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September 2012
Pato: 'Back after the derby'
30.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alexandre Pato has confirmed he won’t make his Milan comeback until after the derby with Inter.
The 23-year-old has barely featured over the last year and a half due to a series of muscular problems.
“I am ready! I just finished training and will be back after the break for international duty!” posted the Brazilian on Instagram.
This means Pato is out of the Champions League clash with Zenit and next weekend’s massive Derby della Madonnina.
Serie A: Parma 1:1 AC Milan - goals/highlights
30.9 || webmaster
Bonera on Robinho fan snub
30.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Daniele Bonera reveals why Robinho refused to thank Milan supporters at the end of their 1-1 draw in Parma.
The Brazilian came off the bench during the Stadio Tardini stalemate, but at the final whistle when the team went under the Curva to salute the travelling fans, he refused.
Robinho went straight into the locker room despite Bonera’s attempts to hold him back.
“I am amazed there is controversy over this,” the defender told Milan Channel.
“Robinho was a little irritated at the end of the game and was upset at the result, so he went straight into the locker room. That is all that happened. There was no argument with him.
“We played well, but didn’t finish off our chances and remain a little inconsistent. At least it was a positive performance to lead us into Zenit and the derby.”
Milan have a huge week ahead of them, taking on Luciano Spalletti’s Zenit in the Champions League and facing arch rivals Inter.
Donadoni: 'Parma need more belief'
29.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Roberto Donadoni feels Parma “could’ve won with a little more belief” after fighting back for a point against Milan and discusses his contract renewal.
“I am satisfied with the result, even though we probably could’ve won with a little more belief,” said the Coach after a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Tardini.
“We played three games in seven days and a few players were able to have consistent performances.”
Donadoni has been tipped as a potential replacement for under-fire Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri next season.
“It’s only normal that there is a lot of pressure around that job, but it’s best to leave the Rossoneri to work in peace. Don’t forget Allegri has already won a Scudetto and finished second, so he proved that he deserves to be there.”
Parma hinted this week that they could offer Donadoni a contract renewal.
“I am in sync with the directors and am prepared to sign, as I feel that I can face the future at the helm of this team.”
Allegri: 'AC Milan should have won'
29.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimiliano Allegri was left to rue Milan’s missed opportunities in a draw with Parma. “It wasn’t a bad performance.”
Stephan El Shaarawy opened the scoring and there were several chances to double their tally, but Daniele Galloppa’s free kick burst through the defensive wall to equalise.
“In the first half we held possession well, albeit creating barely anything. After the break we found more space and created a great deal,” said Allegri after the 1-1 draw.
“The wall should not have broken apart like that to let the ball through. El Shaarawy isn’t even 20 yet, so it’s only natural he’s improving from last season. His qualities are his eye for goal, but also his strength, stamina and pace.
“It’s a shame we didn’t win, as we could comfortably have taken home all three points, but didn’t finish off the game and were punished on a set play.
“It wasn’t a bad performance, but we had to win and did not manage it. On Wednesday we have an important match against Zenit and we need the victory.”
Serie A: Parma 1:1 AC Milan - match report
29.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: El Shaarawy 50 (M), Galloppa 66 (P)
Stephan El Shaarawy was on target yet again for Milan, but Daniele Galloppa’s free kick meant it only earned a 1-1 draw at Parma.
Massimiliano Allegri took some pressure off with a midweek win over Cagliari and returned to the bench after a touchline ban. He rotated the squad with Bojan Krkic getting his first Rossoneri start, while Cristian Zapata and Kevin-Prince Boateng returned from suspension. Parma had Aleandro Rosi back from his ban, but Jaime Valdes fell foul of the Disciplinary Commission. Raffaele Palladino, Fabiano Santacroce, Alexandre Pato, Mathieu Flamini and Djamel Mesbah were injured.
Milan adopted a new 4-2-3-1 system with Antonio Nocerino and Bojan out wide behind centre-forward Stephan El Shaarawy. It had been raining over the Tardini all day and continued coming down as the game kicked off.
Boateng’s long-range strike was the first real attempt, then forced a good save out of Antonio Mirante when flagged offside – albeit for Nocerino’s position.
Massimo Ambrosini was booked for dragging back the quick Dorlan Pabon and the resulting Massimo Gobbi free kick was deflected to clip the frame of the goal. On the successive corner, Alessandro Lucarelli had penalty appeals, but seemed to go over too easily.
After 30 minutes, El Shaarawy moved over to the left as Milan returned to a 4-3-3 in a bid to find space.
Christian Abbiati flapped at a dangerous Daniele Galloppa cross from the left, while Bojan drilled well wide and was then stopped on the counter by a clean Gabriel Paletta tackle. Milan dominated possession – over 70 per cent in the first half – but struggled to create chances.
El Shaarawy finally gave the away fans something to cheer when he rode three tackles down the left to go clear, but his roll across for Bojan was scuffed and intercepted.
Moments later a wonderful Bojan curler from 20 metres whistled inches over the far top corner of the net. Sotiris Ninis also blasted one from distance that was off target for Parma.
After the restart a tricky low cross missed El Shaarawy and Boateng who were ready to tap in from six yards.
El Shaarawy broke the deadlock moments later with his fourth goal in three games. The Little Pharaoh sprung the offside trap on a through ball, partly because Boateng drew away a defender to leave space, and kept his cool to nutmeg the on-rushing goalkeeper.
Boateng managed to surrpise the Parma defence to go totally clear on goal from a Bojan ball over the top, but his glancing header was wide of the far post in a terrible miss.
Moments later it was Parma’s turn to waste an incredible chance. A flick carried on a cross at the near stick to shock Abbiati, but Nocerino flung himself at Gobbi’s follow-up from five yards like a human shield.
Boateng’s angled drive was fingertipped round the base of the post by Antonio Mirante, while Ambrosini wandered offside as Bojan rolled across the six-yard box.
Parma equalised when substitute Riccardo Montolivo clattered into Ninis on the edge of the box. The free kick was touched on for Daniele Galloppa, who found a hole in the middle of the Milan wall to beat Abbiati low at the near post after Nigel De Jong moved.
Gabriele Musacci did enough to stop Bojan tapping in an Ignazio Abate low cross, while Abbiati palmed a Marco Parolo long-range attempt wide when it bounced right in front of him.
El Shaarawy tested Mirante from outside the box and with six minutes left on the clock the goalkeeper palmed a fierce Montolivo free kick round the post from a good 25 metres.
Parma: Mirante; Zaccardo, Paletta, Lucarelli; Rosi (Biabiany 63), Musacci (Parolo 75), Ninis, Galloppa, Gobbi; Pabon (Belfodil 53), Amauri
AC Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Zapata, Yepes, De Sciglio; De Jong, Ambrosini (Montolivo 63); Nocerino, Boateng (Robinho 70), Bojan (Pazzini 81); El Shaarawy
Ref: Rocchi
Donadoni: AC Milan is the past
28.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Parma Coach Roberto Donadoni says his connection to Milan will not distract him from the task at hand on Saturday.
Donadoni spent several years with the Rossoneri as a player, and has more recently been linked with their bench, Ducali President Tommaso Ghirardi having to deny 'The Don' would replace Massimiliano Allegri next summer.
“For me Milan represents the past,” he began in his pre-match Press conference.
“Even if the past is undoubtedly important, they are opponents this weekend. Sentiment cannot affect things, I am Parma's Coach now. Even it sounds banal, it is so, Milan are an opponent in the League and should be dealt with as such.”
A controversial injury time equaliser from Marco Borriello on Wednesday night allowed Genoa to take a point from Donadoni's side, but the former Italian international says his men have recovered well.
“We have not been involved in any kind of controversy, the boys were silent, but everyone can see and evaluate what happened. I will not say anymore in that regard now.
“Tomorrow morning I will do the last considerations for the starting XI. At the moment there are no guarantees. There are some players who are more tired. Some are more difficult to recover, we will see.”
In his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport today Ghirardi revealed he was working to extend Donadoni's contract at the Ennio Tardini.
“It makes me very happy, the ingredients are all here for continuity and what the President said gives me further encouragement and pride.”
AC Milan squad for Parma
28.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Goalkeepers: Abbiati, Amelia, Narduzzo.
Defenders: Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mexes, Yepes, Zapata.
Midfielders: Ambrosini, Boateng, De Jong, Constant, Emanuelson, Montolivo, Nocerino.
Forwards: Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini, Robinho.
Defeat created fear, admits Allegri
28.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has admitted that the club’s poor start to the season has created anxiety within the squad.
The Diavolo had lost three of their first four League games, but they got back to winning ways with a triumph over Cagliari in midweek.
“You unconsciously start to have a little fear when results are lacking,” the tactician stated on Friday afternoon.
“We’re in better shape now. We played with 10 and then nine men in Udine, but we attacked in an effort to save the game.
“We are growing, but we have to try and make even fewer mistakes and read games better. Obviously mistakes are going to happen.
“It’s normal that we would have hoped to have got 15 points. But the season is very long and the championship is well balanced.
“We have six so far, now we need to think about Parma.”
The Diavolo will travel to the Tardini on Saturday and Allegri has respect for Roberto Donadoni’s side.
“They have some good qualities and an expert defence. Amauri is strong in attack and they are dangerous up front.
“My side? Bojan could start, also because Giampaolo Pazzini has basically played every three days since he’s been here. Pazzini also worked hard on Wednesday where he did a lot of running.”
Milan will still be without Alexandre Pato, but the Brazilian does seem to be on the mend after his latest injury setback.
“Pato is in good shape and working well. When we get back from St Petersburg then he’ll re-join the squad.
“I’ll see whether he’ll be available for the derby or whether he should play in a few friendly or Primavera games.”
Allegri was also asked for his thoughts on the Scudetto race as a whole following the opening exchanges.
“Juventus remain favourites. Napoli don’t have the Champions League, but they are in the Europa League.
“Roma and Lazio are doing well. And then there is Inter. It’ll be a problematic season, but you can make up for lost ground with three points.”
Crespo backs Parma against AC Milan
28.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Hernan Crespo has admitted that he’ll be supporting Parma against Milan when his former clubs clash this weekend.
“It is certainly a complicated tie for both teams,” the former Argentine international noted ahead of the Stadio Tardini encounter.
“Parma must have respect for Milan because they have players who have performed at the highest levels.
“While it is true that Milan are not in great shape, you can't afford to underestimate them and I’m sure Parma won’t.
“I’m hoping that the Gialloblu can pull it off and I’m certain that they will do well.”
The 37-year-old started and ended his Serie A career at Parma. He played for Milan during the 2004-05 campaign.
Parma warn AC Milan over Donadoni
28.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Parma President Tommaso Ghirardi has warned Milan that he has no plans to release boss Roberto Donadoni.
The latter, a former Rossonero winger, is being talked about as a possible successor to Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the season.
Ghirardi, however, has told the Gazzetta dello Sport that he intends to tighten his grip on the former Italian national Coach.
“I like Donadoni’s humility and his desire to work,” Ghirardi noted. “I also like his elegance and refinement at all times.
“Milan’s interest in him? I know that we are already in discussions with him regarding a contract renewal.
“We want Donadoni to be a reference point at the centre of our project and I think he wants the same thing.”
Donadoni, born in 1963, was appointed as Parma boss in January 2012 following the dismissal of Franco Colomba. His present deal expires in 2013.
Parma entertain Milan this weekend in a Serie A game that will be a tough one to call when it comes to placing football bets.
El Shaarawy on Kaka and Eto'o
28.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Stephan El Shaarawy explains why he is inspired by Kaka and has been compared to Samuel Eto’o. “I work hard in attack and defence.”
The striker has scored three goals in the last two games for Milan and Vice-President Adriano Galliani said he reminded him of ex-Inter star Eto’o.
“Galliani said this because, like Eto’o, I work hard in attack and defence. That is what Massimiliano Allegri asks of me.
“I have always said Kaka is the player who inspired me the most, above all because we have fairly similar characteristics. In any case, I am Stephan El Shaarawy and am focused on doing well with my own qualities,” the 19-year-old told Milan Channel.
“I want to dedicate the goals and last night’s victory to all our fans who stayed close to the squad. The team remained united despite the fact we are going through a particularly complicated period.
“I also dedicated them to the Coach, though he knows that he has the full faith of the entire team. I am trying to pay him back for everything he gave me.”
The ‘Little Pharaoh’ already has a senior Italy cap to his name, but remains a regular with the Under-21 side.
“I always hope to be called again, though now I have to focus on the Under-21 European play-offs against Sweden and of course Milan.”
Manchester United eye El Shaarawy?
28.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
There are reports Manchester United are tracking Milan starlet Stephan El Shaarawy after he scored three goals in two games.
The ‘Little Pharaoh’ was on target against Udinese and put a brace past Cagliari in last night’s 2-0 result.
Rumours are now emerging that Sir Alex Ferguson has set his sights on the 19-year-old striker who can also play in a trequartista role.
Already with a senior Italy cap under his belt, the player born of an Italian mother and Egyptian father is quickly becoming a key figure at San Siro.
A sale would be unlikely, especially as Milan paid around €20m to take him from Genoa over two transfer sessions.
El Shaarawy has a contract with the Rossoneri until June 2017.
Agent: El Shaarawy must be humble
27.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Stephan El Shaarawy's agent has told the Milan forward to keep his feet on the ground after his match winning double against Cagliari.
The 19-year-old has been in inspired form of late, scoring from long range against Udinese on Sunday then bagging both goals in the 2-0 win over Cagliari last night.
But representative Roberto La Florio has reminded his client that his performances must be consistent.
“Stephan must remain down to earth,” he told Tuttomercatoweb. “Yesterday's game against Cagliari must be one of many positive performances.
“I was expecting him to play well though – we all know what is qualities are. In spite of his age, he is showing that with work and humility, he can make the very most of his talent.
“Milan's identity has changed a lot, considering that now they are giving experience to young players.”
Rossoneri 'keeper Christian Abbiati advised the former Padova forward that he “still has a lot of improvements to make” this morning.
Time is right for AC Milan youngsters
27.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mattia De Sciglio says that he and Milan teammate Stephan El Shaarawy are at the right club at the right time.
The outfit made some substantial changes to their squad over the summer as they attempted to cut costs and their decision to give youth a chance has benefitted the duo.
“Fortunately Stephan and I are around during this period where young players are being given a shot,” the defender told Milan Channel.
“We are just trying to make the most of the opportunities that we are being handed.”
Both players are 19. De Sciglio is a full-back who has made three Serie A appearances this term.
El Shaarawy, meanwhile, is a forward who has scored three goals in five appearances so far this season.
Abbiatti: 'El Shaarawy still needs to grow'
27.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Christian Abbiati has hailed the talents of teammate Stephan El Shaarawy, but insists the Milan youngster must still improve.
The 19-year-old has been one of the positives from the club’s problematic start to the season and his brace on Wednesday ensured a 2-0 win over Cagliari.
“El Shaarawy has talent,” the goalkeeper told Milan Channel. “He also has time on his side as he is still very young.
“He had a great game against Cagliari, but he still has a lot of improvements to make though as he has to grow.
“This is a point of departure for him and not a point of arrival…”
The Italian Under-21 international, given his first full cap in the August friendly defeat to England, has three goals in five Serie A games this term. He only got two League goals in 2011-12.
Serie A: AC Milan 2:0 Cagliari - highlights/goals
27.9 || webmaster
Tassotti: 'I am happy where I am'
27.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mauro Tassotti was on the bench for Milan’s victory against Cagliari tonight, revealed he turned down the Lazio bench, but insisted he’s not after Max Allegri’s job.
The assistant manager was in charge for this evening’s 2-0 win because of Allegri’s touchline ban.
“We are happy with the result and earned three points while knowing how to suffer for it. We knew it would be this type of match,” Tassotti told Sky Sport Italia.
“It wasn’t easy to play well with this tension and we’ve got to try to take the initiative against every opponent, as we are Milan. Clearly we’ve got to play better than we did this evening, but the team can improve with more confidence.
“The pitch wasn’t helping us tonight, as we thought the rain would be enough to wet it, but it was very difficult to play the ball to feet.”
Stephan El Shaarawy scored both goals, confirming his form after netting against Udinese on Sunday.
“He is gaining in confidence and doing very well. He creates many problems for the opposition defences and right now he is really helping us.
“What is our objective this season? I think the fans have understood the difficult moment the squad is going through and are close to us.”
Tassotti revealed he had been asked to take over Lazio when Edy Reja resigned towards the end of last season, but insisted he was not after Allegri’s job.
“It was a strange situation and was to take over mid-season. In any case, I’ve been at Milan for over 30 years as player and assistant manager, so I am happy where I am.”
Serie A: AC Milan 2:0 Cagliari - match report
27.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: El Shaarawy 15, 82 (M)
Stephan El Shaarawy’s brace finally ended the San Siro curse, although Milan had to struggle for their 2-0 win over 10-man Cagliari.
It was crisis time for Massimiliano Allegri, who was on a touchline ban for insulting officials and hanging on after shock defeats to Sampdoria, Atalanta and Udinese this season. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Cristian Zapata sat out bans, while Alexandre Pato, Mathieu Flamini and Sulley Muntari were out, but Robinho returned to the bench after a long lay-off. Bakaye Traore was given a surprise debut start in midfield.
Tension was also sky high at Cagliari after Sunday’s game with Roma was called off and a 3-0 victory handed to the Giallorossi. President Massimo Cellino had invited fans to the closed doors match, prompting security fears and the cancellation of the fixture. Andrea Cossu was the only man on the injury list.
The Sardinians had lost their last eight consecutive visits to San Siro, but neither Milanese club had yet managed to win a home game this season in all competition. The lack of confidence was evident in the fact this stadium was three-quarters empty for the midweek round.
