THE RIGHT MOMENT

The absence of Ronaldo tomorrow night will not influence Milan. The team would have still played in the same way. Tomorrow night I want to see the same team of Milan-Manchester United of the 2nd of May.

MILANELLO - Carlo Ancelotti: "I’m not worried, we’re coming from the Lisbon match with the qualification. Objective reached, even though the performance was not very good. From the fighting spirit we have something less than Juventus due to this European commitment, but already knowing it is an advantage. In football there isn’t just running. Surely, training with tranquillity during the week allows a team to have a better condition. However, there is also the attention, application, quality and we will try to use all of this tomorrow. The only unavailable players are Jankulovksi and Ronaldo, the rest will recover. Milan-Juventus arrives at the right moment, it will be very difficult as Juventus is improving. They found a good spirit and a good organization, but for us it’s the right moment to return to winning at home against a great team.”

Carlo Ancelotti again: "Juventus is always a great team, an opponent which fights till the end. I did not think that they could reach these levels so soon. Juventus changed a lot, but still managed to build on quality player a good organization. They hurried things up. For the fourth place, this game is important because we are a bit behind. From this point of view it’s more important for us, because Juventus is already better placed than us. “

The home games issue: “It’s the first time that this happens. It never happened to me in the past and it never happened at Milan. I hope that it will be solved tomorrow. The Scudetto of last season? Inter won it deservedly, it’s not a false Scudetto. Last year we got distanced by Inter too early. The absence of Ronaldo tomorrow evening will not influence Milan, as we would have played in the same way. I think that for Japan Ronaldo can be available. Maybe tomorrow it won’t rain, but if we want to re-play the same game we played at San Siro in the semi-final against Manchester, then we shall succeed. The English team arrived to San Siro playing offensively and they were not able to manage the positive result of the first leg. The English are like that also for the national team. For the rest, our formation will be almost like Milan-Manchester, apart from the absence of Jankulovksi. In fact the only doubt I have is on the left hand side of the defence. Buffon with the Rossoneri’s scarf? Either he dressed in the dark, or paid us tribute, or maybe a prediction. Maybe that scarf means something…Buffon is very well at Juventus. He’s also the captain and he became a flag of this team. Buffon is the best goalkeeper in the world, it gives you more advantages than disadvantages."

Ronaldo and Camoranesi ruled out

It is now official – Ronaldo and Mauro German Camoranesi are out of Saturday’s Milan-Juventus showdown.

The two players were in doubt due to injury and neither managed to recover in time for a spot on the bench.

Ronaldo felt a twinge in his calf muscle as he was warming up to come on as a substitute during the 1-1 draw with Benfica on Wednesday evening.

Il Fenomeno is not in the squad named by Coach Carlo Ancelotti for this game, but Pippo Inzaghi has returned after a bout of tonsillitis.

It is believed Alberto Gilardino will start upfront in a Christmas Tree formation with support from Kaka and Clarence Seedorf.

Over at Juventus, Camoranesi has not made the trip to Milan after failing a late fitness test today.

The Italian international is still struggling with a right thigh problem he picked up during training this week and stays behind along with Zdenek Grygera.

Milan squad: Dida, Kalac; Bonera, Cafu, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Serginho; Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Pirlo, Seedorf; Gilardino, Inzaghi

Juventus squad: Buffon, Birindelli, Chiellini, Almiron, Zebina, Zanetti, Salihamidzic, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Nedved, Belardi, Vanstrattan, Trezeguet, Criscito, Palladino, Nocerino, Molinaro, Tiago, Marchionni, Legrottaglie

Kaka closes in on FIFA award

Milan ace Kaka is on a three-man shortlist for FIFA’s World Player of the Year award.

The Brazilian star is set to receive the Ballon d’Or award on Sunday in Paris and now stands a strong chance of doubling his celebrations.

The other two men on the three-man list are Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Argentine marksman Lionel Messi.

While the Ballon d’Or winner is elected by journalists, Coaches and captains of the national teams of FIFA member countries vote for the World Player of the Year award.

Kaka is reportedly the favourite to clinch the prize at FIFA’s World Player Gala in Zurich on December 17.

The Brasilia native could cap a stellar year that has already seen him receive the FIFPro World Player of the Year honour in October after winning the highest percentage of the 45,000 votes from fellow players.

Milan Step Up Amauri Interest

AC Milan are stepping up their interest in Palermo striker Amauri and could make a bid for the player as early as January.

The Corriere dello Sport is claiming today that the Rossoneri are starting to lose their patience with injury-bedevilled star Ronaldo.

El Fenomeno only made his first appearance of the season for the Rossoneri against Cagliari last Sunday, however he then picked up another injury while warming-up before the Champions League match with Benfica in midweek.

