Milan and Inter seem to be fighting over the signature of Brazilian defender Thiago Silva from Fluminense
The 23 year old Brazilian has garnered the attention of a host of European clubs, but the two Milan giants have shown the most interest in the player.
Both the Rossoneri and the Nerazzurri have suffered injury set-backs during the pre-season period, and both are set to decide whether to dip into the market to cover for the absences of crucial players, or wait until the January transfer window.
Nesta for Milan and Materazzi for Inter, have both recently picked up injuries.
With the Serie A season less then a month away, the Milanese teams are seriously considering a move for Thiago Silva to fill the gaps in defence.
Reports in Italy state that Inter's original plan was to go for the stopper during the January transfer window, but with the injuries affecting the team these plans may have changed.
Further reports are now linking Milan with Silva, potentially hijacking the deal from their bitter rival cousins. An aging Milan defence would benefit from an injection of youth into the back line, but Inter would be losing a solution to their defensive woes.
After seeming like a done deal, the Nerazzurri may end up watching this transfer slip through their fingers into their backyard.
Massimo Moratti and Adriano Galliani will certainly be keeping tabs on the needs and wants of this popular Brazilian defender in the days to come, hoping to snap him up as quickly as possible.
Peter Pedroncelli
August 04, 2008
Milan Derby Over Brazilian
Stendardo in AC Milan link
The agent of Lazio defender Guglielmo Stendardo has claimed that Milan have asked after his client.
The Rossoneri are keen to swell their defensive ranks before the end of the month when the transfer window closes.
After the injury to Alessandro Nesta, Carlo Ancelotti is short of numbers at the back and Stendardo, who spent half of last term on loan to Juventus, could be the answer.
“There has been nothing concrete yet, but I have been told that there has been contact between the clubs,” representative Gateano Fedele told Tuttomercatoweb.
“Lazio President Claudio Lotito is in charge of the situation but we have given our go-ahead for the transfer because they are a great club.”
Stendardo joined Lazio in 2005 but has played just 39 games for the Aquile and fell out of favour after a series of rows with Coach Delio Rossi last term.
Kaka: 'I'm in bad shape'
Milan’s woes increase as Kaka admits his knee problem is so bad he isn’t sure when he’ll be able to play again.
“I am in bad shape. I don’t know when I’ll be back,” he told journalists this evening.
The Brazilian limped off during this week’s 1-0 defeat to Sevilla in Moscow and was ruled out of today’s 5-0 thrashing by Chelsea.
Officially the club website would only confirm it was “an inflammation of the knee,” but reports from Brazil paint a far darker picture.
They suggest it is a case of tendonitis in the same knee that underwent surgery in May and will keep him on the sidelines for at least two weeks.
With Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato at the Olympics, Marco Borriello out for two months following meniscus ligament surgery on his knee and Pippo Inzaghi dealing with recurring muscular problems, this leaves Milan with no strikers.
Only 18-year-old Alberto Paloschi is available and he cannot play two games on the trot. Paloschi was left on the bench for today’s 5-0 defeat to Chelsea in a line-up so reshuffled that Massimo Ambrosini and Andrea Pirlo had to play upfront.
With this situation deteriorating and Robinho’s admission he wants to join Chelsea, it is increasingly likely that the Rossoneri will make a bid to bring Andriy Shevchenko back to San Siro.
Sheva faced his former club for the first time since making that £30m move in Moscow and it provides the two sides with the perfect opportunity to discuss his future.
August 01, 2008
AC Milan duo lift Brazil
Milan stars Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho were pivotal as Brazil’s Olympic team beat Vietnam 2-0 in a friendly.
The Selecao’s final warm-up match was a tepid affair and Brazil looked far from their best as they struggled to victory.
Pato opened the scoring after just five minutes when he was played through by new teammate Ronaldinho.
The young gun looked cool as he ran on to Dinho’s through ball and beat a defender to the ball to slot home.