Milan had possession and few real chances to begin with, but found a breakthrough when Stephan El Shaarawy combined passes with Riccardo Montolivo to break into the box and coolly slot past an on-rushing Michael Agazzi. It was the first goal the Rossoneri have been able to score on home turf in all competition this season.
Cagliari finally woke up and on 24 minutes Christian Abbiati had to palm a dangerous Thiago Ribeiro strike round the base of the near post.
There was a decent Cagliari penalty shout for a Traore shove on Francesco Pisano, while Ibarbo’s angled drive skimmed the back post as the Sardinians pushed forward.
Milan incredibly didn’t get their second just before half-time. An Urby Emanuelson corner found El Shaarawy’s volley, which was deflected on to the bar and Davide Astori managed to parry Pazzini’s follow-up header from seven yards.
Mauricio Pinilla couldn’t get clean enough contact with his head on a Perico cross, then Radja Nainggolan was stopped by a sliding Daniele Bonera tackle. Abbiati ran off his line to flap a dangerous pass off the chest of Victor Ibarbo, as Cagliari were clearly the dominant side at the start of the second half and jeers rained down from the stands.
Ibarbo had a free header wide from Daniele Conti’s free kick and Robinho made his comeback after picking up a muscular injury in the opening game with Sampdoria.
Cagliari were playing much better, but Conti foolishly received a second yellow card for elbowing Pazzini in the side of the head. They had both been booked for a tussle only four minutes earlier.
El Shaarawy and Nigel De Jong both ballooned over the bar from very promising positions, as 10-man Cagliari were still in this game.
El Shaarawy doubled Milan’s lead to put the result beyond doubt, running on to a Massimo Ambrosini through ball to slide the finish past Agazzi.
Kevin Constant should’ve made it 3-0 in the final minute, but ballooned horribly off target.
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Bonera, Mexes, De Sciglio; Traoré (Constant 54), De Jong, Montolivo (Ambrosini 77); Emanuelson (Robinho 65), El Shaarawy, Pazzini
Cagliari: Agazzi; Perico, Rossettini, Astori, Pisano; Dessena, Conti, Nainggolan; Thiago Ribeiro (Sau 54), Ibarbo (Ekdal 71), Pinilla (Nene 83)
Ref: De Marco
Sent off: Conti 67 (C)
Serie A: AC Milan vs. Cagliari - lineups
26.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
AC Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Bonera, Mexes, De Sciglio; Traoré, De Jong, Montolivo; Emanuelson, El Shaarawy, Pazzini.
Cagliari: Agazzi; Perico, Rossettini, Astori, Pisano; Dessena, Conti, Nainggolan; Thiago Ribeiro, Ibarbo, Pinilla.
Chocolate magnate for AC Milan?
26.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
There are reports that Milan are in preliminary talks to sell the club to Michele Ferrero, the head of a chocolate empire.
President Silvio Berlusconi is said to be increasingly frustrated with the pressures of running a football club and is on the look-out for new investors.
Newspaper ‘Leggo’ today claims there are early negotiations with Ferrero for a sale in early 2013.
Ferrero is the head of a chocolate empire that includes Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, making him one of the richest men in Italy.
It’s claimed he has already analysed the books and is preparing to step in with at least a partial investment.
There have been suggestions in recent months that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva were sold in order to balance the books, therefore making Milan more appetising for investors.
Crespo calls for Milanese patience
26.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Hernan Crespo has defended the Coaches of both Milan clubs following their problematic starts to the season.
Massimiliano Allegri has seen his Rossoneri lose three of their four League games, while Nerazzurri counterpart Andrea Stramaccioni has witnessed his side defeated on two occasions.
“I don’t think they are to blame,” the former striker, who represented both clubs during his illustrious career, told Sport Mediaset.
“The trouble is that the philosophy of the clubs is always to win and that is why the fans of the great teams don’t have patience.
“Now neither team has a great player who can win games by themselves, but they now have important youngsters who are part of a growing squad.
“Inter and Milan are following a project which they seem to strongly believe in and I can’t see that there is anyone who needs to be slaughtered.”
The two San Siro giants have made substantial changes to their squad over the summer in an effort to cut costs.
“It’s strange because the Milan clubs are now thinking like small teams do,” Crespo continued. “Things are changing.
“Inter and Milan are planning for their futures in a different manner. In the past they targeted ready-made champions, big players.
“Now they need a good eye to spot talent and have the patience to let them mature and grow. This is a transitional phase and we must not condemn anyone.
“Juventus did the same thing and look at them now…”
Ficcadenti: 'AC Milan in trouble'
26.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimo Ficcadenti tries to ignore Cagliari’s own problems and focuses on Milan’s. “They are in trouble and we can win this.”
The Sardinians were handed a 3-0 defeat against Roma when the game was called off due to security fears, as President Massimo Cellino invited fans to attend a fixture behind closed doors.
The Rossoneri are not in better shape, as they have lost three of the opening four Serie A rounds, including both at San Siro against minnows Sampdoria and Atalanta.
“We must try to bring out a good performance against Milan, who are in trouble,” said Coach Ficcadenti.
“We will fight for it and hope to bring home a positive result. The team is relaxed and concentrated.
“Milan have changed a great deal compared to last season, as they have many youngsters and it seems to me they are putting a lot of faith in Stephan El Shaarawy.”
Andrea Cossu has failed a fitness test and is therefore not in the squad travelling to San Siro.
Cagliari squad for Milan: Agazzi, Anedda, Avramov; Ariaudo, Astori, Avelar, Perico, Pisano, Rossettini; Casarini, Conti, Dessena, Ekdal, Eriksson, Nainggolan; Ibarbo, Nenè, Pinilla, Sau, Thiago Ribeiro
Robinho returns for AC Milan
26.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Robinho is back in the Milan squad for the clash with Cagliari, but Mathieu Flamini is out with the suspended Kevin-Prince Boateng and Cristian Zapata.
The Brazilian striker had been out of action for almost a month due to a thigh strain and is set to make his comeback on Wednesday evening, albeit probably as a substitute.
Boateng and Zapata sit out bans after their red cards in the 2-1 defeat to Juventus, joining the injured Flamini, Alexandre Pato, Didac Vila, Sulley Muntari and Rodney Strasser.
AC Milan squad for Cagliari: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel, Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mesbah, Mexes, Yepes, Ambrosini, De Jong, Constant, Emanuelson, Montolivo, Nocerino, Traorè, Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini, Robinho
Allegri appeal fails
26.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri and Sampdoria striker Maxi Lopez have both failed in their appeals to have bans reversed.
Allegri was reprimanded for insulting the referee in his side's 2-1 defeat to Udinese on Sunday. He will have to watch tomorrow's match against Cagliari from the stands, with assistant Mauro Tassotti deputising.
Lopez, a former Milan player, was sanctioned for kicking the referee's door after Samp's 1-1 weekend draw with Torino. He will miss two games, tomorrow's nights away at Roma, and Sunday's at home to Napoli.
Tassotti: Allegri one of the best
25.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Assistant Coach Mauro Tassotti says Milan need to do a Fabio Borini – and play 'with a knife between our teeth' against Cagliari.
The Diavolo go into tomorrow's match against the Sardinians at San Siro in crisis, having won one and lost three of their five competitive games thus far this season.
Their problems are compounded by a touchline ban for Coach Massimiliano Allegri. The club will find out later today whether their appeal has been successful, but if it hasn't, Tassotti will take charge.
“Am I excited? Well, a little,” he smiled at the pre-match press conference. “But I hope Allegri's ban is cancelled. Fortunately we work together every day and we know what we have to do.
“It is useless to deny it, there are tensions. Negative results create tensions. Defeat in the opening round to Sampdoria took away a little confidence. Something has changed. The match against Cagliari, for example, is not easy. But we must not forget only four games have been played.”
“I've been here 32 years and I feel a part of Milan. I do not know what will happen in the next few years, but what matters is what happened in the past.
“Milan is in my skin. This year we have to play with a knife between our teeth. We no longer have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who ensured us 35/40 goals a season.”
Tassotti has worked as assistant to several big name coaches in his time at Milan but doesn't consider Allegri inferior.
“I am sorry our Coach is questioned,” the former defender added. “With Max I feel good. Indeed since I've been here, I think he is one of the best three or four I have worked with.”
Pazzini was forced out of Inter
25.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan new boy Giampaolo Pazzini has underlined that there was no way that he could continue his career at Inter. “I was excluded.”
Pazzini swapped San Siro clubs in the last week of the transfer window after Antonio Cassano opted to move in the opposite direction.
“I was disappointed at the end of the last campaign,” the forward told Forza Milan. “It was a peculiar year because we changed a lot of Coaches and, at the end of it, I also lost out on the European Championship with Italy.
“Despite the fact that I trained hard during my holidays, I was told that I had been frozen out of the Inter squad on the first day of pre-season training. I was told that I would not even be used in the friendlies.
“I felt excluded from everything and I was discouraged because I was convinced that I could still do well on the pitch.
“It wasn’t a nice situation to be in, but I continued to work hard out of respect for myself.”
Pazzini was being linked with a host of clubs, but he didn’t hesitate when the Rossoneri made contact.
“It all happened very quickly and I immediately said yes to my agent,” he added. “I don’t think I have made a mistake by coming here.”
Pazzini, 28, has scored three goals in four League games thanks to a hat-trick at Bologna in Week 2.
The former Atalanta and Fiorentina player only joined the Nerazzurri in January 2011 from Sampdoria.
Ancelotti: Pato could revive AC Milan
25.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Carlo Ancelotti insists that former club Milan are a better team than their results suggest and he thinks Alexandre Pato could resolve some of their problems.
The Diavolo have had a disastrous start to the season after losing three of their first four League games. They could also only manage a 0-0 at home to Anderlecht in the Champions League.
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“I understand the difficulty that Milan are going through, even though I didn’t think that such results would arrive,” the Paris Saint-Germain boss told TV show Undici.
“I didn’t expect such a start to the season from Milan despite all the players that have left the club. And I’m not only talking about Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva. Pippo Inzaghi quit, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf left…
“However, you have to get rid of the excuse that many players left. That should, in fact, become a motivational tool.
“The players must remember what the Milan shirt represents. At a time like this the important thing is strength and faith. You need to take cover and wait until the storm passes.”
Ancelotti had a hugely successful career at San Siro as a player and Coach of the Diavolo and he thinks the outfit can recover.
“Milan need to start again from the solidity of the club,” he added. “Naturally the new players are at a different technical level than those who left, but they need to take responsibility now.
“Quality-wise, Milan won’t be same as last season, but they won’t be the team that loses three matches out of four either.”
As well as the big name departures, the Rossoneri have also had to deal with injuries – and that again includes Alexandre Pato.
“I don’t believe that Pato is irrecoverable and I hope that he will return soon,” Ancelotti, whose current club almost signed the striker last January, added.
“Pato could be an added value to Milan because he’s an immense talent.
“Unfortunately he has had tons of injuries and everyone hopes that he can recover. He could be what Milan need to get back on the right track, along with Riccardo Montolivo who’s a great midfielder.”
Ancelotti was also asked about Inzaghi’s decision to begin a coaching career with the Milan Allievi side, while he suggested that one of his former players could become a great tactician.
“In order to be a Coach you need a lot of enthusiasm and passion. Just because you’ve been a footballer for 20 years doesn’t mean that you’ll become a good tactician.
“I’m following Inzaghi's career with the utmost curiosity…
“Many of the players from my Milan have the right mind-set and capabilities to be a Coach. From a technical point of view, I’ll say Andrea Pirlo could do well because of how he sees football.”
Pirlo is still plying his trade at Juventus.
Moratti: Milan clubs on the slide
24.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Inter chief Massimo Moratti has admitted that times are changing for his side and city cousins Milan.
Both Milanese clubs have had problematic starts to the campaign given that they have already lost on five occasions between them in Serie A this term.
“Milan have sold some important players, while we are gradually introducing youngsters,” Moratti stated outside of his offices this afternoon.
“Neither Milan nor ourselves have a super squad anymore, even if we still hope that results arrive. Unfortunately, we can no longer allow ourselves to sign a super champion at a cost of €20m.”
The Nerazzurri were being backed by the majority of football tips to collect a comfortable win against Siena at the weekend, but they were stunned 2-0 at San Siro.
“We should have won, but it is hard to face teams like Siena who just play to defend. Now we need to win in Verona against Chievo on Wednesday.
“It’s not very pleasing to live through defeats, let’s hope that the victories that will provide faith in the team arrive soon.”
Despite the loss, Moratti is hopeful that the results will arrive under Andrea Stramaccioni – a Coach who is considering a three-man defence like the one used by Gian Piero Gasperini last term.
“I’m optimistic,” Moratti added. “We have some good material to work with, a capable Coach and a lot of player options.
“A three-man rearguard? I will leave that decision to those who know more about it than me. The Coach is responsible for that.”
AC Milan boss Allegri banned
24.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimiliano Allegri’s disastrous start to the season continues after the Milan man was handed a one-match touchline ban.
The tactician, who is fighting to save his job, will have to watch the Cagliari game on Wednesday from the stands after he was banned for insults aimed at the referee during the loss at Udinese.
Milan will also be without Cristian Zapata and Kevin Prince Boateng as they were dismissed in the 2-1 loss at the Stadio Friuli.
Catania’s Pablo Alvarez and Pescara ‘keeper Mattia Perin will also sit out the midweek round.
Meanwhile, Sampdoria’s Maxi Lopez will have to watch the next 180 minutes of action from his home given his actions during the 1-1 draw with Torino.
The Argentine was reported to the disciplinary panel for kicking the referee’s door at the end of the game, while hurling insults at the officials at the same time.
Robinho back for AC Milan
24.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Daniele Bonera and Robinho should be available for the game against Cagliari after returning to Milan training.
The defender and the forward have been absent in recent times, but they should be available for Wednesday’s game at San Siro.
Both men took part in the session at Milanello this morning.
The Diavolo will be looking for their first home win of the campaign in midweek after losses to Sampdoria and Atalanta, plus a 0-0 draw with Anderlecht.
Cristian Zapata and Kevin Prince Boateng will be suspended after they were dismissed in the 2-1 defeat at Udinese yesterday.
Abbiati: We respect Allegri
24.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
The Milan squad still have great faith in under-pressure boss Massimiliano Allegri, says Christian Abbiati.
The tactician won a vote of confidence from his club after another loss on Sunday afternoon and now the goalkeeper has backed the tactician.
“The Coach has been with us for two years and he’s won a title, the Italian Super Cup and last year we almost won the title,” Abbiati stated. “The players hold him in high esteem.”
The Diavolo have won just once in five games this season – drawing one and losing three to Sampdoria, Atalanta and now Udinese.
“Unfortunately, this negative run continues,” Abbiati said after the 2-1 reverse in Udine at the weekend.
“It’s a shame because we showed some good things even at 1-1 with 10 players on the pitch, but the second sending off really cut our legs off.
“We played a good first half and the goal from Stephan El Shaarawy was a great shot from distance. The positive thing to see is that we’re playing our games.”
Mesbah: 'Boateng red card scandalous'
24.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Djamel Mesbah insists that Milan teammate Kevin Prince Boateng should not have been dismissed against Udinese. “It’s a scandal!”
The Ghanaian was sent off with eight minutes left for two bookable offences after his clash with Roberto Pereyra.
“The dismissal of Boateng was scandalous,” the defender told Milan Channel after the 2-1 loss at the Stadio Friuli.
“I think that the referee knows that he got that one wrong. I was there and it was a normal tackle from Boateng – it wasn’t a sending off.”
The Diavolo’s poor start to the season continued yesterday given that they have now lost three of their first four League games.
“The performance was good, but there’s a lot to do yet,” he stated of a game which also saw Cristian Zapata dismissed.
“But we should focus on the positives, we fought hard. We know that we have to do more but we’ll do that on Wednesday against Cagliari.
“We really need to win because the points lost will start to add up. We are disappointed, but we are all united and all the players are with the Coach.
“Now we have to rest and build ourselves up to win in midweek.”
Nesta: Inzaghi and Allegri childlike
24.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alessandro Nesta has labelled Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri and former teammate Pippo Inzaghi as childish after their alleged bust-up last week.
The two men, who subsequently played down the row, are understood to have exchanged words when Allegri visited the club’s youth sector where Inzaghi now coaches the Allievi side.
“If what I read happened between the two then it was childish,” the veteran defender, who left the club after a decade this summer, stated. “They acted like kids.”
The Rossoneri have undergone some major squad surgery this summer and it hasn’t come without consequences.
In four League games so far this term, the Diavolo have lost to Sampdoria, Atalanta and now Udinese. Such results have cast doubts over the future of Allegri.
“Milan have started seasons poorly in the past, but we were then still able to have excellent campaigns,” the Montreal Impact man noted.
“Sacking Allegri? I don’t know who could be an alternative for him…”
Galliani: 'Full faith in Allegri'
23.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani has assured Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri “is not up for debate. He has the total faith of the President and me.”
The Rossoneri fell to a second consecutive defeat this afternoon, losing 2-1 to Udinese with two players sent off.
“We played better than Udinese,” insisted Vice-President Galliani on Milan Channel.
“The team is showing signs of improvement and now we await the first home win on Wednesday against Cagliari.
“Allegri is not up for debate. We are going forward with this Coach, as he has the total faith of the President and me.
“Don’t forget he has earned 162 points in two years and that is not to be sniffed at. The team worked hard today even with nine men and proved how much they care for the Coach. So do we.
“For the past year luck seems to be against us, but it’s early days and we are only in Week 4.”
Bizarrely, Milan and Inter have failed to secure a single victory on home turf since the new hybrid artificial surface was laid.
“San Siro is reserving a few surprises this term both for Inter and us.”
Guidolin: 'Allegri can revive AC Milan'
23.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Francesco Guidolin’s Udinese beat Milan, but he still reassured under-fire colleague Massimiliano Allegri.
