The Archive

July 2003

Sao Paulo & Milan could meet in the middle for Kaka
30.7 || Seamus

Young Brazil sensation Kaka could be set to join Milan immediately, according to reports.

The Rossoneri have offered 7 million Euros, while Sao Paulo want 14. However, the South American outfit are in financial difficulties meaning that the two sides could meet at 10 million euros.

Milan have just freed up an extra non-EU place in their squad with the sale of Nigerian youngster Aliyu to Standard Liege.

If Kaka did join this summer, he is likely to be sent out on loan to mature for a season.

Ancelotti praises Kaka
28.7 || Seamus

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised the club's long-time target Kaka.

"He is an excellent player, of great quality and huge potential for the future," he said of the Sao Paulo player.

"He probably isn't ready to immediately play for Milan, but is one I'm watching closely."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti says that he expects big things from Rivaldo and Fernando Redondo this year.

Rivaldo to miss Italian Supercup
28.7 || Seamus

Rivaldo’s Milan career continues to stall, as he won’t be fit for the Italian Supercup clash with Juventus.


The Brazilian has not even made the trip for the August 3 encounter in New York and will not take part in the US summer tour.


Rivaldo has not lived up to expectations since last year’s move from Barcelona and it was hoped this would be his season in Serie A.


However, his pre-season training has not gone smoothly and Coach Carlo Ancelotti mentioned “tired legs.”


Therefore the World Cup winner will stay on at the Milanello training ground to continue his personalised regime.


Danish hitman Jon Dahl Tomasson is also out of the running for the Italian Supercup as he has still not fully recovered from a shoulder injury.



Milan squad for US tour:


Gk: Abbiati, Dida e Fiori


D: Costacurta, Cafu, Kaladze, Laursen, Maldini, Nesta, Pancaro, Roque Junior e Simic


M: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Pirlo, Redondo, Rui Costa, Seedorf e Serginho


F: Borriello, Inzaghi, Shevchenko

“I would come running if Milan were to make me an offer," says Puyol
28.7 || Seamus

Barcelona defender Carles Puyol has asked Milan and Juventus to make a bid for him this summer.


“I would only leave this club for a move to Italy,” revealed the Barca captain. “I am with a great club, but an Italian experience is special.”


The 25-year-old defender has long been tracked by several Serie A sides and he confirmed reports of a Juventus bid.


“I know that Juventus enquired about me,” he continued. “I am certainly happy to hear that, as they are a great squad that always plays to win.”


However, the right-back also made his intentions clear with an appeal to the reigning European Champions.


“I would also come running if Milan were to make me an offer. It would be tough to choose between them, but the important thing is that it should be a great club.”


A move may be difficult to see through, as Puyol is currently rated at around £10m and the fans would react angrily to his departure from the Nou Camp.

Squad for USA tour
28.7 || Seamus

Milan playmaker Rivaldo has stayed at the club's Milanello training ground while the squad plays its friendlies in the USA.

It is thought that the Brazilian wants to ensure that he is at peak physical condition for the new season.

He will also miss the Super Cup match against Juventus on August 3.


Goalkeepers: Abbiati, Dida, Fiori

Defenders: Costacurta, Cafu, Kaladze, Laursen, Maldini, Nesta, Pancaro, Roque Junior, Simic

Midfielders: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Pirlo, Redondo, Rui Costa, Seedorf, Serginho

Strikers: Borriello, Inzaghi, Shevchenko, Piccolo

Ancelotti: All Milan men are equal
28.7 || scharatz

Carlo Ancelotti has warned his stars that they will have to fight for a place in this season’s squad.


“Dida is the main goalkeeper right now,” pointed out the Coach, “but Christian Abbiati has every chance of taking over. The same goes for everyone.”


The Rossoneri showed great strength in depth last year by winning the Champions’ League and Coppa Italia with effectively two different teams.


“We must not fall into the trap of thinking that Pippo Inzaghi and Andriy Shevchenko can solve all our problems. Every member of this squad is crucial, including Marco Borriello on his return from a loan spell with Empoli.”


Much is also expected of South Americans Fernando Redondo and Rivaldo.

"Redondo has gone through his first pre-season training camp with us and can really return to his old self this season."

"As for Rivaldo," added Ancelotti, "he is a little tired, but without distractions I think this can be his year."

Milan had their first pre-season friendly of the campaign on Sunday, winning 1-0 against the youth team thanks to an Inzaghi strike.


“We don’t need too many tactical discussions,” he added, “as the team has barely changed from last year and there will be a four-man defence. We will simply try to improve, especially towards the end of the season.”


Many believe that Milan will concentrate on the Scudetto after finishing in third place, but Ancelotti has not seen his European appetite sated.