Milan newcomer Ronaldinho continued to play impressive football and stayed on for the full 90 minutes, but the second goal came courtesy of a bullet from Thiago Neves.
Jo replaced Pato after 70 minutes and ‘The Duck’ went off to applause from Coach Carlos Dunga.
Abbiati remains realistic
Goalkeeper Christian Abbiati was Milan’s hero in the Trofeo TIM, but he isn’t letting a stellar night go to his head.
After spending last season on loan to Atletico Madrid, Abbiati was on the brink of joining Palermo this summer but he refused the transfer to fight Nelson Dida and Zeljko Kalac for the Rossoneri gloves.
The 31-year-old made a compelling case for the No 1 shirt during the Trofeo TIM on Tuesday night when he helped the Diavolo beat city rivals Inter on penalties after an impressive 45 minutes.
“I’m satisfied with the way I played,” Abbiati said. “The important thing is to play well, call my defence and speak a lot on the pitch.
“The penalty shoot-out was part of the job, but I was also lucky.
“Before the game my finger was hurting but then everything went well and I hope that I won’t have any problems in the future.”
In spite of his excellent evening, Abbiati is aware that he will have to fight hard to earn regular football this season but believes he will be given a chance to show his ability.
“As far as becoming first-choice ‘keeper is concerned, I think Milan have three strong options and it won’t be easy for the Coach to decide, but there should be space for everyone.
“This is a very good Rossoneri team and we need to prove that on the pitch. We need to be in the right condition and try and start the season well.”
Sevilla Edge Milan In Moscow
The Andalucians head to the final thanks to that solitary goal, although the margin of victory arguably should have been greater after a fine first half for the boys in white.
Despite losing Dani Alves, Seydou Keita and Christian Poulsen during the summer, Sevilla looked the part early on, with new signing Romaric looking particularly active as he tested Abbiati early on.
Luis Fabiano was also on form, setting up Navas for a goalbound shot that had to be hacked clear by Kaladze.
Three minutes after the break Sevilla were in the lead. Gattuso headed goalward a curving Maresca cross with Abbiati powerless to react.
Milan, meanwhile, struggled to make their prescene felt in the second period. Kaka largely toiled, while Paloschi was starved of service up front. The game drew to a 1-0 conclusion thus.
Milan: Abbiatti; Oddo, Maldini, Kaladze, Zambrotta; Ambrosini, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kaká; Paloschi.
Used subs: Jankulowski, Digao, Brocchi, Favalli, Antonini y Bonnera.
Sevilla: Palop; F.Navarro, Squillaci, Prieto, Konko; Navas, Renato, Romarik, Maresca; Adriano y L.Fabiano.
Used subs:Capel, Mosquera y Koné.
July 31, 2008
Capello: Milan To Win Scudetto
England national team manager Fabio Capello is tipping Milan to win this year’s Scudetto, and says that Ronaldinho has found his perfect environment following his summer move from Barcelona.
This year’s Serie A season is promising to be the most exciting of recent years, with four, if not five, teams in with a chance of winning the Scudetto.
Capello believes that Milan are the favourites for the Scudetto, and he has commented on the other major teams, while also passing judgement on Marcello Lippi following his return to the Azzurri hotseat.
"Ronaldinho has found the ideal environment to be reborn,” said Capello.
“Now it is Milan for the Scudetto. Fiorentina are not yet ready, but they are the team who intrigue me most and they can finish near the top of the league.
“Juve have good balance, are strong in all departments, and Poulsen is a good addition.
“Totti has reason to say that Roma need some more acquisitions. Mutu would have been perfect.
“The player who could explode this season is Cassano, but it depends on him. We must give time to Mourinho.
“As for Lippi, he has a great desire, but Italy must be careful of Trapattoni's Ireland."
The Azzurri have been drawn in the same World Cup group as the Republic of Ireland, who are managed by Italian coaching legend Giovanni Trapattoni.
