Inter Boss Jose Mourinho Set To Make Changes For Milan Derby

The ex-Chelsea tactician may revert back to a 4-3-3 formation this weekend against the Nerazzurri's city-rivals...

After Inter slumped to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bari at the Giuseppe Meazza in their opening Serie A match, coach Jose Mourinho will tinker with his line-up ahead of this weekend's high-profile derby against AC Milan, according to Datasport.'The Special One' will start with an overhaul in defence, with Walter Samuel partnering Lucio in the centre rather than Marco Materazzi or Ivan Cordoba, while Cristian Chivu or Davide Santon will play at left-back, moving Javier Zanetti into the midfield.Sulley Muntari is likely to be dropped after only lasting 30 minutes in the previous match. Dejan Stankovic and Thiago Motta are expected to complete a midfield trio.Meanwhile, a trident attack that features Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito, and starlet Mario Balotelli could be employed to stretch the Rossoneri backline.However, Mourinho will continue to be without defensive midfielder Esteban Cambiasso and starlet Marko Arnautovic as both are involved in individual training to recover from their respective injuries.

Inter Striker Diego Milito: We Are Not Scared Of Milan

'El Principe' is eager to impress on Saturday as he eyes a beautiful Milan derby...

Inter striker Diego Milito is looking forward to playing his first Serie A derby against Milan, and he does not fear Leonardo's men.Milito scored twice against Milan during the summer friendly tour of the USA, but he is well aware that Saturday's opposition will have shaken off the pre-season rust."This derby will be different from the pre-season ones," Milito told the press."I have respect for Milan, but I do not fear them. The result on the pitch will show whether we are stronger than them."We have a good squad, and we are tranquil for the game."Samuel Eto'o has been taking all the limelight from Milito so far this term, but the Argentinean international is unfazed. 'El Principe' claims both men will shine together over the course of the season as he eyes maximum points this weekend."Eto'o? We have a good partnership, he is a great player, but it will take time to adapt," added the hitman. "I am going through my first derby emotions and it's going to be beautiful playing at the San Siro."I hope to play really well, and I am hoping we win."

Inter's Marco Materazzi: Milan Are Favourites To Win The Derby

The stopper is playing the pre-match mind games, claiming Milan are in line for a derby win...

Inter defender Marco Materazzi believes his side will be the underdogs in the Milan derby on Saturday night.The stopper is expecting an explosive atmosphere in the San Siro. Despite beating Milan in pre-season, 'Matrix' feels the bitter rivals from across town have the upper hand heading into the clash."They have three points, we only have one, therefore they are the favourites," Materazzi told Sky Sport Italia."I can't hear the noise of the enemy, but I can see the colours of the opposition. The derby is always the derby, no matter where and no matter at what temperature it's played in."The atmosphere will always be hot, whether you play in August or in December."In July, it was a Diego Milito double that settled the friendly derby in the USA.

Milan Step-Up Bid To Sign Schalke's Rafinha Or Sevilla's Adriano

The Rossoneri are eager to sign a full-back before the end of the month...

Milan have lost the race to sign Lazio's Lorenzo De Silvestri, who is widely expected to sign for Fiorentina in the coming hours, but they are still on the hunt for a full-back, with Rafinha of Schalke and Adriano of Sevilla reportedly their primary targets.Neither Marek Jankulovski nor Gianluca Zambrotta are deemed to be of sufficient calibre by the club's hierarchy, and Il Corriere dello Sport believes Rafinha and Adriano are now in the Rossoneri's sights.However, Massimo Oddo still represents a problem for Leonardo's side - the former Lazio man needs to be sold before another full-back can be brought in. Oddo spent an unsuccessful season on loan with Bayern Munich last year, and he is refusing to go abroad on a temporary basis again.Gianfranco Zola's West Ham United are thought to be interested in the 33-year-old, and this could be key for Milan.The Rossoneri are now reportedly lining up a bid to bring Valon Behrami back to Italy, after the Swiss international left Lazio for the Hammers last summer. Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is also willing to take Julien Faubert in exchange from West Ham.