This calf problem has ruled Ronaldo out of tomorrow’s crunch Serie A clash with Juventus, and leaves him in a race against time to be fit for the Club World Cup in a fortnight’s time.

The European Champions only currently have two other forwards in their first-team squad, Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino.

The former, despite his goalscoring exploits in Europe, has not hit the back of the net in Serie A for 11 months. Meanwhile Gilardino has failed to convince many of his pedigree.

This has led the Milan hierarchy to step up their interest in Palermo’s Brazilian hitman Amauri. The 27-year-old, who has scored five Serie A goals this term, has been linked with the Rossoneri for some time now.

It is also believed that due to the large Brazilian contingent already present in the Milan squad, Amauri would fit in to his new environment nicely.

Ronaldo Not To Be Offered New Milan Contract?

Injury-plagued Milan striker Ronaldo may not be offered a new contract by the club, according to Tuttosport.

El Fenomeno signed for the Rossoneri from Real Madrid in January of this year on an 18-month contract.

The 31-year-old made an impressive start to life at San Siro, scoring seven goals in 14 games up until the end of last season.

Ronaldo then picked up an injury in July and he only made his first appearance of this campaign in last Sunday’s 2-1 win over Cagliari.

However just days later the ex-Inter star pulled up with a calf problem whilst warming up before the midweek Champions League match with Benfica.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to keep Ronaldo on the bench for the entire 90 minutes, and it has now been revealed that he will not be fit for tomorrow’s crunch match with Juventus.

As Ronaldo’s contract with Milan runs out next summer, this means that he will be able to talk to other clubs from January.

In order to prevent the possibility of a Bosman free transfer, the Rossoneri have just over a month to present Ronnie with a new deal.

However according to Tuttosport this may not be forthcoming unless the Brazilian can prove that his injury problems are behind him.

Palermo hitman Amauri has already been touted as a possible replacement, while 18-year-old wonderkid Alexandre Pato will also be available from January, thus further reducing the importance of the three-times FIFA World Player of the Year.

AC Milan unveil Club World Cup squad

Carlo Ancelotti has named his 23-man squad for the Club World Cup in Japan, including the injured Ronaldo and Marek Jankulovski.

Milan are participating champions of Europe in the tournament that runs from December 7 to 16.

Although Ronaldo and full-back Jankulovski are currently out of action, the Coach hopes to have them both back in time to play in Japan.

Il Fenomeno has been ruled out of Saturday’s Serie A match with Juventus and most likely the Champions League decider with Celtic on Tuesday evening due to a recurring calf problem.

Under FIFA rules Milan can bring 23 players, but Alexandre Pato cannot take part, as the 18-year-old’s registration can only be made official from January 2008.

The Rossoneri only enter the competition from the semi-finals on December 13, where they will face one of Sepahan, Waitakere United and Urawa Red Diamonds.

Boca Juniors enter from the other semi-final and the trophy will be assigned in Yokohama on December 16.

Meanwhile, Boca Juniors have been told they cannot use new signing Juan Roman Riquelme in the Club World Cup.

The Argentine just completed his move from Villarreal, but is not eligible because he missed the “strict deadline of Friday November 23 2007 for submitting a final list of players,” explained FIFA.

Riquelme was not on the preliminary list handed in last week.

Milan squad: Dida, Kalac, Fiori; Cafù, Maldini, Kaladze, Nesta, Simic, Jankulovski, Bonera, Serginho, Oddo; Emerson, Gattuso, Seedorf, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Brocchi; Inzaghi, Gilardino, Kakà, Ronaldo.

Gazzetta Dello Sport: Kaka ‘Wins’ Golden Ball

The Gazzetta dello Sport is claiming that it has the names of the first five places in the race for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, and unsurprisingly Kaka is the winner.

The Brazilian superstar is the hot favourite to be awarded the prize in Paris this Sunday following a stunning past 12 months, in which he was instrumental in leading the Rossoneri to Champions League glory.

Kaka has purportedly beaten Manchester United’s wing-wizard Cristiano Ronaldo, who is named in second place after winning the English Premiership, finishing a runner-up in the FA Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Argentine prodigy Lionel Messi takes third prize after some sizzling displays for Barcelona, while Chelsea striker Didier Drogba finishes in fourth after hitting 33 goals in all competitions last season.

Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who was also a key factor in the Rossoneri’s European success in Athens last May, completes the top five.

La Gazzetta does not reveal who is in sixth or seventh place, but it does claim that Arsenal wonderkid Cesc Fabregas finished eighth, Real Madrid’s Robinho ninth, and Thierry Henry in 10th.