Anthony Sormani
Ancelotti On Two New Uruguayan Recruits
Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is anticipating an even Serie A title race this coming season, while he also comments on the club’s two recent Uruguayan recruits.
The Rossoneri's pre-season preparations received a boost on Tuesday night when they emerged victorious in the annual Trofeo Tim, defeating both Juventus and Inter on penalties.
The tournament appeared to suggest that this coming Serie A season will be an exciting one, with Roma and Fiorentina also ready to challenge too.
"I think the next league season will be much more balanced compared to last year because all the teams have done good things on the transfer market and the quality has definitely improved,” said Ancelotti in the build-up to this week’s Moscow Tournament.
The Rossoneri will take on Sevilla, Chelsea and hosts Lokomotiv Moscow in the annual competition.
Ancelotti has also confirmed that new Uruguayan recruits Tabare Viudez and Mathias Cardaccio will train with the team. The former is a 19-year-old midfielder who has arrived from Nacional Montevideo. The latter, also a midfielder, is expected to soon complete his transfer from Defensor Sporting.
"The Uruguayans will train with us,” said Carletto.
“Cardacio is a national team player. Viudez, meanwhile, is an '89 player, he's a bit younger.
“They will train with us and then we will see in twenty days if he will train with the Primavera or if he'll stay with us."
Roberto Rossi
Borriello out for two months
Marco Borriello will be out of action for up to two months after tests revealed damage to the meniscus ligament.
The Milan striker sustained an injury during training last week and was sent to Antwerp for a consultation with specialist Professor Marc Martens.
Tests confirmed the external meniscus ligament in his right knee was damaged and will require keyhole surgery, to be performed tomorrow.
Borriello will be sidelined until the end of September, but it is unlikely the Rossoneri will go back on to the transfer market.
The club has already confirmed it will keep hold of Alberto Paloschi instead, as he was set to join Torino on loan.
Borriello and Pippo Inzaghi are both injured, while Kaka is recovering from knee surgery and Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho are at the Olympics.
July 28, 2008
Milan Go For Sheva After Borriello Injury?
Borriello suffered a knee injury in training on Thursday, and having had an X-ray exam the player will now travel to Antwerp on Wednesday for a specialist visit with renowned medic, Professor Marc Martens.
It is not yet known what damage Borriello has done to his right knee, but the early signs are that he could be out of action for a considerable amount of time.
This has plunged Milan into something of a striker crisis. Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato are away on Olympic duty with Brazil, Kaka is recovering from a knee operation, while Pippo Inzaghi is also struggling with injury.
Alberto Paloschi’s proposed loan move to Torino has now been put on hold, and Milan know that they cannot go into the new season so short of strikers.
As a result, La Republicca claims that the Rossoneri could be set to reignite their interest in bringing Andriy Shevchenko back to the club.
The Ukrainian, who had seven brilliant seasons with Milan from 1999 to 2006, scoring 127 goals in just 208 games, moved to Chelsea in 2006 for a whopping €45m. However, he has had two dreadful years in the English capital, and is well known to be desperate to move back to Italy.
Milan have never hidden their desire of bringing Sheva back to San Siro, but until now have only been interested in acquiring him on loan.
Roberto Rossi
Ambrosini Ponders Milan Retirement
Milan midfielder, Massimo Ambrosini, has revealed that he would like to end his career with the club as he prepares to begin his 15th season with the Rossoneri.
The vice-captain has been at the club since 1995 when Fabio Capello signed him from Cesena. Ambrosini has been influential as well as a loyal servant to the Rossoneri over the years. He is now looking forward to staying on at the club until he decides to hang up his boots.
“I believe it’s right that at this stage in my career to have a chat with the club over such possibility,” Ambrosini told Italia 1.
The Italian international also had a few words on Ronaldinho and he is hoping the Brazilian brings his magic to San siro.
