18th of AUGUST at SAN SIRO, Milan vs Juventus (Berlusconi Trophy, 11th Edition);

2nd of SEPTEMBER at Vitoria (Spain), Milan vs Alaves (friendly match with Contra and Javi Moreno's team of origin).

http:///www.acmilan.com

It's official: Inzaghi to Milan for $ 25 mil. + Zenoni
3.7 || webmaster

The news was in the air for more than a week, now it is official: Filippo Inzaghi will wear the AC Milan outfit for the next four years. The official announcement was made by the Via Turati club around 17:00 Central European Time. In exchange for Inzaghi Juventus will receive around $25 million US dollars plus Atalanta midfielder Cristian Zenoni, who Milan had bought earlier this year, and who is valued around $12-15 million dollars. AC Milan have yet to disclose the amount of money Inzaghi will receive over the four years (contract expires June 2006) he has bound himself to the club for.
soccerage.com

Guly finally joins Inter
2.7 || webmaster

It'll be the Argentinean and not Comandini to join Inter Milan after the departure of Pirlo. Inter wanted to sign the striker, but AC Milan and Atalanta had already reached an agreement.
calciomercato.com

Zenoni for Inzaghi
2.7 || webmaster

Inzaghi for AC Milan for $23m + Cristian. Juventus to sell Iuliano after the arrival of the former Atalanta player.
calciomercato.com

Rui not close anymore
2.7 || webmaster

AC Milan's coach Terim still wants Rui Costa, but Galliani is working on the alternative. Meanwhile, Inzaghi and Pierini will sign this week.
calciomercato.com

Guly signs with Inter, Pirlo with Milan
1.7 || webmaster

AC Milan announce: Guly reached an agreement witn Inter Milan and he is the technical counter item for Andrea Pirlo. Yesterday Inter Milan and AC Milan met to finalize Pirlo's transfer to AC Milan.
calciomercato.com

Milan contact Roma for Nakata
1.7 || webmaster

Roma's president Franco Sensi has revealed that he has been approached by Milan for Japanese creative hub Hidetoshi Nakata.


Milan need a new creative star as Leonardo has left and Boban is now veteran-class. Nakata featured just 15 times for the giallorossi in the Scudetto-winning campaign and Sensi admitted that if Rui Costa goes elsewhere, Milan look favourites to sign the Japanese international. "If Milan fail to sign Manuel Rui Costa, then I think Nakata will be their next objective," he said.

soccerage.com

Guly on his way to Inter
1.7 || webmaster

Inter Milan through their web site inform: "concerning Andrea Pirlo's transfer to AC Milan, the black&red board might involve Argentinean midfielder Guglielminpietro, who has been playing in Italy for three years now. The player currently in Argentina still does not know about the chance."
calciomercato.com