Top Five according to La Gazzetta:

1)Kaka (AC Milan)

2)Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

3)Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

4)Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

5)Andrea Pirlo (Milan)

Meanwhile, France Football have revealed the list of the final ten candidates in the race for this year's Ballon d'Or award.

The list contains bost Francesco Totti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - left out of the list of nominees for the FIFA Player of the Year.

Real Madrid and Milan have two candidates each, while Manchester United, Roma, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter and Chelsea contribute one each.

1.	Kakà (Milan)
2.	Robinho (Real Madrid)
3.	Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
4.	Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal)
5.	Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid)
6.	Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester Utd)
7.	Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
8.	Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan)
9.	Andrea Pirlo (Milan)
10.	Francesco Totti (Roma)

Gilardino awaits Ronaldo partnership

Alberto Gilardino reveals why he is doing so much better in Europe and hopes Ronaldo can soon make his debut.

“It is only normal that if you start the way I did this season, with two goals against Shakhtar, you are able to play every other game with a more relaxed state of mind,” said the Milan striker.

He had struggled badly to break his duck on the continent, but has become visibly more confident and was fielded as the lone striker during the 1-1 draw with Benfica.

“It depends on the opponents, so the Coach does well to choose the right tactical system for that situation. The two strikers worked better in Cagliari and the one-forward system was more advisable here.”

Ronaldo was ready to make his Champions League debut for Milan, but pulled up with a twinge during the warm-up.

“I am accustomed to both roles. Having said that, when Ronaldo is beside you it creates more space and helps give the defenders something else to worry about.”

As Pippo Inzaghi is home with tonsillitis, Gilardino had to hold the fort on his own in Lisbon.

“We played extremely good football for the first half-hour, then that goal from distance changed the game and we tried to sit back a little more and control the tempo. We attempted to move the ball around well, but the service didn’t always get to me.”

Now Gila’s attention is aimed towards Tokyo, where Milan will compete in the Club World Cup.

“This is my first time at the Club World Cup and after winning the top trophy at international level I hope to also become world champion with Milan.”

Ballon d'Or 'top 10' unveiled

It is widely accepted that Kaka will receive the Ballon d’Or on Sunday, but there are some surprises in the predicted top 10 that is circulating.

The European Footballer of the Year award will be presented in Paris on Sunday and it is one of the game’s worst kept secrets that Milan’s Kaka will triumph.

The Brazilian ace’s starring role in the Rossoneri’s Champions League triumph last term seems to have secured the silverware in the eyes of the judges.

In recent weeks, members of the Inter camp have claimed that striking star Zlatan Ibrahimovic could usurp Kaka, but reports suggest that the giant Swede was just seventh in the vote.

Kaka’s teammate Andrea Pirlo is believed to be the highest-placed Serie A challenger in fifth with Francesco Totti back in 10th spot.

Manchester United wizard Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be the runner-up with Argentine marksman Lionel Messi in third and Chelsea’s Didier Drogba pipping Pirlo to fourh.

The predicted top 10 in full:

1. Kaka (Milan)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
3. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
4. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
5. Andrea Pirlo (Milan)
6. Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid)
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter)
8. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
9. Robinho (Real Madrid)
10. Francesco Totti (Roma)

AC Milan fear Ronaldo relapse

Milan must wait to see if Ronaldo will be fit for Saturday’s clash against Juventus after he reported a calf pain during yesterday’s warm-up.

The Brazilian star has only just returned from three months on the sidelines with a thigh injury and is desperate to make an impression.

However, El Fenomeno was ruled out of last night’s game against Benfica when he felt a strange pain in his calf before the game.

Carlo Ancelotti is insistent that the discomfort was merely muscle fatigue and stressed that the problem is “nothing serious”.

Nonetheless, club doctor Jean-Pierre Meersseman is planning to run a series of tests to discount the possibility that the latest complaint is linked to his previous injury.

Ronaldo’s loss would be a big blow ahead of a game that Ancelotti admits is a must-win.

“It will be a difficult game because they are in great form,” the former Juventus tactician admitted.

Seedorf And Ronaldo To Miss Juventus?

Milan stars Clarence Seedorf and Ronaldo are struggling to be fit for this Saturday’s huge Serie A clash against Juventus.

The Rossoneri go into the game at San Siro eight points behind the in-form Turin-giants, and know that only three points will suffice.

Seedorf twisted his ankle in last night’s Champions League draw against Benfica and was forced to leave the field after 73 minutes.

The Dutch midfielder now admits that he faces a race against time to be ready for Saturday.

“It was going well for the first 15 minutes and then I twisted the ankle a bit when I landed in a divot and it didn’t feel so good,” Seedorf revealed.