“He (Ronaldinho)has brought a lot of enthusiasm and he has showed his intentions to do well. We always knew the club was working hard to get him,” concluded the midfielder.
Ambrosini has made over 220 appearances for his club and he will be remembered for firing Milan to the 2005 Champions League final when his strike against PSV in the semi-final ensured the Rossoneri went through on away goals.
Salvatore Landolina
Ancelotti: Paloschi Stays, Kaka Returns
The 18-year-old Paloschi, who is regarded as one of Italy’s best young strikers, was reportedly set to join Torino on a season-long loan deal.
However, Milan currently have something of a forward crisis after Marco Borriello picked up a serious knee injury in training at the weekend. With Pippo Inzaghi also sidelined, and Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato at the Olympics, it is common sense that Paloschi will now stay at the club, even if Ancelotti denies that Borriello’s injury has anything to do with this decision.
“Paloschi will stay with us, we never thought about selling him,” Carletto said at today’s press conference.
“Until it will be necessary, he will stay with us. He could even remain with us until the end of the year. His stay is not related to Borriello´s injury though.”
Ancelotti also spoke about tomorrow night’s Trofeo Tim competition, which will also feature rivals Inter and Juventus, and he revealed that Kaka will return to the fray after recovering from his knee operation.
“Tomorrow´s games are just friendlies, but when you face teams like Juve and Inter they are never really as such,” he stated. "They are important and motivating games.
"Nesta is not training right now, but he is recovering. The others are quite fine.
“Kaka is fit and will be ready to play, possibly both games. For the attack I will have Paloschi, Seedorf and Ricky available. Nesta, Maldini, Inzaghi and Borriello will stay at home.”
The Trofeo Tim at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin features three, 45 minute games between Milan, Inter and Juventus. The Rossoneri kick off the action against Juve.
Roberto Rossi
Ronaldinho: I'm reborn with AC Milan
Ronaldinho is fired up for the Olympics with new teammate Alexandre Pato and assures “I am reborn with Milan.”
The former Barcelona star has been out of action for several months with injury and let his weight go during the protracted transfer saga of the summer.
“I am becoming reborn with Milan,” he grinned in the Gazzetta dello Sport from Brazil’s Olympic training camp in Singapore.
“I am improving day by day. I thank Carlo Ancelotti and the club for having authorised me to come to the Olympics, as it will be an excellent way of preparing for the Italian season.”
Dinho had been denied the right to participate in the Games by Barca, but the Rossoneri agreed to release him when he completed the £18m move.
It will be an opportunity to regain fitness levels and get to know new club teammate Pato.
“I am working hard, following a personal fitness programme with a specific diet and I think I’m close to 100 per cent now,” continued the 28-year-old.
“On August 7, when we make our Olympic debut, I will be in ideal shape.
“Brazil might want me to play as a striker next to Pato, which is absolutely no problem for me, as I have already played in that role.
“If Ancelotti asks me to play there too, I am ready. Whether it is midfield or attack, I will give my all.”
July 25, 2008
Flamini Happy With Milan Debut
The Frenchman joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer this summer after his contract at Arsenal expired.
The 24-year-old has been tipped by many to be the signing of the summer, and he had an encouraging debut at the heart of the midfield during yesterday evening’s goalless draw against Cremonese.
“Everything went the right way, on the pitch I did not have problems and I’m happy,” said Flamini about the friendly.
“It was just my first game with the Milan shirt and I hope it will be the first in a long line.
“During this week we had a difficult preparation and let’s hope to improve gradually.
“We will now have many games to play and the important thing is to prepare ourselves for the league.”
Milan have struggled badly in Serie A in the last couple of seasons, finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
However, following some impressive summer signings including Ronaldinho, Gianluca Zambrotta, Marco Borriello and Flamini himself, many are tipping the Diavoli to be in with a great chance of winning the Scudetto this coming campaign.