The Friulani got their first win of the season in all competition, earning a 2-1 result against the nine-man Rossoneri.
“First of all, I compliment Milan for an excellent opening 10 minutes in which they really pinned us back,” said Guidolin.
“Max had said he wouldn’t change his system, but I didn’t believe him and indeed I was right, as he fielded two wide attackers with a centre-forward.
“When we moved to four at the back, with a diamond in midfield, we managed to close down the spaces better and create more chances.
“In any case, Max has everything needed to revive this Milan side.”
Mathias Ranegie received a surprise start and scored his debut Serie A goal as well as earning a penalty.
“He isn’t just this big forward who stands there. Ranegie has great technique and is such a strong professional, he works really hard.”
Allegri: 'I am not at risk'
23.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimiliano Allegri insists there is “no problem” with Milan after another 2-1 defeat to Udinese.
“Talking about my dismissal would be senseless, as it’s not my decision. I have never had a problem and, considering our rapport, neither has the club,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I don’t feel guilty, nor a victim. We lost today, yes, but played with courage down to nine men and that is a good sign. The lads deserve credit for that.
“We are missing results. Today it was a defeat, but the team played well and we still have to build on that to correct mistakes. We should’ve marked Di Natale on the corner and made an error on the penalty.
“Milan still played good football at times and this side has all the qualities to get back on track. We’ve only got three points in the table, so we have to win on Wednesday. After all, last season at this stage we only had two more points.”
Allegri switched to a 4-3-3 at the Stadio Friuli using Stephan El Shaarawy, Giampaolo Pazzini and Urby Emanuelson.
“We played better today, spreading the play and creating many chances, especially in the first 20 minutes. It’s only normal that these three defeats have to be worked on, particularly set plays as we tend to concede from those.
“It’s not so much a tactical problem as distraction, losing the ball too easily and not taking your chances.
“We need to improve, of course, but above all I am disappointed to keep hearing top players have left. They’re not here and we have constructed a squad capable of finishing in the top three and getting through the Champions League group.
“The summer did see many changes, so it will take time to gel this new team. We are not conceding goals on the counter-attack like we did against Real Madrid, but do keep making mistakes when marking from set pieces.”
Kevin-Prince Boateng was dropped to the bench today, but when he came on the Ghanaian received two yellow cards.
“Boateng has been playing for four games with a broken hand and without doubt it affects the way he moves and goes into the challenge. He can become among the best players in Europe.”
Serie A: Udinese 2:1 AC Milan - match report
23.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: Ranegie 40 (U), El Shaarawy 54 (M), Di Natale pen 68 (U)
It’s crisis time for Milan after they had two men sent off in their 2-1 defeat to Udinese, giving the Friulani their first win of the season.
This fixture already felt like a crossroads for both clubs and Coaches. Massimiliano Allegri was hanging by a thread after two defeats in the opening three rounds and a disappointing home draw with Anderlecht, not to mention reports of a row with youth team boss Pippo Inzaghi this week. Francesco Guidolin admitted the tension of their Champions League play-off elimination was dragging on, as Udinese were without a single victory in all competition this season. Antonio Di Natale’s late equaliser scraped a home draw against Anzhi on Thursday.
Andrea Lazzarri sat out a ban for the home side, joining the injured Luis Muriel and Maurizio Domizzi in the stands. As always, Milan’s absentee list was long and included Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Mario Yepes, Mathieu Flamini, Sulley Muntari, Didac Vila and Rodney Strasser, though Riccardo Montolivo returned from a thigh strain. Both sides had new attacks, Mathias Ranegie partnering Di Natale and Kevin-Prince Boateng rested.
Allan lost the ball to spark several shots charged down in the box, eventually Giampaolo Pazzini’s scuffed finish palmed round the post. Zeljko Brkic held a Philippe Mexes overhead kick from the resulting corner.
Udinese slowly moved into the game and Roberto Pereyra dribbled down the right to pull back for Di Natale, but the veteran striker got the ball caught between his feet and couldn’t release the shot from close range.
Montolivo drilled wide from distance and an acrobatic Mehdi Benatia half-volley from Di Natale’s assist was plucked out from under the bar.
The Friulani increasingly took control as the first half wore on, but Stephan El Shaarawy’s curler was deflected inches wide from the edge of the box by Benatia.
The pressure had been building and Udinese took the lead moments later with Ranegie’s first Serie A goal. The 28-year-old Swede made quite an impact, pouncing on a Christian Abbiati error to tap in. The goalkeeper completely mistimed his run to intercept a nodded-on free kick, allowing Ranegie to nod in from six yards.
After the restart Abbiati smothered a weak Allan attempt and Boateng replaced Massimo Ambrosini, but went for a deeper midfield role than he is accustomed to.
Milan equalised with an absolute blockbuster of a right-foot strike from El Shaarawy, who smashed it across Brkic into the far top corner from outside the box. The ‘Little Pharaoh’ has a remarkable affinity with Udinese, scoring three Serie A goals past them.
Di Natale was allowed a totally free header from six yards that Abbiati did brilliantly to palm out from under the bar.
From the resulting corner, Cristian Zapata clipped Ranegie’s heel for a penalty from six yards and second yellow card. In a way, both teams were irritated at the referee’s decision, as play had continued after that foul for Di Natale to tap in. Nonetheless, Di Natale stepped up and coolly converted by sending Abbiati the wrong way.
Brkic parried a spectacular Pazzini acrobatic attempt, but Milan went down to nine men for the final eight minutes as Boateng received a second yellow card. It seemed like frankly a harsh decision for his tussle with Pereyra.
Udinese: Brkic; Benatia, Danilo, Coda; Faraoni (Badu 62), Allan, Pinzi, Pereyra, Pasquale; Ranegie; Di Natale (Fabbrini 88)
AC Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Zapata, Mexes, Mesbah; Montolivo, Ambrosini (Boateng 53), Nocerino (Bojan 80); Emanuelson (Acerbi 69), Pazzini, El Shaarawy
Ref: Celi
Sent off: Zapata 67 (M), Boateng 82 (M)
Zac: 'AC Milan, don't axe Allegri'
23.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alberto Zaccheroni knows what it’s like to be fired by Milan and gives his support to Massimiliano Allegri ahead of today’s crunch match with Udinese.
There are reports Allegri could be axed if he loses this match at the Stadio Friuli, especially after an alleged row with youth team manager Pippo Inzaghi.
“A Coach has to learn to live with certain situations and not get affected by what happens outside the field of play,” Zaccheroni told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It isn’t easy to keep your balance, but at a certain level you simply have to.
“This is a difficult moment because it’s not normal for Milan to lose at home to Atalanta and Sampdoria while unable to beat Anderlecht.
“It is clear there are some problems and Allegri has to relax, but he needs to be helped by the media, fans, players and directors. The storms do pass.”
Like Allegri, Zac won the Scudetto in his first Milan campaign, but finished third the next season and was sacked in 2001 by President Silvio Berlusconi.
“It would not be the right move for Milan to change Coach now,” said the Japan manager.
“It all depends on results, though, as if they don’t arrive then it’s difficult to survive in this work. In football, we all depend on victories.”
Allegri: 'I did not resign'
22.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimiliano Allegri hit back at the media for stories on a row with Pippo Inzaghi or resigning from Milan. “None of it is true. We’re focused on Udinese.”
The Coach is thought to be hanging by a thread after starting the campaign with one win, a draw and two defeats in all competition. Tomorrow evening they visit fellow strugglers Udinese. Click here for a match preview.
“Before moving on to your questions, I want to clarify some things,” Allegri said to open the Press conference.
“I read in some newspapers that I tended my resignation. I have not given up, this is a total lack of respect towards the club and fans during a difficult time. This really annoyed me.
“When I started this season after the summer sales I accepted this challenge with great enthusiasm and determination. What we’ve done so far is not a total disaster, but certain results help you to grow.”
Allegri also allegedly exchanged insults with youth team boss Inzaghi during a training session at Vismara this week, prompting them to shake hands and reassure everyone live on Milan Channel.
“On Wednesday I went to Vismara, as the club invited me to watch the youth team in action. I often do this and exchange ideas with the Coaches, as I want to see what I can learn from them.
“There was an exchange of opinions with Inzaghi. I cannot put him on the bench anymore because he is no longer a player, so he couldn’t get angry and there was no lack of respect.”
The fact remains tomorrow afternoon’s trip to the Stadio Friuli looks increasingly like a crunch match for under-fire Allegri.
“This is different to last season, but I do not see it as the turning point for our season. Udinese have quality players like Paulo Barreto, Antonio Di Natale and Dusan Basta. It’s natural they’ll struggle when selling so many important players each summer, but still get good results.
“We must improve in terms of turning chances into goals, as we’ve been struggling with that lately. We must be more daring, because focusing on defence is not in my DNA.”
There are reports Bojan Krkic will be given his first Milan start, moving Kevin-Prince Boateng to the bench.
“The fracture in Boateng’s hand makes it difficult for him to perform certain movements. He did well on Tuesday against Anderlecht.
“Riccardo Montolivo returns and will be a wing-back, then Massimo Ambrosini or Nigel De Jong in front of the defence with Antonio Nocerino.
“Stephan Al Shaarawy did well in the Champions League and was dangerous, but we’ve got so many alternatives in attack and could only change with regards to our shape.”
Mario Yepes is on compassionate leave after his son was born this week, so Allegri confirmed Cristian Zapata will start in defence.
AC Milan squad for Udinese: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel, Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mesbah, Mexes, Zapata, Ambrosini, Boateng, De Jong, Constant, Emanuelson, Montolivo, Nocerino, Traorè, Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini.
Guidolin: 'Udinese - AC Milan in same boat'
22.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Francesco Guidolin urges Udinese to “not feel the pressure of the result” – advice he would extend to Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan tomorrow.
These two sides have started the season very badly, as the Rossoneri have one point from three home games in all competition, while the Friulani have failed to win any of their five official outings. Click here for a match preview.
“The head is very important in these situations. At times the tension can be good for you and fire you up, so it will be necessary for us to be ready in terms of concentration and determination,” warned Guidolin.
“Milan are a side who have performed much better than their results would suggest.
“We are all in the same boat. We’ve got to have great determination and approach the game in the right way. We have to be ready and do not have time to feel fatigue. It’d be better if we do not feel the pressure of the result.”
This week the Udinese boss said it was unfair that Allegri is considered to be on the verge of dismissal.
“I don’t know what precisely Allegri is going through. I expressed my solidarity and respect for him, but I am worried only about Udinese’s problems.
“Last season we were a different side. The squad has changed and naturally it takes time to make it work, but we do not have time because we face a tough fixture list and the Europa League.
“Our objective must be to pick up points that can help us achieve safety.”
Maurizio Domizzi misses out on Sunday’s match with Milan due to a muscular strain, but goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic returns.
Udinese squad for AC Milan: Brkic, Padelli, Pawlowski; Angella, Armero, Basta, Benatia, Coda, Danilo, Gabriel Silva, Heurtaux, Pasquale; Allan, Badu, Faraoni, Pereyra, Pinzi, Willians; Barreto, Di Natale, Fabbrini, Maicosuel, Ranegie.
Guardiola: 'AC Milan? Not this year'
22.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Barcelona hero Pep Guardiola admits he could consider taking the Milan job, “but I won’t coach this year.”
The Spanish tactician is the first choice for Rossoneri President Silvio Berlusconi, especially now that Massimiliano Allegri is hanging by a thread.
“Would I manage the Spanish national team? You never know. It’s just that New York is so nice,” he said at a Mexico City charity event.
When asked if his next destination would be Milan or Manchester United, the response was equally cryptic.
“I don’t know… I said I wouldn’t coach this year. I am learning English and getting to know the city.”
Guardiola resigned from Barcelona over the summer after claiming he was “too stressed” to continue, so the 41-year-old handed the reins to assistant manager Tito Vilanova.
He has strong ties to Italy, having played in Serie A for Roma and Brescia.
“I don’t know when I will return to football. I said I would come back when I felt like it and right now I don’t feel like it.”
Guidolin: Allegri pressure? Only in Italy
21.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has expressed his dismay at the pressure being exerted on Milan counterpart Massimiliano Allegri.
Guidolin's Bianconeri host Allegri's Rossoneri this Sunday afternoon at the Stadio Friuli, in what is a big game for both sides as they strive to recover from poor starts to the season.
Allegri is in particularly desperate need of a result having presided over two defeats in three Serie A games this season, with reports emerging earlier this week suggesting he would be sacked if his team failed to win in Udine.
The former Cagliari Coach also had to appear on Milan Channel today to deny reports of an argument with youth team boss Pippo Inzaghi.
“Allegri is at risk? Even I am at risk,” Guidolin stated in an interview with Udinese's official website. “We are at the bottom of the League, so I feel at risk.”
“Unfortunately this only happens in Italy. Allegri, a Coach who won the League title then finished second the following year, is under discussion after only three games...only in Italy.”
One Serie A Coach has already been fired this term, Giuseppe Sannino removed by Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini. Guidolin himself was fired by Zamparini three times during his various spells in charge of the Sicilians.
Peace between Inzaghi and Allegri
21.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimiliano Allegri and Pippo Inzaghi have appeared on Milan Channel to deny stories of a bust up earlier this week.
Reports this morning suggested that the two men had a row and exchanged insults while the tactician visited the club’s youth sector.
“Nothing happened, absolutely nothing,” Allegri noted. “There is no problem with Pippo. In fact, there is great collaboration between the first team and the youth sectors. There was an exchange of opinions without any offence or heavy words.”
The 2006 World Cup winner, new boss of the club’s Allievi side, backed up the claims of the former Cagliari Coach.
“Allegri is right, it lasted for one minute,” he stated. “The youth team players didn’t notice anything because nothing happened.
“We are Milan and we all love Milan, so nothing like that would have occurred. Rather than writing about things that didn’t happen, Milan need a helping hand.”
Allegri is under pressure after a poor start to the season and whispers are suggesting that Inzaghi could be his mid-season replacement.
“I hope to remain at Milan for some time to come,” Allegri added. “But I won’t be here forever and I think that Filippo has all the characteristics needed to have an excellent career as a Coach. He’s started from an excellent base and he can do a good job.
“It’s true that we have only collected three points in the League and we didn’t win in the Champions League, but the team is new and I think we’ve shown some good things in the game. I don’t think the situation is as dark as people are making out.”
Milan are next in action at Udinese this weekend.
“It will be hard on Sunday because they did well in the Europa League, but all games are difficult. We can’t underestimate them,” Allegri concluded.
The televised conference ended with the two men shaking hands.
AC Milan still tough, says Domizzi
21.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Udinese captain Maurizio Domizzi insists the time has arrived for their first win of the season – but he still expects struggling Milan to cause them problems.
The Rossoneri are in crisis after winning one and losing two of their first three League games, yet things are not much better in Udine.
Francesco Guidolin’s side have collected just one point from a possible nine and will entertain the Diavolo on Sunday, in a tough tie to call when it comes to formulating football betting odds.
“We are required to do well and collect points now,” the centre-back noted. “However, Milan are not the best opposition to try to do that against…”
The Zebrette were in action last night when they salvaged a late draw in the 1-1 Europa League tie with Anzhi.
“We are healing,” stated the former Napoli man. “Now we can look to the future with a bit more optimism.”
Inzaghi - Allegri in AC Milan bust-up
21.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan are in disarray on and off the pitch after a bizarre training ground row between boss Massimiliano Allegri and former striker Pippo Inzaghi.
Reports suggest that Allegri turned up at the Vismara centre this week, which houses the club’s youth sides, to watch training.
While there he came across Inzaghi who is now the Coach of the Allievi team and one of the candidates to replace him should Allegri be shown the door this season.
The two men initially shook hands before a row developed, with the two men swapping insults.
Inzaghi apparently told Allegri that he was not taking his job seriously enough, while Allegri accused Super Pippo of trying to replace him on the San Siro bench.
Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has, however, cooled some of the reports that the two men even came close to blows.
“I have spoken to both Allegri and Inzaghi,” Galliani told the Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday. “They have both played down the incident.
“As far as I am concerned, the incident never took place.”
Reports suggest that Allegri, with just one win in four games this term, will be playing for his job in Sunday’s trip to Udinese.
Oddo expected AC Milan struggles
21.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan full-back Massimo Oddo is not surprised by his former club’s disastrous start to the season.
The Rossoneri have won just one game this term, 3-1 at Bologna, but have failed to score at home in losses to Sampdoria and Atalanta, while they drew with Anderlecht.
“With so many players sold and the others who left at the end of their contracts, we couldn’t have expected Milan to win immediately,” the 2006 World Cup winner, who spent last season on loan at Lecce from Milan, stated.
“However, the defeat to Sampdoria at home on the opening day of the season was a decisive factor. Since then the players have not been able to show what they are truly worth.
“Milan’s struggles this term are not just down to the tactics of the Coach, it also has to do with the nervousness of the players.
“When you undergo a revolution like they have, by focusing on youth, it is not always easy to get on the bandwagon straight away.
“What Allegri needs to do now is to find some new ideas. An entertaining victory is needed to lift morale.”
The tactician has used a variety of systems this season – 4-3-3, 4-3-1-2, 4-3-2-1 – and there are reports today that Allegri could now try a 4-2-3-1.
Montolivo believes in Allegri
21.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Riccardo Montolivo has backed Coach Massimiliano Allegri to revive Milan following their faltering start to 2012-13.
Some reports suggest that Allegri’s future could be decided on Sunday in the game against Udinese, but the midfielder is confident that his tactician will remain.
“We’re with Allegri and he’ll be the one to lead us out of this crisis,” the Italian international told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ve certainly changed a lot, many players have left, and this is a difficult moment for us but it can pass in an instant.”
Montolivo joined the San Siro outfit on a free transfer in the summer after his contract at Fiorentina expired. His new club have won just once in four games this term.