“The Champions’ League is always the first objective, but we will try to win the Scudetto as well. Inter are stronger now, but Juventus are not to be taken lightly.”


There are effectively only two new signings from the Capital, Marcos Cafu and Giuseppe Pancaro.


“Cafu has already shown his great quality during these first few weeks of training. He pushes forward with consistency and never holds back.”


There were questions over where the World Cup winner would be fielded and Ancelotti did not hesitate in his response.


“Cafu will play as a right-back, but Gennaro Gattuso will be there to cover when he pushes forward. I don’t want him to copy Roberto Carlos, Cafu is all we need.”


The tactician also revealed that ex-Lazio defender Pancaro would take up his position on the left and both could be seen in the August 3 Italian Supercup Final against Juventus.


“Neither side has really changed its shape since the Champions’ League Final,” noted Ancelotti, “so I wouldn’t expect any great surprises.”


The trophy opens the Italian season and is played between the winners of the Scudetto and Coppa Italia.


“It won’t be easy to prepare for such a big game after just ten days of pre-season training, but we will do our best.”


Ancelotti also looked to the future with increasing reports that a £7m move for Brazilian prodigy Kaka’ is nearing completion.


“We don’t need him right now. Kaka’ has great potential and could be useful in the future, but I am not aware of the club’s bid.”

Last year was just the beginning..a new era awaits..
27.7 || ART

Last year was just the beginning..a new era awaits..

Without a doubt, AC Milan are team of the year in Italy. Reclaiming the Champions League, winning the first Coppa Italia of the Berlusconi era, and a top 3 finish in Serie A make this season one to cherish. Acheivements which have gone far beyond the expectations most fans held only a year ago.

The best part, though, is that Milan have room for lots of improvement. The exploits of this season are worth their weight in gold from a psychological point of view. Having overcome the burden of winning something as a group, something that Milan have not achieved for several years, this will allow Milan to consolidate their status and plan for a prolonged winning cycle.

It must be said, Milan's rise this season compared to 12 months ago has been fantastic. Carlo Ancelotti must be commended for his work in uniting the team (a mammoth task considering the changes at the club in recent years), communicating his philosophy and instilling the belief in the players.

Adriano Galliani also deserves praise as Ancelotti's appointment, was decided with a view of building a platform, whereby Milan could return to the summit of World Football, while still keeping faith with its rich history and traditions.

Also, this season has been a financial bonanza for the club, easily allowing for further 'significant' recruits that will only make AC Milan stronger.

Nevertheless, Milan will have even more burdens next season. As current European Champions, anyone and everyone will be 'raising their game', and trying just that little bit harder to beat them, for the purposes of status. There is no more hiding, just the pressure to consolidate. Managing the stars of the team will also be harder as they are 'Euro Kings' now, and ego's should be sky-high. The hunger to win again must be maintained, with the fundamental values that have made this season a success; team work and 100% commitment, produced consistently over the course of a season.

The focus on the players will be greater too. Will wily veterans, Maldini, and Costacurta, be able to replicate their 'vintage' form of this season? Can Inzaghi continue his goal blitz? Will Milan's midfield continue to terrorize opponents? All these questions will be answered in time. Still, if Milan play their cards right, trophies should come thick and fast as there is the Serie A, Coppa Italia, Italian Super Cup, European Super Cup, Champions League and Intercontinental Cup titles to be won. Who knows, Milan might just go crazy and win everything!

Conceicao to cross the San Siro?
27.7 || scharatz

Inter’s Sergio Conceicao has been linked with a switch to their rivals, while Milan move closer to Kaka’.


Portuguese winger Conceicao has been placed on the list of ‘unwanted’ players at Inter following a disappointing campaign.


There is an offer from his homeland in the shape of Porto, but it is reported that Milan would be willing to take on the ex-Parma and Lazio star.


Danish defender Martin Laursen would be offered in an exchange loan deal that would also solve the Nerazzurri’s central defensive worries.


It would be the latest in a long line of swap deals between the old rivals, including Clarence Seedorf, Francesco Coco, Dario Simic and Andrea Pirlo.


Meanwhile, Milan are also active on the transfer market in the search for a new creative midfielder for the future.


The club has long been linked with Brazilian prodigy Kaka’ and his recent stunning performances in the Gold Cup have prompted a firm bid.


“A further £2.3m is needed to take Kaka’ away from us,” confirmed San Paolo President Marcelo Portugal Gueva.


“However, the £4.3m offered by Milan is a good starting point for negotiations to take place,” he added.


The Brazilian press maintains that cash-strapped San Paolo will agree to a move at around £5m for the 21-year-old starlet.


Kaka’ will only wear the Rossoneri shirt from 2004, perhaps spending a year on loan with French side Paris Saint-Germain.