Roberto Rossi
Dunga: Ronnie Has Found His Smile Again
The former European and World Footballer of the Year completed his long drawn-out transfer to the Rossoneri from Barcelona last week.
The 28-year-old joined Barca back in 2003, and following a wonderful first three seasons at the club, things started to go wrong.
The trademark smile that Ronnie always used to wear on the field suddenly disappeared, and the last 12 months proved to be the worst of the player’s career as he missed large chunks of the campaign due to injury and poor form.
Having signed for Milan, many believe that Ronaldinho’s smile on the pitch will now return, and Dunga, who is coaching the player for next month’s Olympics says the player has rediscovered his happiness.
"The most important thing is that Ronaldinho is happy and has found his smile,” said the national team boss.
“This makes things easier for everyone.”
Ronaldinho travels to the games in Beijing as one of the Selecao’s three over age players.
Roberto Rossi
July 24, 2008
Paloschi To Follow Abate To Torino?
Yesterday the Granata pulled off a somewhat surprising coup when they purchased half of Abate’s contract for €2m.
Il Toro are now hoping to continue their Milanese raid by snapping up another young starlet in the form of Paloschi.
The 18-year-old striker is regarded as one of Italy’s best young prospects, and he has been labelled by many as the “new Pippo Inzaghi” due to his predatory instincts inside the penalty area.
Last campaign Paloschi underlined his promise with two goals from seven appearances in Serie A, as well as two more strikes in the Coppa Italia.
However, the starlet has a lot of competition up-front at Milan, and recently asked to be loaned out next season.
Torino President Urbano Cairo is now believed to have made a €2.5m offer in order to acquire Paloschi in a co-ownership agreement. Milan meanwhile would prefer to only release the teenager on loan.
Paloschi is currently on duty for the Italy Under-19 side in the European Championships in the Czech Republic, and he has scored two goals to help the side into Saturday’s final against Germany.
Roberto Rossi
Even Ambrosini Could Play In Central Defence - Galliani
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani reiterated that the club have no intention of buying any new players after Alessandro Nesta's injury.
Adriano Galliani is a man of his word. Ahead of the negotiations to sign Ronaldinho, the Milan vice-president had told journalists that it would be either the Brazilian or bust for the remainder of Milan's transfer campaign. And after El Gaucho's transfer was completed, he confirmed that "Milan's transfer campaign is over."
However, some fans may be hoping he comes back on that decision after the injury occurred to Alessandro Nesta, certainly Milan's best pure central defender.
Galliani talked about this issue today: "We won't buy anyone, because this isn't a serious injury. Let's be calm, the player doesn't need to be operated. Really, there is no new player coming in anymore. At the moment we have six central defenders, so I don't see what the problem is. Our central defenders are Nesta, Kaladze, Maldini, Bonera, Simic, and Digao.
"Favalli can play in central defence, and I think even Ambrosini could play there, so I don't see why, with at least six central defenders, we are still asked to buy players."
While Galliani's words are very reasonable, it is also undeniably true that the likes of Bonera, Simic, Favalli and even Maldini are better known as wing defenders.
Danilo Pochini
July 22, 2008
Ronaldinho Enthuses Kaka Link-up
Ronaldinho is looking forward to linking up with Kaka this season, and urges his fellow Brazilian to stay at San Siro, as he believes the two of them will have 'a lot of fun'.
An all Brazilian front line consisting of Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Pato is enough to send shivers to even the most resolute of Italian defenders. However, the Rossoneri are having to ward off interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea, in order to keep Kaka in Italy. Ronaldinho, the clubs new number 80, is also playing his part.
Channel4.com quote the former number 10 as saying: "I hope Kaka will stay at Milan for as long as possible, because we are going to have great fun together."
On playing in a team consisting of some of his fellow countrymen, he said: "Milan is not just Ronaldinho-Kaka-Pato, but a whole team, so it is not right to just focus on us."