“I’ve had no second thoughts,” he insisted. “I’m happy to be here. We now have to find some balance and I’m certain that will happen.”
The former Atalanta player is set to return to action in Udine after recovering from a thigh problem picked up in the 3-1 win at Bologna.
“I certainly don’t have a magic wand,” he said. “I’ll just give my contribution, but all of the squad have to improve.
“I’m at the Coach’s disposal and am willing to play anywhere, although I think I’m best suited to an outside central midfield role thanks to my characteristics.”
Cossu to miss Roma and AC Milan
21.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Struggling Cagliari are set to be without star man Andrea Cossu for their testing next two Serie A games.
The attacking midfielder, who has won international honours while with the Rossoblu, picked up a thigh problem in the game against Palermo at the weekend.
Although he’s started undergoing treatment on the issue, he’s unlikely to feature against Roma this weekend.
The 32-year-old is also set to be absent from the Sardinian outfit’s trip to Milan next Wednesday.
Cagliari are 16th in the table after two draws and a loss from their first three League ties of the campaign.
Allegri wins AC Milan backing
20.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has not been given one game to save his job, the Rossoneri have insisted.
Reports this week have suggested that President Silvio Berlusconi wanted to axe the Coach after the 0-0 draw with Anderlecht.
But Vice-President Adriano Galliani is understood to have convinced him to give Allegri more time, starting with this weekend’s game against Udinese.
“Any Coach in the world would be at risk if he lost 10 games in a row, but that’s not the case here and we don’t want it to happen to us,” Galliani noted.
“The faith that we have in Allegri won’t expire on Sunday in Udine.
“As for Berlusconi, I have known each other for 33 years so there is no possibility of any misunderstanding between us.”
Milan have won one, drawn one and lost two of their first four games of the season.
Santos confirm Robinho desire
20.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Brazilian outfit Santos have confirmed that they plan to make a swoop for Milan forward Robinho.
“It’s true, we are interested in Robinho,” Vice-President Odilio Santo Rodrigues stated. “We have already spoken with the player.
“There is a wish to do something during the transfer window at the end of the year, but nobody knows how much Milan will ask for him.
“Robinho called us a few days ago and we are often in contact, but he is a professional and has a contract in Italy.
“Let us see what happens at the end of the year.”
The 28-year-old started his career with Santos and they later netted him on loan during 2010 while he was at Manchester City.
The forward moved to the Diavolo in August 2010 for around €18m. He signed a four-year deal with the Rossoneri.
'AC Milan players must give more'
20.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Luca Marchegiani has insisted that Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is not the only one to blame for their poor start to the season.
“Their players can and must do more than they have so far,” the former Italian international goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.
“The team needs to be rebuilt in terms of its mentality and also in the way that it plays football,” he continued.
“It is far too easy to talk about all of the players who have left the club over the summer. Who has remained must now offer something extra.”
Milan have beaten Bologna, lost to Sampdoria and Atalanta, while they drew 0-0 with Anderlecht on Tuesday in the Champions League.
AC Milan must keep Allegri, says Sacchi
20.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi is adamant that the Diavolo would be wrong to even consider sacking Massimiliano Allegri.
The tactician’s job is in jeopardy after a disastrous start to the season which has included two home defeats to Sampdoria and Atalanta.
“Milan were evidently satisfied with Allegri given that they decided to keep him in the summer,” Sacchi noted. “As a result, they must now go forward with their Coach.
“A Coach is not a magician or a wizard. He firstly must have players who are functional to his project.
“But, these days, Coaches arrive at clubs and they are given new signings who don’t fit in with their needs.”
Having lost a host of veteran players in the summer, as well as deciding to sell their two best players, Sacchi believes that Allegri now needs to change the way they play.
“Milan are struggling, but over the years the club has looked to individual brilliance rather than a style of play and they are therefore struggling to offset those losses,” he added.
“It’s evident that letting go of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Alessandro Nesta and the rest has lowered the level of the squad.
“You can only compensate for that by working on a new game plan developed for players of less quality.
“Look at Pescara last season, they were the best team to watch in Italy and it wasn’t as if they had world champions in their squad.”
Benitez for AC Milan job?
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
There are surprise reports that ex-Inter Coach Rafa Benitez is among the candidates to replace Massimiliano Allegri at Milan.
The Coach is under fire after picking up one point from three home games between Serie A and the Champions League.
It is rumoured failure to get a result against struggling Udinese at the weekend could see Allegri sacked.
A surprise name has been thrown into the hat by newspaper Secolo XIX, who claim Benitez is in the running for the job.
It would be a return to San Siro for Benitez, who spent six months at Inter in 2010 before terminating his contract by mutual consent.
The more likely candidate would be an internal one, promoting Mauro Tassotti from the assistant manager role to that of Coach.
Montolivo set for AC Milan return
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Riccardo Montolivo looks likely to return to the Milan side for the Udinese trip after taking part in full training on Wednesday.
The summer signing from Fiorentina has been sidelined since the 3-1 win at Bologna with a right thigh strain. He thus missed the defeat to Atalanta and the draw with Anderlecht.
The Italian international completed today’s session at Milanello without any problems and should be available for Week 4.
Meanwhile, Robinho and Alexandre Pato continued with their personalised training regimes given their fitness issues.
Udinese tie to decide Allegri fate
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan’s game at Udinese on Sunday could decide the future of under-pressure tactician Massimiliano Allegri, reports insist.
The former Cagliari Coach, who won the Scudetto at his first attempt with the Diavolo in 2010-11, has overseen a poor start to the season.
Milan have played four games so far this term, but their only win has come at Bologna in Week 2.
Their games at San Siro have ended in two defeats against Sampdoria and Atalanta, as well as a 0-0 draw with Anderlecht in the Champions League.
Stories on Wednesday are claiming that Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has already thought about dismissing the tactician.
However, Vice-President Adriano Galliani is eager to give Allegri another opportunity and possibly his last in this weekend’s League game at Udine.
Should a change take place, then assistant boss Mauro Tassotti could be handed an opportunity until the end of the season.
AC Milan miss Cassano, says Rossi
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Italy 1982 World Cup hero Paolo Rossi believes that Milan are missing the ability of Antonio Cassano.
The latter opted to leave the Rossoneri this summer when he joined Inter in a swap deal which saw Giampaolo Pazzini go in the other direction.
“Cassano is an inventor,” the former Juventus legend told Sky Sport Italia. “He had the inspiration to make the final pass.
“This is missing from Milan this season because Urby Emanuelson doesn’t have these characteristics.”
Rossi was speaking after he witnessed the club’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Anderlecht as they got their Champions League campaign off to a poor start.
“To see a different kind of Milan they will need Robinho, Alexandre Pato and Riccardo Montolivo,” he added.
“This team has no identity, they only created chances thanks to their desire rather than with footballing ideas…”
AC Milan form worries Thiago Silva
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Paris Saint-Germain ace Thiago Silva is keeping his fingers crossed that former club Milan will find a way out of their current slump.
“It’s disappointing to see Milan going through these difficult times, but I’m supporting them because I’ve left many friends behind there,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
The Brazilian and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were sold by the Diavolo in the summer and marked their PSG Champions League debuts with goals in the 4-1 win over Dynamo Kiev.
“I’m happy to be in a great team like PSG and I hope to do as well here as I did for Milan,” the centre-back continued. “I want to be as successful as I was in Rosanero.
“We had a mediocre start to the season because we have changed a host of players and it is only normal that we wouldn’t be ready straight away.”
Tassotti rues AC Milan injuries
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan assistant boss Mauro Tassotti has underlined that his side are missing the quality of their most creative players.
The Rossoneri have won just one game this season and their bleak streak at San Siro continued with a 0-0 draw against Anderlecht on Tuesday.
“It’s a difficult moment,” the former right-back told Milan Channel. “We tried to compact the midfield to improve our defensive phase, which could then improve the attacking one.
“Our most technical players like Robinho, Alexandre Pato and Riccardo Montolivo, as well as Sulley Muntari, are out and these absences make it more difficult for us.”
Boss Massimiliano Allegri fielded a 4-3-2-1 system last night and Tassotti admitted that there could be further changes after using a 4-3-1-2 and a 4-3-3 this term.
“We could alter the formation as we have a few ideas, we’ll try something with wide attackers,” he continued.
Milan are next in action at the weekend when they will take on Udinese at the Stadio Friuli.
AC Milan's San Siro goal drought
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have now not scored a goal at San Siro in official competition for 278 minutes after last night’s 0-0 draw with Anderlecht.
The Rossoneri have had a desperately poor start to the season, having lost two and drawn one of their matches at the Meazza.
The Diavolo lost 1-0 to Sampdoria and Atalanta in Serie A, while their opening Champions League tie on Tuesday ended as it started.
The club’s last home goal was scored by Pippo Inzaghi on the final day of the 2011-12 season, in the 2-1 win over Novara on May 13.
Milan had not been so goal-shy at home since 2007, between October and December, where they failed to ripple the net in games against Roma (0-1), Torino (0-0) and Juventus (0-0).
Flamini: 'It hurts to be jeered'
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Mathieu Flamini noted “it hurts to be jeered” after Milan were booed off the field in their 0-0 Champions League draw with Anderlecht.
“It hurts to be jeered, of course. Today the team wanted to win the game and had three great chances,” said the Frenchman.
The Rossoneri have now played three official games at San Siro this season, failing to score a single goal after 1-0 defeats to Sampdoria and Atalanta.
“It’s positive that we were solid defensively and did not concede. Now we are looking for a goal and we don’t know why it hasn’t come, because this side has quality and created opportunities.
“It is to be considered a positive point and I am sure the goal will arrive in the next game. We must forget this night, work hard and I’m confident things will go well.”
El Shaarawy: 'AC Milan regrets'
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Stephan El Shaarawy had “many regrets” after tonight’s 0-0 draw with Anderlecht and backed Coach Massimiliano Allegri “for now.”
The Rossoneri have failed to score in all three of their San Siro outings this season, losing 1-0 to Sampdoria and Atalanta with tonight’s 0-0 Champions League draw.
“There are many regrets, as it was a tough game where we needed the three points. We gave it our all, but now must focus on the next Serie A game,” said the Italian international.
“We needed a victory to raise morale, as we haven’t won or scored in three home matches, but I and the whole team put in the effort. We can only hope things improve.”
El Shaarawy also gave his support to Allegri, albeit with less than reassuring phrasing.
“We have an excellent rapport with the Coach and for now Adriano Galliani has said he’ll remain with us, so all we can do is try to help each other and continue working.”
Allegri: 'A small step forward'
19.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimiliano Allegri insisted the 0-0 with Anderlecht was “a small step forward” for Milan and explained his choice of starting XI.
“I’d say we made a lot of technical mistakes in the first half. It’s not an easy moment and of course the pressure is on to win every game,” said the Coach.
“After the break the team found more courage and created some important scoring opportunities. We are using up some mental energy that with a victory would make things easier.
“We must continue working and improve on those aspects that need improving. I think getting tense and talking too much would not be helpful.
“My lads played with effort, courage and intensity, while Anderlecht never had a shot on target. It is a small step forward, as we kept a clean sheet, so now we’ve got to score against Udinese.”
Milan started with Kevin-Prince Boateng and Urby Emanuelson behind Giampaolo Pazzini, but it was when Stephan El Shaarawy replaced the Ghanaian that things improved.
“The first tactical system was not shelved. In an important game at a moment like this we needed a denser midfield with players who run into space, but we didn’t manage that.
“It went better after the break, but that was not to do with the tactics. We need to have a little more courage. We weren’t phenomenons who could win every match before, but we’re not disaster areas now.
“The positives are that we did not allow any clear scoring opportunities, but the negative is that we wasted some good chances and at the moment that’s just the way things are going. My lads did the most they could in a moment that is not easy.
“Our opponents seem to score with their only chance, so we were worried towards the end that Anderlecht would get a lucky winner.”
Allegri looked to the injuries for Alexandre Pato, Robinho and Riccardo Montolivo.
“It’s only normal that Montolivo is the player who can give us more quality in midfield, while Robinho can get past his man. We are missing the three most quality-led players in the squad, so of course that’s going to change the way we approach the game.
“It’s a shame, as a victory would’ve been important for the lads tonight, as it’s certainly not a positive moment psychologically. I still think we’re on the right path and am relaxed, just as I was before the game.
“Montolivo will return on Saturday and everything does not have to be thrown in the bin. It is a growth process and we’ve got to speed it up.”
Champions League: AC Milan 0:0 Anderlecht - march report
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan recovered from a disastrous first half performance, but could only manage a 0-0 Champions League draw with Anderlecht amid jeers from the fans.
The Rossoneri began their European campaign with tension sky high after losing both their Serie A home games against Sampdoria and Atalanta. With Alexandre Pato and Robinho injured, Coach Max Allegri opted for a trident with Kevin-Prince Boateng and Urby Emanuelson supporting Giampaolo Pazzini. The Belgians were back in the group phase of the Champions League after a six-year absence, but missed full-back Denis Odoi.
It was a nervy start, as Nigel De Jong gave the ball away cheaply, then Marcin Wasilewski had his shot blocked by a crowd of bodies from a corner.
Anderlecht started to take control and on 12 minutes Christian Abbiati got down to palm a long-range Sacha Kljestan shot round the near post.
Luca Antonini’s glancing header from a corner was well wide and Milan created a great chance when Mattia De Sciglio’s effort was deflected into the path of Mathieu Flamini, hist finish charged down from six yards.
Anderlecht continued to swarm around the Rossoneri’s final third, though, and Guillame Gillet skipped past his marker at the by-line to test Abbiati at the base of the near stick.
Boateng chested down an Emanuelson cross and his half-volley whistled inches wide of the upright. A long ball found Emanuelson and it dropped over his shoulder for a volley that was well held by goalkeeper Silvio Proto.
Dieudonne Mbokani’s overhead kick was off target, prompting some jeers from the increasingly frustrated San Siro crowd. A promising counter-attack came to nothing when Emanuelson’s pass was well behind both Pazzini and Boateng.
Milan were playing with a tangible sense of panic and in the first half Anderlecht had 53 per cent of the possession.
After the restart Antonio Nocerino was incorrectly flagged offside, but had nodded off target anyway. Lucas Biglia burst down the right past Luca Antonini and Daniele Bonera, firing over the bar from a dangerous position.
Pazzini did well to hold off defenders and set up Emanuelson, but the angled drive was scuffed. Stephan El Shaarawy replaced Boateng, who was jeered and took out his frustration on the bench, left almost in tears.
The ‘Little Pharaoh’ made an immediate impact, as he got between defenders for a header into the ground on Emanuelson’s cross, forcing Proto into a parry from point-blank range.
Pazzini just failed to get on the end of De Sciglio’s low cross moments later as he came sliding in from six yards.
Milan seemed to find an extra gear and considerably more confidence, but Emanuelson blasted over when he perhaps should’ve left the through ball for Nocerino. El Shaarawy turned an audacious volley well over.
The second substitution was forced, as Mario Yepes replaced the injured Bonera after a knock to the foot, while Kevin Constant came on for the exhausted Emanuelson. Kljestan was then booked for a very high tackle on Flamini and the Frenchman followed him into the list of yellows.
It’s a disappointing start for the Rossoneri, so Malaga now lead Group C after their 3-0 victory over Zenit.
Milan 0-0 Anderlecht
Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Bonera (Yepes 74), Mexes, Antonini; Flamini, De Jong, Nocerino; Boateng (El Shaarawy 60), Emanuelson (Constant 78); Pazzini
Anderlecht: Proto; Gillet (Juhasz 78), Wasilewski, Nuytinck, Deschacht; Bruno, Biglia, Kouyate (Praet 78), Kljestan; Kanu (Yakovenko 89); Mbokani
Ref: Collum (SCO)
Galliani: 'We had to sell Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva'
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani maintains Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were sold for their wages. “It would’ve been impossible to sustain the costs.”
The Milan Vice-President had revealed on Monday that Ibra was no longer speaking to him, as the Swede had wanted to remain at San Siro rather than join PSG.
“We must explain why we sold Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva,” Galliani told French newspaper L’Equipe.
“Milan took the decision, amid total agreement between the club and management staff, to balance the books.
“This saw us forced to give up on some very big salaries. It would’ve been impossible to sustain the costs of the wage bill without cutting those contracts that had become too damaging for us.
“From then on, we made the painful decision to sell the two or three players with the highest wages. It was a decision by the club that I shared.
“We reduced losses significantly, going from €80m last season to a maximum of €5m for this financial year.
“Last year our wage bill was €150m, this year it is around €100m. These are figures I am revealing for the first time.
“Balancing the books means we will not have to make any more sacrifices next summer, where we will not be selling our top players.
“The wage bill has dropped by around 40 per cent, meaning we are now a healthy club. If Milan could’ve continued paying €12m to Ibra and €6m to Thiago Silva, then we wouldn’t have sold them.
“Without these cuts, we would never have fitted within the parameters of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.”
Galliani also mentioned Leonardo, who went from Milan player to talent scout, director and Coach before running PSG.
“I am certainly not Leonardo’s Mum. I care for him like nobody else who has been at Milan. With us he had a unique journey, as nobody has followed his path of being player, director and Coach.”
Champions League: AC Milan vs. Anderlecht - lineups
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
AC Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Bonera, Mexes, Antonini; Flamini, De Jong, Nocerino; Boateng, Emanuelson; Pazzini.
AC Milan bench: Amelia, Abate, Yepes, Constant, Ambrosini, Bojan, El Shaarawy
Anderlecht: Proto; Gillet, Wasilewski, Nuytinck, Deschacht; Bruno, Biglia, Kouyate, Kljestan; Kanu; Mbokani
Anderlecht bench: Kamiski, Safari, Juhasz, Praet, Vargas, Yakovenko, De Sutter
Ancelotti's AC Milan nostalgia
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Paris Saint Germain Coach Carlo Ancelotti finds the disassembly of his Champions League winning Milan side too 'sad' to talk about.