MALDINI - 35, and still hungry
26.7 || ART

Veteran AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini is still hungry for trophies and records - having recently celebrated his 35th birthday.

The man who made his Milan debut at the age of 16 this summer signed a contract that will keep him at the San Siro until June 2005.

If he sees out that deal, he will eclipse Dino Zoff's record of 21 seasons of top-flight Italian football and should beat his mark of 573 appearances in the domestic League.

In that time, Maldini has been a model professional.

His mistakes on the field have been collectors' items while he has been impeccably behaved off it.

And Maldini remains hungry for success despite a career when he has gorged on the most prestigious silverware in club football, although a top prize in the blue shirt of Italy always eluded him.

Maldini is one of six children of Cesare Maldini, a player in the AC Milan sides of the early 1960s that won several Serie A titles, two European Cups and one World Club Cup.

Cesare, assistant coach to Enzo Bearzot with the 1982 World Cup winning squad, went on to coach Italy in the 1998 World Cup and Paraguay in 2002.

Maldini made his first Serie A appearance in 1984-5 at the age of 16 when the club's fortunes were at a low ebb.

The likes of Luther Blissett and Ray Wilkins were Milan's foreign stars.

'Wilkins was a real personality,' said Maldini last year.

'He used to help the young players and top professionals never do that in Italy.'

During the late 1980s and the 1990s, few would argue that Maldini was the best defender in the world.

In 2000, he beat Zoff's record of Italian caps and when he quit last autumn after the unsuccessful World Cup, he had a record 125 caps for the Azzurri.

He played in four World Cups and four European Championships for his country.

He never won a trophy with Italy, but twice went agonisingly close.

In 1994, he was a member of the team that lost the World Cup final on penalties to Brazil.

Married to top Italo-Venezuelan model Adriana Fossa, Maldini is the father of two sons and lives quietly and modestly in Milan.

But unlike his father, he is unlikely to be in contention for any frontline football role when he eventually hangs up his boots.

'One thing is certain,' said Maldini last year. 'I will never be a coach'.

Only time will tell, Paolo.

Maldini names Milan rivals
25.7 || Seamus

Paolo Maldini has named the usual suspects when asked who will be Milan’s rivals for the Scudetto.

"Inter have really added strength to their squad over the summer and they could still buy more players in the next month," said the captain.

"Juventus continue to give the impression of a very solid side. And look out for Lazio, they’ve bought well and will be one of the favourites."

By comparison, the current European Champions have been pretty quiet on the transfer front this summer.

"We have bought two important players like Marcos Cafu and Giuseppe Pancaro," added the legend.

"I’m expecting some great things from Fernando Redondo this season and Rivaldo is eager to demonstrate his true worth."

Redondo only returned to first team action last autumn after being sidelined for two years with a knee injury.

Rivaldo arrived at Milan last summer but struggled to rediscover the form he expressed at Barcelona.

Dida extends Milan stay
25.7 || Seamus

ACMilan's official website announced this afternoon that the hero of Manchester Neslon De Jesus Dida extended his contract until the year 2007.

The penning of the deal puts an end to all the speculation linking Dida to a Milan exit.

Arsenal were constantly being tipped as the Brazilian's probable future destination.

Milan preparing Kaka offer?
25.7 || Seamus

Milan are said to be preparing an offer for young Brazil sensation Kaka. Inter are also supposedly interested in the player, but Milan look favourites with an offer of 10 million euros to Sao Paolo. Should they secure the player's services, the Rossoneri could then send the midfielder out on loan to Paris Saint-Germain for a season.

Costacurta keeps on going
25.7 || scharatz

Milan veteran Billy Costacurta insists he won't retire yet and welcomes new signing Giuseppe Pancaro to the club.

"Retiring from the game is not only based on the date you were born," insisted the 37-year-old defender.

"I want to play and be useful to my club. I would hate to be kept on only out of gratitude for what I have done in the past."

He also maintains that the future of his profession is not particularly bright.

"There is a real lack of good defenders out there. There are many youngsters almost ready for the big time, but few are really up to the task."

Costacurta is one of the only remaining members of the 'old guard' within the Rossoneri and was a free agent last summer when his contract expired.

However, an August shoulder injury to Roque Junior convinced Milan directors to call him back in a season that saw him lift the Champions' League and Coppa Italia trophies.

"I do want to live abroad one day but not as a player," he admitted."My professional career will come to an end in Italy."

His replacement is already lined up, as this week Milan brought in Lazio defender Pancaro in exchange for Demetrio Albertini.

"Leaving Lazio was not easy for me," said the new arrival. "But Milan have great prospects and a stimulating environment for players."

Pancaro is the European Champions' only real reinforcement along with ex-Roma star Marcos Cafu.

"I start the campaign with humility and the enthusiasm to do well in this new experience. I'm at Milan's disposal."

