Ac Milan(a rosseneri's perspective)

Ac Milan vs Arsenal…….Revenge a dish best served cold.

2012-02-16T05:29:00.001-08:00

We gladly welcomed the gunners to the san siro Wednesday night with only one thought in mind; to erase the disgraceful 2 nil defeat inflicted on us by them at our own home ground back in 2009 and also to set the record straight against English oppositions and their fans that had started to believe a visit to the San Siro, was nothing but a walk over.
Right from the kick-off, Milan’s intentions where clear; nothing but a good win would satisfy the players hunger and allegri’s. I half expected Arsenal to retain an equal possession of the ball due to the one touch, fluent possession game they usually exhibit but I have to admit been surprised by the tenacity of our mid-field which welcomed back “The prince Boateng” and Nocerino to the first team. These two usual suspects ran the show in the middle of the park and connected early on when a chipped pass from Nocerino found The Prince who promptly volleyed the ball past Scnerzny –as the commentators in Pro Evolution Soccer would say, no keeper could stop that ball.
One nil was the score line, 42 minutes was the time and the Robinho show was about to begin. The perennial Champions league flop Ibra, who had a point to prove, received the ball on the left flank deep in the opponents half, looked for sagna , found him lagging behind , went on a run into Arsenal penalty box and with a delicate flick of the ball he found the waiting head of Robinho who needed no further invitation to head the ball home for our second goal.

The half time interval came as a respite to the gunners who were expected to come out motivated and at least if not equalize, stop the avalanche of goals coming their way…the reverse was the case, Milan came out with more verve to close the tie and on the 57th minute, after some good work by zlatan, Robinho received the ball on the edge of the area, moved it forward confusing Vermaleen and then taking a shot that dipped to the left corner of the post.
Wenger finally had to make a change bringing in Djourou for the struggling Koscieny . Arsenal fans worldwide howled their frustration at Djourou’s entrance and the defender did not disappoint. On the 75th minute Ibra dribbled into the box once again, met Djourou and tried to move past him. As the saying goes even if you miss the ball never miss the man, Djourou took this to heart and took Ibra down very smartly just that there was the little problem of the foul been committed in the arsenal’s penalty box.
The penalty was taken by Ibra and was easily converted, Allegri who had been screaming all day on the sideline, finally knew the game was over and brought in Ambrossini for boateng closing down any form of comeback The Gunners could muster. The night ended with a forlorn arsenal fan thanking henry for his 2months contribution using a placard.

IBRA SLAPS ARONICA....

2012-02-07T07:28:00.001-08:00

Milan vs Napoli was a serieA game billed to show the class of Italian Football and also as the rival of today's English Premier league game between United and Chelsea. The latter was a thriller while the former was a disgrace...
As a rossoneri, I have no choice but to give a report on our game no matter how bad I feel. The match against Napoli started alright, with Our players dominating possession in the way only milan know how ( aimless possession)... Emmanuelson (urby28) came close in the first half, producing a nice volley which unfortunately didn't do much damage and he generally played like a winger lost in a triquerista role, for that we can't fault him but Allegri and dare I say the milan tradesman Galliani, who chased Tevez throughout the january window, forgetting the disenfranchised,aging,leaderless and highly uncreative mid-field that we possess. The lack of creativity and misplaced passes in Napoli's final third, started having its effects on the strikers with the volatile Ibra venting his frustration on dare I say the innocent Urby.
Second half began with the same pattern; Milan dominating without penetrating the Napoli's defence and finally ibra lost it,slapping Aronica sheepishly in the 64th minute, prompting the Refree to hand him his send off letter without much ado.
Ibra once again showed his selfish streak, getting himself sent off and leaving 10 brave devils to fight against the 11 men of Napoli.
Milan struggled well for the remaining 30 minutes and came away with a draw.
Milans record against serieA's other big four this season,has been nothing but absymmal, Ibra has given less than convincing performances against Inter,Juve and Napoli....Juve's draw was calming to all milanistas but can we count on Ibra and co to take us one step ahead in the champions league?

Ac Milan vs Inter.. Abate killed it and Merda won...

2012-01-16T03:02:00.001-08:00

The hype to the Derby della madonnina was huge as always and the match in some ways lived up to our expectations despite the obvious disappointment of our loss.
Sunday came and I prepared as best as I could; got my beer and my favorite seat on the sofa.
The optimisim of rossoneri's worldwide was fetching and caused by the good run we've had prior to the derby,every rossoneri I spoke with was optimistic about our chances of wining and overlooked inter's latest resurgence,we all felt- including me- we would best Inter once again and I'm so certain our over-confidence must have gotten to Allegri and his boys for they approached the match with so much ease,with little respect for Ranieri- who's known for his tinkering and poor run against us- and his boys.
We all spoke about the magical Ibra,the much improve Abate,"Nocerinho",Thiago 33 and the indomitable Boateng running riot on the pitch but as the saying goes football is played not on paper but on the pitch.
The match started with much positives for us in the sense of possession in mid-field; van-bommel was having a massive game and boateng put in his quota.
But that fluidity, coersiveness and creativity was missing,which didn't dampen my optimisim of us getting something out of our possession and numerous misplaced passes.
The first half came and went with half chances for milan and some scathing counters from Inter which Thiago,Nesta and Vbommel handled superbly.
The second half began with me expecting a lot more from the team who I believed would have been inspired by Allegri in the dressing room but the reality was different same old rubbish passes and no creativity then the inevitable happened;Abate tried to stop the ball by throwing his leg up like an eel and gifted Militio with a free pass who unlike Ibra and Pato converted took his chance and the rest they say was history.
I wouldn't rate the team as I customarily do but will vent my frustration on the players who frustrated me! First and foremost comes Ibrahimovic,the big guy was as in-effectual as the great Ibrahim Ba of blessed memories, he didn't pass,shoot or even put himself in a position to receive a pass or to shoot at goal,he once again lived up to the big-game flop tag that has been his bane in europe,with this performance of his I'm now fully scared of the Arsenal game. would Ibra show up or not? Is the big question.
Next on my list is Allegri; who is not a bad manager but not a great one either,he should please organise our mid-field and if he can't get us the so called Mr X- which shouldn't be Tevez but a midfielder with class-,he should please give the youngsters - Elsharaawy-a chance to create something for us,he should also have the courage to bench Ibra when he isn't playing well,ferguson benches rooney on his bad days so he should take a cue.
Last but not the least, kudos to Inter for triumphing in this particular derby,they should get very prepared for the next in april cause we coming for your heart.
Forza Milan!!!!!

ode to the Derby della Madonnina

2012-01-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

On a very important day last season-I mean the 2010/2011 season which you all know is a season I want to forget as a professional footballer wearing the no 12 shirt for milan and at same time remember as a fan, the wining of our Scudetto-The derby de la madonna 2nd leg to be precise,I was once again excluded from the 25 man squad picked by Allegri..I was so mad, I considered assaulting him when he brought out the list come what may.luckily for Allegri,an important call came in through my cell phone it was from my radical cousin Luca who has been a member of our ultras for close to 10yrs.
I picked the call with much angst,slowly but surely my handsome face broke into a grin,when I was told by luca that I had been invited by him to travel with the ultras to watch the game against our fake neighbours(Inter),he told me to get ready for the trip putting it in his own words"this is not your team bus so be prepared" I smiled slyly at him and telling him I had my methods.
On that faithful day,I went into a general purpose store,bought 2 cans of red and black spray a bandana, a faded jeans and a mask of Morrati. My transformation had begun.
I applied the spray paints to my face tied the bandana(red and black by the way on my right hand),put on my black faded jeans with the mask firmly tucked in the rear pocket and strolled into the streets shirtless,penniless and phone less looking so un-recognisable that my own mother passed me and re-coiled when I extended a hand in greeting.
I was finally ready to roll in with the ultras.
The bus of the ultras was like something from the movie hooligans. The sides where painted red and black with a caricature of chief Maldini on either side,the insides where all decorated in red leather and everybody looked as scary as gattuso. Forza milan! I greeted in a strong voice and Forza!! they screamed in reply none recognising me for who I really am.
The pledges,songs and swears that where uttered during the trip to the sansiro are secrets I can't utter here. Finally we arrived at the entry gate where we met a beautiful lady who asked us for our tickets,making sure we understood it had all been sold out and none could be purchased at the gate.
The leader of our group a scary looking monster with a red beard-painted or real I couldn't tell-stepped forward and lifted up his milan jacket and tattoed into his flesh was the milan logo and carved on his rotund stomach was "ULTRA since 1899".by this time my skin had broken out in goose pimples as one by one each Milanista showed outrageous tattoes in outrageous places. The fine lady was so overwhelmed she let me through without checking out my credentials which I had quickly hidden inside my jeans so as not to appear a dork in such brilliant company.
Finally we where in, by some unforseen karma I found my self separated from my mates and in the west wing surrounded by Interistas.
A brave man,I took my sit along the sea of blue and black,looking like an alien. phhheeww the game kicked off with me stonily concentrating despite the vicious glances aimed at me. Then the expected happened my man Pato scored in the first minute,I muted down my celebration by just nodding my head slowly with a knowing smile,then the second came and I demurely clapped my approval while my insides where erupting with joy and then came the last from Pato.
At this point I couldn't suppress my emotions anymore, lost in ecstasy I flew up with joy fished out my Morrati caricature mask wore, it while dancing like a mad man all the way..it took me a good 3 minutes to notice that I had been surrounded by vicious looking Interisti's ...throwing all caution to the winds, I flung myself into the crowd spinning wild punches and screamed at the top of my lungs"FORZA MILLLAAANNN" and the rest was history....

Be kind to one another!

FIFA(Messi) footballer of the year award/Gala night....

2012-01-09T01:54:00.000-08:00

Footballs most prestigious award night is here again and as has been the norm this past few years, is between two short Barcelona players and a tall Madrid Prima-donna.
The Men's footballer of the year award is going to be a short and do I dare say easy contest between Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo, as you can see I said contest between and omitted Xavi Hernandez's name not because I forgot, trust me I didn't, but because today's voters will not take this phenomenal(no only one player has been a phenomenon, so I'll say), mecurial mid-fielder serious, when it comes to another Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, even seasoned coaches and journalists tend to relegate everything else plus Xavi to the background.
Lionel Messi Lujan born in 87'.
The diminutive Argentine forward is in my opinion by far the greatest player of his generation and some say a contender for the greatest of all time, he has the pace of a tiger(instills fear in its prey), the control of a maradona, anticipates and plays a pass like Pirlo,makes the game look so easy like Zidane, as powerful with the ball as Pele,scores and assist like Lionel Messi and lastly, as techniqally unpredictable as Riquelme.
Using FiFA's criteria to list his accomplishments (after using mine already), Messi scored a whooping 53 goals in all competitions,he was the top goal scorer in the Champions League for the 3rd consecutive season matching Gerd Muller's reccord and also Van(thief) Nisterooy's 13goal reccord. Funny enough Messi is already joint top goal scorer this season in Europe's premier competition.
He has won the FIFA and Ballon'd'or gong twice in a row and is going hard for the third one thereby matching Ronaldo (the real phenomenon) and Zidane's record for amount of times a single player has picked up the gong.

Christiano Ronaldo also known as CR7 now CR9 (shows you how this dude like puff daddy) loves the spotlight. He is un-arguably one of the greatest of this generation.
He has broken almost every league goal scoring record at every league he has played scoring a whooping 53 goals last season with 42 goals in the league alone thereby setting the pace for others to follow in La liga. He has the pace of an Usain bolt (runs like a one dimensional walcott atimes),the physical and shot power of a Batistuta (prone to diving atimes), the football intelligence of a lampard, a knack for goals as an in-form Inzaghi,the athleticsism of a Christiano Ronaldo , the "prima donnes" of a Balotelli (why always me!) And lastly flops at the big stages like a Thierry Henry (henry fans shut up and accept)!!
As for his FIFA stats he notched 53goals last season and already top scoring this season in the league(including a lot of penalties like Ibra), he also won the Copa del roy which Mourinho called a "very little trophy" and is obviously the main challenger to dethrone Messi.
P.S the dude has said he and Mourinho who is also up for best coach are not attending the event. "Unsporting" cowards(also in my opinion)
Xavi Hernandez, hmmm this mid-field maestro has been as underrated as Riquelme but his array of skills and range of passing has won both Barca and Spain numerous crucial games and titles, he is undoubtedly the engine room of both teams. He is a player like pirlo who plays behind the scenes,has the vision of Dennis Berkamp mixed with Zidane's creativity and half of Juninho Perlumbu(whatever) freekick skills and also Maldini's(by the way,meeting him is still on my bucket list) humility which makes him one of the greatest mid-fielders of all time.
May the best man win.

There are also other awards such as women's footballer of the year, best coach and best goal. I chose to omit expanding on them for obvious reasons.

Forza Milan!!

Atlanta vs Milan..Mexes resurgence...