Ancelotti won the competition twice during his eight year stint in charge of the Rossoneri from 2001 to 2009.
Many of the protagonists in those successes – including Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf – left the club this summer and they were followed out the door by Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will line-up for Ancelotti's PSG in their Champions League opener against Dinamo Kiev tonight.
Meanwhile a troubled and diminished in quality Milan side will host Anderlecht at San Siro.
“I do not want talk about Milan, the final scene was sad,” the former Chelsea boss laments in an interview with Il Giornale today.
“Sometimes I put myself in the shoes of the fans, who have lived through other seasons with the Rossoneri and known evenings with players like Nesta, Cafu and Jaap Stam. I imagine their state of mind..”
New AC Milan stripped of Champions League experience
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan’s summer clear-out has seen their squad stripped of significant Champions League experience.
The Diavolo will open their campaign against Anderlecht on Tuesday, but they will be without a host of senators who have marked their past European Cup campaigns.
In one summer, the squad has lost players who have played in 717 Champions League ties and contributed 100 goals.
Player CL appearances and goals: Seedorf 125 (11), Nesta 99 (0), Ibrahimovic 86 (28), Inzaghi 81 (46), Gattuso 79 (1), Van Bommel 76 (6), Zambrotta 71 (0), Cassano 27 (6), Aquilani 28 (0), Taiwo 25 (1), Thiago Silva 20 (1).
Inzaghi rates 'second best' AC Milan
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Pippo Inzaghi insists that Milan are still a side to be respected in Serie A this season. “Only Juventus are better.”
The Rossoneri have had a poor start to the campaign, but the former striker – who quit the club in June to become a youth team boss with the Diavolo – has backed Coach Massimiliano Allegri to turn things around.
“There have been too many changes,” Inzaghi told the Corriere dello Sport. “The old guard has gone, as have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Antonio Cassano.
“But we have to give the Coach some time because the squad is still excellent. Only Juventus have that something extra.”
The Rossoneri have lost both of their home games this term and they’ll be at San Siro this evening when they entertain Anderlecht in the Champions League.
“Milan are favourites to qualify from the group, then I’d put Zenit,” Super Pippo continued. “Saying that, it is a group which should not be underestimated. And I didn’t expect Malaga to be so strong.
“It will be important for us to finish top. Playing the first leg of the last 16 tie away from home is an advantage.”
Inzaghi still rates Barcelona as the best team in Europe, but admits that he has a soft spot for Paris Saint-Germain.
“Barcelona are on another planet and they are the best side to watch. If they play at 100 per cent then nobody can stop them.
“Sure, Real Madrid and Chelsea have, but that happens just once in a lifetime.
“If Milan don’t win the Champions League? I’d like it to go to Paris SG, to boss Carlo Ancelotti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. After Milan, they are the first club who I keep an eye on.”
Spalletti: AC Milan favourites
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Zenit St. Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti expects Milan to top their Champions League group, despite their troubles.
The Diavolo have lost two of their first three Serie A fixtures but former Roma Coach Spalletti still expects them to be the frontrunners in Group C.
“Milan are favourites for the group,” he told a press conference today. “I thought that when I saw the draw.
“It is true that they have lost two very good players in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, but there are other elements that make Milan a great side.”
Zenit are in a much stronger position financially than Milan, as illustrated by the fact that whereas Milan had to sell Ibrahimovic and Silva to Paris Saint-Germain for €62m this summer, they could afford to splash €80m on Hulk and Alex Witsel from Porto and Benfica respectively.
The Russian champions take on Malaga in their opening group stage fixture tomorrow night. They welcome the Rossoneri to the Petrovsky Stadium on October 3.
Galliani: Ibrahimovic right to snub me
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani has revealed that ex-Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn't spoken to him since joining Paris Saint Germain.
And surprisingly the Rossoneri Vice-President believes Ibrahimovic is right to do so, having went back on a promise made to the the player.
“Ibrahimovic wanted to stay at Milan,” Galliani told France Football.
“At the end of last season he came to me with his agent Mino Raiola and I assured him that he would stay. But the board had some discussions and he was sold.
“Since he went to Paris he doesn't speak to me anymore. He is right though as I didn't keep my word.”
Ibra himself has been quoted in another French sports magazine, this time L'Equipe, where he had some backhanded praise for former teammate Filippo Inzaghi.
“Inzaghi is not a real footballer, but he has a huge killer instinct when he's in front of the goal. That is his strength.”
Inzaghi has recently began coaching in Milan's youth ranks, but is already being linked with the top job as the pressure on Massimiliano Allegri mounts.
The Swede also remarked on former bosses Jose Mourinho and Fabio Capello, and their contrasting styles.
“Capello belongs to the old school. He used to say that for him, the only thing I needed to do was score goals.
“Mourinho instead belongs to a new generation, where you have to play well and score goals. That is the only difference between the two.”
Anderlecht rate AC Milan
18.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Anderlecht General Manager Herman Van Holsbeeck remains respectful of Milan ahead of his club's visit to San Siro tomorrow.
“We have to play Milan on Tuesday, and the Rossoneri are a great team” he told reporters at a press conference today. “We just have to try and play a good game.”
“We will go there to try and snatch a point and prove that we are worthy of the Champions League.”
Van Holsbeeck then commented on Milan's summer exodus and poor start to the season.
“In 2013-14, the Financial Fair Play regulations will come into force, and Milan have realised the need to pay attention to that.
“That is why they have sold more than they purchased this summer. But Milan are still a big club.”
Van Holsbeeck is realistic about the Belgian champions chances in Group C.
“We have a role to play and we will try to interpret it in the best way we can. We should be able to do something interesting.
“Our ambition is to finish in third place in the group and earn the Europa League.”
AC Milan boss Allegri remains upbeat
17.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is confident his side can start their Champions League campaign with a win – despite their desperate season so far.
The Diavolo have lost two of their first three Serie A games – both at the Stadio Meazza which will host Tuesday’s European Cup game against Anderlecht.
“I’m hopeful and calm because I am convinced that we can get our first home win of the season, even against a side who we respect,” he stated.
“Anderlecht have a great history, they’ve often been involved in these types of games so we’ll need to play with balance and patience for 95 minutes – without feeling the need to find a goal quickly.
“Anderlecht are a well organised side, physically strong and we must therefore be in the right frame of mind to face them.
“We have an important game tomorrow, one that we must win. There are no easy games anymore and the result is all that counts.”
Milan were much criticised in the summer for their sales policy and their stuttering start to the campaign isn’t helping matters.
“It was obvious that we would have some difficulties, perhaps not as many as we have had,” Allegri added. “We can’t think negatively though. We have to remain focused, not talk and let the results speak.
“To win, as we did in the first year, you have to win the games in which you don’t play well. But we have done some good work here over the last two seasons.
“We are still in a position to fight, but, for now, let us think about the Champions League.”
The lack of results has led to the expectation that Allegri is also playing to save his job, but the tactician has highlighted that 2011-12 also started slowly.
“Despite this period where we haven’t started the season in the best possible way, we have one more point than we had at the same stage last season.
“We have to play with positivity, but we have to improve tactically too. Perhaps we’ll change shape, but for now we will stick to 4-3-1-2.
“We didn’t play in a spectacular fashion against Sampdoria and Atalanta, but we were dangerous and conceded two goals in the few occasions that our opponents attacked.
“President Silvio Berlusconi? There has been a lot of rubbish written about my relationship with Berlusconi. I’m coaching a side that was built in unison with the club. It’s a new team which needs time.”
On the possibility that Tuesday’s match could be his last, Allegri stated: “If you don't get the results then it's normal that the Coach pays for it. But I still think that we’ll grow.”
The former Cagliari boss added that he had yet to pick his starting XI, but did suggest that Riccardo Montolivo would not be risked after injury.
Inzaghi: AC Milan need time
17.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Pippo Inzaghi has distanced himself from rumours that he could soon be handed the Milan job if Massimiliano Allegri is axed.
The tactician’s future is in doubt after they lost 1-0 at home to Atalanta on Saturday. They were also defeated at San Siro in Week 1 when newly promoted Sampdoria collected a 1-0 victory.
Whispers suggest that Inzaghi, in collaboration with Mauro Tassotti, could be turned to if Allegri is shown the door.
“I’m disappointed with the display at the weekend, but you have to remain optimistic,” the former centre-forward noted.
“We have to give the team and the Coach some time so that they can work in peace,” the youth sector Coach continued.
“My future? For now, I’m just concentrating on winning something with my Allievi side, then we’ll see what happens.”
Inzaghi was handed a coaching role at the club this summer after his playing contract came to an end at the Meazza.
Galliani: 'Allegri is safe'
17.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani had lunch with Massimiliano Allegri and insisted the Milan Coach “is absolutely not up for debate.”
There were reports of a potential axe after last night’s 1-0 home defeat to Atalanta, as it’s the first time in 82 years that the Rossoneri have lost their opening two San Siro games.
“Allegri is absolutely not up for debate,” assured the Vice-President following a lunch with his Coach.
“He has to relax. Now we need to focus on winning and getting our injured players back to full fitness.
“President Silvio Berlusconi asked me to stay close to the team and reassure them at this time.”
Milan will welcome Anderlecht in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Scottish referee William Collum has been assigned to this match.
Ambrosini: 'No more AC Milan alibis'
16.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Captain Massimo Ambrosini warns Milan have “no more alibis” after their shock home defeat to Atalanta.
The Rossoneri have lost their opening two games at San Siro, their worst home start in Serie A since 1930.
“We have a psychological block and have to give something more, on a physical and mental level, to emerge from this period,” said Ambrosini.
“We aren’t feeling the enthusiasm and are a little more worried than usual at the moment.”
The lack of enthusiasm is tangible, as Milan have sold only 23,618 season tickets – the lowest ever sum under President Silvio Berlusconi’s reign.
“It’s not a justification, but we do have to change quickly and try to call on those characteristics in past years we didn’t need because we had champions who would resolve games by themselves.
“This team can do well and the departure of so many players this summer must no longer be an alibi.”
There are already reports that Coach Massimiliano Allegri is on the brink after weeks of tension with Vice-President Adriano Galliani over transfer strategy.
Mauro Tassotti could be promoted from assistant manager, perhaps with Pippo Inzaghi joining just weeks into his new career as the Allievi Nazionali youth academy Coach.
“On Tuesday we have another game and must face it with a different attitude. The fans were close to us and we can only thank them.”
Milan’s Champions League campaign begins against Anderlecht. Ambrosini and Kevin-Prince Boateng went off due to knocks last night, but are expected to be fit for Tuesday.
Allegri: 'It's not so bad'
16.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimiliano Allegri isn’t panicking despite their worst home start in 82 years. “We’ve got one more point than at this stage last season.”
The Rossoneri have lost both their opening San Siro games by 1-0 results, failing to get a single goal against relegation candidates Sampdoria and Atalanta. The only other time this has happened was 1930-31.
“How bad is the situation for Milan? We’ll, we’ve got one more point than at this stage last season,” shrugged the Coach.
Their 3-1 victory at Bologna is starting to resemble a freak occurrence after another uninspired performance in front of frustrated fans.
“Obviously it’s not positive to lose this way, but now we have to look ahead to the Champions League so we can take this weight off our shoulders.
“We need more belief when going forward and finding the goal, as we’re pushing in fits and starts. Above all we require more determination and conviction.
“It went well at Bologna and we were able to win, while today it went less well. After Atalanta scored, it all became much more difficult.”
Allegri was asked whether fans had to get used to the lack of ambition after selling so many top stars.
“The team has certainly changed a great deal, as there are some young lads here and they need to grow up quickly. At the moment we’ve got to shake this weight off our shoulders, as we have talents and can fight it out with everyone.
“We do have to get back on track, but more on a psychological level than a technical one. The lads have to grow up and realise playing with this nervousness and timidity will not allow us to move forward.
“Last season we won very few head-to-heads with the other big clubs and did well against the smaller sides. Maybe this year it’ll be the other way round...”
Allegri insisted his job was safe this week, but confessed after tonight’s defeat to Atalanta that he is “a little bit worried, because it’s not good enough to be playing like this. We need to be more carefree and positive. We are Milan.”
They take on Anderlecht in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Galliani: 'It's a modern AC Milan'
15.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani insists this is “a modern Milan” that can win while balancing the budget, getting ahead of the game.
There have been fewer season tickets sold than in any other year since President Silvio Berlusconi took over the club in 1986, as fans are disappointed with the departure of players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Antonio Cassano.
“Milan are competitive and it’s not true that we are no longer ambitious,” insisted Galliani ahead of tonight’s game with Atalanta.
“We have invested a great deal of money in this squad and must try to do well while balancing the books.
“After all, this is what UEFA invoke too. Sooner or later all the clubs will have to adapt to this style of business. It’s a modern Milan.”
Serie A: AC Milan 0:1 Atalanta - match report
15.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorer: Cigarini 64 (A)
It was Sampdoria all over again, as Milan dominated possession only to waste chances and fall to a shock home defeat against Atalanta!
With two consecutive losses at San Siro without scoring a goal and the fans jeering at the final whistle, the pressure is piling up on Massimiliano Allegri.
The Rossoneri were looking for their first home win of the season as Giampaolo Pazzini shook off an injury to face his former club, joined by Stephan El Shaarawy and Kevin-Prince Boateng after surgery on a fractured bone in his hand. Ignazio Abate also returned, but Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Riccardo Montolivo and Sulley Muntari were still sidelined.
Atalanta had one point from two games, but Ezequiel Schelotto, Guido Marilungo, Ivan Radovanovic, Ferreira Pinto, Carlos Carmona, Daniele Capelli and the suspended Federico Peluso missed out. Davide Brivio and Cristian Raimondi stepped in for Peluso and Schelotto.
Milan dominated possession in the opening stages, but it was Atalanta who rattled the woodwork on 20 minutes when German Denis made the most of a Francesco Acerbi error and saw his finish deflected on to the base of the far post!
The Rossoneri started giving the ball away repeatedly in midfield, earning jeers and groans from the San Siro crowd as Denis hit the side-netting.
Milan finally had a shot on target just before the half-hour mark as El Shaarawy’s rocket was beaten away by Andrea Consigli, who then had to parry what would’ve been an own goal follow-up from Gianpaolo Bellini.
A Massimo Ambrosini strike bounced off Consigli’s chest, but the loose ball was desperately cleared by Thomas Manfredini before Pazzini could pounce.
Christian Abbiati palmed away a swerving Maxi Moralez curler, while El Shaarawy had another attempt charged down and forced Consigli to capture his half-volley. Boateng spun round for a cross-shot that flashed across the six-yard box.
Boateng couldn’t get on the end of a Luca Antonini cross after the break and Abbiati punched a swerving Brivio snapshot. El Shaarawy cut in from the left to again test Consigli with a powerful strike from outside the area.
Maxi Moralez sparked a counter that saw Brivio’s attempt from a tight angle beaten away at the near post for a corner.
Much like the home defeat to Sampdoria in Week 1, Milan saw all their possession come to nothing and went a goal down. Denis rolled back to outside the box where Luca Cigarini picked the right angle with a precise daisy-cutter that rolled past Abbiati’s hand into the far bottom corner. Cigarini was left unmarked, as Nigel De Jong did not track back.
Milan went so close to an equaliser as Urby Emanuelson’s cross got a touch from Boateng, but flew inches away from both the back post and the outstretched foot of De Jong.
Bojan Krkic replaced El Shaarawy and another very dangerous Abate cross whipped along the six-yard box with Rossoneri bodies flinging themselves at it. Emanuelson’s cross-shot was deflected just past Pazzini’s toe, while another Antonini assist wouldn’t sit right for Antonio Nocerino to tap in.
Atalanta were now focused on the counter-attack and nearly doubled their lead when Moralez exchanged passes with Raimondi to force an Abbiati save under the bar. In stoppages Manfredini was stretchered off after badly spraining his ankle, but as the substitutions had been completed he insisted on playing on.
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Bonera, Acerbi, Antonini; De Jong, Ambrosini (Nocerino 55), Emanuelson (Constant 79); Boateng; Pazzini, El Shaarawy (Bojan 70)
Atalanta: Consigli; Bellini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Brivio (Ferri 72); Raimondi, Cigarini (Cazzola 80), Biondini, Bonaventura (De Luca 77); Moralez; Denis
Ref: Orsato
Mourinho: 'My Inzaghi advice'
15.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Jose Mourinho has given Pippo Inzaghi some precious advice in his new career. “I told him to gain experience as a Coach and start at Milan.”
The former striker hung up his boots this summer and took over as the new Allievi Nazionali youth team boss at San Siro.
“Inzaghi consulted me and I told him to start at Milan,” revealed Real Madrid manager Mourinho.
“If playing at a different level to the ones he was accustomed to would’ve been unpleasant for him, then he did well to become a Coach straight away.
“Nobody is born a Coach, as it’s not something that happens spontaneously. I told him it was better to start in his club so he could then become a tactician at a great level. You become a Coach and to do that you need to gain experience.”
Despite the fact Mourinho and SuperPippo were on opposite sides of the San Siro divide, they struck up a friendship.
“It was a source of great pride for me to have known Inzaghi during my Italian experience.”
The Italian responded to journalists and said: “I am thankful for the kind words the Special One said about me.”
Perin: AC Milan link an honour
15.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
His impressive form has saw him linked with Milan, but goalkeeper Mattia Perin insists he's focused on the task at hand with Pescara.
The 19-year-old’s agent played down the rumours earlier today, and now Perin himself has reiterated that message on ForzaPescara.tv.
“I do not know if the interest is real, but if it is it would give me great pleasure,” said the Italian Under-21 international.
“Last year there were similar voices, but nothing concrete. Right now I am focused on Pescara.”