Milan jersey numbers revealed: Cafu gets 'his' two
23.7 || Seamus

AC Milan announced the numbers each of their players will wear behind their jerseys in the 2003/2004 season.

Brazilian superstar Cafu was able to retain the number 2 he wore at AS Roma in light of Helveg's return to Inter.

The rest of the players will pretty much wear the same numbers they had throghout last year.

Here is the full list:

Goalkeepers: 77 Christian Abbiati, 12 Nelson De Jesus Dida, 1 Valerio Fiori.

Defenders: 2 Marcos Cafu, 19 Alessandro Costacurta, 4 Kakhaber Kaladze, 24 Martin Laursen, 3 Paolo Maldini, 13 Alessandro Nesta, 16 Giuseppe Pancaro, 25 Jose Vitor Roque Junior, 14 Dario Simic.

Midfielders: 23 Massimo Ambrosini, 32 Christian Brocchi, 8 Ivan Gennaro Gattuso, 21 Andrea Pirlo, 5 Fernando Redondo, 11 Vitor Borba Ferreira Rivaldo, 10 Manuel Rui Costa, 20 Clarence Seedorf, 27 Claudio Santos Serginho.

Forwards: 18 Marco Borriello, 9 Filippo Inzaghi, 7 Andriy Shevchenko, 15 Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Collina to ref Super Cup final
23.7 || Seamus

The 'world's best referee' Pierluigi Collina was picked by the Italian federation to direct this year's Italian Super Cup final.

The game, that pitches off Serie A champs Juventus against Coppa Italia winners AC Milan, is set to be played on August 3rd in New York City's Giants Stadium.

Shev shoots for Lo Scudetto
23.7 || scharatz

Andriy Shevchenko believes Milan will be title contenders despite their lack of signings this summer.

The Rossoneri have been criticised for their shortage of investment but the striker insists that new faces are not needed.

"I’m not concerned by what people are saying about our transfer campaign," he stated.

"This is a solid group of players who have won some important trophies. We want to continue that trend."

The Italian giants have only really brought in Marcos Cafu after keeping faith with the squad that won the Champions’ League and the Coppa Italia last term.

"There are players here that still have plenty to give like Fernando Redondo," continued the forward. "He can improve as have Andrea Pirlo and Kakha Kaladze recently."

Shev has been touted as a possible contender for the 2003 Golden Ball but that doesn’t seem to be on his mind.

"I’m not thinking about it, the European Footballer of the Year award is not an objective of mine," he insisted.

"If I had a choice of what I wanted to win this season then it would be Lo Scudetto. But to do that we will have to forget about our success of last term."

Milan end summer spending
22.7 || Seamus

Milan director general Ariedo Braida maintains that the club’s transfer activity has now ended for the summer.

The Rossoneri transfer chief claims that the signing of Lazio’s Giuseppe Pancaro has brought an end to the club’s buying and selling campaign.

"With his arrival and the departure of Demetrio Albertini, we can consider the market closed for us," he said. "Don’t expect any surprises between now and deadline day."

Pancaro arrived at Milanello last night in a swap deal that sees Albertini move in the other direction.

"Milan were the only side that could tempt me to leave Rome," the defender stated. "It is an honour to wear this shirt.

"I spent six wonderful seasons with Lazio but I didn’t have to think twice about signing for Milan."

There were claims that Milan would use the Pancaro talks to make a new bid for Jaap Stam (pictured). But Braida insists the Dutchman won’t be joining his outfit.

"While finalising the swap deal with Lazio we didn’t touch on the Stam situation at all," concluded the official.

Pancaro honoured to join Milan
22.7 || Seamus

New Milan signing Giuseppe Pancaro says he is honoured to join the club.

"It was an important day for me, I'm happy and honoured to join Milan and wear a Rossonero shirt," he said on Milan channel. "I had six wonderful seasons at Lazio but as I knew of Milan's interest, I didn't have to think twice and expressed my desire to join them. Milan were the only club who could move me from Rome."

He continued: "I will join my new team-mates in the pre-season camp. I know most of them, as I have already played with them in the National team. Moreover, I have the advantage of knowing Nesta for a long time and can combine very well with him also on the pitch. I come at Milan with humility and the desire to be at the group's disposal."

Rui Costa eyes Lo Scudetto
22.7 || scharatz

Milan’s Manuel Rui Costa says the time has arrived for him to finally win the Italian League championship.

The Portuguese star has been in Italy since 1994 but so far the Scudetto has always eluded him.

"Winning in Serie A is my personal objective from now on," he said. "I’ve never quite managed to win the League during my time here."

The midfielder came close to winning the title with Fiorentina before his move to the San Siro in 2001.

His first season with the Rossoneri saw him finish fourth, while last term they only came third despite winning the Coppa Italia and the Champions’ League.