2012-01-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

The second and most important half of the season kicked off today for the world's most successful club and we the ever watchful fans waited in anticipation for the Atlanta-Milan game as a crack head waits for his next fix. The match came and didn't disappoint, Milan outclassed an Atlanta team that has been the surprise package of SerieA 2011/2012 season.
Unlike what the uneducated in Serie A matters may think, Atlanta has produced some defining moments this season and have the 3rd best home record in SerieA and also produced the former joint top goal scorer in Denis (although ibra surpassed that today).
Since its my blog,let me rant about the players who impressed me so much today before I move over to our team ratings.
I'll start with Urby28,he's game was pure class,reminiscent of someone called Iniesta, for he ran at the Atlanta mid-field in an Iniestariqe way: he dribbled,showed us some beautiful touches and passes. He was wonderful,I just hope Allegri gives that guy some more playimg time so he grows in confidence. Then we move over to SerieA's god (ibrahimovic) who was virtually untouchable today (if you have the time read my article on ibra), he scored a penalty which is fast becoming his trade mark and gave a beautiful solo assist to Boateng (although he through away a 3 on 3 counter attack by being selfish),he more than made up for his errors with a beautiful composed display in today's game. (Madrid if you truly wanna win the La Liga,by Ibra)
Then to the revelation of the afternoon; MEXES, this blonde haired dude played so well he made Bonera look world class at right back, he played the game with so much ease and readability he looked like Ronaldinho in a night club! Only. I personally have watched only a handful of defenders defend at that level and as much as I love Sandro(Nesta) I have the nagging feeling that if Mexes continues at this level,well Nesta might just become Pippo's best friend.
And last but not the least kudo's to Allegri for making bold changes to the starting XI, although he still didn't put my boy ( Sharawaay).

Abiatti : 6.5 (had little to do,but did well with the little that came his way)

Bonera: 7 (one of his best performances in a Milan shirt,mexes had a hand though)

Mexes: 8 ( A colossus and hopefully we shall see more of him)

Thiago Silva: 7.5 ( as assured as ever)

Zambrotta: 6 ( age is not nothing but a number.

Van Bommel: 6 (an able cover for the defence)

Nocerino: 6.5 (gave a good box to box display)

Boateng 7 (scored a goal,nice touches)

Urby 7 (showed much promise,deserves a roll of games)

Pato: 6.5 ( hit the bar,dribbled three or so atlanta dude in a tight corner,also deserves a run of games)

Ibracadabra : 8.5 (what more can I say....)

Forza Milan!!!!
Be kind to one another.

Milan at dubai!!

2011-12-30T13:20:00.001-08:00

The holiday season is was officially over for our beloved rossoneri's with each and everyone returning to camp on the 29th to meet the 12pm flight to dubai.
It was all fan fare as Ibra,Urby,Gattuso and co trouped in to the departure hall garbed in mostly black attires styled by Dolce and Gabbana,I guess.
Allegri -who is yet to pen a contract extension- picked a 22 man shortlist consisting of the usual starting eleven and other squad members.
They include:-

Goal keepers:
Abbiati,Amelia,Roma

Defenders:
ThiagoSilva,Abate,Nesta,antonini,Zambrotta,Mexes,Bonera,Taiwo,Valoti, de scigli

Midfielders:
Nocerino,ambrossini,Gattuso,Boateng,Emmanuelson,van bommel

Attackers:
Carmona,El-sharaawy,Pato,ibra,robinho,pippo.

Today the group was divided into two teams green team and blue team.
And news from our camp - didn't watch the game- was favorable. It was a game that saw Ibra,Pato, and El-shaaraway grabbed goals.

Going in on the rumours about Pato's potential transfer to PSG, I believe they are all lies and would be highly dissapointed if Galliani let's another of our shining youngster go the way of Gourcuff-who we still miss by the way.

Tevez,tevez,tevez,that's all we hear these days,while I don't believe we need him, Galliani has kept his pursuit of him on a high level and if he really feels we need him,the earlier we sign him the better so he can quickly integrate with the team and play to his best.

Forza Milan!!!

Be kind to one another.

zidane, pirlo, Riquelme in that order my hierachy in mid-field.......A riquelme Interview

2011-12-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

Now 33 and arguably in the twilight of his glittering 15-year top-flight career, few would deny that Juan Roman Riquelme remains one of the most elegant and gifted creative midfielders of his generation. Cerebral, unerringly accurate from open play and set pieces, and a fine striker of the ball, the Argentinian schemer continues to bring these powers to bear for Boca Juniors – who he has just helped to victory in the 2011 Apertura.

Currently enjoying a well-deserved post-season break, as he recharges his batteries for Los Xeneizes’ assault on the 2012 Copa Libertadores, a trophy he has lifted on three occasions, the No10 graciously made time for an in-depth and exclusive interview with FIFA.com.

FIFA.com: 2011 has been special for you for a number of reasons, including the fact that it’s now been 15 years since you made your professional debut. As a child, did you imagine you’d enjoy such a fine career?

Juan Roman Riquelme: To be honest, no. However, I used to imagine becoming a footballer, and that I’d try to get to wear the Boca shirt in the Bombonera someday, as my family all support this club. But I never dreamed I’d play for such a long time, nor that I’d be fortunate enough for people to be so fond of me here in my own country. It’s a really lovely feeling.

One of your biggest strengths has been the way you strike the ball so accurately. Was there anyone in particular who you modelled your game on?

I was lucky enough to grow up during the era of (Diego) Maradona’s, who all Argentinians consider the greatest player ever. After watching him play I used to run out onto the street with my mates, get the ball and pretend that I was him. I’d be commentating on myself and saying “Maradona has the ball”, stuff like that. Now that’s what my son’s like with (Lionel) Messi: he starts kicking the ball and saying “Messi’s on the ball”. For people my age, Maradona is the main man. But for younger generations, like my boy, Messi’s their hero.

If you had to pick out two moments that have shaped your career, one positive and one negative, which would you choose?

I really enjoy those moments I get to spend with my team-mates, both in training or if we all go for a meal. But from the fans' point of view, I guess their fondest moments will be of a championship or cup win I was involved in. It’s hard to just pick one, right? If I had to choose the worst one though, it might be that semi-final we lost with Villarreal (against Arsenal in 2005/06). We were so excited about trying to reach that Champions League final, because we knew that Villarreal may never get the chance again. It was a really tough time.

You missed a key penalty in that game, but have you seen that incident again since?

Yes, I watch all the games I play in. I think we deserved to win that game, we played better than Arsenal. We played much better, we won a penalty and we missed several clear chances, while they didn’t create any opportunities at all. But, in football, when things don’t go your way there’s not much you can do.

A few months later you appeared at the FIFA World Cup™ in Germany. What did playing at the finals mean to you?

It meant a lot to me, it was the only major championship that I hadn't played in. There’s been a lot said about our performance at that tournament. Even though it ended disappointingly because we crashed out, you have to remember that we got knocked out without losing a game. I think we played the best football out of anyone there and I supplied more assists than anyone else at that World Cup. That was a great experience and so were the 2008 Olympic Games, where I thoroughly enjoyed myself (and helped Argentina win gold).

Looking back at that quarter-final defeat against the hosts at Germany 2006, what’s your verdict on the way that game panned out?

I reckon we had that game under control, don’t you think? It seemed more likely that Argentina would score a second than Germany would get an equaliser. You could see they were very tired, several of them had cramped up. But they managed to grab a goal after a move where the ball came to (Miroslav) Klose at the far post. And he’s phenomenal in the air, he’s better with his head than with his feet, and that moment changed the whole game. Penalty shoot-outs are a question of luck: their keeper had a good day and we ended up going out.

Jens Lehmann was between the sticks for Germany keeper that day, as he was for Arsenal in that aforementioned semi-final with Villarreal…

I wasn’t fortunate enough to take a kick in that World Cup match, though I would’ve loved to. I used to take my team’s first kick in penalty shoot-outs and it would’ve been a wonderful moment. I’m one of those who thinks that football players have to always put themselves in those situations where nerves are most frayed, where you can decide the outcome. But I’d already been subbed so I couldn’t play a part. And that was what stayed with me, the feeling that I’d be denied the chance to take that penalty.

That particular penalty shoot-out was even more memorable because of the piece of paper Lehmann consulted between penalties…

There wasn’t anything written on that piece of paper.

Fifa 2011
Really?

There wasn’t anything on it. It was all about delaying the kicks that bit longer and making our penalty-takers think he knew where they were going to shoot. For example I remember that (Esteban) Cambiasso struck his kick at medium height, which he’d never done in training. But Lehmann still guessed right, which doesn’t add up. In my opinion the piece of paper had nothing on it, but in any case he did a good job; he was very sharp in the way he tried to put our players off.

Fifa 2011
Let’s talk about what you’re like off the pitch. Do you watch many matches?
Yes, I watch everything I can: Argentinian football, European football, national team games...

Is there a team you particularly enjoying watching?

We all like watching Barcelona. They’ve been fortunate enough to bring together a group of players the likes of which will never be seen again in Messi, (Andres) Iniesta, Xavi, (Gerard) Pique... all in the same team at the same time. It’s a stroke of fortune, but they’re a real joy to watch.

Fifa2011:
How do you beat a team like that, is there any secret formula?

It’s difficult. If you come up against them in a knockout cup tie or over two legs and luck goes your way then you can edge past them. But they’re very unlikely to be beaten in a longer competition, like a league championship. I think the only coach who’s managed to beat this Barcelona team is the guy who’s at Getafe [Luis Garcia], who beat them 1-0 recently and managed a draw with them last season when he was at Levante. That says it all. Barcelona and Real Madrid, though they have different styles, are both way ahead of the rest.

Fifa2011:
When you watch this Barcelona team, do you wonder what might have been had you signed for them at a different time?

When a team’s playing well and winning they exude a sense of calm and confidence. It’s a pleasure to watch them play. I joined them in a year when there were elections at the club and a lot of internal problems, a lot of anxiety. But now I’m here, where I want to be: Boca are my club and my home. I’m really enjoying where I am right now.

Fifa2011
Speaking as a Boca player, how did it feel to see River Plate go down?

It’s all about perspective. The Boca faithful celebrated it like we’d won a trophy ourselves but for me, as someone who loves football, I think it was a bad thing. It’s like if Barcelona or Real Madrid were relegated in Spain – it’d be bad for La Liga. El Superclásico is the game everybody looks forward to most and we won’t get to play it this year. Let’s hope River can bounce back quickly so we can enjoy those matches again.

Fifa2011
Which are the current players that you most admire?

Messi is the greatest, the best in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is like the ideal Playstation player, the kind that can score with his right foot and his left. Plus he’s fast, tall, good in the air, scores penalties and free-kicks and is skilful. But the one who plays the game best is Iniesta: he knows exactly when to go forward and when to drop back. If he’s got the ball out on the left he knows who’s out on the right. He picks the right moment to do everything: when to dribble, when to speed things up and when to slow things down. And I think that’s the only thing that can’t be taught or bought. You can learn how to shoot and how to control the ball, but being aware of everything that’s happening out on the pitch – that’s something you’re born with or not.

Fifa2011
Iniesta is always fulsome in his praise for you too…

What happened was that I was fortunate enough to join Barcelona when he was in the youth team. He started training with us and I became very fond of him; we used to spend a lot of time together. He made his first-team debut around that time and we’ve got on really well ever since. We’ve always kept in touch.

Fifa2011
A short while ago you stated that you were determined to appear at the next FIFA World Cup. Is that because your son asked you to?

Yes! (laughs) He’s nine years old, he really likes football and he knows the World Cup will be played over here (in Brazil). I’m just going to try and keep playing football. I know it’s going to be tricky and that I’ll be getting on a bit by then, but I won’t have lost any of my enthusiasm or desire to play at a World Cup. And if I’m not there as a player then I’ll go as a fan to cheer on our national team.

Fifa2011
We’ve heard that you’ve got quite a collection of shirts from opposing players. Are there any that you hold especially dear?

I’m lucky enough to have a lot of shirts now, but if I had to pick just one I’d definitely go with Zinedine Zidane’s. I’ve got the shirt he wore in his very last home game for Real Madrid. The Wednesday before the game he called me and told me that he didn’t have mine and he wanted to swap shirts on Sunday. At the match, they subbed him five minutes from the end so the fans could give him an ovation and he stood there waiting by the touchline so he could keep his promise to me. It was a really lovely moment. I’ve got it displayed in my house, with the date on it. He was one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen.

Fifa2011
Changing the subject completely, is your dad still your harshest critic?

Yes, he never thinks I play well! (laughs) For him, there’s always something wrong, but by being so demanding he’s really helped my game. Even if the press say I’ve had a good game, he’ll come up to me and say “if you’re that good, why’d you misplace that pass”. I think it’s good having someone there who always demands more from you. It stops you resting on your laurels and makes you want to always keep improving.

Fifa2011
Finally, after so many years in the game, how important would you say football has been in your life?

Football’s given me everything. Just like little girls love dolls, the best toy I’ve ever had, or ever could have, is a football. The person who invented it is a true hero: nobody can top that.