Rossoneri Coach Massimiliano Allegri is apparently interested in taking Perin in January with a view to having him as his first choice goalkeeper in place of Christian Abbiati next season.
Allegri: I tell it like it is
15.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri has defended his straight talking ways and said he 'expects a lot' of new boy Bojan Krkic.
Several of the 'senators' who left the club this summer have since criticised Allegri for his style of management, Gennaro Gattuso among them.
“People make decisions, and I have been clear with everyone,” the tactician is quoted as saying by MilanNews.it.
“The things that have been said between me and the players that have left are things that only we know about.
“Some probably find me unfriendly because I tell people things directly to their face, and I want others to do the same to me.
“This is the type of relationship I want to have. Anyway these are discussions that belong in the past, and I am only focused on doing well with my current group of players.”
The former Cagliari Boss also expressed his opinion on new signing Bojan, who could make his first Diavolo start against Atalanta.
“I expect a lot from Bojan, it is a very important year for him. He has already played many times for Barcelona, but this season with Milan is fundamental for him.”
The 22-year-old Spaniard is expected to start alongside Stephan El Shaarawy at San Siro on Saturday.
Nene: Leonardo blocked AC Milan move
15.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Paris Saint Germain forward Nene has revealed he was on the verge of joining Milan this summer - before Leonardo intervened.
Leonardo, formerly a player, Coach and board member at Milan, now director of football at PSG, was instrumental in the Ligue 1 club's purchase of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva from the Rossoneri for a combined fee of €64m this summer.
It appears he was unwilling to let Brazilian forward Nene go in the opposite direction however.
“It's a sensitive issue,” the player told L'Equipe in an interview published today. “But I had contact with Milan then spoke with Leonardo.
“He said that the deal could not go through because of the price. Carlo Ancelotti and Leo let me know that they consider me a major player.”
The bid deemed insufficient reportedly amounted to €7m.
Nene was the joint top scorer in France last season, hitting 21 goals, the same amount as new Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud.
So far this season he has been restricted to just two starts, as he struggles to assert himself in amongst PSG's band of multi million signings.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the deal to take him to Milan isn't dead yet, and could be resurrected in January.
The 31-year-old was also linked with city rivals Inter this summer.
My job is safe, says AC Milan's Allegri
14.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri insists that he has no fear about being sacked by the European giants.
The tactician’s future at San Siro has been placed into doubt amid reports that his relationship with Vice-President Adriano Galliani has hit problems.
But speaking ahead of the game against Atalanta, the former Cagliari tactician seemed in a relatively tranquil frame of mind.
“Judgements about myself don’t scare me,” he stated. “When I got here they said I wasn’t ready, but in the last two years we’ve done better than anyone else.
“People lining up to replace me? I‘m calm, it’s normal that a lot of Coaches have the ambition to come and work here.
“I know the squad I have available to me and I know we’ll face problems along the way, but the results will speak for themselves and we’ll have to try and grow.
“Clearing things up with Galliani? To clear things up, there would need to be something to clear up and there isn’t.”
Turning to Saturday night’s encounter against the Nerazzurri, Allegri is confident that Giampaolo Pazzini will start despite a knee issue.
“I took off Pazzini in training yesterday after 20 minutes as he had a problem, but I’m 90 per cent sure he’ll play from the start. He’ll be partnered by either Bojan Krkic or Stephan El Shaarawy.
“Tomorrow will be a tough game against a team that concedes very little space. We’ll need to be patient.
“Atalanta didn’t deserve to lose against Lazio and they did well in Cagliari, they have the quality to do us damage on the counter-attack. We’ll have to play well tactically and be good in defence.”
Milan got off to a poor start to the season, but there was some evidence of a revival in the last round of Serie A.
“Football is beautiful because it’s strange. We could have drawn against both Sampdoria and Bologna, instead we lost and then we won but now we have three points.
“We have to improve, especially in attack we have to be sharper.
“The team needs to be free mentally and not nervous about the result because we have a lot of new and young players in the squad.
“We have seven games in 21 days and we’ll prepare for them one at a time. That’s the best thing to do. Now we have Atalanta and after that we go to Anderlecht.”
Allegri concluded by updating fans on the injury situation at the club.
“Alexandre Pato’s recovery is proceeding well. Robinho will be back before him and Riccardo Montolivo is almost there - we have to see if he can play against Anderlecht without running any big risks.
“Philippe Mexes is fine and if he doesn’t play tomorrow he might play in the Champions League. We have more subs on the bench this year so we’ll see tomorrow.”
Colantuono still rates AC Milan
14.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Atalanta boss Stefano Colantuono thinks Milan – tomorrow’s opponents – can challenge Juventus for the Scudetto.
“Milan are a strong side even if they have changed a lot over the summer,” the tactician stated. “I think they’ve done well on the transfer market and they’ll fight for the title with Juve.”
The Diavolo said goodbye to a host of veteran players in June, while they then opted to sell Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.
“The loss of Thiago Silva is undoubtedly a big blow and Alessandro Nesta’s departure should also not be underestimated,” the former Palermo tactician added.
“They will be without defenders of that calibre, but they have inserted some interesting young players who are hungry.”
Atalanta have yet to win this season and are actually on minus one in the table because of a betting penalty, but Colantuono wouldn’t be unhappy with a draw at San Siro.
“That would be a great result for us,” he added. “We’ll see, but it will depend on what Milan will offer us in terms of space.”
Colantuono added that Ezequiel Schelotto would not be fit for the game.
Atalanta still fear AC Milan
14.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Atalanta director general Pierpaolo Marino is expecting a tough test at Milan on Saturday despite the Rossoneri’s loss of star players.
The Diavolo waved goodbye to a host of veteran figures in the summer, then they opted to sacrifice Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.
Milan have had their problems since, but Marino suggested that the San Siro giants are still favourites this weekend.
“We’ll find the same old Milan,” Marino stated. “It is a game that has never turned out to be simple.
“The Rossoneri are a side that must always be feared. They showed in the win at Bologna that they are a team who know what they want.”
In Week 1 of the new season, Milan lost 1-0 at home to newly promoted Sampdoria – before striking back with a win at Bologna.
Atalanta lost 1-0 at home to Lazio and then drew 1-1 at Cagliari in their first two matches of the campaign.
Gullit: 'I'd love to be AC Milan coach'
14.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Ruud Gullit looked back over his Milan memories and admits “it’d be an honour” if he was asked to be their Coach. “How could you say no?”
The Dutch legend was part of the Grande Milan side that won it all in the 1980s and early 90s.
“I had the best time of my career with the Rossoneri,” he said when arriving in the city for the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour.
“It’d be an honour if they were to call me for the bench. How could you say no to such an important club? You never know what can happen, although the team is in good hands right now,” Gullit reassured current Coach Massimiliano Allegri.
“When I landed at Linate, I remembered all the times I’d leave this airport with Milan for the Champions League games. I thought 25 years have passed, but for me it feels like only a year ago.”
Gullit just turned 50 this month and was at Milan from 1987 to 1993, winning three Scudetti, three Italian Super Cups, two European Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
The Dutchman also has fond memories of a piece of merchandise – the hats Milan fans wore with his iconic dreadlocks.
“I cut them because I thought it was only right to break from one time in my life and begin a new chapter. It’s always a pleasure to see those hats again.”
Pazzini injury scare for AC Milan
13.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Giampaolo Pazzini has added to Milan’s injury worries after he pulled up during today’s training session.
The striker was expected to start on Saturday evening against Atalanta, but suspended the session due to a problem with his right leg.
According to sources close to the Rossoneri camp, they are cautiously optimistic that he stopped training before the situation could deteriorate.
However, it remains to be seen how he’ll respond to tests tomorrow and whether he’ll be risked so close to Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Anderlecht.
Milan are already without Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Riccardo Montolivo and Ignazio Abate.
Montolivo raring to go
13.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Riccardo Montolivo “can’t wait to get back” after receiving good news on his injury and asked Milan fans for help.
The midfielder will miss Saturday’s Serie A match with Atalanta, but could potentially return next week following a thigh strain.
“I am feeling much better now and can’t wait to get back,” he told Milan Channel.
“Now we will evaluate the situation with the medical staff and decide the right moment to resume training with the full squad. I am happy, because the injury is not as bad as it seemed at first.
“It’s important for us to start strong after the break for international duty, especially on Tuesday in the Champions League. The fans are very important for us and we ask for their help in the next few games.
“Atalanta know how to play good football and will be set out well by their Coach. I can guarantee Atalanta won’t be afraid of facing Milan.”
Montolivo was asked what position he preferred on the pitch, having been used as a trequartista or deep-lying playmaker for Fiorentina and Italy.
“I am most suited to the role of inside left midfielder. Our midfield has quality and quantity, it’s just up to us now to show what we can do.
“When all our players are fit and available, our strike force will be on a par with any of the other Italian teams.”
AC Milan line up Strootman bid
13.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
AC Milan are reportedly lining up a €13m January offer for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman.
The 22-year-old had already been linked with a Serie A switch in recent months, while he is also of interest to Valencia, Hamburg, Schalke 04 and Liverpool.
According to Dutch media, the Rossoneri have set aside €13m to create an all-Oranje midfield with summer signing Nigel De Jong.
His contract with PSV expires in June 2016 and there are rumours Milan are moving now to ensure his price-tag doesn’t soar too much in the next few months.
AC Milan a mystery to Capello
13.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Russia boss Fabio Capello is uncertain about the strength of former club Milan after their summer revolution, but he rates Juventus.
The Diavolo waved goodbye to a host of their veteran players once their contracts expired before then selling Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.
“I still can’t evaluate the strength of Milan after the loss of their best two players, but it is inevitable that they will suffer from that,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“A lot will depend on Kevin Prince Boateng, while I’ll add that the signing of Nigel De Jong from Manchester City was a good one.”
Milan will begin their Champions League campaign next week and Capello has warned them to take nothing for granted.
“I’d say that they must start with a win against Anderlecht at all costs and then go to Zenit with caution,” he added.
Milan will also be up against Malaga in Group C. “Milan can qualify, but only if they play well.”
Turning his attention to Juventus, another former club, the tactician is expecting them to make an impact at home and abroad.
“They have a clear advantage in Serie A because Antonio Conte has constructed a mechanism that works well and they’ve added good players to that over the summer.
“The Champions League for Juve? Shakhtar are a boring opponent, but less strong, while against Nordsjaelland they just can’t get distracted.
“I like the fact that they will debut in the home of reigning champions. Chelsea have changed, they have more personality than last year, and at least in the League Roberto Di Matteo has started well. In the Super Cup though…”
Chelsea lost 4-1 to Europa League champions Atletico Madrid last month.
Pazzini: 'AC Milan need consistency'
13.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Giampaolo Pazzini scored a Milan hat-trick and returned to the Italy side, but now warns “we need to be consistent.”
The former Inter striker netted a treble in his first start for the Rossoneri and featured as a substitute in Italy’s World Cup qualifiers this week, earning his first international cap since February.
“I am very happy. The hat-trick against Bologna meant a lot to me and then the Nazionale call arrived,” he told Milan Channel.
“I had a small problem, as my knee was a little swollen and I had to rest for a few days, but I have recovered and am now fine.
“Milan must always aim to win and we need to be consistent to achieve great results. On Saturday we’re facing Atalanta and have to give 100 per cent.
“If I score another goal, then of course that’ll be even better, but the important thing is that we get the three points.”
Trapattoni's Scudetto tips
13.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has tipped Juventus, Milan, Inter and Roma for the Scudetto battle.
Il Trap spoke after Ireland’s 4-1 win over Oman and gave his views on the current Serie A title race.
“My Serie A starting grid is the usual teams,” he told calcio-inglese.it.
“Juventus have to defend their title, plus Milan, Inter and also Roma. I am convinced Zdenek Zeman’s side can do very well this season.”
Taibi: 'AC Milan should sign Marchetti'
12.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan should consider making a move for Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, says Massimo Taibi.
Current custodian Christian Abbiati has less than a year left on his contract and the former Rossonero shot-stopper thinks a change may be necessary.
“Abbiati is still one of the best, but he is 35 and you have to think about the future,” Taibi told Milan News.
“I think that Pescara’s Mattia Perin can get to the highest levels, but I would not rule out the Marchetti option.
“He is 29, but considering that goalkeepers have long careers, that is still young. I would go for him unless Milan reserve Gabriel turns out to be good.”
The Diavolo could even turn to Marco Amelia, their current No 2. “Amelia may be an answer,” Taibi added. “But you would have to evaluate it carefully as he hasn’t really played for two years.”
Marchetti, who appeared for Italy at World Cup 2010, joined Lazio in 2011 after falling out of favour at Cagliari following a disagreement with President Massimo Cellino.
Serie A wage bills revealed
11.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have cut their yearly wage bill by €60m, but they are still the biggest payers in the Italian top flight.
The Gazzetta dello Sport have published their annual review of Serie A salaries and it shows that many clubs have taken action in view of the Financial Fair Play rules.
After a summer of waving goodbye to a host of veteran players, as well as Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Diavolo now pay out €120m a season.
City rivals Inter have also been busy cutting costs and they have saved €40m after sacrificing big earners such as Julio Cesar, Lucio, Douglas Maicon and Diego Forlan.
Juventus’ costs have actually increased slightly, while Roma’s attempts to improve their books were affected by the new contract of Daniele De Rossi who is on €6m a campaign.
Genoa have saved €7m, Siena €4m and Palermo €2.6m.
Club wage bill and highest earner: Milan €120m (Pato €4m), Juventus €115m (Buffon €6m), Inter €100m (Sneijder €6m), Roma €95m (De Rossi €6m), Lazio €66.2m (Klose €2.1m), Napoli €53.2m (Cavani €4.5m), Fiorentina €38.8m (Jovetic €2.5m), Sampdoria €29.8m (Palombo €1.5m), Genoa €28.9m (Borriello €1.4m), Bologna €28.4m (Gilardino €1.2m), Atalanta €23.7m (Denis €1m), Palermo €23.4m (Miccoli €1.2m), Torino €22m (Bianchi €1.3m), Udinese €21.2m (Di Natale €1.3m), Parma €21.2m (Amauri €1m), Siena €18.9m (D’Agostino €0.8m), Catania €18m (Andujar €0.6m), Cagliari €15.9m (Conti €0.75m), Chievo €15.9m (Pellissier €0.8m), Pescara €10.8m (Celik €0.4m).
Meanwhile, the top 10 earners in Serie A are: Buffon (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma) and Sneijder (Inter) €6m, Totti (Roma) €5m, Cavani (Napoli) and Milito (Inter) €4.5m, Cambiasso (Inter), Mexes (Milan), Pato (Milan) and Robinho (Milan) €4m.
Licence-less Niang says sorry
11.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
New Milan signing M’Baye Niang has apologised for driving without a licence – but denied claims he told police that he was Bakaye Traore.
The striker, signed from Caen in the summer, was stopped by authorities in central Milan after borrowing the car from teammate Traore.
“I would like to say sorry to all of the fans,” the 17-year-old stated. “Also to Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, boss Massimiliano Allegri and this magnificent club.
“I made a grave error, but I never said that I was Traore.”
The teenager joined the Diavolo last month after the Italian giants beat a host of English clubs to his signature.
Niang has made one League appearance so far for his new outfit, coming on for Giampaolo Pazzini in the 3-1 win at Bologna.
Milan are expected to fine Niang for his misdemeanour.
Boateng wants to be world's best
11.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has described Milan as 'a united group' and revealed his ambitious goal for the future.
Speaking in a question and answer session on the club's official Twitter account, the former Ghana international was quizzed on a variety of subjects by fans of the Rossoneri.
And the former Tottenham man was in a brash mood when asked what his target was for the coming seasons.
“I want to one day become one of the best players in the world,” he said during the 30 minute session. “There is a great relationship within the squad, we are a united group. Robinho and I are the nicest of all though.
The Diavolo picked up their first win of the season just over a week ago thanks to a hat trick scored by Giampaolo Pazzini, someone Boateng is very pleased to have at the club.
“Pazzini is definitely a good teammate to have, I am very happy that he is at Milan.
“I am proud to wear this shirt and be a part of the club. I regret not joining the team earlier so I could have teammates like Paolo Maldini and Ronaldo – they were the best in their positions.”
Allegri: AC Milan had to change
10.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has insisted that the club had no choice but to revolutionise their squad over the summer.
The Diavolo have revamped their playing personnel after a host of veteran players left at the end of their contracts, while they sold Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.
“We needed a generational change,” Allegri told La Stampa. “It might not be nice, but that is how life goes.
“Carlo Ancelotti was fortunate to boss people like Gennaro Gattuso, Pippo Inzaghi, Alessandro Nesta and Clarence Seedorf at the peak of their careers.
“I too would have liked them in my squad when they were seven years younger…
“It takes courage to make the painful decisions that Milan made, but to keep speaking about these champions is disrespectful to those players who have remained.”
One of the criticism thrown at Allegri is his lack of a working relationship with his highest profile players.
“I worked for two years with players who have won every kind of trophy,” he defended. “You can’t get on with everyone, but when it comes to picking the team you choose the best XI to win.
“You win with the best players – I have never seen a Coach score a goal from the sidelines. There has always been respect.”
One of the big stories from last season was the confrontation between Allegri and Juventus tactician Antonio Conte.
“Is there something that Conte has which I am jealous of? I’d say no,” he added. “Conte did a good job last season, even changing his system.”
Juventus won the Scudetto in 2011-12 with the benefit of no European action, but they’ll be in the Champions League this term.
“That may affect them but even if they lose all of their games, it won’t matter if we don’t manage to win ours. It is better to just look after your own house.”
Bojan very different to Ibrahimovic
10.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Bojan Krkic has underlined that he hasn’t been signed by Milan to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Spaniard has joined the Rossoneri on loan from Roma after the Diavolo opted to sell the Swede to Paris Saint-Germain.