A statement published on Milan's official website reminded Barcelona fans of Ronaldinho's gratitude to them: "Football is a game, a party, a sport to enjoy. You have to play football with a smile. Thank you for having smiled with me."
Ronaldinho cost Milan £16.7million.
Ronaldinho selects AC Milan number
Milan’s new recruit Ronaldinho has chosen his squad number for the coming season and it’s a surprising selection.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year completed a switch from Barcelona last week and has been given the warmest of receptions at San Siro.
Dinho wore the No 10 shirt at Barcelona, where he secured the Champions League title, but at Milan that number is occupied by Clarence Seedorf.
The 28-year-old refused the No 11 shirt that Alberto Gilardino has vacated after leaving for Fiorentina.
Instead, Ronaldinho has gone for the No 80 shirt to represent the year that he was born – 1980.
The demand for Ronaldinho replica shirts is overwhelming and the Diavolo are expecting record sales of personalised shirts.
Pato: With Ronaldinho we can win it all
Alexandre Pato trusts with Ronaldinho by his side he can win the Olympics, Scudetto and UEFA Cup.
The Milan starlet will be in Beijing with his new club teammate next month for Brazil’s Olympic squad and believes it’ll be the start of a beautiful partnership.
“With this team, we can win it all. Kaka and Ronaldinho are both very important for Milan, but they play different roles,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Ronaldinho tends to spread out wide more and if Kaka does too, then they’ll both give me the ball in the centre to score. Easy, eh?”
The Selecao trio has sparked a wave of enthusiasm with more than 10,000 season tickets sold since Dinho’s £18m move from Barcelona was confirmed.
“I am ready to train up as a centre-forward. If Carlo Ancelotti sees me in this role, then that is not a problem for me,” continued Pato.
“I am young and want to learn many things, the secrets of the sport. I scored nine goals in half a Serie A season, but I know I can do more. Much more.”
It will be his first full campaign with the Rossoneri, as due to age restrictions he could not sign the contract until he had turned 18.
“The most difficult thing to face was tactical, as in Brazil I was accustomed to running forward and waiting for the long ball from a teammate.
“Ancelotti asked for a different movement, as I have to go towards the ball and then run into space. It took me a while, but I’ve got it now.
“I am happy the way my first Italian season went, but Milan were unable to qualify for the Champions League and that made me very angry. Now I want to help my team get back into the competition.”
Now Pato will have the support of Kaka and Ronaldinho, he pledges to bring a Selecao sensation to San Siro.
“I haven’t changed, but I have grown up and learned what it means to play football in Italy. I can guarantee I’ll improve. You haven’t seen the real Pato yet.”
March 26, 2008
SuperPippo: No Foreigners!
Filippo Inzaghi has told Milan not to sign any foreign strikers this summer because the Italians they have at their disposal are already good enough.
The Rossoneri have had a miserable season, having crashed out of the Champions League in the last 16, and struggling in fifth position in Serie A.
This summer the club is expected to splash out on a top-class centre forward, and a whole host of overseas stars have been linked, including Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, Dimitar Berbatov and Mario Gomez.
Inzaghi however has called on the Milan hierarchy not to sign any foreigners.
“In my opinion, all that will be sufficient for Milan in the summer is a few modifications,” he said.
“You do not need to make any revolution, much less with regards to the attack.
“Here at Milan we have Pato, Gilardino and Paloschi who are guaranteed. Borriello is doing so well at Genoa, and who I would not hesitate in recalling. He is strong, powerful, and has grown very well this season.
“I repeat: I do not want any foreign bombers. At home Milan already have players stronger than many others, they just need to be given confidence.”
Pato: Stop Comparing Me With Ronaldo & Pele
Alexandre Pato says it will be a special moment when he makes his debut for Brazil tomorrow night, but he has called for an end to the comparisons with Ronaldo and Pele.