Be kind to one another
Forza Milan!!!!

Happy Birthday to the Most successful football club.

2011-12-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

112 years ago two men (one an English lace-maker and the other an English businessman) came together to create a football/cricket club thought about a name for it ,then christened it Associazione Calcio Milan.
Gradually it became mainly a football playing Club. In 1908 there was a split,leading into. The formation of an alpha Club A.C Milan and a copy cat Inter-Milan(I hope they are not thinking of celebrating too).
And through the years,the Lace-maker's club has risen against all odds to be the most successful International club in footballs history.
As a birthday present to My favorite club I'll pay homage to the greats who have passed through the walls of Milan.

From Gunnar Nordhal to Paolo Maldini milan has seen great players pass throught it ranks,as a footnote education to the fans and admirers,check out our record breakers.

(1) Franco Baresi is Milan's record appearance maker in Coppa Italia (97 appearances); he has also been Milan's longest-seving captain (15 seasons) and won five Scudetti, five Italian Super Cups, three European Cups, three European Super Cup and two Intercontinental Cup during his tenure as Milan captain.

(2)Filippo Inzaghi is Milan's record goalscorer in European competitions (41 goals)

(3)Cesare Maldini won one Scudetto and one European Cup during his tenure as Milan captain and also father of Paolo Maldini

(4)Gunnar Nordahl is Milan's all-time top goalscorer, as well as the record goalscorer in the league (210 goals in Serie A); he won one Scudetto during his tenure as Milan captain.

(5) Gianni Rivera is Milan's record goalscorer in Coppa Italia (28 goals); he won two Scudetti, four Coppe Italia, two European Cups, two European Cup Winners' Cup and one Intercontinental Cup during his tenure as Milan captain.

(6)Paolo Maldini is Milan's record appearance maker in all competitions, as well as having made the most appearances in European competitions (168 appearances); he won two Scudetti, one Coppa Italia, one Italian Super Cup, two UEFA Champions League, two UEFA Super Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup during his tenure as Milan captain.

Other hall of famers in Milan include:
(7) Goerge Weah who played from 1995-2000 raking 147 appearances,scoring 58 times,wining the Ballon'd'or as well as FIFA footballer of the year awards with Maldini as runner up.

(8) Marco Van Basten- from 1987-1995, he made 201 appearances wining a 2 scudettos and 2 champions league medals in style for us,he found the net 124 times in his Milan career.

(9) Giovanni Trapattoni- 1957-1971 with 351 caps for the rossonerri.

(10) Mauro Tassoti: 1980-1997 raked up 583 appearances.

(11)Marco Simone 1989-1997 with 260 appearances.
(12)Andry Shevchenko 1999- 2006,he is one of the most prolific strikers in our history making 322 appearances, with 175 goals and having a Ballon'dor award to his name while in Milans colours.

(13)Frank Rijkaard- 1988-1993 with 261 appearances,was a part of the dutch renessaince which include Van Basten and Gullit.

(14) Andrea Pirlo- 2001-2011,the italian midfield maestro went on to make 401 appearances for the rossoneri scoring 41 goals with uncountable crucial assists.

(15)Alessandre Nesta- 2002- till date,last real defender alive has made 314 appearances for the rossoneri and winning crucial european trophies alongside Maldini.

(16) Kaka-2003-2009,our world record breaker,he was sold for 64million pounds breaking zidanes record,with milan he made 270 appearances,hitting the net 95 times while winning the Ballon'd'or and FiFA's player of the year with Milan.

(17) Ruud Gullit-1987-1994 with 171 caps and 56 goals,a powerful midfielder who broke boundaries for Milan.

(18) Genaro Gattuso- 1999- till date,with 463 appearances.one of Milan's most loyal mid-fielders of all time.kudos to mad Gattuso.

(19) Costarcuta
(20) Cafu
Happy birthday to the worlds most successful club.

Be kind to one another!!
Forza Milan!!!

The return of Sir Berlusconi...

2011-12-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

Berlusconi the made man.
We all know Berlusconi's metermorphosis from humble beginnings to Law school,to construction and finally into a Media mogul which launched him onto the italian public scene and ignited his political career, which was littered with allegations here and there which where sexual or otherwise.
But today I am here to talk about the part of his career which is truly important to us. His purchase of Ac Milan in 1986.
Berlusconi came to Milan at a time when we where in decline. Scandals such as the 1980 Totonero scandal(google it), relegations in 1981 and 1983 ,also Milan was threatened with bankruptcy which left a bad taste in the mouth of Milanistis and a decline in the clubs prestige worlside.
Then Berlusconi the saviour showed up as a knight in shining armor, got Arrigo Sacchi as manager,purchased Gullit,Van Basten and Rijkaard and the rest as they say was history.
From 86 upwards Milan under Berlusconi has been one of the most successful clubs in world football and has gathered fans from over the globe,making Berlusconi one of the most successful club owners of all time till he stepped back in 2006 due to political reasons handing over the reins to Galliani but was still very much vocal and involved in the clubs day to day running,to the extent of even telling coaches formations to use and curtaling players dress sense and hair styles.
6 years later Berlusconi has been booted out of the italian corridors of power and his first statement was on his iminent return to Milan,which I see as a good thing but others are taking it badly.
January 2012 will see him back at the helm and I hope he re-vitalizes the club as he did in 86' bringing in new quality players in their prime so we can once again challenge the Barca's of the footballing world.

Be kind to one another!
Forza Milan!!!!

RIP DR SOCRATES. Milan vs Genoa...fastfoward to Pizen!!

2011-12-04T15:23:00.001-08:00

Friday was a beautiful day to Milanisti's worldwide because for the first time this season, we had the joy of looking down at all serieA teams and yeah the top is so much cooler than the bottom like inter or even second.
I refused to comment on the match till Juve played their outstanding game to stop any premature excitements and I guess my need for caution was justified as Juve beat cessena and returned to the top of the table leaving us two points behind.
Anyways the game against Genoa was lovely as we played some good football,although Robinho once again disappointed us all,making me wonder when Allegri would give El-sharawaay a chance.
Pato also missed the game due to being down with the flu.

The serieA table is now fully balanced and it looks like this:
Juventus 29 points

Milan 27 points,and udinese in third place with 27 points also.

Fast foward to our Champions league game against Viktoria Pizen,news from Milanello about squad selection are positive cause I'm hearing whispers of youngsters such as Comi and Kingsley might get a chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage in Europe. Since the result is no longer important to us,I hope Allegri uses it as a chance to blood our upcoming talents.
Until then Forza Milan!!! Have a nice week.

On a sad note the world in general and Brazil in particular lost one of its shining generals of the beautiful game. Dr socrates died today and would leave a legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in the game who actually was a Medical doctor.
Our condolences goes to his family.

Be kind to one another.

RIP GARRY SPEED ( The tributes pour in for Leeds/Newcastle/welsh legend).....Pato moving ahead.

2011-11-29T05:20:00.001-08:00

Milan vs Chievo as I predicted was a great game for us,leaving me with a very satisfied feeling,every player that started brought his A game to the table but no one's performance pleased me more than Pato's.
After a season of injuries(last season) which robbed him from making a lot of contribution to the cause last season and early this season,Pato came back with a bang against Barcelona in the Nou camp,only to get himself injured in his next game against Napoli.
He returned to fitness early this November but had put in Mediocre performance till the game against Chievo.
This was a confidence boosting game for our "Duck" he scored a goal,made one by getting us a penalty and his general movement on and off the ball was a joy to behold.

There will be no ratings today as the rest of the article is to be devoted to Garry Speed.

The former Leeds United midfielder was found dead at his home in Chester, and the world of football has paid its condolences to the man who played more than 700 games.
Tributes have flooded in from the world of football for Wales manager Gary Speed, who has died at the age of 42.
Speed was found dead at his home in Chester and former team-mates and opponents have spoken of their shock and sadness at the news.

Robbie Savage, who played alongside Speed for Wales on many occasions, tweeted: "The world has lost a great man in Gary Speed. I'm devastated spoke to him yesterday morning. Why?! Why?! Why?!I'll miss him so much.

"He came to watch Strictly Come Dancing three or four weeks ago. I high-fived him in the front row. He loved the show, he loved life, he loved his family. Devastated."
Savage added to BBC News: "I spoke to him yesterday and he was in high spirits. I just can't believe it. He was my mate and he's gone. He's left two gorgeous kids behind. Gary was [a professional]. He was one of the fittest guys.
"He looked after his body. He was a great team-mate, a great manager. He was joking yesterday [about Robbie being on Strictly Come Dancing], saying don't get a two off [judge] Craig [Revel
Horwood]."

Current Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, who was handed the armband by Speed, tweeted: "I was given the tragic
news this morning. To say I am devastated is an understatement. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's family and friends. Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be
missed by all."

Ex-Wales team-mate Ryan Giggs told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news. I'm totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in
football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate."

The chairman of Gary Speed’s former club Bolton, Phil Gartside, told
Goal.com: “You could not meet a nicer chap in football. He was just a gentleman. He always had a smile on his face and had time for a chat with anybody no matter who it was. It was a pleasure to have known him as a person.
“He had great kids, a really nice mum and dad. It is just such an awful
tragedy. I can’t believe it. He was such a fantastic fella and it is such a terrible shame that he has gone.
“When he came to our club from Newcastle he was as fit as anybody,
young and old, and as enthusiastic as anybody and made a massive contribution.
“It was a sad day when he left us to be honest. At the time we wanted
him to stay but he wanted to move on and explore other opportunities.
“He had a great managerial career ahead of him. He had done great work with the Wales team in the last few months and things looked really promising for the national side.
“Everybody loved him. I never met anyone who didn’t like Gary
Speed. You couldn’t fall out with Gary Speed because he wasn’t that
sort of person.
“In the couple of years that he played for us he really made his mark and was a great guy to have around.”

Manchester United forward Michael Owen, who lives close to Speed's family in north Wales, said: "Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb. He has died aged 42. So sad. He lived
local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind two sons.Tragic."

And Owen's former team-mate Gary Neville told of his "absolute
devastation" to Sky Sports: "He was a fantastic professional, who was a winner. It's absolutely devastating. We think of football sometimes being important, but it's not really."

Ex-Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd told Goal.com: “It was a privilege to have a player of his calibre and character at Newcastle United. Football was his primary concern because he loved the game so much and he played with admirable enthusiasm. You will never
find anyone with a bad word to say about Speedo. Everyone thought the world of him.
“It is not like many of today’s footballers who are completely different to what he was like because he was a footballer first and foremost. The Geordie public loved him. There can be no doubt about that and I think he would have loved to have come back to Newcastle again at
some point in his career. When he was at Newcastle he gave everything that he could.
“It was a great signing by Kenny Dalglish and bringing him from Everton certainly the best bit of business that Kenny did when he was at St James’ Park.
“Speedo, Shay Given and Alan Shearer were a great trio with Shearer up front, Speedo in the middle of midfield and Shay in goals. They were great friends, they were very close and they will be devastated.
“He was a real hero to Newcastle fans because they appreciated what
he did for the club. He wasn’t all fancy Dan, he got stuck in. Everybody that played against him respected him. For your fellow professionals to respect you and like you at the same time take some
doing. “It is awful news and I feel really sorry for his family. It is heart breaking. God bless him. Newcastle fans will be very upset.”

Former Newcastle captain Shearer told the BBC: "Gary was a magnificent person, bright, fun and a wonderful family man - he lit up every room he walked into. I am proud to have been his friend and
will miss him dreadfully."

Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: "Gary's death at such a young age is an absolute tragedy and the thoughts of The Football League and its clubs are with his family, friends and all his colleagues at the Football Association of Wales.
"He was a model professional throughout an exceptional playing career and, as expected, he had quickly become a manager of huge potential.
"Gary was held in great esteem throughout the domestic game and
his passing is a great loss to football in
both Wales and England."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew added: "This is one of the saddest
days in football, when we hear a colleague as respected as Gary is
tragically no longer with us. A top-class international player whose
seamless move into national team management tells us everything
you need to know about him. He had great class on and off the pitch;
he was a man of true character that so many people looked up to. It is so sad and tonight my thoughts are of course with his family."

Wales striker Robert Earnshaw tweeted: "I feel so sad. We have lost our manager, leader and an extremely great person who's inspired us all in the last year. Rest in peace Gary Speed."

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill added: "Gary Speed was the ultimate pro on and off the pitch. So sad to lose someone so special to football, friends, fans, family. Rest in peace mate."

The tributes continued to flood in from players on Twitter, including
former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso, who said: "My first Premier League game game was against him, he showed me in that game what British football is about" and Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, who added that he was "shocked at the news about Gary Speed. Thoughts are with his family".

Current Anfield star Lucas also tweeted shortly after the Reds' 1-1 draw with Manchester City: "Very bad news about Gary Speed. RIP." And former Aston Villa midfielder Ian Taylor said: "Locked horns
with Gary Speed on many occasions and was a complete gentleman on and off the pitch. Can't get my head round him being gone."