“But I played 75 minutes and now I have three days to recover and get myself ready for Saturday evening.”

Meanwhile Ronaldo pulled up during the warm-up at the Estadio dal Luz, reporting a pain in his calf.

Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti subsequently left Ronaldo on the bench for the entire game and despite the boss’ claims that the problem is “nothing serious”, El Fenomeno looks highly unlikely to start against Juventus.

The absence of Seedorf and Ronaldo would be a big blow to Ancelotti, who has admitted that Saturday is a must-win game.

“It will be a difficult game because they are in great form,” Carletto stated.

“We cannot afford to fail as a defeat would leave us too far from the top to catch the leaders.”

Galliani Demands First Place

Milan general manager Adriano Galliani was satisfied following the qualification to the next phase of the Champions League, but now wants the team to end the group stage in top place in order to play the second leg of the next round at home.

Galliani was very happy that his team managed to hold on to a draw against Benfica and allowed the Rossoneri to reach the last sixteen with one matchday to go.

However, the vice president is now demanding one last effort from his players.

"We must finish the group in first place," declared Galliani at the end of the game. "And this is not only to avoid dangerous teams but also to play the second leg at home.

"In the first half I saw a nice game by both teams and two beautiful goals," he added.

Galliani also spoke about Saturday's clash against Juve.

"Milan must finish amongst the top four, whereas Juve is amongst the top four and we must absolutely decrease the gap.

"Milan must play in the Champions League, even though so far we have lost so many points at home and the league position is not optimal."

Kaka Set For European And World Player Awards

Milan superstar Kaka is set to win both the European and World Player of the Year Awards for 2007, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Brazilian is already the hot favourite to win the Ballon d’Or, following his scintillating displays in the Champions League last season.

The prestigious prize will be handed out at a lavish ceremony in Paris this Sunday and Kaka is planning a trip to the Eiffel Tower afterwards.

“I was contacted to arrange a private visit to the Eiffel Tower,” Vice-Mayor of Paris Jean Bernard Bros revealed to Le Parisien.

La Gazzetta is now claiming that Milan are preparing Kaka’s travel arrangements to pick up the World Player of the Year award prize in Zurich.

FIFA caused controversy last month when a host of world-class players such as Francesco Totti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were not included on the shortlist for the prize.

Nevertheless if Kaka were to win both awards he would become only the 10th person in history to achieve the double.

Fabio Cannavaro famously accomplished this milestone last year, following his magnificent performances for Italy in their World Cup success in Germany.

Milan And Juve Fight It Out For Ivanovic

There is a straight battle between Milan and Juventus for the signature of Lokomotiv Moscow ace Branislav Ivanovic, according to the Corriere dello Sport.

The 23-year-old Serbian is rated as one of the best young defenders in Europe and he was outstanding during this summer’s Under-21 European Championships in Holland.

Juventus have tracked Ivanovic for a number of months now and were believed to be in pole position to sign the star.

Recently it was revealed that Inter had entered the race to sign the youngster, however their interest has cooled in the last couple of weeks.

Ivanovic’s club will accept any bid of €13m or above, but at the moment Juventus are only prepared to offer €10m. This has alerted Milan, who are looking for some young reinforcements into an ageing backline.

The Rossoneri’s first choice back-four currently includes Marek Janukulovshi (30), Kakhaber Kaladze (29), Alessandro Nesta (31) and Massimo Oddo (31). Other regular starters include the 37-year-old Cafu, 39-year-old Paolo Maldini and 35-year-old Giuseppe Favalli.

Milan are prepared to offer the unsettled Dario Simic in any deal to bring Ivanovic to the club, however it remains to be seen if the player or Lokomotiv would favour this proposal.

Another player of interest to the Rossoneri is Juve’s Joanathan Zebina, and the Old Lady are said to have already turned down an approach for the fiery Frenchman.

Pirlo On Golden Ball: My Personality Hinders Me

Milan star Andrea Pirlo says he has dreamt about winning the Ballon d’Or since he was a child, however he believes that his lack of personality hinders his chances of winning the prize.

Pirlo has had a magnificent 2006 and 2007, helping Italy to the World Cup in Germany, and then being instrumental in Milan’s Champions League triumph in May.

Despite being in the running for the Golden Ball, the prestigious prize is almost certain to go to Pirlo’s Milan team-mate Kaka.

“Winning the Golden Ball remains the desire of every football player. When you are a child you dream to win,” said Pirlo.

“I know that I don’t have much charisma and this does not help me, however this is how I am. It does not interest me to be like that. When I have free time I prefer to spend time with my family rather than follow commercial strategies.

“Nevertheless I have no regrets and I am convinced that the Ballon d’Or is won on the field, even if having a strong image is obviously an advantage.”