The latter was won after a penalty shoot-out win against Juventus, a team they will face in the Italian Super Cup in August.

"They’ll be going into that game with revenge in their mind," added the former Benfica player. "They won’t be easy to beat.

"But this Milan side can go on and with everything next season and not just in the Cup competitions. I just hope to score more goals in the future."

Official: Albertini moves to Lazio, Pancaro to AC Milan
21.7 || Seamus

Milan’s Demetrio Albertini is officially a Lazio player after Giuseppe Pancaro moved in the other direction.

The swap deal has been touted for weeks and the player exchange was confirmed on Monday evening.

The midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the capital club after he was frozen out of the Milan squad.

The former Italian international returned to the Rossoneri this summer after a loan spell at Atletico Madrid but was told that he did not feature in the club’s plans.

Azzurri player Giuseppe Pancaro has moved to the San Siro as part of the deal but he only joins on loan.

The European champions have the option to complete the full-back’s signing next summer.

Borriello ready to give everything to Milan cause
21.7 || Seamus

Young striker Marco Borriello hopes to be AC Milan's added value on offence for the upcoming season.

"I'm happy to be at Milan, and I hope to remain here as long as possible. It is great that Galliani said I will stay here throughout the entire season, this makes me extremely happy," said Borriello.

The former Empoli forward might already get a chance to appear on center stage when the Rossoneri face Juventus in New York City for the Italian Super Cup, an appointment he is sure Milan will be ready for when it arrives.

"We are working hard to be in top form for this game. But this and more for Milan's sake," said the Neopolitan born player.

Seria A to be delayed again?
21.7 || Seamus

Fears have emerged that the start of the Serie A season could be delayed once again.

The League's new satellite channel is having problems getting off the ground, and Antonio Matarrese, Vice-president of the Italian Football League, said: "There is a possibility that the start of the season will be put back.

"I really do think that it will be very difficult to kick-off on time. We've spoken about it at the League and will discuss the matter further this week.

"We've got to link up to the new platform and we've got to start the publicity."

The start to the season was pushed back last year due to a row over how much each club would earn from television rights.

The beginning of this season is scheduled to get under way on August 31.

Nesta: Stam not needed
21.7 || scharatz

Milan’s Alessandro Nesta says that he is not concerned by his club’s lack of transfer activity.

The Rossoneri have only made one major signing in Marcos Cafu so far this summer after missing out on Jaap Stam.

"Stam is an excellent player and Milan have done everything in their power to buy him," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But if Lazio have said he is unavailable for transfer then what can you do? Milan have kept together a winning squad and we will still be very strong even if no one else is signed."

The San Siro giants have a hectic season ahead of them after their success in the Champions’ League and Coppa Italia last term.

"We have everything that we need to continue winning but lifting all six trophies we are up for this season will be tough," he added.

"I’ll make do by winning just three – the Champions’ League, the Scudetto and the Intercontinental title.

"We are well aware of the fact that the new campaign will be difficult but we are ready for it.

"This is a squad that has won two cups and deserves little criticism at the moment. We will prove to people that we are not inferior to Inter or Juventus."

European Champions Return To Training
20.7 || scharatz

European Champions AC Milan kicked off their new season with just one addition to their squad ahead of today's training session at Milanello.

The club stood by an earlier statement which had stated the they would confirm the 22 players who had won them the Champions League and Coppa Italia trophies last year. Of those players, only Thomas Helveg has departed, ironically to arch-rivals Inter.

In his place, comes a great full back in the form of Brazil World Cup winning skipper Marcos Cafu. Cafu remains Milan's only pre-season acquisition so far and Adriano Galliani sounded very satisfied with that purchase when interviewed earlier in the day:

"Milan have a unique tie with their staff and their players, we are very attached to them. That's why we have decided to confirm the whole 22-man team who helped to clinch the victories of the last season, adding only Brazil world champions captain Marcos Cafu. I also would like to thank Braida for being able to put together the team for this season who will include 25 players. It is useless to sign another star, if you then leave him on the bench or in the stands."

24 of those players confirmed are as follows:

GK: Christian Abbiati, Nelson Dida, Valerio Fiori

DF: Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Alessandro Costacurta, Kakha Kaladze, Marcos Cafu, Roque Jr, Martin Laursen, Dario Simic

MF: Gennario Gattuso, Massimo Ambrosini, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Manuel Rui Costa, Claudio Serginho, Fernando Redondo, Rivaldo, Cristian Brocchi

FW: Andriy Shevchenko, Filippo Inzaghi, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Marco Borriello

Adriano Galliani also confirmed that the 25th player will most likely be Lazio's Giuseppe Pancaro who is close to agreeing terms with Milan: "The negotiation with Lazio to exchange Albertini with Pancaro is close to an end."