Another former team-mate of Speed, Shola Ameobi, said: "Gary was a really great guy who joined the club the year before I made my debut. I looked up to the likes of Gary and Alan Shearer, and he was always there for me and the rest of the young lads, taking time to talk
to us at training and pass on little tips that helped you improve as a player. Not everyone would do that so it just goes to show what a class act he was. He taught me so much, not just on the field, but
how to handle yourself off the pitch too. I wish his family all the very best at this terribly sad time."

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta tweeted: "Shocked after hearing about Gary Speed. Sad news. I played a few times against him. Great player and great guy! My condolences to the family. RIP"

The tributes were not exclusive to the world of football, with golfer
Lee Westwood tweeting: "So sad to hear about Gary Speed. A true pro and really nice fella. RIP Gary Speed."

Speed's former clubs also paid tribute. "We are stunned to learn this
news. The club expresses its deepest sadness," said a Leeds United
spokesman. "Gary was very well thought of throughout the game. He was a very likeable and popular man."

And Sheffield United, where Speed finished his playing career and
started coaching, said: "Everybody at Sheffield United is extremely
shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former player and manager Gary Speed. Thoughts are with Gary's family and friends at this distressing time."
Newcastle United added: "The board, manager, staff and players of Newcastle United FC are today deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Gary Speed.
"Gary was an inspirational and much-loved player at Newcastle United during his time with the club from 1998 to 2004, making 285 appearances and scoring 40 goals. He was an excellent servant to the
club, the ultimate professional, and an exceptional role model for younger players.
"Gary will be deeply missed by everyone at Newcastle United. Our
condolences go out to his family at this very sad time."

The English FA released a statement saying: "It is with great
sadness that The FA has learned of the passing of Gary Speed.
"The thoughts of everybody at The FA are with his family and friends
at this time. "Gary had many friends at The FA, who are truly saddened by this
news."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp expressed his shock at the
news and insisted Speed will be remembered as a "great human
being". He told Absolute Radio: "He’ll be remembered as a great footballer, but I think most importantly he’ll be remembered as a fantastic boy and a great human being.
"I’ve never, ever heard anybody ever say a bad word about Gary Speed. There’s always somebody who doesn’t like you, but I’ve never met anybody that didn’t like Gary, he was just so popular with
everybody, just such a nice person."

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright told Absolute Radio: "It’s just really, really astonishing, it’s shocking, really shocking. So sad for his family, I can’t say how much I am shocked really.
"You look back at someone like Gary Speed, you look at him, how he
carried himself, how he was a model professional, that’s all I’m hearing. He worked hard and got very fit. Gary’s 42, and he looked like he could still play at the top end level, very fit guy."

RIP Gary Speed.

Forza Milan!

Be kind to one another.

Its a freaking weekend!!!

2011-11-26T05:47:00.000-08:00

Yeah Barca beat Milan.Yes the refree wolfgang stark was a cheat,yes we have qualified,yes we are intrested in tevez and yes we play Chievo today.
Welcome to acmilan watch,and I know all milanistas would agree with me on this been a great time to be a Milan supporter.
On wednesday we welcomed Barcelona to the sansiro,well it ended 2-3,a defeat for us helped by the ref's bias and some tactical indecisions or should I say decisions from Allegri,but all in all it was a splendid match to watch.
The highlight of the match for me was Boatengs "Wonderfuly" crafted goal,in a position where a less talented player would have passed the ball,Boateng conjured up some magic with his backheel,spun around abidal and taught Valdez a lesson he would never forget.
Allegri said it was a great game and he holds no grudges but I say it was a great game and I hold grudges against Allegri,Robinho,Aqulani,Pato as well as Wolfgang stark. its life so I have no choice but to move on to the SerieA clash with Chievo, its the time to sit relax and watch chievo get molested and to all you who engage in football bets,put all your money on Milan or better still on Milan and a 3 goal difference.
Allegri's probable line-up is going to be:
Abbiatti,Abate,Thiago,Bonera,Antonini,Ambrossini,Boateng,Seedorf,Nocerino,
Robinho,Ibrahimovic.

As for transfer rumours, Galliani and Tevez's agent (jarcchobian) held talks early this week on a probable loan deal with Mancity for Tevez,some say we don't need him but I feel he's a welcome addition since Tevez has always loved competing and it will be nice to see him compete wirh ibra,pato,Cassano and robinho for a first team shirt. My only hope is that its a loan deal and not something permanent because of the youth players coming up,I mean the likes of El sharawaay,Paloshi,Verdi nd co,they really need to be given a chance in order not to stunt their progress and Milan also needs to stop wasting the talents of our young stars . We are not Madrid that can buy the best at any price so we really need to groom and use as both Barca and Bayen does.

And in a completely unrelated news:-
I heard Urby Emannuelson follows Justin bieber on twitter, I guess that's why he's getting no games,@Urby pls unfollow quickly...

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to watch our game.

Forza Milan!!
Be kind to one another.

Enjoy your Weekend!!

Epic Clash of two giants... Milan vs Barcelona.

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

One of the few rules and regulation UEFA got right,was placing champions league matches in the evenings,when one is back from whatever day job he does and has the luxury to recline on his couch,chair,bed etc ,nursing a cold bottle of beer(that's a must) and tuning into the most watched drama series(football) on earth.
Today's game is as big as it gets in Europe,
Almighty AC Milan Vs The Great Barcelona team (1 of the best footballing teams of this century).
The clash as we all know shall be legendary we went to the Camp Nou,and against all odds came out with a draw and now they re-pay us with a visit.
A visit which has more in store for us than Barca,because as strong as Milan is right now,we still need to avoid some teams in the knockout stages and this can only happen by taken top spot while Barca can easily compete with any opponent that comes their way.
There will be key battles in every area of the pitch,from defence to attack,and I believe the winner will be the team that capitalizes on its chances, we shall witness Nesta vs Messi (hopefully nesta will prevail again), Xavi vs Van bommel/Nocerino in the middle,the runs of Abate vs overlap of Abidal and pique/puyol vs the strength of Ibra and pace of Pato.

The ref for this epic battle is Wolfgang Stark and as we all know he is a huge Messi fan (the guy went as far as asking messi for his jersey in the 2010 world cup) ,we Milanista's should hope he makes all the right decisions today,not favouring one against the other.

Our probable Line-up is:-
Abiatti,Abate,Nesta,Thiago,Zambrotta
Vanbommel,Nocerino,seedorf,Boateng
Pato,Ibrahimovic.

My Predicition is obviously
Milan 2- Barcelona 1 (ibra,pato,messi).

Your predictions are welcome.
See you after the game.

Be kind to one another.
Forza Milan!!!

Excerpts from Zlatan's Biography and Milan super scout/agents visit Brazil ahead of January transfer window..

2011-11-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

Woke up this week after the boring international break to the News of Sir Belusconi stepping down(which means more succes for Milan) ,of Mino Raiaola and Braida landing in Brazil,planing to tear the country apart for an attack minded player,Gattuso back in training acting mad as expected,Pato and Nesta also back and Zlatan's Biography on my mind.
We all know Ibra is slightly deranged but how bad his case is can only be judged from reading his biography (not to insightful but highly hilarious).
I shall bootleg some excerpts from chapters of the book that I found interesting for your reading pleasure and to help you make up your minds on getting it.

Excerpts from chapter 1: "1st time Mourinho met my wife, he said to her: Helena, you have only one mission. Feed Zlatan, let him sleep, keep him happy!”

Guardiola constantly repeated himself before the CL-match vs. Inter: "He was like a parrot and I got dodgy vibes from him."

"Playing videogames was a disease to me. When I was at Inter, I would sit up until 4 or 5 a.m, sleep 2-3 hours and then go train."

Chapter2: "After the first Scudetto with Juve, I collapsed in the bathtub. It was Trezeguet, that snake, who lured me into drinking shots."
Ibra tells about stealing bikes: "My brother gave me a BMX bike when I was little. I called it Fido Dido, Fido Dido was a tough little bastard, a cartoon guy with spiky hair ,I thought he was the coolest.But the bike got stolen quickly outside the Rosengård bathhouse and my dad went there, with his shirt open and sleeves rolled up ,He's the kind of guy who says: No one touches my kids! No one steals their stuff! But not even a tough guy like him could do anything about it. Fido Dido was gone, and I was devastated.After that I started stealing bikes. I'd smash the locks. I became great at it. Bang, bang, bang, and the bike was mine.Once I dressed up in all black, and went out into the night like fucking Rambo and got a military bike using a huge bolt cutter and sure, that bike was cool. I loved it. But honestly, it was more the kick I got out of it than the bike itself
It triggered me to sneaking around in the dark, and I'd throw eggs at windows and that kind of stuff. I was only caught sometimes."
"One embarrassing thing happened at the Wessels department store out at Jägersro, for example. But honestly, I deserved it.Me and a friend were wearing huge winter down jackets in the middle of summer - quite fucked up....and under those jackets, we had four table tennis rackets and some other crap we picked up .You guys, aren't you paying for those?", said the guard who caught us. I pulled out a few pennies from my pocket: "With these?But the guy didn't have a sense of humour, so I decided to be more professional from then on."

Chapter 5: Ibra tells about him and his friend pretending to be real cops and scaring off prostitutes and their customers."In Rosengård you don’t brag about a nice apartment or a beach house. You brag about the coolest car and if you want to show that you’ve succeeded in life, you show it with a nice ride, In Rosengård everybody drives, with or without a driver’s license...and when I leased my Toyota Celica, my friends and I went out, and at that time I had calmed down a little. The whole media attention made me behave - at least for a bit- and when my friends started stealing cars and doing stuff like that, I said to them: "It doesn’t work for me anymore. But still, I needed a kick. Like when a friend and I drove up along Industrigatan, where all the prostitutes are.Industrigatan isn’t far away from Rosengård and I had been there as kid when I was up to no good.
we saw a prostitute, who leaned in over a car like she was talking to a customer. "Come on, let’s make fun of this fool", we said So I slammed on the brakes right in front of him, rushed out and shouted: "POLICE! PUT YOUR HANDS UP!" It was totally sick.I used a shampoo bottle as an imaginary gun, and this customer, some old guy, totally freaked out. He hit the gas and disappeared.We didn’t think more about it, it was just the kind of thing that we did. But when we drove a bit further, we started hearing sirens & behind us we saw a police car with same old dude from Industrigatan sitting in it, and we thought: “What’s going on? What is this?And of course, we could have stepped on it and driven off. I was no stranger to that kind of stuff, after all but But we had our seatbelts on and everything and we hadn’t done anything. Therefore, we stopped calmly "It was just for fun", we said. “We pretended to be cops. No big deal, right? We’re sorry”. The cops laughed. It really wasn't a big deal.

Chapter 10: Ibra about his former agent, Carlsson: "He said that Southampton was interested in me, and I was like: "WTF! SOUTHAMPTON?!"

Raiola(ibra's agent) to Ibra, at 1st meeting: "Sell your cars & watches. You have to train 3 times as much now, because your goal ratio sucks!"

Chapter 12: Capello to Ibra during one of his first training sessions at Juve: "I will beat Ajax out of you!"

"Nedved was a workaholic. He would be cycling 1 hour before training. And then after training, he would run for another hour."

Ibra tells about how furious Capello was after a game vs. Liverpool, where Thuram cost a goal, because he changed his man marker "He yelled at Thuram. He kicked the massage bench forcefully and it spun towards us."Everybody was just sitting there, looking at the floor. Trezeguet, Cannavaro, Buffon, everybody. Nobody was moving a muscle, and nobody would ever think of doing something like what Thuram did again.

Chapter 14: Ibra about Mutu: "This guy had partied a lot. The stories he told me! I couldn't stop laughing! It was totally crazy."

Chapter 15: Ibra tells about an argument he had in the summer of 2006 with Didier Deschamps, who was managing Juve back then. We were going to play a friendly match vs. Spezia and I had said that I wasn’t going to play any matches due to the Calciopoli case.Therefore I was sitting in my room playing Playstation. Then Deschamps came up to my room. He was furious Deschamps: "Why are you sitting here? We have to go now." I didn’t say anything. I just stared at him. Deschamps: "Didn’t you hear what I said?". Ibra: "Did YOU not hear what I said? I will train but I won’t play any matches." Deschamps: "You better damn play! You belong to this team! You will get several fines for this!"
Ibra:"Okay".Deschamps: "What okay?" Ibra: "Give me the fines then. I’m staying in this room!" Then he finally left. He was fuming, and I was just sitting there with my Playstation, while the other players went into the bus.I did get the fines. I think it was around €30.000 in total. It became total war.