“I’m not here to replace him,” the forward told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “There are a lot of us in attack.
“Ibrahimovic is a great, but we are very different. He is two metres tall, while I’m 1.60m. We have different qualities.
“I’ve had the good fortune to get to know Ibrahimovic at Barcelona. As well as being a great, he has an enormous heart.”
Bojan opted to try his luck in Italian football with Roma last season after struggling for playing time at the Camp Nou.
“I never thought I’d leave Barca, I couldn’t imagine that,” he added. “I was nine when I joined and I was there for 12 years.
“But I thank God for giving me the opportunity to move to Italy. Roma opened my eyes to another world.
“Italian football in crisis? I don’t think so. It’s very tactical and there is great attention placed on the defensive side of the game.
“It’s not easy to play here, but I’m happy with my progress.”
Bojan has been handed the No 22 shirt at San Siro – a number previously worn by Kaka. “It’s not the first ‘heavy’ number I have been given,” he underlined.
“I had the No 9 at Barcelona which had belonged to Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo and Johan Cruyff. I’m not particularly tied to numbers anyway and chose the 22 because I joined Milan on my 22nd birthday.”
Galliani: 'No war with Allegri'
9.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani is increasingly irritated at the media and assures “there is no war” with Coach Massimiliano Allegri.
There was meant to be a dinner providing ‘peace talks’ on Saturday evening, but the meeting never happened.
“I called Max to tell him the dinner was off. It’s ridiculous, there is too much media focus around what was a perfectly normal summertime dinner,” Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Now the papers are trying to make this into the dinner of peace, or maybe of war, but the truth is that there is absolutely no war here to talk about.
“Anyway, who knows if we’ll meet up for breakfast or even lunch...”
The tension has been growing between the pair in recent weeks, as Galliani stated this squad was ready for the Scudetto, though Allegri replied they were targeting a top three finish.
Niang: 'AC Milan better than Everton'
8.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
New buy M’Baye Niang played with the youth team today and insists he “definitely made the right decision” turning down Everton for Milan.
The French striker was a summer swoop from Caen and has already made his Serie A debut as a substitute, but played with the Primavera squad this afternoon to improve fitness levels.
“I still have to work hard in order to convince Coach Massimiliano Allegri to focus on me and make my impact on Italian football,” said Niang.
“I definitely made the right decision choosing Milan and turning down the Everton option. I was welcomed with kindness and respect by the whole locker room.
“I am the youngest one here, so I have to show great respect for the Rossoneri group.”
Baresi's message to Cassano
8.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan legend Franco Baresi cast his eye over the current squad and told Antonio Cassano “it’d be better to talk less and play more.”
The defender who won it all with Arrigo Sacchi’s side spoke to Milan Channel on this new campaign.
“It certainly isn’t easy to begin again without the players who left this summer, but I am convinced it will be a competitive Milan side this year too,” said Baresi.
“I hope Mattia De Sciglio can have a long career with the Rossoneri jersey. I was impressed with Nigel De Jong, as he has technique as well as character.
“Naturally, we all hope that Alexandre Pato can quickly get back to full fitness.”
Baresi was also asked about Cassano, who criticised his former club after moving to Inter.
“I cannot comment on the choices made by other people, as one always has to know the situation from the inside.
“However, I can say that at times it’d be better to talk less and play more.”
Bonera hits back at Cassano
8.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Daniele Bonera criticised former teammate Antonio Cassano for his attack on Milan after joining Inter. “That’s just what he’s like.”
FantAntonio caused shock when he moved across San Siro in exchange for Giampaolo Pazzini plus €7m.
He also snapped at Vice-President Adriano Galliani in his presentation Press conference and declared he was unhappy with the Rossoneri.
“I didn’t like that he decided to speak out after he left, nor do I agree with what he said,” replied Bonera.
“That’s just what he’s like. On the field he gave us a big hand and the 2011 Scudetto also belongs to him.
“The club stood by him when he was ill, and that’s not to be sniffed at.”
Cassano suffered an ischemic stroke and required surgery to correct a congenital heart defect while he was at Milan, staying on the sidelines for five months.
Inzaghi: 'Pazzini is my heir'
8.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Pippo Inzaghi has given his blessing to new Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini. “He will be my heir and can score 20 goals this season.”
SuperPippo hung up his boots and was suitably impressed by Pazzini’s hat-trick against Bologna.
“I hoped he would arrive, because in my mind he was the centre-forward Milan were missing,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, only someone with Pazzini’s characteristics can score those goals. I know Giampaolo well and we spoke before he signed the contract. He was very fired up.
“I am not surprised he got off to such a good start. He has instinct, can ‘see’ the goal and is very strong in the air. This season he can score 15-20 goals.
“Pazzini arrived at Milan aged 28, just like me. I hope he can have the same good fortune I did.”
Another new striker at San Siro this season is Bojan Krkic, who Inzaghi reveals he is already good friends with.
“I met him two years ago. I was in hospital in Barcelona and he turned up with a friend of mine. He wanted to meet me. Since then, we talk often.”
Inzaghi retired over the summer in order to start a new adventure as Coach of the Rossoneri youth academy, but is keeping a close eye on the senior squad.
“Now I understand that for a Coach it is always difficult to leave someone out. I try to be very honest with my players, as I always had problems with Coaches who didn’t say things to my face.
“I am relaxed on the bench, much more so than when I was a player. I didn’t think I’d be able to remain so calm.”
Berlusconi: 'Inter will regret Cassano'
8.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi reportedly told Inter fans “you will regret” signing Antonio Cassano. “He won’t take long to cause chaos in the locker room.”
FantAntonio moved to Inter in a swap with Giampaolo Pazzini this summer, though the Rossoneri also paid €7m cash as part of the deal.
“You seem affable and balanced. It’s a shame you have only one defect: you support Inter and not Milan,” Berlusconi reportedly told magistrate Ingroia in Palermo today.
“You Interisti will regret having taken Cassano off us. He won’t take long to cause chaos in the locker room.”
The quotes were from Il Fatto Quotidiano, who claimed they overheard the conversation.
It has never been entirely clarified why Cassano demanded a transfer, but he launched an attack on Vice-President Adriano Galliani in his Inter presentation Press conference.
Ze Eduardo: 'I rejected AC Milan'
7.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Ze Eduardo had secured a deal with Milan when all of a sudden it collapsed and he joined Siena instead. “I wouldn’t go through an audition. I have dignity...”
The Genoa-owned striker was on his way to the Milanello training ground for a loan switch in the last days of the transfer market, but the move never went through.
It had been reported Coach Massimiliano Allegri turned him down, but the Brazilian offers a different version of events.
“I was at Genoa and the director said there was this opportunity. When I went to Milan I thought it was one thing, but it turned out to be another,” Ze Eduardo told Sky Sport Italia.
“I had a good contract with Genoa, so said no to this option. It’s true, I had been injured, but a year ago I was playing for Santos, the best club in Brazil. I do not feel it right, with all due respect, to go to Milan for an audition. I have dignity and didn’t want to go through a trial run.”
Instead, Ze Eduardo has joined Siena and hopes to finally make his mark on Serie A after barely featuring last term.
“I aim to have a great season and I’m happy to be here in Tuscany. The Coach has faith in me. I am Ze Eduardo and want to impress with Siena so I can let my name be known in Italy too.
“Serse Cosmi is a great man. When he arrived, he immediately talked to the squad and showed he is someone who wants to win.”
Montolivo: 'Serie A can benefit from downturn'
7.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Riccardo Montolivo has claimed that the current economic downturn that has hit Italian football will benefit young players on the peninsula.
The Milan playmaker believes that although the lack of money in Serie A means big players will inevitably look to play their football elsewhere, the young generation of Azzurri nationals can only benefit from more playing time.
“I believe that in a time of economic difficulty, it is right to focus on young Italians, and make room for them in our squads,” he told UEFA's official magazine. “It takes time to find the balance, but I am convinced here in Milan we have some great quality.”
The former Fiorentina midfielder also spoke about the pressures of playing in European competitions and representing the Rossoneri.
“Playing in a great team means there are pressures. When you play in Europe, you are representing your country, so there are pressures there as well. But you have to turn that into motivation to do well.”
De Jong fulfils AC Milan dream
7.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Playing for Milan has been an ambition of Nigel De Jong’s for well over a decade. “I dreamt of this club,” said the new signing.
The Rossoneri have a strong tradition of fielding Dutch players and De Jong is their latest after his transfer from Manchester City.
“When I watched Milan in the 1980s and the 90s, I dreamt of coming here to play for them,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“I’m finally here at Milan and therefore I must thank the Dutchmen like Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Clarence Seedorf.”
Milan have made some big squad changes this summer, but the midfielder is confident that success will be a part of their future.
“I want to help Milan win,” added the 27-year-old. “Milan are in a transitional phase. They’ve sold their best players and the senators have also left.
“We have a young squad that needs to be built again, but I’m happy to be a part of this project.”
The international was also keen to get a taste of the Derby della Madonnina – a game where he will come up against a close friend.
“I played in the Manchester derby, but the Milan derby is a different thing,” he added. “Inter’s Wesley Sneijder, one of my best pals, has told me a lot about it.”
Mexes never considered AC Milan exit
7.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Philippe Mexes has committed his future to Milan after a summer in which he was said to be considering his options.
“I heard a lot of false things said about me, but the important factor is that I am still here,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I never thought about going elsewhere.
“I want to show the fans just how attached I am to this shirt and I have always worked hard to get back into action as soon as possible.”
The French international joined the Diavolo in 2011 on a Bosman free after his contract with Roma expired.
He had his problems last term after returning from knee ligament damage, but could be set for a key role after the Rossoneri recently waved goodbye to Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta.
“We’ve lost some important players in defence, but some valid footballers have come in such as Francesco Acerbi and Cristian Zapata,” he added.
The 30-year-old has yet to play in Serie A this season after missing the first two games because of fitness issues.
AC Milan wanted Xavi, says his mum
7.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan made an offer for Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez while he was with their B team, his mother has confirmed.
The Spanish playmaker quickly caught the attention of the Diavolo and Vice-President Adriano Galliani made a concrete move.
“Galliani came and put an offer on the table when Xavi played for Barcelona B, offering him a four-year contract,” Maria Merce Creus said in an interview with TV Cuatro.
“At the time he had Pep Guardiola in front of him...but, inside of me, I thought it would tear the family apart completely if he went.
“Besides, I always thought that, although it might be difficult, he would be a success at Barcelona.”
Xavi is now regarded as one of the best players on the planet after helping Barcelona and Spain to global domination.
El Shaarawy joy at Azzurrini goals
7.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Stephan El Shaarawy has shared his joy in scoring twice and assisting one goal in the Italy Under-21s victory over Lichtenstein on Thursday.
The Milan man was clinical upfront alongside Giuseppe De Luca and Ciro Immobile in putting seven past a poor Lichtenstein without response for the Azzurrini in a European Championship 2013 qualifier.
“My relationship with Coach Mangia has immediately kicked off very well. Today we played a great game, well managed, and I am delighted to have scored my first two goals for the national team,” he told reporters after the match.
The ‘Little Pharaoh’ was left out of Cesare Prandelli’s senior squad to face Bulgaria tomorrow night, but is content to have made his debut last month against England in Switzerland.
“I was thrilled to be called up to the senior squad, now I am with the younger boys and I hope to be called up again and do well.”
Yanga-Mbiwa still keen on AC Milan
7.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Montpellier centre-back Yanga-Mbiwa has admitted he “rejected Arsenal for Milan” during the summer and still hopes for a switch to the Rossoneri.
In an interview with French daily L'Equipe, the 23-year-old spoke of his affection for Milan and his disappointment when a move did not materialise.
“Galliani came forward to Montpellier, but the offer was not convincing enough. I realised early on that I would probably not leave the club in the summer.
“Arsenal tried for me, but all I ever wanted was Milan. I was very disappointed with how it ended, but the President is my boss and I have to respect his decision.”
Massimiliano Allegri’s side reportedly had a €6m bid rejected by Nicollin, with the French entrepreneur insisting that he would not move for less than €8m.
The French international could make the leap to Serie A as soon as January, as he is adamant he will not sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in June 2013.
Ancelotti respects AC Milan and Juventus
6.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti respects the Champions League threat from Italy, but insists Barcelona and Real Madrid are in pole position for the trophy.
“Those two Spanish clubs are favourites,” Ancelotti, whose own side have returned to Europe’s top table, told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Barcelona are still a strong side – even without boss Pep Guardiola. However, I have seen them be less aggressive and a bit more inattentive in defence. They look more vulnerable than in the past.”
Juventus are being widely tipped by a variety of Europe’s top tacticians to do well this term, but Ancelotti is well aware of Milan’s continental pedigree – having won the European Cup as a player and Coach with the Diavolo.
“It will be up to Massimiliano Allegri to sort out Milan after their latest buys. But the Champions League is in the DNA of that club and we shouldn’t forget it.
“Juventus could surprise in Europe. They have a game plan which is based on speed and intensity. But they also won last season because they only had one tournament to focus on. It will be different with the Champions League.
“Nevertheless, Juventus impressed me last season and that was down to three men in particular – boss Antonio Conte, Andrea Pirlo and President Andrea Agnelli.
“I got to know Agnelli when I was at Juventus and I knew he would become a great club director.”
The shocking AC Milan injury stats
6.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan players missed more than 300 Serie A matches in 2011-12 because of injuries, the Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed.
Vice-President Adriano Galliani yesterday underlined his frustration at the injury crisis affecting his squad and the Gazzetta have taken a closer look at the numbers.
If you add up the amount of games that all their injured players skipped last term, it totals an astonishing 307.
The figure for Italian champions Juventus was just 44.
Since 2007-08, the amount of top-flight games missed by sidelined Rossoneri players were recorded at 151, 161, 218, 184 and 307.
The Gazzetta also looked at the stats for Juventus [131, 141, 216, 210, 44], Inter [180, 190, 108, 182, 179], Roma [129, 130, 179, 115, 154] and Napoli [64, 75, 118, 54, 71] over the same five-year period.
Tacconi doubts Milan clubs
6.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Juventus ‘keeper Stefano Tacconi expects Milan and Inter to struggle in Serie A. “They’ll need time.”
Both San Siro outfits have made some substantial changes to their squad this summer and Tacconi believes that will hurt them.
“Juventus are in pole position for the Scudetto,” noted the former Italian international goalkeeper. “On the second row I would put Napoli, Lazio and Roma.
“The two Milan clubs are behind them. They will need some time to return to the highest levels.”
Inter and Milan are currently tied on three points in the standings after winning one game and losing one.
Spalletti was offered AC Milan job
5.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Luciano Spalletti has revealed that he was previously close to becoming the Coach of Italian giants Milan.
“Yes, it’s true,” stated the Zenit St Petersburg tactician to Sky Sport Italia. “Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani contacted me to ask if I was available.
“However, a few days later, he called me and told me that I was free from the agreement that we had made.
“It wasn’t a problem, because I can work anywhere.”
Spalletti will get to boss at San Siro this season after his side were drawn in the same Champions League group as the Diavolo.
“Milan will be the favourites,” the former Roma and Udinese tactician insisted. “Anderlecht, Malaga and ourselves are sides with our own balance.
“It will be a hard group, but I can see Milan doing well after the signings of Nigel De Jong, Giampaolo Pazzini and Cristian Zapata.”
Galliani slams AC Milan injury crisis
5.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani has demanded Milan “find a solution to the real problem” after notching up 137 injuries in two years.
Since Coach Massimiliano Allegri took over, the Rossoneri have sustained 137 different injuries, a whopping 78 of them muscular in nature.
“The real problem at Milan is the injury crisis. Everyone knows it, both the Coach and the fitness staff,” slammed Vice-President Galliani.
“We have to do everything possible to find a solution and resolve this, as we are on an average of an injury per game.”
Already this season Alexandre Pato, Robinho and Riccardo Montolivo have been ruled out for up to a month with thigh strains, while Kevin-Prince Boateng is sidelined for two weeks after fracturing a bone in his hand.
Emanuelson warns AC Milan
5.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Urby Emanuelson has warned Milan “it’s not enough for me to make brief appearances. I’ll be a starter soon enough.”
The Dutchman can play as left-back, winger, midfielder or even trequartista, but was left on the bench in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Bologna.
“It was a difficult time for us with all those transfers, but fortunately it has now finished and we earned our first win of the season,” Emanuelson told Nusport.nl.
“I had a good pre-season and played a lot last year, so now I must concentrate on getting a place in the starting XI.
“It’s not enough for me to make brief appearances, but obviously I have to prove that I deserve my spot. In the last round I didn’t even get to play for a single minute, but I’ll be a starter soon enough.”
Spalletti: 'AC Milan are not favourites'
4.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Zenit Coach Luciano Spalletti is preparing to face Milan in what he calls “a balanced” Champions League group.
The Russians are paired with the Rossoneri, Anderlecht and Malaga.
“Are Milan the favourites? I expect a balanced group, which makes things more complicated,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“In the time I’ve worked in Russia we have made the most of our capabilities and managed to win some trophies.
“With the Champions League, we’ll have to work even harder. This is why we signed Hulk and Alex Witsel, as they are important additions to the existing squad.”
The former Udinese and Roma Coach has been at Zenit since December 2009, winning two consecutive League titles, the Russian Cup and Russian Super Cup.
El Shaarawy on life with Ibrahimovic
4.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy has revealed some of the ways to survive in the Rossoneri dressing room alongside some of his more illustrious teammates.
In an upcoming interview to be published on Thursday, the 19-year-old tells of his fear of former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his hair and girls' new found attention in him.
“It’s difficult to be appreciated by him, but I felt worse. The secret is to pass him the ball, or he starts to growl. You need to know how to relate to him. Otherwise he plays tricks on you.
“When Rino Gattuso noticed I used to shave my eyebrow he started to kick my ass and said 'you only must think to play, you understand?'