However, reports suggest that Thiago Motta of Barcelona could also be a late addition to the squad just prior to August 3rd's Italian Super Cup Final in USA.

Milan out of Stam chase
19.7 || scharatz

European Champions Milan have given up any hope of signing Jaap Stam from Lazio this summer.

The Dutchman was a known transfer objective for the Rossoneri but Vice-president Adriano Galliani insists the move is dead.

"It is a well known fact that Milan made an official offer but we were told that he was not available for transfer," he said.

"We contacted Lazio directly, and not Stam, and as he is not for sale I don’t really want to talk too much about a player that belongs to someone else."

However, Galliani did hint that one Lazio player would be arriving in the shape of Giuseppe Pancaro.

"There will be another arrival," he said. "Everyone knows that negotiations are taking place."

The stopper is likely to arrive in a swap deal which sees Demetrio Albertini move in the other direction. That after the midfielder was not named in the squad to start pre-season.

The Rossoneri met up today for the start of the new campaign and Galliani was looking to the future with confidence.

"We are the number one team in Europe and won two out of three trophies last year," he explained.

"Therefore there is no need for any major changes to the squad. We’ve brought in a player like Cafu for the right and have recalled striker Marco Borriello from loan.

"We are at the start of the 18th season under the guidance of Silvio Berlusconi and we are still hungry to succeed."

Inzaghi extends Milan deal
19.7 || scharatz

Pippo Inzaghi has spoken of his delight after he became the latest player to extend his contract at Milan.

The Italian striker today put pen to paper on a new deal which will now see him tied to the club for a further two years until 2008.

"This was my dream," said the forward. "I wanted to end my career with the Rossoneri and this will enable me to do that.

"I am really happy about what has happened to me today. I really could not have asked more from the club."

Inzaghi’s move comes just 24 hours after Gennaro Gattuso also committed himself to the San Siro side until 2008.

The decision to hand the former Atalanta star a new deal is reward for his work at the club over the last two seasons.

He was signed by Milan from Juventus in the summer of 2001 and proved key in last season’s Champions’ League victory.

Gattuso extends Milan deal
18.7 || Seamus

Gennaro Gattuso has pledged his future to Milan by signing a three-year extension on his contract.

The Italian midfielder is now tied to the Rossoneri until 2008 after putting pen to paper on a deal this afternoon.

"The hunger to win here is still enormous," he stated. "We are an enthusiastic squad and one that is not content with last year’s success."

The Rossoneri completed a rare cup double by winning the Champions’ League and the Coppa Italia in the space of three days.

"Milan have returned to winning ways," continued the Italian international. "We don’t want to lose this habit."

Gattuso was associated with a switch to Manchester United earlier this summer but today’s events have seen that rumour quashed.

Official: Villareal sign Coloccini & Jose Mari
16.7 || Seamus

Now it is official. AC Milan owned players Jose Mari and Fabricio Coloccini will play at Liga side Villareal next season after that the Rossoneri agreed to one year loans of the Spanish forward and the Argentine defender.

Both players played together at Atletico Madrid last year.

With this double swoop and last week's Sonny Anderson signing Villareal further demonstrate their intention to greatly improve upon their 5th to last place finish in last year's Spanish championship.

Milan loan out Dalla Bona to Bologna
14.7 || scharatz

Bologna chairman Renato Cipollini and Milan sports director Ariedo Braida struck a loan deal that brings former Chelsea midfielder Sam Dalla Bona to Bologna.

Bologna have the option of gaining full ownership of the 22 year old player at season's end.

Last year Dalla Bona collected only 4 Serie A appearances with the Rossoneri.

Buy Stam say Milan duo
10.7 || scharatz

Pippo Inzaghi and Gennaro Gattuso have urged Milan to do everything in their power to buy Jaap Stam.

The Dutchman is a known transfer target for the Rossoneri even if it looks likely that he will remain with Lazio this summer.

"If the club feels that it must bring in new players then obviously they have to be of a certain quality," Inzaghi told the ‘Corriere dello Sport’ newspaper.

"Stam is certainly that. He is the only player around that would improve our squad at this moment in time.

"But I have to say that the club’s stance to maintain a hold of the players that won the Champions’ League last term is the right thing to do."

Midfield warrior Gattuso mirrored the view of the former Atalanta and Juventus international forward.

"Chief Adriano Galliani is right when he says that the club’s best signing is keeping hold of last season’s first team squad," he told ‘Tuttosport’.

"I’m happy with the arrival of Marcos Cafu because he has experience but also because he is a winner.

"Stam? I would be lying if I said that we didn’t need him because he is an important player. I would obviously be delighted to embrace any big name players that may arrive."