The trophy will be presented in a lavish ceremony in Paris this Sunday evening. Kaka will follow in the footsteps of former Milan winners such as Gianni Rivera, Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, George Weah and Andrei Shevchenko.

Kaka banks on Ballon d’Or

Whispers that Milan’s Kaka has won the Ballon d’Or award are intensifying with reports that he has organised a trip to the Eiffel Tower this weekend.

The prize for European Footballer of the Year will be presented in Paris this Sunday and Kaka is the overwhelming favourite to clinch the honour.

Kaka’s heroics in Milan’s Champions League triumph last year seem to have lifted him above other candidates, including Inter hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

While nothing official has been announced yet, it has been revealed that Kaka is planning a special celebration in Paris.

“I was contacted to arrange a private visit to the Eiffel Tower,” Vice-Mayor of Paris Jean Bernard Bros revealed to Le Parisien.

There are also suggestions that Kaka will lift the World Player of the Year award a fortnight later and become just the 10th man to achieve the double.

Benfica 1:1 AC Milan - match report

Scorers: Pirlo 15 (M), Maxi Perreira 20 (B)

Andrea Pirlo and Maxi Perreira traded screamers as Milan got the point they needed against Benfica to secure qualification.

The Rossoneri needed only a point to be sure of qualification and rested Ronaldo, preferring the Christmas Tree formation with Kaka and Clarence Seedorf supporting Alberto Gilardino. Former Serie A stars Manuel Rui Costa and Nuno Gomes were leading the line for Benfica.

Milan got off to a blistering start with three shots on goal in the opening four minutes. Cristian Brocchi created a chance for Gilardino and Serginho's cross-shot threatened. Gilardino exchanged passes with Seedorf and the Dutchman's fierce strike stung Quim's palms.

Petit's deflected long-range attempt whistled wide, but the Italians were in control and opened the scoring with a sensational effort from Andrea Pirlo. He unleashed a rocket from 30 metres that slotted in at the base of the far post with the goalkeeper unable to get a fingertip to it.

Pirlo almost created a second by accident, as his free kick to the six-yard box was deflected off Leo's wayward touch to skim the upright.

Serginho's woeful defensive error sent Benfica clear on goal, but Kakha Kaladze did enough to put off Cristian Rodriguez, who fired straight at Nelson Dida. It was a warning sign, as the Portuguese equalised with a goal that more than matched Pirlo's ballistics. Maxi Perreira cut back to leave Gennaro Gattuso stranded and smacked a left-foot screamer in from 30 metres.

A Nuno Gomes header was charged down by Alessandro Nesta, then in the same move Kaka sprinted half the way up the field to have his shot bravely blocked in the box.

Rui Costa created a fine opportunity that Rodriguez drilled past the near post, but Brocchi tried to make it a hat-trick of stunning long-range strikes as he brought a tough acrobatic save out of Quim. Seedorf just failed to get on the end of Kaka's cutback, but Benfica threatened again with Kaladze flinging himself at the unmarked Maxi Perreira to turn out for a corner after Rui Costa's inspired dummy.

Serginho was poor in the first half and made way for veteran Paolo Maldini at the break. Yoann Gourcuff also replaced Brocchi, who was struggling with a back problem.

Rui Costa was on wonderful form, dribbling past a series of his former teammates to sting Dida's palms from a tight angle. Rui went on another mazy run, but this time fired wide from the edge of the box.

Benfica did hit the back of the net when Dida parried a Petit strike into the path of Nuno Gomes, but the ex-Fiorentina striker was offside. Gourcuff saw the goalkeeper off his line and attempted an audacious lob from midfield.

A spectacular Nuno Gomes volley was straight at Dida's grateful arms, then Pirlo's free kick skimmed the top corner from a tight angle.

Ronaldo was warming up ready to come on, but pulled up and asked for treatment on his knee, so this could be another setback in Il Fenomeno's battle for fitness. Instead, Massimo Oddo replace Seedorf and switched to a 4-4-2 system. Benfica went for broke with Oscar Cardozo, who was not 100 per cent fit, and Angel Di Maria.

Six minutes from time Nesta caught his studs in the turf and turned his knee, but was able to continue with a slight limp. American prodigy Freddy Adu came on for the final minutes, but Kaka risked a winner when he skipped past two defenders and the angled drive flashed across the far post.

Kaka had another great chance, but the cross was a little too far behind him and the header looped over.