Pato has had a stunning start to his career in Italy, having scored seven times in just 13 Serie A appearances since his Milan bow in January.
This fine form has earned him a call-up to the Brazil squad, and he is set to make his debut in tomorrow’s friendly against Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in London.
"This is a special moment,” Pato enthused.
“The Seleçao is the dream for any Brazilian boy who begins to play with the ball.”
The 18-year-old has been described by some as the ‘new Fenomeno’, in reference to Ronaldo, however it is a tag Pato dislikes.
“Leave aside words like phenomenon,” he said.
“I still have everything to prove.”
This is not the only comparison that Pato has been afforded. Fifty years ago in the 1958 World Cup final, a teenager named Pele burst onto the world scene with a sensational display against hosts Sweden.
With Brazil set to play Sweden tomorrow night, inevitable links have been drawn.
"Pelè is the history of football. But let's leave the comparisons, is it possible?.” Pato said once again.
Zapata weighs up options
Udinese defender Cristian Zapata’s agent insists a host of clubs are chasing the Colombian’s signature, but he's in no rush to leave the Zebrette.
At the tender age of 21, Zapata has already played nearly 100 games for Udinese and is seen as one of Serie A’s brightest defensive prospects.
Juventus reportedly had advances rebuffed last summer, but it seems that the Old Lady is just one of a number of suitors.
It’s natural that a player with Zapata’s characteristics is appealing - it would be worrying if there weren’t any approaches,” agent Daniel Vidal told Udineseblog.it.
“Therefore it’s not a mystery that clubs like Milan, Juventus and even Roma have shown an interest. The new name perhaps is Arsenal, but English clubs usually look around a lot.”
While it is widely seen as inevitable that Zapata will leave Udine for a bigger club this summer, Vidal doesn’t think his client’s future definitely lies away from the Stadio Friuli.
“He has never thought about leaving Udine where he loves life,” he stated. “The city and the club are perfectly on his wavelength.
“I think that Udinese would also be very happy to have him stay and there have been no concrete talks.
“But it’s hard to say what will happen in March, especially with a player who was listed in The Times’ 50 most wanted in the world.”
February 21, 2008
Amauri issues AC Milan warning
Palermo travel to San Siro this weekend to face Milan and striking star Amauri is confident the Sicilians can build on their win over Cagliari.
The Rosanero have endured a miserable spell with President Maurizio Zamparini on the warpath and pressure mounting on Coach Francesco Guidolin.
However, the Aquile bounced back with a hard-fought win over Cagliari last weekend and are still sitting in eighth place.
Amauri has previously been linked with Milan, but Juventus are in pole position for his signature and he is ready to show the Rossoneri what they are missing.
“We are going there to win,” the former Chievo man roared. “Milan are a very strong side, but we will play our football at San Siro.
“Milan showed their strength yesterday to stay in the game when others would have lost, but no team is invincible and so we are travelling with optimism.”
It seems that Brazil and Italy could clash over the right to field Amauri for their national side, as he gets closer to acquiring Italian citizenship.
“I can honestly admit that I have been a bit disappointed by the lack of a call-up for the Selecao,” the 27-year-old admitted. “I haven’t heard anything from Carlos Dunga.
“The bureaucracy involved with getting an Italian passport is moving forward and I hope that it will all be resolved soon.
“Am I thinking about Euro 2008? At the moment I’m not. My objective is to do well in the Palermo shirt and then we will see.”
Kaka Eyes Quater Final
Milan’s Kaka believes a sold out San Siro will be the key to reaching the quarter finals of the Champions League.
The Rossoneri held a dominant Arsenal side to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates stadium on Wednesday night in a game which did not exactly live up to all the pre match hype.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now in pole position to go through. The Rossoneri have never lost at home to English opposition in this competition and so they seem favourites to progress.
“The return leg I can imagine being played in front of 80,000 fans at San Siro, above all they are our fans and with a Milan side who will surely be very aggressive,” Kaka told Corriere Dello Sport.