Milan GM says 99% of Nakata reports are false
8.7 || Seamus

AC Milan general manager Ariedo Braida categorically dismissed the reports indicating Milan were in advanced talks with Parma over the sale of Hidetoshi Nakata.

"The Nakata deal does not exist. What is being written and said is all almost completely false. I understand that journalists need to write something, but of everything I read, only 1% of it is true," Braida told reporters on Tuesday.

More than one news item in the past week said Nakata was on the verge of joining AC Milan, who would in turn hand over Laursen, Boriello, Tomasson, and some cash to Parma in exchange for the Japanese star.

Laursen off the market, insist Milan
8.7 || Seamus

AC Milan denied reports linking Martin Laursen to Parma in the bigger move bringing Hidetoshi Nakata to the Rossoneri.

"Milan never inserted, nor will insert, Martin Laursen in a player transfer move. Seen as the Milan and Denmark defender is part of the list of the 18 off the market players, we don't intend to sell him to another club," read a statement released by the club's official.

Milan set sights on Stuttgart standout
8.7 || Seamus

European champions AC Milan are reported to be considering a bid for VfB Stuttgart star Aliaksandr Hleb.

The 22 year-old Belarus international emerged as one of the finest midfielders in the Bundesliga last season and was one of the key reasons why -despite crippling financial problems- VfB were able to seal a spot in next year's Champions League by virtue of finishing second behind Bayern Munich.

Inter Milan and Juventus are also said to have developed an interest in Hleb, who has drawn comparisons to former Nerazzurri favourite Lothar Matthaus.

New boys want Dalla Bona
6.7 || scharatz

Newly promoted Ancona and Siena are battling for the loan signing of Milan youngster Samuele Dalla Bona.

The Under-21 international arrived at the San Siro from Chelsea last summer but has rarely featured under Coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The midfielder has asked his club for more playing time and a loan move is now on the horizon.

Ancona contacted the Rossoneri earlier this summer to ask for the youngster’s arrival but they may miss out on Dalla Bona.

Latest reports suggest that Siena sporting director Nelso Ricci has taken advantage of his good relations with the Italian giants to secure the 22-year-old.

The move is expected to be made official some time next week once the player agrees to the Tuscan move.

Milan close in on Nakata
5.7 || scharatz

The agent of Parma ace Hidetoshi Nakata has confirmed that Milan are in negotiations to buy his client.

"Talks concerning Nakata’s proposed move to Milan will soon be completed," said Carlo Pallavicino.

"There is a concrete possibility that Hide will be wearing the Rossoneri shirt next season as negotiations are at an advanced stage."

Adriano Galliani, Vice-president of the European champions, confirmed earlier this week that the former Roma man was being targeted.

"We recently discussed a possible swap deal," Galliani admitted on Thursday. "The move is not dead but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens."

Milan are believed to have offered the Tardini outfit either Jon Dahl Tomasson, Samuele Dalla Bona, Marco Borriello or Martin Laursen in exchange for the 26-year-old.

Nakata will definitely be sold by Parma this summer as they look to get him off their wage bill.

The midfielder has also been linked with moves to Marseille, Bayern Munich and a number of Premiership clubs.

Meanwhile, Pallavicino also spoke about the future of another of his clients in the shape of Demetrio Albertini.

The veteran has returned to Milan after a loan spell at Atletico Madrid but another move could be on the horizon.

"There is talk of a possible swap with Lazio for defender Giuseppe Pancaro but nothing has really happened as of yet," he added.

Milan Want Stam? I Want Naomi Campbell, says Lazio GM
3.7 || Seamus

Lazio general manager Luca Baraldi decided to react with ironic ways to the news that AC Milan want Jaap Stam.

"Galliani said he is targeting Stam? I am targetting Naomi Campbell, but it's not certain I'll get her," said Baraldi.

Earlier today Galliani admitted Milan were after Stam and Nakata in the same interview in which he revealed the 50 million Euro offer he received for Nesta.

Baraldi added that also Stankovic is staying with the Biancocelesti.

"We have imposed to ourselves that we will keep Stam and Stankovic. We said this, we'll do this."

Milan reject £35m Nesta bid
3.7 || Seamus

Milan have revealed that they have turned down a £35m offer from an English club for Alessandro Nesta.

"Yesterday we rejected a £35m bid for Nesta," said Vice-president Adriano Galliani on Thursday. "It was from an English club.

"But our stance shows that the first step in strengthening our squad is by making it clear that our best players are not for sale at any price."

Galliani failed to name the Premiership outfit but there is a possibility that it came from Chelsea after a Russian billionaire bought the club this week.

The Italian international defender joined the Rossoneri last summer in a £20m switch from Lazio and instantly aided them in their Champions’ League success.

Galliani also responded to questions about whether Milan would be signing Lazio stopper Jaap Stam.