Chapter. 17: Ibra tells about his addiction to videogames."In November a new game came out. "Gears of War" was the name, I went totally crazy. I locked myself in. I built a playing room and I sat there hour after hour till about 4 a.m.I should sleep so that I wouldn't be totally wrecked during training, but I just continued playing videogames ."Gears of War" and "Call of Duty" were like poison to me. I needed them all the time,I needed them more and more. I couldn't stop & I started playing online with others; English, Italians, Swedes, all sorts of people. I played 6-7 hours a day, and I had a gamertag. I couldn't call myself Zlatan, so of course nobody knew who was hiding behind my tag I impressed everyone, even under a false name. I have been playing video games all my life and I'm an extremely competitive person. I was focused & I crushed them all. But there was this one guy. He was good & he was also online during night His gamertag was "D" and something else. I had heard him talk because we were all wearing headsets when playing, I tried to shut up. I wanted to be anonymous. It wasn't always easy. I had adrenaline in my body and one day they started talking about their cars. D said he had a Porsche 911 Turbo and then I couldn't take it anymore. So I started talking and people noticed. People were suspicious,"you sound like Zlatan", they said. I said "No, no that's not me." Then they asked all sorts of questions, but I dodged them."

"I was about 17 years old. I really studied Ronaldo. His every move and his acceleration we were many who studied Ronaldo, but nobody took it as far as I did. I didn't miss a single detail. Without Ronaldo, I think i would have become a different player. There's a video on youtube of me and Ronaldo, where I'm chewing gum & looking at him, like I can't believe that we're on the same level."

I'll be given u a general review on a new football application and on saturdays wiv fiorentina.

Forza Milan!!
Be kind to one another..

Gianni Rivera...Milan's Golden boy

2011-11-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

The match with Roma wasn't reviewed due to the conversations we had on the Acmilan watch facebook group page.
As for the match with BATE,what's to be said? Except we threw away numerous chances, our best performer for the seasons quarter (Abate) finally made an error,we have finally qualified from the group stages even though first position is clearly up for grabs and we have once again a lengthy injury list which includes the likes of Cassano( he had a stroke this week but we have been assured of a full recovery by his doctors#Forzantonio), Nesta etc..
I'll leave my faithful readers with a compilation on arguably the greatest Triquerista Italy and the world has ever seen.

"President, there was fog. You could only see silhouettes and at times you couldn’t tell whether it was him or Schiaffino! Sign him President, listen to me.”
Gipo Viani, Milan scout

“I don’t want to exaggerate, because at the end of the day this is only football, but Rivera is a genius.”
Nereo Rocco, Milan Coach 1961 – 1963 and 1967 – 1973.

“Rivera, Rivera, Rivera”
England Manager Alf Ramsey’s response when asked to list Italy’s three best players in 1970.

Born on the 18th August in 1943, in Alessandria,Giovanni Rivera was a small, fragile boy, but blessed with intelligence and grace well beyond his stature,
his age, and his time. Spending 19 years with AC Milan from the age of 16, Rivera, or the “Golden Boy”of Italian Football, was the jewel in the crown of
Nereo Rocco’s Rossoneri of the 1960’s, winning the Scudetto three times and twice lifting the European Cup. Rivera also holds the honour of being the first
Italian to win the Balon D’or, lifting the prized trophy in 1969.
Plying his trade first for his local club, Alessandria, making his Serie A debut at the age of 15 years and 288 days, the second youngest player ever to do so.
He made 25 appearances for Alessandria, scoring
six, when he was spotted by Milan scout Gipo Viani whilst he was looking for talent.
The scout was so excited by what he had discovered, he instantly rang then Rossoneri President Andrea Rizzoli, who took some convincing to take a chance
on the youngster. However, such was Viani’s passion for the boy(see quotes at the top), Rizzoli was won over, and the 17 year old Rivera joined the Il Diavolo
for the astonishing amount of 90 million lire (€155,000), a record fee at the time.
From the moment Rivera arrived at the club, he cemented his place in the starting 11, and made an immediate impact, winning his first Scudetto at the
age of 18. A player of unerring class, Rivera was known for his silky touches, vision and enigmatic dribbling style, allowing to almost glide past players
with ease. The youngster quickly became popular among the Milan faithful, not only for his ability, but for his “Movie Star” good looks. The Italian Football pin up
star throughout the 60’s and into the 70’s, Rivera grew to represent all that was beautiful about the game in the peninsula, both on the pitch, and off it.
Journalists often waxed lyrical about Rivera’s skill (one writer, Giorgio Bocca compared him to a heron, such was his “finesse “), but it was his critics that
will be most remembered. Gianni Brera, the enigmatic editor of La Gazetta Dello Sport dubbed the Milan playmaker “Abatino” – Italian for little abbot, a young priest, as reference to the midfielders
slight frame, implying that despite his skill and vision, Rivera’s unwillingness to run and inability to compete physically meant that he was still a detriment to his side. “Rivera is a great stylist,” said Brera. “He’s an intelligent footballer which allows him to make the right decisions, but he doesn’t run. In my opinion, he is a great half-player.”
Despite Brera’s opinion(a hugely influential one at the time, splitting people into pro and anti Rivera
camps simultaneously) Rivera remained a key player for Milan, and occasionally for the Azzurri.(I had to mention them at some point, I suppose).
Occasionally? That’s right. Despite the fact Rivera was undoubtedly one of the best players Italy had ever produced, his time for La Nazionale was limited,
due to one of Calcio’s great selection dilemmas.
Every so often, a player comes along that defines a country, a generation, a league and a team. In 1970, as Italy geared up for the World Cup, they had two.
Gianni Rivera, captain of Milan and winner of the Balon D’or the year before was competing with Interista legend Sandro Mazzola, son of the late
Grande Torino icon Valentino(brilliantly immortalised in my co – blogger Gadsby’s piece a few days ago).
Sandro was to Inter what Rivera was to Milan, and like Rivera, blessed with immense talent, but not immense work ethic.
So, facing one of the most difficult choices ever presented in management, Ferruccio Valcareggi decided to introduce a stafetta(relay) between the
two players, giving them 45 minutes each in every match so not to show bias toward each player, whilst preserving the energies of both parties, as it was
thought that neither player could stand 90 minutes in the heat of Mexico.
This strategy worked well throughout most of the tournament, as Rivera would appear in the second half of matches, and often rescue the Azzurri in times
of need. This was most obvious in the quarter final win over hosts Mexico, and the “Game of the Century” against West Germany, where Rivera
displayed both sides of his game within 5 minutes – failing to stick to his defensive duties as Gerd Muller made it 3-3, but scoring the decisive goal minutes
later(the television cameras were still showing Mullers goal) connecting wonderfully with Boninsegna’s cross, sending Italy into the final.
However, despite Rivera’s contribution, Mazzola started the final vs Brazil, and remained on untill six minutes before the end, as Brazil crushed the Azzurri
to win 4-1. Many Italians cited this as the catalyst for La Nazionale’s loss, and the tactic caused controversy thereafter, Valcareggi seen as bending to Brera’s
theory that Rivera was in fact a “half player”, not trusting him to weave his magic for the full match.
That said, it seems a little unfair to cite Rivera’s absence as the key moment in Italy’s fate, given the opposition, the Selecao side of that year often
dubbed as the “Greatest Side Ever”, and even supposedly scoring the “Greatest Goal Ever” in the process of winning the Jules Rimet Trophy.
After the World Cup, Rivera’s career slowed, playing less of a part internationally(his last moment in a
Azzurri shirt was sitting on the bench as Italy crashed out to Poland in 1974) but ending on high note, leading Milan to a final Scudetto in 1979, securing
the Gold Star on the Rossoneri jersey, a fitting tribute to a career dedicated to the red and black.
Gianni has since moved into politics.
What’s amazing about Rivera isn’t his ability, his influence, or his frighteningly full hair. It’s the fact that despite all that he has achieved in 501 games for Milan, he is still remembered for what he couldn’t do. When Calcio fans think of Rivera, they think of a great sporting dichotomy, a nickname, and a final
that could, and perhaps should been different.
Rivera made Italian football great again. A country still recovering from missing a generation post
Superega, was given a face. It was given. a style, a point to argue over cappuccinos all up the peninsula,and something to present to the world. It was given a
Champion. As the Azzurri heart still beats to the rhythm of an artist, it is important to look back and think of one of the first, great visionaries. The abatino. The Golden Boy. Gianni Rivera.

Be kind to one another!!
Forza Milan!!

The top Five Teams in the world..2011/2012 ..season

2011-10-27T04:17:00.000-07:00

I start by tendering an apology to my readers for the last 3weeks absence in which a lot happened to our favorite team. We have grown from strength to strength since our 1-0 win at Cesena, notching up 4 wins on the trot. For that I scream Forza Milan.
I took some time out to take a sneak peek at the English Premiership, The German Bundesliga,The SerieA and the La Liga, making me put pen to paper to select the Top Five clubs in the world for the First Quarter of the season.
My criteria for choosing this teams are up to debate but I put Champions league performances as the first Benchmark(so if your team isn't in Europe's elite competition, I'm saying sorry and please bear with us who are).
The second criteria is obviously League performances and the last is individual talent/potential in a team to overcome all odds.

(1). Real Madrid :- As much as I detest the whites,I have to call a spade...their form since the spanish league began is nothing short of brilliant. Minus a glitch which was their loss to Levante ,they have been on another level dispatching opponents both home and abroad with ease,they are currently second in LaLiga and first in their Champs league group with maximum points. A club with the likes of Kaka,Ronaldo,Benzema and The so-called "Special one", their recent form should come as no surprise to anyone.
So I rate them "Numero Uno" for the first quarter of the season and we all know they will be near a lot of trophies come the end of the season.

(2). Barcelona:- They might be 3rd in the La Liga but every football fan or mere observer knows the power in the name "Barca". This is a team with the best player of his generation and has been said to be greater or as great as King Pele(I disagree on both counts),Xavi, Iniesta the golden boy, Villa,Fab,Sanchez(one of serieA's proteges) and the astute Guardiola. They currently lead their champs league group, have half of the incomparable spanish squad players in their team and the potential in this squad is obviously the highest in the footballing world making me sure of the fact they will be competing for all major trophies this year.

(3). Bayern Munchen:- what can I say about this German machines? Who have set the world alight with their performances both in front of goal(Mario Gomez) and at the back (Manuel Neuer) they have scored the most goals in all major leagues in Europe and conceded the least. With the likes of Gomez,Ribery,Robben, Neuer, the young trio of Muller,Kroos and Boateng the sky is the limit for Bayern for years to come.

(4). Manchester City:- The Blue side of Manchester in my opinion would have been higher up on my list if not for their performances in the Champs league.
As for the premiership, they have emerged as the new force in England sweeping opponents and rivals away with so much ease, instilling fear into them. I can't say how well they will do come end of season but I know they will shock the world for sure. With tested and untested talents like Aguero,Dzeko,Silva,yaya Toure and co, the blue sky is their limit.

(5). Ac Milan:- ForZaaa Milann!!!! The Diavoli started their season on a very poor note due to mass injuries to key members of their(our) squad namely Ibra,Robinho,Flamini,Boateng,Pato,Mexes,Taiwo etc,8 weeks later the tale is different We are now 5th on the table,just 2 points behind the Leaders Juve, 2nd in our Champions league group behind Barca but on the same points (and I know we shall overtake). And I can finally say the team is coming together in a beautiful way with all the new players integrating themselves into Allegri's football tactics. With a new midfield acquisition come january,I forsee a higher ranking come the end of the season.

Forza Milan!!!

Be kind to one another.

Ibra planning to quit?..juve vs Milan..the road foward..

2011-10-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

Match day 5 of the 2011/2012 serieA season witnessed the clash of two giants.
The rejuvenated Juve versus The rossoneri's,our Rossoneri's.
What is there to really say about that game except point out the glaring problems in our squad,so glaring if I had the money I would have donated it free to fix them.
The squad was so lethargic,right from the kick-off we where dominated and ran off the pitch,the Juve mid-field made ours look like a high school football team,they had the creativity(produced by a former milan man), the energy and far more drive than our pensioner mid-field.
I am tired of repeating the need for youth to balance age in the mid-field, Allegri should please give the younger players a chance to showcase their talent and develop cause they are our future.
The likes of Seedorf,Ambrossini,Gattuso,Van Bommel, can no longer play three matches inside a week.
Now,as for the defence, I don't understand Allegri's decision to bench Taiwo for the 35 year old legs of Zambrotta! He claims Taiwo needs time to understand the italian game which I agree to but how would he understand the italian game and milan so called style of play(which for now is just hoofing the ball to Ibra) if he doesn't get games? All Milanisti's know that an un-integrated Taiwo or Antonini is even better than an old Zambrotta.
Zambrotta should be used as a back-up to the team not a first team starter. Then to Bonera,that dude should never put on a Milan shirt again and just run-down his contract on the bench,please Zambroota is enough calamity.