“Personally I have to make the most of training in the next few days as my knee is in good condition, but I still have to find a good match rhythm.
“Arsenal played good, they are a very technical team, well organised and they are capable of changing positions constantly.”
Milan will be hoping to continue their good form in Europe’s elite competition.
Ancelotti Optimistic For Second Leg
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti Believes his side have a foot in the quarter final after holding Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates.
The Gunners clashed with the Rossoneri in the first leg of the Champions League knockout stages and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
It was an entertaining clash and Emanuel Adebayor hit the bar in the dying seconds as Milan held on. The coach believes his side can complete the Italian job and win in the San Siro.
“The 0-0 is not a fundamental result but it’s a good one,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s not a result which makes us feel comfortable but we did play well and we did suffer a little.
“We could have played better. It will be difficult in the second leg but we hope we can go through. Ancelotti also explained his decision to start with 18-year-old Brazilian Alexandre Pato up front.
“We started with him because we wanted some pace in attack. With Pato we had more opportunities because their defence plays a high line.”
Milan have never lost to English opposition in the San Siro in this competition and they will be hoping to continue that record in the second leg.
January 13, 2008
Pato leads Selecao trio
Ancelotti Hails Ronaldo, Pato And Seedorf
The Rossoneri's 5-2 win against Napoli made Ancelotti smile, but what pleased the coach especially was Ronaldo.
"We were very good, especially Ronaldo," declared the Milan coach at the end of the game.
"He's a phenomenon and he proved this even in a condition which was not too brilliant."Ronaldo started to train on the 2nd of January, after 6 months of injury," he added.
"I'm happy for him, who suffered more than all of us."
Pato's Brilliance
Ancelotti then spoke about Pato's debut who scored a goal and created also many other goal scoring opportunities.
"He has great quality. It was his first game and some mechanisms must be perfected. However he was very, very good," opined the Milan coach.
“Pato has pace, the ability to turn and shoot.
"We could see that in training as well, so now we have to work on how to provide him with better service. He certainly has the talent."
Elaborating the attacking trident, he added: “This was a system we had never really tried before, especially with these particular players, but we will certainly continue honing and using it.
"They proved they can combine brilliantly on the field and get some great results.”
Defensive Concerns
Despite the emphatic result, Ancelotti was aware that defensive frailties need sorting.
"We had a risky approach, but that was necessary at this stage of the season to get the victory and the team responded well.
“Napoli’s first goal came because we were unbalanced, the second was Kakha Kaladze’s error for the penalty.
“Massimo Ambrosini obviously has to put even more work in with this system and it’s tough.
"He did a lot better in keeping his position in the second half. Ronaldo and Pato have never played together, so a few risks were bound to be taken.”
Of course, Gattuso's return from suspension could drop Ambrosini to the bench.
“It is a problem we have to face in the future and it won’t be an easy decision, as we have a great midfield and wonderful strikers," responded Ancelotti.
"In some games we will need someone to step aside and will use those occasions so that players can have a breather to be fresh all the way to the end of the campaign."
More Of The Same From Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf is one of those players who has blown hot and cold this season, but this was one night when it was spot, despite him being used in a deeper role.
“I would always like to see Seedorf play with this spirit and he was probably Man of the Match for me," he praised.
"He was involved in every move and we all have to be very alert to make the most of this system.
“Seedorf feels he is a Trequartista and played a crucial role in winning the Champions League last year. He is not the only one who must make a sacrifice for the team, but everyone has to work together for the squad.”
Zambrotta Woudn't Be Bad
Silvio Berlusconi made a public declaration on Gianluca Zambrotta earlier on Sunday, saying: "He would love to join Milan and I don’t think we’ll have too many problems reaching an agreement with Barcelona.”
Ancelotti was in agreement, and responded with a typically mischievous simle: “He wouldn’t be a bad signing, would he?”