"We are interested but at this moment in time he is not available for transfer," he added. "If Lazio change their mind then I will be the first one to be told by the club.

"If that happens then obviously we would have to look at the financial aspect of the move. But if Stam is impossible to sign then we haven’t really got any other main transfer objectives."

There was talk that the European champions were interested in Parma ace Hidetoshi Nakata. Something that still may occur.

"We recently discussed a possible swap deal," Galliani admitted. "The move is not dead but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens."

Unconfirmed reports also suggest that Chelsea may be interested in making a bid for Inter striker Christian Vieri and Arsenal’s former Juve forward Thierry Henry.

Rui Costa kills off Barca rumours
3.7 || Seamus

Manuel Rui Costa says he is flattered by speculation linking him with Barcelona, but insists he is happy with Milan.

"It is a great pleasure, but I want to stay at Milan," he told www.acmilan.it.

"I play in Europe's top team that has won the Champions League and I want to stay. I have never thought of leaving."

Gattuso out to catch Juve
2.7 || scharatz

Gennaro Gattuso has warned Juventus that his Milan side are ready to take their title as Italian champions.

The Rossoneri already ended Juve’s hopes of becoming European champions last season and now they’re after their Scudetto crown.

"Juventus are still the team to beat and I just can’t wait to have a go at them," said the midfielder.

The Turin giants have been very active on the transfer market but Gattuso doesn’t seem too impressed.

"The Bianconeri are buying a lot but aren’t selling many at the minute," he added. "Sooner or later they will, otherwise they’ll have a squad of 40."

While Juventus seem to be their main rivals in Italy, Gattuso is still confident that they can successfully defend their European Cup win.

"Real Madrid have been strengthened with the arrival of Beckham, a player that really wouldn’t have been of any use to us," he continued.

So far Milan have only really brought in Brazilian ace Marcos Cafu. But Gattuso is hoping that Jaap Stam could arrive. "Even if I think he will stay at Lazio," he explained.

Meanwhile, striker Marco Borriello says he can’t wait to start the new season after his loan spell at Empoli.

"I really wanted to come back here after I went out on loan and that looks like it will happen," he said. "I’m really focused on the new campaign and I’m full of enthusiasm."

Milan renew Domoraud's Espanyol loan
1.7 || Seamus

Liga side Espanyol will be able to count on 31 year old defender Cyril Domoraud for another season as AC Milan agreed to extend his loan, on Tuesday afternoon.

When the new loan expires, Domoraud will be available on a free transfer as his contract with the Rossoneri expires next June.

Cafu can't wait to live 'L'Emozione Milan'
1.7 || Seamus

AC Milan fresh signing Marcos Cafu told the team's television station he can't wait to begin his new adventure.

"I already got to know Milanello, and I spoke with my new Brazilian team-mates. They told me about the wonderful atmosphere one breathes at Milan and around Milano. I am very impatient to feel these emotions as well," Cafu told Milan Channel on Tuesday.

"I still haven't spoken to Ancelotti, but only because Milan were taken up by their Cup finals. I want to collaborate with him and work hard for the whole team," added the former Roma wing.

Milan move for Mutu?
1.7 || Seamus

European champions AC Milan have become the latest club to be linked with Adrian Mutu despite the fact that he has repeatedly stressed that he is perfectly happy at Parma.

The 24-year-old Romanian striker is coming off a spectacular season for the Tardini outfit, who slapped a €30m price-tag on him as a result. Similarly to just about every club, the Rossoneri don't have that much cash to splash but are hoping that Parma will except a player plus money deal composed of Jon Dahl Tomasson and an undisclosed amount.

Lazio, for one, will be hoping against the deal going through, as they plan to bid for Mutu as soon as they manage to confirm the sale of Claudio Lopez to Valencia and find a buyer for Gaizka Mendieta.

Milan open Barca talks
1.7 || Seamus

Milan are reportedly set to start transfer talks with Barcelona that could see a number of players swapped.

The European champions have been strongly associated with Barca midfielder Thiago Motta, 21, and a move looks imminent.

Milan chief Adriano Galliani is believed to have already made an initial move for the Brazilian and further talks are set to take place in the near future.

Motta’s agent recently admitted that the San Siro giants were interested even if the Italian side are set to only offer a player exchange deal rather than cash.

Reports suggest that the Italian giants will hand over Demetrio Albertini and Jose Mari who both spent last season on loan in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.

But Barca could make an audacious bid to have Manuel Rui Costa included in some sort of deal.

New boss Frank Rijkaard wants the Portuguese ace at the Nou Camp but the Rossoneri are unlikely to allow that to happen.

Meanwhile, both Milan and Barcelona have been confirmed as interested parties in the chase to land Leeds ace Harry Kewell by his agent.