“I was asked to cut my hair as soon as I arrived at Milanello. Someone also asked me in the dressing room, but one of my teammates defended me and said, 'if Hamsik, Neymar and Cisse can have it, why can’t he' in front of everyone. Then the debate was closed.”
The former Genoa player also spoke of the pressures of professional football. “I thought it was easy to not fall for the things surrounding fame, instead it is hard. When you see football players everybody thinks - how can they be so arrogant? I thought about it a thousand times.
“Then fans find us and ask for photos and autographs and you feel pumped up, even if you don’t want to. You arrive in Serie A and instantly the attention is multiplied around you. Luckily my father helps keep my feet on the ground.”
AC Milan: No Real Madrid deal for Kaka
4.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani has revealed that Milan didn’t come close to signing Kaka after failing to reach an agreement with Real Madrid.
The Diavolo were keen on re-signing their former Golden Ball winner, but talks didn’t get very far for the Brazilian.
“We couldn’t make Kaka an economical offer without the consent of Real Madrid,” the Diavolo Vice-President told Sky Sport Italia.
“We wanted to take him on loan, but they only wanted to sell him outright and we couldn’t go over their heads.”
One piece of transfer business which the club did complete was the decision to hand Inter €7m and Antonio Cassano for Giampaolo Pazzini.
“Inter President Massimo Moratti is a gentleman and we quickly came to an agreement,” he added. “Swaps take place in football and Milan is a serene city where things can happen without any problems.”
The transfer chief also elaborated on their swoop for Roma’s Bojan Krkic, while ruling out a future bid for the seemingly ‘unhappy’ Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.
“We have an option for Bojan with Barcelona, but they have a counter option as well,” he explained. “Technically the player is on loan to us from Roma.
“Ronaldo? I’d like to be as unhappy as he is… There is no chance that he can arrive in Italy. Players who earn that much can not be signed by us.”
Milan are a much-changed side after a summer of high profile departures, but Galliani insists that boss Massimiliano Allegri has a competitive squad.
“I’m in constant contact with Allegri,” he added. “There is no problem with him at all. We just always have to play to win because we are Milan.
“We are on a good path and we know that we have to finish between first and third, but we can’t have a minimum objective.
“Juventus will be favourites for the Scudetto as they hold the title, but their rivals will still be Milan, Inter, Napoli and Roma. Nothing has changed.”
Acerbi called up by Italy
4.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan’s Francesco Acerbi has been added to the Italy squad after Cagliari’s Davide Astori was sent home because of injury.
The stopper has picked up a thigh strain and he’ll be replaced in the squad by Acerbi who got his first call-up for last month’s 2-1 loss to England.
Roma’s Federico Balzaretti has also been withdrawn from the squad, but he was replaced by Atalanta’s Federico Peluso on Monday.
Italy play Bulgaria on Friday and then Malta on Tuesday as they begin their World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign.
Pazzini misses Italy training
4.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan new boy Giampaolo Pazzini was forced to watch this morning’s Italy training from the sidelines because of injury.
The striker, who scored a hat-trick for the Diavolo in the 3-1 win at Bologna on Saturday, is struggling with a knee problem.
It is unclear at this stage how serious the issue is ahead of Friday’s game in Bulgaria as qualification for World Cup 2014 begins.
The Azzurri will then face Malta on Tuesday.
Cagliari’s Davide Astori and Roma’s Daniele De Rossi also have fitness issues to contend with.
AC Milan are rebuilding, says Ambrosini
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Source: Football Italia
Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini seems unconvinced that his side will be able to fight for the Serie A title this season.
Vice-President Adriano Galliani insisted that the club could battle for the Scudetto after a flurry of market moves in the last week of the window.
Ambrosini, however, has told Sky Sport Italia that it may take a bit of time for the Diavolo to reach their previous heights.
“I think that it is normal for a club like Milan to have certain objectives and it is right that Galliani says as much,” the midfielder noted.
“Nevertheless, we have to take into account the reality that this squad has changed a lot since last season.
“There is something new to construct, but this should be a motivating factor and not an excuse. After all, we are not the first side to make big changes.”
The Rossoneri waved goodbye to a host of veterans at the end of their contracts in June before selling Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.
Injuries to Boateng and Montolivo
3.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
The Milan duo of Kevin Prince Boateng and Riccardo Montolivo are set for a spell on the sidelines, the club have confirmed.
The No 10 will be out for about two weeks after he underwent surgery on his right hand earlier on Monday.
Montolivo, meanwhile, could be missing for up to 21 days after he sustained a right thigh strain in the win over Bologna at the weekend.
No Pazzini sale regrets for Inter
3.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Inter transfer chief Marco Branca says he isn’t questioning his club’s decision to show Giampaolo Pazzini the door.
The Italian left the Nerazzurri last month by joining Milan in a swap deal which saw Antonio Cassano go in the other direction.
After just five League goals for the Beneamata last season, Pazzini grabbed a hat-trick in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Bologna for his new side.
“There is no regret about selling Pazzini,” director Branca noted. “Not even after his treble at the weekend.
“We as a club made a decision and so too did Milan. Actually, I’m happy that he is doing what he is capable of.”
Pazzini was shown the door after boss Andrea Stramaccioni made it clear that Diego Milito was his first choice striker and that the two men could not co-exist in the same side.
Pazzini: 'Inzaghi honour'
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Source: Football Italia
Giampaolo Pazzini still can’t quite believe his Milan hat-trick. “It’s an honour to be compared to Pippo Inzaghi.”
This was only the second Serie A treble of his career and came in the 3-1 win over Bologna, his first start for the club.
“I am truly happy, it was a tremendous night,” the ex-Inter striker told Milan Channel.
“I was really eager to do well and haven’t played in any pre-season friendlies, so my form still has to improve.”
Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani said it was “like watching Inzaghi” at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“It’s an honour to be compared to Pippo. I can only hope to do half of what he achieved in his career.”
Galliani won over by Pazzini
2.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani hailed Giampaolo Pazzini’s hat-trick and Nigel De Jong, but insisted there’s “no row” with Massimiliano Allegri.
The Milan Vice-President was celebrating last night’s 3-1 win over Bologna, which saw De Jong, Bojan Krkic and M’Baye Niang make their debuts.
“I am happy for Il Pazzo, as I don’t remember anyone else scoring a hat-trick on his first start. It was like watching Pippo Inzaghi,” grinned Galliani on Sportmediaset.
“I also really liked Luca Antonini’s performance, as he put in some good crosses. De Jong did well and we signed him to give a hand to our midfield.”
The last few days have seen Galliani and Coach Allegri debating the target for this season in public.
“We said the same thing,” insisted the director. “I said we must fight for the title, while he said we need to finish in the top three.”
There are more injury problems, though, as Kevin-Prince Boateng will undergo surgery on a fractured metatarsal in his right hand, while Riccardo Montolivo limped off with a suspected thigh strain.
Boateng to undergo surgery
2.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Kevin-Prince Boateng will undergo surgery on his fractured right hand and reassured fans he’ll be back for Milan very soon.
The Ghanaian was seen in pain during last night’s 3-1 win over Bologna and today tests showed he has fractured the metatarsal in his right hand.
Boateng will take the opportunity to undergo surgery during the break for international duty, as there are no Serie A games for two weeks.
“I will be fine, thanks to everyone,” wrote the midfielder on his Twitter account.
Nocerino: 'We're not dead yet'
2.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Antonio Nocerino praised “sneaky” Giampaolo Pazzini and warned Milan’s critics. “Don’t give us up for dead.”
The Rossoneri were widely criticised after losing the opening Serie A game 1-0 to Sampdoria, but last night Pazzini got a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory away to Bologna.
“He was smart and sneaky to redirect my shot into the net,” smiled Nocerino of the third goal.
“The important thing was to win. I still have in my mind games like this that we drew or lost last season. It’s positive to win even when struggling.
“Don’t give us up for dead, as that would be a big mistake. At the same time, we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves, as we haven’t just become phenomenons overnight.
“We will improve and you’ll see the intensity increase on the field.”
Pioli: 'Bologna deserved more'
2.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Stefano Pioli feels Bologna “did not deserve” their 3-1 defeat to Milan last night. “We paid for our mistakes at both ends of the field.”
The Rossoblu had cancelled out a controversial early penalty, but Giampaolo Pazzini completed his hat-trick late on.
“We did not make the most of the chances we created in the second half and paid for our mistakes at both ends of the field,” said the Coach.
“After the break if there was a team that deserved to go in front, then it was Bologna, but unfortunately we didn’t manage to get the goal.
“The lads gave their all and did not deserve defeat from this performance. We knew we could not afford to get it wrong against Milan, but we did.
“In any case, I am satisfied with the performance and the attitude of the squad. We are competitive and can have a good season.”
Alberto Gilardino was given his Bologna debut as a substitute, having only completed his move from Genoa on transfer deadline day.
“You cannot argue with Gilardino’s pedigree. We believe he has the quality and character to score the way he used to.
“We just have to be more concentrated in defence, attack the space and be more precise in front of goal.”
Allegri: 'No Galliani problem'
2.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Massimiliano Allegri insists there is “no problem” with Vice-President Adriano Galliani after their public disagreement and chose to focus on Milan’s victory in Bologna.
The Coach hit the headlines yesterday when he warned he was targeting a top three finish, despite Galliani’s assertion he had the squad to go for the Scudetto.
“There is no problem between me and Galliani. We speak dozens of times a day with both him and President Silvio Berlusconi. He said the team has to fight for the title, but that’s not different to what I said, which is the top three places.”
They lost the opener 1-0 at home to Sampdoria, but Giampaolo Pazzini netted a hat-trick on his first start for Milan.
“Pazzini isn’t in great condition, but I am very happy and he held out well for almost 90 minutes. He arrived with enthusiasm and hunger. He has always scored goals in his career, so I hope he continues to do so here.
“We started tonight with two 20-year-olds, who can have inconsistent performances, but will certainly grow.
“There are still some players missing, other new ones who have just arrived, so it will take time, but in general victories do us good.
“It’s strange, as on Sunday we lost a game against Sampdoria that we didn’t deserve to lose, while tonight we took the lead thanks to a mistake from their goalkeeper. In any case, we deserved the victory.
“Kevin-Prince Boateng kept it simple tonight and when he does that he becomes impossible to mark. However, he must learn and understand that he can be an important player for his teammates.”
Nigel De Jong and Bojan Krkic received their Rossoneri debuts as substitutes, but Riccardo Montolivo went off with a thigh injury.
“De Jong is a player of international level, while Bojan may be young but is already experienced. M’Baye Niang is young and has to grow along with the other lads.”
Pazzini: 'It's a sign'
2.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Giampaolo Pazzini took the ball home after his hat-trick for Milan against Bologna. “It’s a sign for me and those who always believed in me.”
The striker only scored five goals throughout all of last season with Inter, but on his first start for the Rossoneri netted a treble.
“I think this ball will mean a lot to me,” he told Sky Sport Italia while cradling it after the 3-1 win.
“I was coming off some difficult months and now feel great joy. It’s a sign for me and those who always believed in me.
“This was a difficult match and we won, so it couldn’t have gone any better. It is a great emotion to score in my first start after so many months on the bench.”
Milan had lost the opener 1-0 at home to Sampdoria, but with the arrival of Bojan Krkic and Nigel De Jong – who both made their debuts tonight – could they challenge for the Scudetto?
“Victories often wipe out problems. A side like Milan has to target the Scudetto and will try to the very end.
“We wanted to start the campaign with a win and didn’t manage it, but many new players have come in and this result gives us great satisfaction.”
Serie A: Bologna 1:3 AC Milan - goals/highlights
2.9 || webmaster
Serie A: Bologna 1:3 AC Milan - match report
1.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Scorers: Pazzini pen 16, 77, 85 (M), Diamanti pen 42 (B)
Giampaolo Pazzini celebrated his first Milan start with a hat-trick to conquer Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara!
Both sides started the season with defeats, as the Rossoneri were sensationally beaten 1-0 by new boys Sampdoria and Bologna fell 2-0 at Chievo.
Pazzini got his first Rossoneri start, but late signings Bojan Krkic, Nigel De Jong and Alberto Gilardino were all on the bench. Michele Pazienza was thrown into the Rossoblu line-up straight away, while Massimo Ambrosini returned from injury to shore up the Milan midfield.
Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Ignazio Abate, Rodney Strasser, Didac Vila and Sulley Muntari remained sidelined. The home team missed the banned Diego Perez and injured Rene Khrin, while they hadn’t beaten Milan here in seven Serie A attempts.
Milan were playing in white shirts and red shorts and a low Kevin-Prince Boateng free kick was fingertipped round the base of the upright, though it seemed to be going wide anyway. Another set piece was played to Boateng for a similar shot and Federico Agliardi beat it off the line.
Pazzini burst forward on to a long ball and was engaged in a tussle with Nicolo’ Cherubin until he went down for a penalty. Replays and the Bologna protests suggest if anything he was holding on to Cherubin’s jersey, but even the extra official behind the line failed to spot it. Il Pazzo got back up and converted into the near bottom corner of the net for his first goal in a Milan shirt.
Alessandro Diamanti blasted over, then another shot at the end of a mazy run bounced off Christian Abbiati’s chest. Saphir Taider gathered a loose ball as Bologna were played the advantage and curled just past the far top corner. Diamanti got past two players down the left, but Robert Acquafresca couldn’t make clean contact with the assist.
Another wonderful Diamanti move created a dangerous scoring opportunity, but some desperate defending charged it down in the box. Milan had been down to 10 men at the time, as Riccardo Montolivo was on the bench with a hamstring problem and replaced by De Jong.
Moments later, Diamanti was tripped by Antonio Nocerino on the edge of the box for another penalty, though the midfielder claimed he got the ball. The Italian international converted it himself by sending Abbiati the wrong way and drawing Bologna level.
In stoppages Boateng volleyed a corner inches over the bar from six yards with his back to goal.
Straight after the restart Tiberio Guarente combined with Acquafresca for a shot across the face of goal that skimmed the upright.
Pazzini couldn’t get clean contact with his head to a Luca Antonini cross thanks to the efforts of Cherubin, as did Guarente on a Diamanti free kick, while Boateng spun round to drill just wide from outside the box.
It was wide open, as Diamanti’s low cross was intercepted before reaching Acquafresca from six yards. Pazzini was booked for a high foot, accidentally kicking Cherubin in the head.
A lovely move between Antonini and Boateng sent Nocerino through, but Carvalho dived in with a crucial deflection. From that corner, Boateng forced Agliardi to save with his feet at the near post, then the Ghanaian tried with a backheel flick wide.
Gilardino made his Bologna debut against one of his old clubs and Bojan also came off the bench. A Gila diving header was over from Diamanti’s free kick.
Another Diamanti set piece was curled directly towards the back post, but newcomer Pazienza nodded just wide from six yards.
Pazzini proved his goal poacher status by being in the right place at the right time, as Agliardi fumbled a cross and the ex-Inter striker immediately fired in from four yards. The Bologna goalkeeper had accidentally run into one of his own teammates and dropped the deflected Antonini cross.
Il Pazzo made the most of another gift soon after, as a mis-kicked Nocerino attempt turned into an assist for Pazzini, who flicked it on with his heel from the penalty spot to confuse Agliardi. It was an amazing game for the hitman, who only managed five goals all season at Inter.
There was also time for 17-year-old forward M’Baye Niang to receive his Serie A debut.
Bologna: Agliardi; Antosson, Carvalho, Cherubin; Motta, Taider, Pazienza (Gabbiadini 81), Guarente, Morleo; Diamanti; Aquafresca (Gilardino 61)
Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Bonera, Acerbi, Antonini; Montolivo (De Jong 41), Ambrosini, Nocerino; Boateng, Pazzini (Niang 91), El Shaarawy (Bojan 67)
Ref: Tagliavento
Serie A: Bologna vs. AC Milan - lineups
1.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Bologna: Agliardi; Morleo, Antosson, De Carvalho, Motta; Taider, Pazienza, Guarente, Cherubin; Diamanti, Aquafresca
AC Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Bonera, Acerbi, Antonini; Montolivo, Ambrosini, Nocerino; Boateng, Pazzini, El Shaarawy
Van Bommel hails De Jong
1.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Former Milan man Mark Van Bommel believes bringing in Nigel De Jong as his replacement was “their best signing of the summer.”
The Rossoneri have brought in the likes of Giampaolo Pazzini, Bojan Krkic and Francesco Acerbi, but De Jong was grabbed from Manchester City on transfer deadline day.
“He is an excellent buy for Milan and he plays almost the same way as I do,” Van Bommel told Milan Channel.
“De Jong is a bit like Rino Gattuso, in that he works both for the forwards and the defenders. He plays for the team.
“He was their best signing of the summer. I think he will quickly settle in to Serie A, as all Dutch players tend to do.
“He’s talented tactically and, although his technique isn’t perhaps exceptional, it is effective.”
Van Bommel was one of several veterans who left San Siro this summer at the end of his contract and returned to his old club PSV Eindhoven.
Montolivo 'feared' Fiorentina fans
1.9 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Riccardo Montolivo says he can “never fear anything in sport again” after feeling the wrath of Fiorentina fans.
The midfielder joined Milan on a free transfer this summer, a year after announcing he would not be renewing his contract with the Tuscans and therefore leaving them empty-handed.
“After seven years in Florence, the club put me in a bad light with the fans,” he told Sportweek.
“They put the blame on me for the fact I would not renew the contract, but it simply wasn’t fair. It could’ve gone differently, but they didn’t want to meet me half-way.
“The thing that hurt the most in my Viola experience was when they took the captain’s armband off me.
“However, the worst moment was when the threats started appearing on the walls outside the training ground and on the Internet forums.
“Playing in Florence is not easy. At least after this experience I need never fear anything in sport again.”
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