Anyway,I'm grateful for the International break,it gives Allegri time to plan out a wining and compatible strategy for the team coupled with the fact that Mexes will be back to fill the injured Nesta's shoes,Robinho will also be back to give us more options in attack and the pensioner group( ambrossini,seedorf and Van bommel) will have some rest since their respective countries also think they are too old to contribute.
Our next game would be on the 15th against Palermo,they also have a very solid mid-field but I believe we should be able to collect all three points if everything goes accordingly in a fortnight.
Now to a very serious issue that could complicate matters for Milan,Ibrahimovic came out after the Juve game to say he is tired of football and he no longer gets much joy from the game as he used to in his younger days but he is definately going to honour his contract with Milan.
His speech has created ripples in the camp with everybody dropping their opinions,as for me I'm really scared of a lacklustre Ibra because when he is in that state of mind he becomes worse than Peter Crouch and since the whole Milan team depends on his performances our season will be very bleak. The time has come for Allegri to remind ibra of never having won the Champions League,european footballer of the year or Fifa's player of the year titles and he still has a lot to accomplish in his career,to put his head down and work for the team and himself.
As for the road forward for the Rossoneri's, Allegri needs youth infusion to step into milan and not shy away from experimenting as is the norm in italy,I wonder where the level of the careers of Messi,Fabregas and Aguero be if they had started in Italy? I guess they will all be like Giovinco, playing for either Parma or Catania. Give the youths a chance and if the youth team players aren't good enough then Galliani should go shopping in January. If not the season which is still okay( as we are just 6 points behind Juve and Udinese) might turn into a catastrophe.

Forza Milan!!
Be kind to one another.

On the right track..welcome back Ibra..

2011-09-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have been smiling ever since wednesday's champions league night because our boys did me proud.
I have too tender an apology for my absence but it was due to so many factors,work and our dismal performance against Cessena. Yeah we won but the play was horrible and lazy,though a win is always a win no matter the circumstance,I still expected a lot more from the team regardless of injuries especially when playing a newly promoted club.
Then we welcomed back Ibra and the team sprang to life and I can boastfully say it was our best performance so far this season... hmmm,maybe the Super Cup with inter might beat it but the team showed what could be accomplished with patience,tactical awareness and hard work. We literally played Viktoria Pizen off the park even though we where not so clinical in front of goal,the general game play was awesome making me believe that as the season progresses,we might just be able to challenge the Manchester United's and Barcelona's in Europe. As for Ibracadabra,he was a monster at his best, he dropped off
the frontline to pull the strings, always prompting and probing at the Czech back four. He was the fulcrum, the catalyst, the pivot - whatever you choose to call it, he embodied the role.
And what was the reason of our wonderful performance? Could it be Ibra's inclusion,or the use of younger legs in midfield? Whatever it is I would urge Allegri to stabilize this current starting XI to maximize their chemistry,I would still love to see one more very creative midfielder bought in january and more of El Sharaawy and Emanuelson, but for now we are in wining ways and I hope and pray it continues against juventus.

Match Review:
Abiatti (6.5)
Made a couple of important saves early on and kept the visitors at bay for the rest of the match.
Nesta (7.5)
A typically efficient defensive performance by our evergreen defender, who was never truly tested by
Bakos and company. Played the ball from the back well.
Abate(7)
All-action display from the right sided player, who burst down the flank at will and forced Pilar to go inside with his runs. His impact fizzled out as the game developed though.
Thiago Silva(7)
Comfortable like his defensive partner, despite being under siege early on. The Brazilian will be pleased with a relatively untroubled shift.
Antonini(6.5)
Initially struggled to provide support down the left and was forced to defend more than he would have liked against Rajtoral and Kolar, who got the better of
the full-back on more than one occasion. Improved as the game wore on, but replaced by Taiwo.
Van Bommel(6)
The Dutchman struggled to stamp his authority during the match, as he looked out of sync with his team mates. However, he did not make any glaring
errors, but still unspectacular.
Seedorf(7)
Classy display from the veteran, who continues to ooze with elegance on the football pitch. Rarely lost possession and kept it simple, while putting in an
occasional inventive pass. Replaced by Aquilani.

Nocerino(6.5)
Not exactly a show-stealing performance, but nevertheless important. His industry and energy was
an important factor in breaking down Plzen's stubborn midfield, and ultimately we reaped our just rewards.

Emannuelson(6.5)
The former Ajax man had a promising first half in regards to his pace, even though played out of position.

Ibrahimovic(8.)
At the centre of every Milan attack, he played the role of leading the line to perfection. Capped his comeback with a penalty and set up Cassano for the
second with a trademark visionary pass. He is simply the catalyst in this Milan side.
Cassano(7)
Threw some chances away and pondered way too much on the ball,but all in all he did a good job and capped it up with a goal,I'm still waiting to see his Sampdoria form for us.

We welcome Juve this weekend and the greatest playmaker in the world(Pirlo) is going to be against us,I hope and believe he would be overcome with nostalgia and put in a below par performance and our midfield will run juve off the pitch but in reality, I feel our midfield is weaker than thiers and its our strike force that will carry the they for our great team.
My prediction Milan 2- Juventus 1.
What are yours?

In other news,the international football media has finally found a scape goat who isn't only well payed but highly talented in Tevez,they want us to believe the incident that took place on tuesday night has never occurred in football I.e a player refusing to come on or a player having problems with his or her coach.
Meanwhile more than 20 examples could be sighted such as Scholes refusing to come on against arsenal, Figo refusing to come on against the same Mancini.
I know he is being payed a lot to do his job and he has made so many inflammatory statements against the club but we still have to remember he was the player that single handedly too Man City to the champions league as a captain on and off the pitch. Put yourself in his shoes,you where stripped off your captaincy,relegated to a bench warmer,when the going was good against lesser teams people in the club management felt he wasn't needed anymore. Then on a bad night when things where turning out badly,you where quickly summoned to do what you always do (save their asses) any proud human being would have rejected that call or at least thought of rejecting it.
I think we should take a look at Mancini's credentials and see him for the incompetent manager he is,he has no man management skills (he has squabbled with Figo,Ibra,Adraino,Viera,adebayour,Bellamy,Given etc). He won the serie A when it was arguably at its weakest after the Calciopoli, he has never gone past the 2nd round in Europe with an equally star studded inter team and almost fought with the inter fans after being eliminated by Liverpool in 2005.
The Mancity board should start evaluating their priorities if they are hopping to progress to the next level as Inter did.

Forza Milan!!!

Be kind to one another.

Cavani's rampage..milan vs napoli

2011-09-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

As I was told by a friend before the match,our players will be over-confident after the draw with Barcelona and play below par against Napoli. How true where his predictions.
Allegri once again chose age over youth in his mid-field line up and what we saw was the result. Our line-up against Napoli included seedorf and van bommel once again making the others work twice as hard to cover for them as the gam processed,for God sake we have players like emmanuelson and El-sharawaay as options in the mid-field,Allegri needs to start building a new team around this youngsters if he let Pirlo go believing he was past his best,then in the same vein he should give gatusso,ambrossini,van bommel and seedorf more bench time and cameo apperances. The time to build for the future is now.
Moreover,our next game is against Udinese and that scares me a lot because those players are young fast and good,hopefully Ibra will be available to add the cutting edge.

Match Rating
Abiatti-- 6( could do notting about the goals but he still conceded thrice,I think he is also a weak link,what of you?)

Nesta--7(tried in his role,but Mexes return would be welcome)
Thiago silva--6.5(was a passenger in the game in my opinion)
Abate--7( little errors but he has matured)
Antonini--
Van bommel--6 (started well but lost his energy as the game proceeded,can't blame him thou he's 34)
Seedorf--6 (started well also but fizzled out as the game progressed)
Nocerino--6 (did the little he could do).
Aquilani--7(opened scoring and almost added another)
Cassano--6 (anothe below par performance from him,begining to wonder)
Pato--5( lacking in confidence and sharpness,was highly disapointing)

And finally did any one notice El sharaways sharpness and hunger? Allegri really needs to introduce him as a first team player to add the needed youth,creativity and vigor to milan.
Till Wednesday against Udinese which is a top 4 team I say
Forza Milan!!

Be kind to one another.

An Italian Job It Was....

2011-09-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

I would not lie to any milanistis world wide,I never expected us to go to the Nou Camp and survive talk less of come out with a draw.
Funny enough, most milanista's I chatted with had far more belief in the team than I did,each and every one of them predicted a draw.
So for that I scream forza Milan!! At the top of my lungs and give all of us a pat on the back in spirit.
Before I drop the analysis of the match,I have to throw in a quick word from a friend who said we play better without Ibra than with him and for that reason alone he believed we would leave with a point. Well,I slightly agree with him but think Ibra adds a lot to our team when it comes to SerieA perfomances and is sometimes a liability in Europe for us...so maybe Allegri should bench our talisman in Europe(pls include Pipo in the 2nd stage) and play him mainly in the league and TIM cup.

Yesterday was the "D" day and I prepared accordingly,I finished all sort of mundane activities quickly, relaxed on my sofa with a beer in my hand and not much hope in my heart.
I would not go as far as saying we matched Barca play for play,but I'll say we held our own and showed class in defending. Is it just me or has Abate finally understood the right back role and gotten to the next level?
In as little as 23 seconds,Pato had made champions league history and it left me stunned. Is this the almighty barca the football world is so scared off?and in a flash of inspiration, it hit me,this is "Milan" 7 times european champions and as Galliani would say"the Champions League is in our DNA".
From then on I watched the match with ease. As it progressed, we where pegged back for long intervals but the milan defence refused to crumble,till lionel messi weaved his magic through nesta and abate then still managed to make a pass across the box for an easy tap in for Pedro,meanwhile zambrotta was ball watching instead of marking his position( taiwo we need you).
Nesta was the colossus he has been for a long time and shrugged of his pathetic performance against Lazio to produce a master class and as we all know Silva33 is the best defender on earth his goal was the blow that leveled the camels back,I love that guy.
As for our midfield hmmmm..... It was slow,ponderous,technically deficient except for seedorf and boatengs brief cameo the middle was poor. Allegri needs to start playing the younger generation let them integrate quickly and not do a Goucurff.
Finally, we have shown the whole world to under-estimate us at their own peril.

My team rating.

Abbiatti --- 7(gave a solid perfomance)
Nesta--- 8(last real defender alive)
Thiago silva-9(best in the world)
Abate-- 7.5(no longer one-dimensional)
Zambrotta-- 6(just average)
Van bommel-6.5(provided solid cover)
Nocerino--6.5(solid cover)
Seedorf---8(technically gifted)
Cassano--6(lost throughout the game)
Boateng--6.5(didn't finish)
Pato-7.5(went MIA for long periods of play,but made up with class)

You can comment,agree or dis-agree.

Be kind to one another.

Forza Milan!!!!!!!!

Acmilan Vs Lazio

2011-09-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

It took me so much time and angst to pen a review for our opening match,but I guess I just had to do it and pick the positives from our draw with lazio.
Yesterdays game exposed the glaring problems in the milan team.
Starting with the aging of Nesta, a year or two back, klose would never had been able to skin our number 13 as easily as he did yesterday and Cisse would never have gotten to that headed ball.
Can we blame our legend? I don't think so for he is 34 years old.
After the first two goals I became disillusioned cos I have high and I mean very high hopes for this season,this doesn't mean SerieA is out of our reach but can we really challenge in europe?
Yes a quarter of our team was injured but it was mainly the attacking/defensive areas and we all know the mid-field is the link between the two,if the midfield was up to par,we would have easily won that game.
Allegri chose to start gattuso,ambrossini and seedorf 3 mid fielders above 30. I wonder if its a policy to play all our old players without integrating the young "remember Goucurff" anyways the mid play was so slow,ponderous and highly un-creative. As for the positives, Abate has finally learned not to be too one-dimensional,he's runs where highly productive and intelligent,Cassano well hmmmm... He did ok,but his first touch let him down a time too many.
Ibrahimovic looked inspired and I'm loving his drive all he needs is an inspirational midfielder to feed his passion.
Well the game with Lazio is over and now is the time to look forward to the match at Nou camp,I forsee a loss and I think a loss would serve us well,it might open Galliani's eyes to get us a very creative midfielder come January. Dunno about you all so your predictions are welcome.

Twitter handle@acmilanwatch

Forza Milan!!!

Be kind to one another.

The soliloquy of Zlatan Ibrahimovic...and SerieA kicks- off..

2011-09-08T13:32:00.001-07:00

Through out my career I have been revered by some as a great striker,while others say I'm lackadaisical or just plain overrated,some even go as far as saying during a game Valdes covered more distance than I did.
Sometimes I wonder what football has become this days, when did distance covered become a yardstick for measuring a players performances on the pitch? Zidane hardly ran or is Walcott now better than I?
Haters just don't know what its like for a 6ft 5inchs individual weighing over 78kg to play the game at the level I have reached,as far as I know only Carsten jancker, Victor Agali and Jan Koller can understand and I can honestly say I'm better both technically and achievement wise,you don't expect players like us to run around like Messi or have the work rate of Rooney! Nah, we love play to be centered around us and you shall see the magic I can conjure with the ball at my feet.

I really have nothing to prove cos' I have played in three of the greatest footballing nations and won multiple trophies with each team I played for,some say I flopped at Barca but as for the way I see it,I was a major hit and still remember scoring the wining goal in "the classico" at Nou Camp.
I promise myself this season that Europe shall fear me,starting with Barca .