Benfica: Quim; Luis Filipe (Di Maria 74), Luisao, David Luiz (Adu 87), Leo; Maxi Pereira, Petit; Katsouranis, Rui Costa, Cristian Rodriguez; Nuno Gomes (Oscar Cardozo 74)
Milan: Dida; Bonera, Nesta, Kaladze, Serginho (Maldini 46); Gattuso, Pirlo, Brocchi (Gourcuff 51); Seedorf (Oddo 73), Kaka; Gilardino
Ref: Fandel (Ger)

Carletto: Let’s finish the job

Carlo Ancelotti sees the trip to Benfica as the perfect opportunity for Milan to secure Champions League qualification.

The European champions won’t relinquish their grip on the trophy lightly and they travel to Portugal leading Group D by three points.

“We have a great chance to finish the job and secure qualification,” Ancelotti asserted in his UEFA Press conference.

“Playing against big sides we turn in big performances and I think that it’ll be a great game.

“We must be positive after the Cagliari game and see this as a golden chance to ensure that all we are playing for in the final game is first and second place.”

As well as trying to revitalise their Serie A push by beating Juventus on Saturday, Milan have one eye on December’s Club World Cup.

“It’s not just an important week, but from here until Christmas we will be busy,” Ancelotti stated.

“Things have started well and we need to continue like this as it’s a month that will define our ambitions.”

Ronaldo is expected to start on the bench at Estádio da Luz with Kaka and Clarence Seedorf playing behind Alberto Gilardino.

Zambrotta Reveals Milan Wish

Barcelona defender Gianluca Zambrotta has revealed that if he returns to Italy the only team he could join would be AC Milan.

The 30-year-old World Cup winner is one of the best wing-backs in world football, however he has long been linked with a move to the Rossoneri.

Milan attempted to buy Zambrotta in 1999 from Bari, but he instead signed for Juventus.

He was then set to move to San Siro last summer following the Calciopoli crisis, however due to the initial points-penalty imposed on the Rossoneri, the club was unable to go through with the transfer.

He thus ended up joining Barcelona, but after 15 months at the club, his wife Valentina is homesick and desperate to move back to Italy.

“If I return to Italy the only team which I can go to is Milan,” Zambrotta told Tuttosport.

The transfer is likely to go through this summer, as ageing full-backs Cafu, Serginho and Giuseppe Favalli will all be released. Meanwhile Milan are also being linked with a replacement for accident-prone goalkeeper Nelson Dida.

Twenty-two-year-old Flamengo shot-stopper Bruno Fernandes de Souza, better known as Bruno, is admired by Coach Carlo Ancelotti.

There are already a large number of Brazilian goalkeepers in Serie A, with the likes of Julio Cesar at Inter, Alexander Doni at Roma, and Rubinho at Genoa.

Seedorf Hopes To Recover In Time For Benfica

Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf is trying to accelerate his recovery in order to be on the field against Benfica on Wednesday evening.

After missing out Sunday's Serie A clash against Cagliari, Seedorf has no intention of being unavailable for the Champions League match against Benfica.

"I trained on Monday and I feel better," declared the Dutch player. "I think that I can already be on the pitch on Wednesday against Benfica."

Seedorf watched Ronaldo make his comeback on Sunday, in a game in which he drew positive reviews from all critics.

"I saw him do well, very well. He played for 90 minutes and remained fresh until the end," he opined.

The Milan midfielder is looking forward to Saturday evening's high-profile match against Juventus.

"It will be a great game and we shall see on the pitch two healthy teams. This is proved by Sunday's wins," he concluded.

Ronaldo eager to impress

Milan striking star Ronaldo insists that he wants to earn a new contract with the Rossoneri after making his long-awaited return yesterday.

El Fenomeno made his first appearance of the season in Cagliari after a frustrating period on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

There was little sign of rustiness from Ronnie as he struck the post and was brought down for a penalty, but he believes he has much more to do if he is to renew his contract, which currently expires in June.

“I’m going to try and impress this year to win the trust of the club,” the Selecao marksman told Sky Sport Italia.

“I want to earn things for myself and at the moment I haven’t deserved an extension.

“If I manage to impress then I don’t see there being problems in negotiations with the club at the end of the season, but I need to get stuck in as I don’t want anything gifted to me.”

Oddo Hails Pirlo Free-Kick

Milan star Massimo Oddo has praised Andrea Pirlo after the playmakers brilliant winner at Cagliari.

Things were not looking good for Milan after they fell behind in the third minute to a Robert Acquafresca goal.

However Alberto Gilardino equalised on 61 minutes and then with just five minutes remaining Pirlo scored with a wicked swerving free-kick to earn the Rossoneri a priceless 2-1 win.

“We had started the match decently, then Cagliari quickly managed to open the score and things became more difficult for us, especially because they closed themselves down in defence, leaving no space,” said Oddo.

