APPOINTMENT WITH HISTORY

Both Milan and Boca are after the fourth World Cup win: whoever will win, it will be a record, since that none of the teams ever managed to do so. Rossoneri and Argentineans have triumphed 3 times.

YOKOHAMA – In front of Milan there isn’t only the possibility to play the Club World Cup, but also that of entering the history books. For the Rossoneri, who have won the Intercontinental trophy three times, there’s the real possibility of winning the fourth cup and it would be a record. The same story is valid for their opponents, Boca Juniors: even today the team coached by Russo, has the opportunity of climbing on top of the world for the fourth time. No other team managed to do so.

The Rossoneri won the Cup in 1969, 1989 and 1990, whereas the Argentineans won it in 1977, 2000 and 2003. With three wins there are also Real Maldrid, San Paolo, Nacional and Penarol, who did not take part in this edition.

If it should go like we all hope, Milan would be the only club to have won the World Cup 4 times. However, other records could be sealed on the 16th of December at Yokohama: Cafu could become the only World Champion to win the Cup both in a South American team (San Paolo in 1992 and 1993) and a European team; Paolo Maldini will play his sixth final, after winning two in 1989 and 1990 and the other three he lost in 1993, 1994 and 2003. Pippo Inzaghi, who came in against Urawa instead of Gilardino during the game, could instead become the only player to score in all competitions, if he finds the goal in the final.

However, apart from the personal records, there’s an entire Milan team which dreams of that trophy which has been missing for the past 17 years. The destiny, for the second time, sends the Rossoneri to face their latest rivals. Just like in the Champions League final, which was played again against Liverpool, following the incredible epilogue of 2005, Milan will have the opportunity for revenge against Boca, following the final won by Carlos Bianchi’s side in 2003. In that circumstance, Boca won from the penalty shoot-out, as regular time and extra time ended 1-1, with the goals in the first half by Tomasson and Donnet.

The story of the Cup is ready to write a new chapter, and for Milan and Boca it is a huge chance: to enter the legend.

It is also fair to remember that since Fifa has substituted the Intercontinental Cup with this competition, the champions have always been Brazilians: Internacional last year and San Paolo the previous year. Who will follow them, the Italians or Argentineans?

On Sunday the important verdict will arrive: appointment is for 16th of December, at 11.30am (Italian time), always at the International Stadium of Yokohama.

THE 3 VICTORIES IN THE WORLD CUP FOR MILAN AND BOCA JUNIORS

THE ROSSONERI TRIUMPHS

1969: MILAN-ESTUDIANTES 3-0//ESTUDIANTES-MILAN 2-1

1989: MILAN-ATLETICO N. MEDELLIN 1-0

1990: MILAN-OLIMPIA ASSUNCION 3-0

THE ARGENTINEAN TRIUMPHS

1977: BOCA JUNIORS-BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH 2-2//BORUSSIA M.-BOCA 0-3

2000: BOCA-REAL MADRID 2-1

2003: MILAN-BOCA 1-1, after extra time, 1-3, after penalties

Maldini plots Boca payback

Paolo Maldini insists that Milan are ready to take their revenge against Boca Juniors in Sunday’s Club World Cup Final.

The Rossoneri were beaten by the Argentine giants in a penalty shoot-out in the 2003 Intercontinental Cup and are determined to get their own back.

“This game will be a different story from 2003, just like the Final in Athens against Liverpool was different from Istanbul,” Maldini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It’s the game that everyone is waiting for, as its South America v Europe.”

Milan have been greeted by hysterical support in Japan and were given a warm welcome as they beat Urawa Red Diamonds.

“Here in Japan there is so much enthusiasm and support for me that I nearly feel embarrassed,” Maldini continued.

“I can see it from the huge number of shirts with my name on the back that I see outside our hotel.

“The atmosphere at the game yesterday was unique. Their fans were very noisy, but they were different from ours. There isn’t really a home advantage in Japan.”

Maldini concluded with a word on Kaka, the star of Thursday’s win who has been winning comparisons to Marco Van Basten.

“Kaka and Marco are different players,” the veteran stopper maintained. “But the Brazilian has reached an extraordinary level – he has already won a World Cup and so much with Milan, even though he is still young.”

The Ballon d’Or winner has been limping in training today as he is suffering from a damaged toe caused by playing with a broken toenail.

However, he will be ready to face Boca on Sunday morning. Kick-off is set for 10.30am.

Spanish Press: Ronaldinho Would Only Leave Barça For Milan

Sport.es reports that Barcelona star Ronaldinho will only consider leaving Camp Nou if it's to go to AC Milan, rather than another club...

The likes of Chelsea have no hope of landing Ronaldinho, according to Sport.es.

The pro-Barcelona sports daily cites a Sky Italia report claiming that, should the Brazilian forward leave Camp Nou, he will only do so for AC Milan.

A Sky Italia journalist has been tracking developments regarding the former Paris Saint-Germain man for some weeks now, concluding that only Milan would do for Ronaldinho if his Barça career should end.

AC Milan supremo Silvio Berlusconi has already been in touch with Ronnie's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, rgarding a potential move to Italy, with both sides apparently happy with the terms on offer.

However, this is all contingent on two things: one, Ronaldinho being apt to leave Barcelona in the first place. This in itself is far from certain, particularly as he seems to be recovering both his form and his joy for the game.

Secondly, Barcelona's feelings on the issue are of great importance. With 'Dinho still under a long contract, Joan Laporta is not being forced into making a sale.

What's more, the president regards Ronaldinho as an emblem of the club, and one that cannot lightly be parted with.

Still, his hand could be forced by a huge offer - 40 or 50 million euros - and one could potentially be forthcoming.

After all, Silvio Berlusconi's desire to land the Brazilian is well-known by this point.

Galliani: Ronaldo Is Staying

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has rubbished rumours that the club are ready to offload injury-plagued striker Ronaldo.

El Fenomeno has only played one game for the Rossoneri this season due to injury and has been forced to sit out this week's Club World Cup in Japan.

Ronaldo's continued injury problems has led to reports in the Italian press that Milan may allow Ronaldo to leave, with a move to America, the United Arab Emirates or Japan touted.

However Galliani says that the 31-year-old will be staying.

“Ronaldo is very disciplined,” he explained.

“He is devastated by what has happened, but he will stay here and stay with Milan.

“He’s going back to Milan and then to Brazil for a holiday and he will return to train with the team.

“Next year, we will have two great strikers in Alexandre Pato and Ronaldo and we have faith and respect for the two.”

Ronaldo himself has also spoken of his disappointment to be injured and says he wants to return as soon as possible in order to repay his employers.

"I'm disappointed to be out again, I already lost two finals and I had two injuries that were unexpected," the ex-Real Madrid man said.

"I hope I can get back into shape quickly to be able to give something more and repay this team for the affection it has shown towards me."