SerieA kicks-off tomorrow and the time of the matadors approaches.
I'm not talking of run,kick and follow of the english league or the two horse race of the Spanish league,I'm talking of where men are men,no diving,avoiding tackles and what not,its the most technically gifted and grittiest league in the world for those who know what I'm talking about, nice one and for you that know not, I advice u to grab a beer,jump on your sofa and have the experience of your life.
Finally if you have know idea of the team to support then just say "Forza Milan".

Forza Milan!!!
A RED and Black season greetings!!!
Be kind to one another.

Ac Milan(a rosseneri's perspective): Transfer Market of SerieA's big three..

2011-09-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Ac Milan(a rosseneri's perspective): Transfer Market of SerieA's big three..

It has proved to be the busiest summer in quite some time for the northern Italian trio of Inter, AC Milan and Juventus, who have bust a gut to try and ensure that their flaws from the previous season have been rectified once and for all. After a campaign of contrasting fortunes,changes were certainly required in order to bring back a sense of competition amongst Italy's elite.
Juventus have been by far the most active club in Serie A, with almost €100 million being splashed out on solutions to a playing staff that was regularly
exposed last season. Reinforcements in their problematic positions on the flanks, plus brand new options in midfield and attack have given the club a
number of reasons to feel positive about their chances for the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Inter have had to make significant alterations to their team, with the side still wallowing in pity from the departure of Jose Mourinho last
summer, despite having won a Coppa Italia trophy and the Club World Cup. A new coach in Gian Piero Gasperini has brought about new ideas, and they
have certainly come to fruition with the acquisitions of versatile forward players and ball-playing midfielders who could give the cup holders a much-needed new dimension.
Last but not least we have AC Milan, who have added an eclectic mix of raw, young talent, along with seasoned, experienced professionals. Despite having lifted the Italian title, it was no easy feat, and there
were occasions where key players missing could have cost them glory, but astute new additions sees them
in with a credible shout for having done the
summer's best overall business.

JUVENTUS

PLAYERS IN
Name. From. €m
Alessandro Matri. Cagliari. 15.5
Mirko Vucinic. Roma. 15
Fabio Quagliarella. Napoli. 10.5
Arturo Vidal. Leverkusen. 10.5
Eljero Elia. Hamburg. 10
Stephan
Lichtsteiner. Lazio. 10
Simone Pepe. Udinese. 7.5
Marco Motta. Udinese. 3.75
Emanuele
Giaccherini. Cesena3 (Co-ownership)
Marcelo
Estigarribia. Le Mans. Loan (0.5)
Andrea Pirlo. AC Milan. Free
Michele Pazienza. Napoli. Free
Reto Ziegler. Sampdoria. Free
Total Fees. 88.55m
PLAYERS OUT
Name To €
Mohamed Sissoko Paris Saint-
Germain €7m
Sebastian Giovinco to Parma (Co-ownership)
Albin Ekdal to Cagliari (Co-ownership)
Felipe Melo to Galatasaray Loan (1.5)
Sergio Almiron to Catania 0.4
Iago Falque to Tottenham Loan
Jorge Martinez to Cesena Loan
Cristian Pasquato to Lecce Loan
ManuelGiandonato to Lecce Loan
Tiago to Atletico Madrid Free
Hasan Salihamidzic to Wolfsburg. Free
Zdenek Grygera to Fulham free.

It has been Juventus who have made the most daring
movements in the transfer market this summer, and they can be pleased with their overall efforts. Despite the likes of Giuseppe Rossi, Sergio Aguero, Andreas
Beck and Michel Bastos being thrown about for most of the window, they were never close to sealing deals for the quartet, as Giuseppe Marotta opted for a far more measured and pragmatic approach to dealings.
Firstly, the defence has undergone a overhaul with the arrival of two new full-backs of international pedigree. Reto Ziegler has joined from Sampdoria,
with the Juve supremo knowing the Swiss left-sider extremely well from their time spent with the Genoese outfit. However, he has begun on a rocky road in Turin after admitting he has a strained
relationship with Antonio Conte, who has other ideas at left-back - namely the burgeoning Paolo De Ceglie- who is in line for a breakout season. Marco Motta
and Frederik Sorensen have also completed permanent deals and will continue to provide depth in their backline.
Another Switzerland international has been acquired to perform the role of right-back in Stephan Lichtsteiner, whose consistently powerful, all-round displays at Lazio led the Old Lady to splash out a
hefty €10m for his services, but should prove to be the elusive player that they have desperately craved in defence . Unfortunately, a centre-back addition was a case of too-little-too-late, after being considered low in priority to other positions, and it may pose an
ill-fated problem if Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini slide back into their comfort-zones.
The engine room in midfield has also seen an overwhelmingly positive overhaul, with the visionary,playmaking skills of Andrea Pirlo and the tenacity
and industry of Arturo Vidal potentially forming one of the most feared partnerships in the middle of the
park. Also Felipe Melo and Mohamed Sissoko have been deemed too limited in what they can offer to Conte's new, fluid approach and have been shipped off, as the last remnants of Alessio Secco's indifferent reign as general manager have departed.
Finally, the attack has been significantly bolstered as options galore arose in recent days. Eljero Elia finally ends Juventus' two-year chase for a left-winger since Pavel Nedved decided to call it a day. The 26-year-old possesses all the required attributes of a modern-day
flanker on his best form , and may flourish in Conte's 4-2-4 set-up, although he will have to erase the difficult past 12 months quickly. Mirko Vucinic is also
set to be the wildcard who may take Serie A by storm, under the noses of critics. The 28-year-old is a supreme talent, and one of the most intelligent
forwards around, who has it all in his armoury to become Juventus' new talisman.
Other additions include Marcelo Estigarribia,
Emanuele Giaccherini and the permanent transfer of Simone Pepe, who will provide versatile options. The former is untested at this level, but his crossing ability and eye for a pass was showcased for
Paraguay in the Copa America, whilst the latter two are more typical, hardworking runners of the ball.
The underlying regret remains not retaining Sebastian Giovinco, and it will be interesting to see if pre-season starlet Cristian Pasquato can make the step up with Lecce, having joined them on loan.

INTER
PLAYERS IN

Name. From. €m
Ricardo Velez. Sarsfield. 11.75
Yuto Nagatomo. Cesena. 6.5
Diego Forlan. Atletico Madrid. 5
Jonathan. Santos. 5
Emiliano Viviano. Bologna. 4.2
Luc Castaignos. Feyenoord. 3
Mauro Zarate. Lazio. Loan(2.6)
Andrea Poli. Sampdoria. Loan (1)
Total Fees. 39.05m

PLAYERS OUT
Samuel Eto'o to Anzhi for €28m
Davide Santon to Newcastle for. €6m
Goran Pandev to Napoli Loan
Cristiano Biraghi to Juve Stabia Loan
Vid Belec to Crotone Loan
Victor Obinna to Lokomotiv Moscow Free
David Suazo to Catania Free
Marco Materazzi Free agent Free

In what was expected to be an average summer under the stewardship of Leonardo, the Brazilian tactician suddenly departed to take up a general manager's position at Paris Saint-Germain, forcing
Inter to seek a new coach - subsequently in the form of Gian Piero Gasperini, who was initially met with mixed reactions from supporters who hoped for a
'bigger name'. However, his coaching philosophy differs greatly from that of Leonardo, and it has prompted a change in culture at the club, with a few
older heads making way for younger, more flexible talent - possibly at the request of Massimo Moratti,
who may not be able to sustain the bankrolling of experienced stars.
Their rearguard has been bolstered to an extent with the permanent signing of fan favourite Yuto Nagatomo, who displaced Cristian Chivu during his loan spell last season with his high-octane wingback-
like displays. In addition, a new Maicon of sorts may have arrived in Jonathan from Santos for €5m, but he will play second fiddle to the ex-Monaco man for a
while yet. Emiliano Viviano also joins to provide more goalkeeping backup, but it may only be a temporary switch as Juraj Kucka is likely to swap clubs with him
next year. The midfield has seen two new, promising additions into its department, with Andrea Poli and Ricardo
Alvarez swelling the ranks. Inter's engine room has been known for its error-proof, Argentine efficiency and functionality for many years, but the signing of
Poli, an Italy U-21 international, truly heralds the shift in cycle at the club, after being scrutinised for their
lack of faith in selecting youngsters, especially those of Italian heritage.
Although he may not be the most combative or powerful midfield player, Poli offers a great passing range and awareness on the ball, and it remains to
be seen whether Inter will offer him the keys to their midfield. Meanwhile, Ricky Alvarez, a left-footed attacking midfielder, will add more balance and
height to the team, as well as a new goal threat, but is likely to be deployed out on the left to cater for Wesley Sneijder, who is set to shine in his central playmaking role this season, after opting to stay put
at San Siro amid Manchester United interest.
Surprisingly, it is the club's strikeforce that has overseen the most changes to its line-up over the summer. You would have bet your mortgage on Samuel Eto'o wearing a Nerazzurri jersey this season
after the emphatic 2010-11 he enjoyed, as well as Goran Pandev beginning to show the reasons why the club secured his services 18 months ago. The duo
has since left, with the former becoming world football's most lucrative earner at Russian-side Anzhi, and the latter joining forces with Napoli.
It has presented the opportunity to Diego Forlan to step in, and if he can reignite his career by covering the goal return of Eto'o, combined with the added
versatility and moments of magic from Mauro Zarate - a more-than-capable alternative to Rodrigo Palacio - it could prove to be the most shrewd of business by Moratti. Young attacker Luc Castaignos has also received rave reviews, with his game mirroring that of Thierry Henry, giving Inter yet more options.

AC MILAN

PLAYERS IN
Name. From. €m
Nocerino. Palermo. Undisclosed
Ricardo Ferreira. Porto. Undisclosed
Marco Amelia. Genoa. Undisclosed
Boateng. Genoa. Undisclosed
Gianmario. Comi Torino. Co-ownership El-Sharaawy. Genoa. Co-ownership
Aquilani. Liverpool. Loan
Philippe Mexes. Roma. Free
Taye Taiwo. Marseille. Free
Total Fees. n\a

PLAYERS OUT

Marco Borriello to Roma €10m.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos to Genoa Undisclosed.
Oguchi Onyewu to Sporting Lisbon Undisclosed.
Simone Verdi to Catania Co-ownership.
Alexander Merkel to Genoa Co-ownership
Ferdinando Coppola to Torino Loan.
Didac Vila to Espanyol Loan.
Nnamdi Oduamadi to Torino Loan.
Rodney Strasser to Lecce Loan.
Alberto Paloschi to Chievo Loan.
Massimo Oddo to Lecce Loan.
Michelangelo Albertazzi to Getafe Loan.
Andrea Pirlo to Juventus Free(angry).
Marek Jankulovski Free agent Free.
Nicola Legrottaglie Catania Free.

The Italian champions ended up enjoying a productive summer of transfer activity, even though two of their captures were announced during the tail end of last season, namely Philippe Mexes and Taye
Taiwo. Despite it appearing that their business was wrapped up early on, the Diavolo made two crucial moves to bolster their squad towards the end of the window, and it is this know-how that sees Milan at the top-end of the market once again. Marco Amelia remains at the club as reliable-enough goalkeeping backup to undisputed No. 1 Christian
Abbiati, and they have surely come up trumps by landing two experienced, full international defenders in the form of Marseille left-back Taiwo, who will
provide much-needed cutting edge and imagination to their left flank, whilst France star Mexes arrives from Roma with natural leadership qualities, as well as excellent defensive ability. Also, by shipping out Oguchi Onyewu and Sokratis, and veteran trio Legrottaglie, Jankulovski and Oddo, they have successfully cleared the deadwood in their ranks, and now have a far more streamlined rearguard.
The midfield has seen a number of changes, with last minute deals for Alberto Aquilani and Antonio Nocerino signed and sealed. The summer-long
mystery of the identity of 'Mr X' caused the rumour mill to go into overdrive, with the likes of Ganso,Riccardo Montolivo and even Kaka being bandied about, but the fanfare died down after an extremely
wise and astute piece of business was completed for Liverpool's Aquilani, who will inject more craft and imagination into their side, with the trequartista role
now firmly in his sights for both club and country. In addition, Nocerino arrives from Palermo to replace the injury-struck Mathieu Flamini, and gives Milan
more choices with his industrious, box-to-box style of play. His signing particularly stands out, as he now has a golden opportunity to push stalwarts Massimo
Ambrosini and Gennaro Gattuso completely out of the first-team picture, whilst also putting pressure on the heels on Flamini upon his return.
The attack sees Milan permanently lose an established striker in Marco Borriello, and they may be a little light on the targetman front if Ibrahimovic
is ruled out for a period of time. However, the signing of wonderkid Stephan El-Shaarawy, who could be Allegri's ace in the pack this season, is sure to race
the pulses. The 19-year-old is a prodigious talent, after a hugely
impressive season on loan at Padova last time round,and will compete for the attacking midfield birth with the likes of Aquilani and Robinho, although he may
be a little raw to rely on just yet. Yet, after seeing Alberto Paloschi and Alexander Merkel both sadly
depart for the time being, it is important that Milan continue to maintain a healthy balance of youth and experience throughout their squad. Antonio Cassano
has, however, remained to compete with Alexandre Pato.