“Nevertheless we immediately tried to get back into the game, perhaps we conceded too much, but then came our goal and on the second one Andrea was brilliant in the way he hit the free kick.

“We managed to win thanks to two great champions.”

Oddo also looked forward to Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Benfica.

“Now we have the Champions League, it would be nice to seal our qualification on Wednesday night against Benfica so we can play the last match of the group stage without needing to win at all costs and allow for some player rotation," the wing-back concluded.

Galliani Targets First Place In Group D

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani was pleased with yesterday’s win over Cagliari but now has his eyes firmly locked on the Champions League trip to Benfica.

The Rossoneri recovered from going a goal down early in the game to win 2-1 in Sardinia, courtesy of strikes from Alberto Gilardino and Andrea Pirlo.

“I gave the team many compliments,” said Galliani.

“This match seemed cursed, with the first goal by Cagliari and the penalty saved by Fortin. It wasn't easy to put things straight in this match, but the lads did well to fix things.”

Milan’s next game is on Wednesday against Portuguese-giants Benfica. A win for Carlo Ancelotti’s men would see them safely through to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.

“Now we think about the Champions League: we still have two matches to play in Group D and these will decide whether we go through and whether we will be in first place,” said Galliani.

“We have two objectives: the qualification and first place. Let's remember that when we've been eliminated from Europe in knockout games it always happened away from home, never at San Siro.”

AC Milan: We'll fix Adriano!

Rumours Adriano wants to join Inter’s rivals picked up pace after Milan President Silvio Berlusconi pledged to “return him to the top.”

The Brazilian striker has been struggling for form over the past two years and is currently in Sao Paolo for a two-month rehabilitation programme.

He is still expected to move on in January, either on loan or in a permanent sale, but there are reports he wishes to terminate his contract so that he can be free to cross the city for Milan.

“At Milan he would find the ideal environment to return to the top – a place that someone like him should aspire to,” grinned Rossoneri patron Berlusconi.

“All I will say is this: tell me a club that would not like to have Adriano.”

L’Imperatore would not be the first to find a new lease of life on the other side of San Siro, as Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Ronaldo have all had success since their moves away from Inter.

Christian Vieri was the most recent to make the immediate switch, terminating his contract by mutual consent only to then accept a free transfer to their rivals.

“We have an extraordinary environment, have never had a crisis or unhappy players complaining, nor have we ever lost players by the wayside,” added Berlusconi in a sly dig at Inter’s man-management skills.

The President and former Italian Prime Minister also assured he would be strengthening the squad after the Club World Cup.

“We all hope it will be a fine end to an extraordinary year. I always have Milan in my head and my heart. Will Kaka remain? Of course!”

Cagliari 1:2 AC Milan - match report

Scorers: Acquafresca 4 (C), Gilardino 61 (M), Pirlo 85 (M)

Milan fought back from a goal down with Andrea Pirlo's late winner on Ronaldo's debut after Kaka had seen his penalty saved.

Il Fenomeno had not played a competitive match since May, but was finally ready to lead the line, especially as Clarence Seedorf, Pippo Inzaghi, Kakha Kaladze and Marek Jankulovski were sidelined. Cagliari had their own debut, as Coach Nedo Sonetti took over from Marco Giampaolo. The Rossoneri were undefeated here in Serie A since a 1-0 result on October 18, 1998, although last season they were held to a 2-2 draw.

There was a minute's silence ahead of every game this weekend for Italian soldier Daniele Paladino, who was killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan.

It took less than four minutes for Cagliari to take the lead. Once again a corner kick proved disastrous for the Rossoneri defence, as Massimo Oddo lost sight of Robert Acquafresca and Nelson Dida failed to come out, so the Under-21 international turned in the header.

Paolo Maldini took matters into his own hands with a left-foot strike from distance that tested Marco Fortin, but the Sardinians threatened again when Pasquale Foggia's pass flashed across the face of goal with nobody able to get on the end of it.

Dida spilled a Foggia counter and Alberto Gilardino's glancing header from a corner caused concerns. Ronaldo turned between two defenders, but lost his footing and a defender came flying in with the tackle.

Gennaro Gattuso headed Kaka's cross into the path of Ronaldo, who was held back by Paolo Bianco. Kaka stepped up, but his penalty was saved by Fortin and on the follow-up Maldini struck the side-netting.

After the restart the Sardinians remained in control, as Bianco's glancing header whistled across the face of goal. Yet Ronaldo was unlucky not to equalise when he turned the ball on to the base of the upright with the inside of his right foot.

Serginho's angled drive was deflected inches past the far post, while Massimo Ambrosini went off injured, pushing Serginho further up the field.

Milan finally drew level with Gilardino's acrobatic finish, as he had to jump up and flick Serginho's deflected cross in off the outside of his right foot from six yards to avoid the goalkeeper's intervention.