Transfer Market of SerieA's big three..

2011-09-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

It has proved to be the busiest summer in quite some time for the northern Italian trio of Inter, AC Milan and Juventus, who have bust a gut to try and ensure that their flaws from the previous season have been rectified once and for all. After a campaign of contrasting fortunes,changes were certainly required in order to bring back a sense of competition amongst Italy's elite.
Juventus have been by far the most active club in Serie A, with almost €100 million being splashed out on solutions to a playing staff that was regularly
exposed last season. Reinforcements in their problematic positions on the flanks, plus brand new options in midfield and attack have given the club a
number of reasons to feel positive about their chances for the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Inter have had to make significant alterations to their team, with the side still wallowing in pity from the departure of Jose Mourinho last
summer, despite having won a Coppa Italia trophy and the Club World Cup. A new coach in Gian Piero Gasperini has brought about new ideas, and they
have certainly come to fruition with the acquisitions of versatile forward players and ball-playing midfielders who could give the cup holders a much-needed new dimension.
Last but not least we have AC Milan, who have added an eclectic mix of raw, young talent, along with seasoned, experienced professionals. Despite having lifted the Italian title, it was no easy feat, and there
were occasions where key players missing could have cost them glory, but astute new additions sees them
in with a credible shout for having done the
summer's best overall business.

JUVENTUS

PLAYERS IN
Name. From. €m
Alessandro Matri. Cagliari. 15.5
Mirko Vucinic. Roma. 15
Fabio Quagliarella. Napoli. 10.5
Arturo Vidal. Leverkusen. 10.5
Eljero Elia. Hamburg. 10
Stephan
Lichtsteiner. Lazio. 10
Simone Pepe. Udinese. 7.5
Marco Motta. Udinese. 3.75
Emanuele
Giaccherini. Cesena3 (Co-ownership)
Marcelo
Estigarribia. Le Mans. Loan (0.5)
Andrea Pirlo. AC Milan. Free
Michele Pazienza. Napoli. Free
Reto Ziegler. Sampdoria. Free
Total Fees. 88.55m
PLAYERS OUT
Name To €
Mohamed Sissoko Paris Saint-
Germain €7m
Sebastian Giovinco to Parma (Co-ownership)
Albin Ekdal to Cagliari (Co-ownership)
Felipe Melo to Galatasaray Loan (1.5)
Sergio Almiron to Catania 0.4
Iago Falque to Tottenham Loan
Jorge Martinez to Cesena Loan
Cristian Pasquato to Lecce Loan
ManuelGiandonato to Lecce Loan
Tiago to Atletico Madrid Free
Hasan Salihamidzic to Wolfsburg. Free
Zdenek Grygera to Fulham free.

It has been Juventus who have made the most daring
movements in the transfer market this summer, and they can be pleased with their overall efforts. Despite the likes of Giuseppe Rossi, Sergio Aguero, Andreas
Beck and Michel Bastos being thrown about for most of the window, they were never close to sealing deals for the quartet, as Giuseppe Marotta opted for a far more measured and pragmatic approach to dealings.
Firstly, the defence has undergone a overhaul with the arrival of two new full-backs of international pedigree. Reto Ziegler has joined from Sampdoria,
with the Juve supremo knowing the Swiss left-sider extremely well from their time spent with the Genoese outfit. However, he has begun on a rocky road in Turin after admitting he has a strained
relationship with Antonio Conte, who has other ideas at left-back - namely the burgeoning Paolo De Ceglie- who is in line for a breakout season. Marco Motta
and Frederik Sorensen have also completed permanent deals and will continue to provide depth in their backline.
Another Switzerland international has been acquired to perform the role of right-back in Stephan Lichtsteiner, whose consistently powerful, all-round displays at Lazio led the Old Lady to splash out a
hefty €10m for his services, but should prove to be the elusive player that they have desperately craved in defence . Unfortunately, a centre-back addition was a case of too-little-too-late, after being considered low in priority to other positions, and it may pose an
ill-fated problem if Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini slide back into their comfort-zones.
The engine room in midfield has also seen an overwhelmingly positive overhaul, with the visionary,playmaking skills of Andrea Pirlo and the tenacity
and industry of Arturo Vidal potentially forming one of the most feared partnerships in the middle of the
park. Also Felipe Melo and Mohamed Sissoko have been deemed too limited in what they can offer to Conte's new, fluid approach and have been shipped off, as the last remnants of Alessio Secco's indifferent reign as general manager have departed.
Finally, the attack has been significantly bolstered as options galore arose in recent days. Eljero Elia finally ends Juventus' two-year chase for a left-winger since Pavel Nedved decided to call it a day. The 26-year-old possesses all the required attributes of a modern-day
flanker on his best form , and may flourish in Conte's 4-2-4 set-up, although he will have to erase the difficult past 12 months quickly. Mirko Vucinic is also
set to be the wildcard who may take Serie A by storm, under the noses of critics. The 28-year-old is a supreme talent, and one of the most intelligent
forwards around, who has it all in his armoury to become Juventus' new talisman.
Other additions include Marcelo Estigarribia,
Emanuele Giaccherini and the permanent transfer of Simone Pepe, who will provide versatile options. The former is untested at this level, but his crossing ability and eye for a pass was showcased for
Paraguay in the Copa America, whilst the latter two are more typical, hardworking runners of the ball.
The underlying regret remains not retaining Sebastian Giovinco, and it will be interesting to see if pre-season starlet Cristian Pasquato can make the step up with Lecce, having joined them on loan.

INTER
PLAYERS IN

Name. From. €m
Ricardo Velez. Sarsfield. 11.75
Yuto Nagatomo. Cesena. 6.5
Diego Forlan. Atletico Madrid. 5
Jonathan. Santos. 5
Emiliano Viviano. Bologna. 4.2
Luc Castaignos. Feyenoord. 3
Mauro Zarate. Lazio. Loan(2.6)
Andrea Poli. Sampdoria. Loan (1)
Total Fees. 39.05m

PLAYERS OUT
Samuel Eto'o to Anzhi for €28m
Davide Santon to Newcastle for. €6m
Goran Pandev to Napoli Loan
Cristiano Biraghi to Juve Stabia Loan
Vid Belec to Crotone Loan
Victor Obinna to Lokomotiv Moscow Free
David Suazo to Catania Free
Marco Materazzi Free agent Free

In what was expected to be an average summer under the stewardship of Leonardo, the Brazilian tactician suddenly departed to take up a general manager's position at Paris Saint-Germain, forcing
Inter to seek a new coach - subsequently in the form of Gian Piero Gasperini, who was initially met with mixed reactions from supporters who hoped for a
'bigger name'. However, his coaching philosophy differs greatly from that of Leonardo, and it has prompted a change in culture at the club, with a few
older heads making way for younger, more flexible talent - possibly at the request of Massimo Moratti,
who may not be able to sustain the bankrolling of experienced stars.
Their rearguard has been bolstered to an extent with the permanent signing of fan favourite Yuto Nagatomo, who displaced Cristian Chivu during his loan spell last season with his high-octane wingback-
like displays. In addition, a new Maicon of sorts may have arrived in Jonathan from Santos for €5m, but he will play second fiddle to the ex-Monaco man for a
while yet. Emiliano Viviano also joins to provide more goalkeeping backup, but it may only be a temporary switch as Juraj Kucka is likely to swap clubs with him
next year. The midfield has seen two new, promising additions into its department, with Andrea Poli and Ricardo
Alvarez swelling the ranks. Inter's engine room has been known for its error-proof, Argentine efficiency and functionality for many years, but the signing of
Poli, an Italy U-21 international, truly heralds the shift in cycle at the club, after being scrutinised for their
lack of faith in selecting youngsters, especially those of Italian heritage.
Although he may not be the most combative or powerful midfield player, Poli offers a great passing range and awareness on the ball, and it remains to
be seen whether Inter will offer him the keys to their midfield. Meanwhile, Ricky Alvarez, a left-footed attacking midfielder, will add more balance and
height to the team, as well as a new goal threat, but is likely to be deployed out on the left to cater for Wesley Sneijder, who is set to shine in his central playmaking role this season, after opting to stay put
at San Siro amid Manchester United interest.
Surprisingly, it is the club's strikeforce that has overseen the most changes to its line-up over the summer. You would have bet your mortgage on Samuel Eto'o wearing a Nerazzurri jersey this season
after the emphatic 2010-11 he enjoyed, as well as Goran Pandev beginning to show the reasons why the club secured his services 18 months ago. The duo
has since left, with the former becoming world football's most lucrative earner at Russian-side Anzhi, and the latter joining forces with Napoli.
It has presented the opportunity to Diego Forlan to step in, and if he can reignite his career by covering the goal return of Eto'o, combined with the added
versatility and moments of magic from Mauro Zarate - a more-than-capable alternative to Rodrigo Palacio - it could prove to be the most shrewd of business by Moratti. Young attacker Luc Castaignos has also received rave reviews, with his game mirroring that of Thierry Henry, giving Inter yet more options.

AC MILAN

PLAYERS IN
Name. From. €m
Nocerino. Palermo. Undisclosed
Ricardo Ferreira. Porto. Undisclosed
Marco Amelia. Genoa. Undisclosed
Boateng. Genoa. Undisclosed
Gianmario. Comi Torino. Co-ownership El-Sharaawy. Genoa. Co-ownership
Aquilani. Liverpool. Loan
Philippe Mexes. Roma. Free
Taye Taiwo. Marseille. Free
Total Fees. n\a

PLAYERS OUT

Marco Borriello to Roma €10m.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos to Genoa Undisclosed.
Oguchi Onyewu to Sporting Lisbon Undisclosed.
Simone Verdi to Catania Co-ownership.
Alexander Merkel to Genoa Co-ownership
Ferdinando Coppola to Torino Loan.
Didac Vila to Espanyol Loan.
Nnamdi Oduamadi to Torino Loan.
Rodney Strasser to Lecce Loan.
Alberto Paloschi to Chievo Loan.
Massimo Oddo to Lecce Loan.
Michelangelo Albertazzi to Getafe Loan.
Andrea Pirlo to Juventus Free(angry).
Marek Jankulovski Free agent Free.
Nicola Legrottaglie Catania Free.

The Italian champions ended up enjoying a productive summer of transfer activity, even though two of their captures were announced during the tail end of last season, namely Philippe Mexes and Taye
Taiwo. Despite it appearing that their business was wrapped up early on, the Diavolo made two crucial moves to bolster their squad towards the end of the window, and it is this know-how that sees Milan at the top-end of the market once again. Marco Amelia remains at the club as reliable-enough goalkeeping backup to undisputed No. 1 Christian
Abbiati, and they have surely come up trumps by landing two experienced, full international defenders in the form of Marseille left-back Taiwo, who will
provide much-needed cutting edge and imagination to their left flank, whilst France star Mexes arrives from Roma with natural leadership qualities, as well as excellent defensive ability. Also, by shipping out Oguchi Onyewu and Sokratis, and veteran trio Legrottaglie, Jankulovski and Oddo, they have successfully cleared the deadwood in their ranks, and now have a far more streamlined rearguard.
The midfield has seen a number of changes, with last minute deals for Alberto Aquilani and Antonio Nocerino signed and sealed. The summer-long
mystery of the identity of 'Mr X' caused the rumour mill to go into overdrive, with the likes of Ganso,Riccardo Montolivo and even Kaka being bandied about, but the fanfare died down after an extremely
wise and astute piece of business was completed for Liverpool's Aquilani, who will inject more craft and imagination into their side, with the trequartista role
now firmly in his sights for both club and country. In addition, Nocerino arrives from Palermo to replace the injury-struck Mathieu Flamini, and gives Milan
more choices with his industrious, box-to-box style of play. His signing particularly stands out, as he now has a golden opportunity to push stalwarts Massimo
Ambrosini and Gennaro Gattuso completely out of the first-team picture, whilst also putting pressure on the heels on Flamini upon his return.
The attack sees Milan permanently lose an established striker in Marco Borriello, and they may be a little light on the targetman front if Ibrahimovic
is ruled out for a period of time. However, the signing of wonderkid Stephan El-Shaarawy, who could be Allegri's ace in the pack this season, is sure to race
the pulses. The 19-year-old is a prodigious talent, after a hugely
impressive season on loan at Padova last time round,and will compete for the attacking midfield birth with the likes of Aquilani and Robinho, although he may
be a little raw to rely on just yet. Yet, after seeing Alberto Paloschi and Alexander Merkel both sadly
depart for the time being, it is important that Milan continue to maintain a healthy balance of youth and experience throughout their squad. Antonio Cassano
has, however, remained to compete with Alexandre Pato.