Cagliari almost restored their advantage moments later, as Acquafresca ran down the right flank and squeezed his shot from the narrowest of angles past both Alessandro Nesta and Dida, but Daniele Bonera performed a decisive last-gasp goalline clearance.

Bianco risked an own goal as he anticipated Gilardino at the near post, but the resulting Andrea Pirlo corner came out to substitute Marcos Cafu for a sensational volley that skimmed the crossbar.

Dida smothered a Parola snapshot from the edge of the box, but Milan turned it all around five minutes from time with a Pirlo free kick. His right-foot effort swung over the wall and seemed to take Fortin by surprise, as it was relatively central.

Cagliari: Fortin; Ferri, Lopez (Bizera 74), Bianco, Agostini; Biondini, Conti, Parola; Foggia (Larrivey 87); Matri (Fini 66), Acquafresca

Milan: Dida; Oddo (Cafu 70), Nesta, Maldini, Serginho; Gattuso (Brocchi 79), Pirlo, Ambrosini (Bonera 58); Kakà; Ronaldo, Gilardino

Ref: Dondarini

Missed penalty: Kaka 43 (M)

Pirlo Linked With Juve And Bayern - Report

AC Milan may face a struggle to hold on to their midfield maestro next summer, as both Juventus and Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing to launch an Andrea Pirlo offensive.

The European champions have been increasingly linked with Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago, which has prompted many to speculate that they are already thinking of successors for Pirlo, even though the 28-year-old Italian international has been oft declared as ‘untouchable’ by the Milan brass.

Juventus have never been shy to admit their admiration in Pirlo and are thought to be readying a concrete offer, to be submitted as soon as the final ball is kicked this season.

There are also rumours emanating from Turin, that Bayern Munich are planning to budge in line, however, should a window of opportunity creak open even just a sliver.

Pirlo is a close personal friend of Bayern goal-machine Luca Toni and the powers that be at the Allianz Arena will be hoping that this factor, plus the growing discontent amongst Serie A players as a result of the violence epidemic in Calcio will convince another Azzurri gem to opt for a German adventure.

Should any team be successful in prising Pirlo away from Milan, it will almost certainly take an amount in excess of 25m Euro as the former Brescia man counts as one of the best midfielders on the planet.

Ancelotti Happy With Win

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has praised his players, in particular Ronaldo, after they came from behind to beat Cagliari this afternoon.

It looked like it wasn't going to be Milan's day after Robert Acquafresca put Cagliari ahead in the third minute.

Kaka missed a penalty, and Ronaldo hit the post either side of half time, before goals from Alberto Gilardino and Andrea Pirlo sealed a 2-1 victory.

"We had a complicated start to the game, however after that we managed to gain control of the game, and despite missing the penalty and hitting the post, we were able to keep going until the end. And for this we were rewarded," explained Ancelotti.

The big team news for Milan was the return of Ronaldo after a long spell out with injury. El Fenomeno had an eventful game, winning the penalty, and also striking the woodwork.

"Ronaldo has not played for four months and we could not have asked for anything more from him," said Carletto.

"He won the penalty, he hit the post, so he is in line with what we waited for from him."

Finally Ancelotti explained the reasons behind Kaka's poor performance this afternoon. This year's favourite for the Golden Ball put in possibly his worst performance of the season, and was off-colour all game.

"Kaka only returned on Friday morning and was very tired as he had not had the break he usually would have," said Ancelotti.

Report - Kaka wins Ballon d'Or

Newspaper reports in Italy claim that Milan hero Kaka has already been told he is the Ballon d’Or winner for 2007.

‘France Football’ will only officially name the victor on December 2 in a ceremony in Paris, but the top player tends to be alerted earlier for a photo shoot.

According to the ‘Corriere della Sera’, a member of the jury has told Kaka he is the winner.

The report claims that the figure called him up to explain that the gap in votes was so large there was no point waiting to give the good news.

Right from the start the Brazilian was the hot favourite for the title, having been the Champions League top scorer in Milan’s victorious campaign.

Potential challengers included his Rossoneri teammate Andrea Pirlo, Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, but they were reportedly left far behind by Kaka in the voting.

The 25-year-old Serie A star is set to succeed Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro as the European Player of the Year – and is expected to take the FIFA World Player of the Year title as well.

Milan have traditionally done very well in the Ballon d’Or, with Gianni Rivera lifting the trophy in 1969, Ruud Gullit in 1987 and Marco Van Basten taking it three times in 1988, ’89 and ’92.

George Weah represented the Rossoneri in 1995 and Andriy Shevchenko won the prestigious award in 2004.