Ronaldinho Can Replace Kaka - Milan Defender Thiago Silva

The Brazilian ace believes Ronaldinho has what it takes to fill the void left by Kaka...

Ronaldinho is just like Kaka, and fans can expect the No.80 to fire his side to glory in this weekend's Milan derby, according to Thiago Silva.Kaka left a hole in the side when he moved to Real Madrid this summer, and his responsibilities have fallen upon 'Dinho'. Much is expected from the Brazilian this term, and Silva insists his countryman will not let anyone down."Ronaldinho is doing well and I think he will play a great game," Silva told Tuttosport."I think he can [replace Kaka]. He is already doing it. Ronaldinho played well against Siena. It's clear that replacing Kaka is not easy, but he is on the right track, and I think he will succeed in that sense."He has promised us that he will take the burden on his shoulders, and I believe him."Silva has his work cut out on Saturday night, but he is confident of stopping Samuel Eto'o and Diego Milito."I have never played against Eto'o, but I will try and stop him. I have been watching him on television and so I will be able to anticipate him," concluded the stopper.

AC Milan Defender Alessandro Nesta Rules Out Italy Return

The 33-year-old will not come back on the international scene...

AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has put rumours of his potential return to the Italy setup under coach Marcello Lippi to rest, by closing the door on the possibility.“When I decided to quit the national team they still would have called me, but I had to make a choice," he was quoted as saying by ANSA. “After the type of career I have had, with all the injuries, I thought I would not be able to work with both my club and national team.”The centre-back, who was widely considered the world’s best defender earlier in his career, has said that despite his return to fitness he will stick with his decision to forego international football. “So to be fair to the coach and the other Azzurri players I will not speak of the national team anymore. It is a prospect that is closed,” he added. The former Lazio captain featured for Italy from 1996-2006 and became a stalwart in defence, but retired after the Azzurri’s victorious World Cup campaign in 2006, which he missed a majority of due to injury. The player spent almost the whole 2008-09 season on the sidelines, but has seemingly recovered and put in a fine performance for the Rossoneri against Siena this past weekend.

Juventus President Cobolli Gigli 'Would Not Mind' If AC Milan Beat Inter

The Bianconeri patron has shown his preference ahead of the Derby della Madonnina...

Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has indicated he would prefer that AC Milan win this weekend's derby against city-rivals Inter, who have dominated on the domestic front for the past few seasons."I try to think about things in my own house, but I certainly I would not mind [if Milan won]," he explained to the Corriere dello Sport.He then turned his attention to the positive start to the campaign for his side with a 1-0 win over Chievo and is looking forward to the upcoming match against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico."There are still 37 games until the end, however we are very happy. We played a good first-half against Chievo, now we will think about the double challenge with the Romans."The Bianconeri face Roma in round 2 of the Serie A schedule this weekend and then meet Lazio in round three.

AC Milan Vice-President Galliani: Inter Boss Jose Mourinho Is Very Sly

The Rossoneri official thinks the Nerazzurri boss is simply paying lip-service...

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has spoken about the club's positive start to the 2009-10 campaign, believing the Rossoneri were written off too early by the press."Our morale has always been good, the only thing that has changed in my opinion is the media," he told the Corierre dello Sport."We were not dead before, we are not a phenomenon now. Certainly, Milan were underestimated. The derby, however, cannot be decisive, it's only the second round."Inter coach Jose Mourinho has already claimed that the Rossoneri are now the favourites to win the derby after their solid performance in the 2-1 win at Siena, but Galliani is not buying the statements from the 'The Special One.' "Mourinho is a weasel," joked the 65-year-old.Milan and Inter kick-off at the San Siro at 20:45 CET on Saturday.

Gennaro Gattuso: Milan Are As Strong As Inter

Ringhio is eager to have his say when the two Milanese giants lock horns on Saturday night...

Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso doesn't believe Inter are stronger than his side as he looks ahead to Saturday night's derby della Madonnina showdown.The Rossoneri go into the game in good spirits as they are in front of their bitter rivals in the standings - something that has not happened since May 2006, before Calciopoli.Gattuso feels the champions are not superior, but he cannot pick a winner."Inter and Juventus are like battleships, but we are there to play for it. We are up there also, and we have to live day by day," Gattuso told Il Corriere Della Sera."The derby does not have rules. Just because we are ahead in the league, it doesn't mean anything."If you lose the derby on the second day of term then it can have a mental effect on the team. I would have preferred the derby to come later in the season."

Real Madrid's Kaka: I Hope Milan Beat Inter In The Derby

Kaka hopes Milan win the big derby against bitter city rivals Inter this weekend.

Former Milan ace and current Real Madrid galactico Kaka will be rooting for the Rossoneri during Saturday night's super showdown Milan derby.The Brazilian, who left for the Bernabeu during the summer, still holds a place in his heart for Milan. Kaka will be tuning in to see the action, and he has made a prediction. As expected, his old team-mates are his pick."I hope Milan win the derby, but these games are always difficult," Kaka told Sky Sport Italia."They played really well against Siena and I am happy for Leonardo. I really hope everything goes well for them."Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is not as confident, however, claiming that his side are the underdogs, perhaps in an attempt to play mind games with Jose Mourinho."Judgements change based on results. We were not dead before this game, but we are not the favourites," added the club dignitary.

Paolo Maldini: If Milan Beat Inter They Can Win Serie A

The Rossoneri legend has stoked the fires ahead of the Milan derby.

Paolo Maldini has declared that victory in the derby next weekend could give Milan the springboard they need to overhaul champions Inter and claim the Scudetto this season.Milan are two points ahead of Inter in the table after the first game, and Maldini believes that, despite the league being in its embryonic stages, the gap will still be important."[Those two points] are valuable and are helpful," he noted. "Let us imagine that Milan were two points behind after a disappointing pre-season. What pressure would there be on my mates?"But now Milan can prepare for the derby in the ideal way."The 41-year-old then looked beyond the weekend's fixture, stating that if his old side could beat their city-rivals then there is no reason to believe the Rossoneri cannot win the title."[A victory in the derby] would create enthusiasm and then the five point advantage could neutralise the technical gap that Inter had at the start. The best do not always win, I remember our Scudetto with [Alberto] Zaccheroni. The derby can be decisive," Maldini asserted."If we beat Inter, then we can think of the title."

Silvio Berlusconi Very Happy With Ronaldinho At Milan

The supremo says he would not swap the former Barcelona star for any other player in the world.

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has expressed his satisfaction with Ronaldinho's first outing in the new Serie A season, in which he showed signs of his top form.Berlusconi has always been a keen admirer of the Brazilian player and has a very clear idea of where he would field the former Golden Ball winner."I'm so happy about Ronaldinho, that I wouldn't ever change him with anyone, because wherever he is on the pitch, he always does two or three extraordinary things," declared the Italian prime minister to the Processo di Biscardi."I think that he must play on the edge of the penalty area, even as a forward or an attacking midfielder. Leonardo agrees with this."I'm convinced that Ronaldinho is a person who needs to feel respected. This year he will probably be one of the protagonists in the league."In his first season at Milan, following his move from Barcelona, the 29-year-old made 30 appearances in Serie A and scored a total of eight goals for the team.

AC Milan President Berlusconi Encourages Attacking Trio Formation

The Rossoneri patron believes that 'Dinho's true talents lie in a more advanced position.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has continued to lavish praise on Ronaldinho, but continues to ask for the player to be handed a more attacking role on the pitch."I believe he should play close to the action, on the midst of the penalty area," he told the Corierre dello Sport."If I were to choose the team, I would put [Clarence] Seedorf in the number ten position and Pato and Ronaldinho as the first and second strikers."Berlusconi has suggested the former Barcelona man be used in attack before, but coach Leonardo has opted to keep him in midfield. The player put in a promising performance against Siena this past weekend, assisting on both of Pato's goals."Leonardo? We talk about everything and share our ideas. Ronaldinho is a good guy, he only needs to feel valued and supported. I'm convinced [playing in attack] he would be among the best players in the league."Interestingly, the formation the president is encouraging would leave out expensive summer signing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Milan's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Relishing Making Serie A Debut Against Inter

The Rossoneri's player had to miss out on the first league game of the season due to a suspension, but is now eagerly waiting this weekend's derby match.

Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has yet to make his debut in Serie A - and in all probability it will be against Inter when the two teams clash at the San Siro stadium on Saturday evening in the second matchday of the Italian top-flight.It will be a tough first test for the Dutch player, but he wants to rise to the challenge and prove his worth in Serie A."It's surely a nice game for my debut," declared the former Real Madrid player to Milan Channel. "It's a derby game; it will be very tough and nice to play this game for the first time."I know something about Inter, they have equalised in the first matchday. I think that they are a good team, we faced them at Pescara and I think that they're strong."Let's hope we can win. We must build our luck ourselves and we shall try to play a great game."The 26-year-old player recently arrived from Madrid where, having joined them in January, he played a total of 20 league games for Real, scoring eight goals in all, before finding himself surplus to requirements once Florentino Perez launched his second galactico era.

AC Milan Boss Leonardo 'Optimistic' Regarding Ronaldinho & David Beckham

The Brazilian tactician discussed the two high-profile stars.

AC Milan coach Leonardo is confident that star playmaker Ronaldinho can return to his best at San Siro. The player endured a difficult first season at the club, but looked in excellent form during this season's opening match win against Siena."I know him very well. Last year he was not able to give his best, but this year he can improve," he told Spanish magazine Don Balon.He's an incredibly talented player, one of the best in the world. I am optimistic about his future at Milan."Meanwhile, the future of David Beckham remains unresolved, as he seems certain to play to Europe in January, with a return to the Rossoneri a potential option for the World Cup hopeful."His experience in Milan was positive, both for him and for us. It was a real friendship," he suggested."Now David is back at the Los Angeles Galaxy, we will see what happens in the future, anything is possible."

Chelsea Boss Carlo Ancelotti Praises AC Milan

The ex-Rossoneri boss is delighted that the Italian giants look competitive this season.

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti was impressed watching AC Milan defeat Siena 2-1 on Saturday. The 50-year-old, who was the tactician at San Siro from 2001 to 2009, complimented the team on their positive start to the new campaign. "I saw a great Milan. Congratulations to everyone," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.The Rossoneri tactician rated his former side a seven-and-a-half out of 10, claiming they looked in excellent shape for this early stage of the season. Their current boss Leonardo, won his official coaching debut, despite scepticism over the Brazilian's management abilities.Ancelotti has also been enjoying success in England, leading the Blues to a perfect start in the Premier League with nine points from their opening three matches.Milan have a difficult test coming up next weekend, as they face city-rivals and current Serie A champions Inter.

The Moment Of Truth Has Arrived For Milan Ace Ronaldinho - Cafu

The Brazilian is confident that Ronaldinho will shine this year.

Former AC Milan defender Cafu believes this season will be Ronaldinho's big chance to prove his critics wrong.'Dinho has lost weight over the summer and has looked sharp in training. The play-maker put together an excellent performance in the 2-1 win over Siena on Saturday, and expectations are high.Cafu, who played alongside Ronaldinho at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, believes his former Selecao team-mate will silence his naysayers if he fulfills his true potential."This is the year of truth for both Ronaldinho and [Alexandre] Pato," Cafu told Il Corriere Della Sera."It all depends on them as to whether they go to the World Cup. I advise them to do well in their careers and to stamp their hallmark at Milan."Ronaldinho has great potential, and I hope he continues to show it everyday."

Milan To Swap Massimo Oddo For West Ham United's Julien Faubert

Milan are looking towards the Hammers defender, who could arrive in a swap deal for Oddo

Milan are ready to open up some dialogue with West Ham United that could see Massimo Oddo swap places with Julien Faubert.According to Sportmediaset.it, West Ham are keen on Oddo, who has been tipped with an exit from the San Siro. The Italian doesn't seem to be a part of Leonardo's plans, and he is behind Gianluca Zambrotta and Luca Antonini in the pecking order for the right-sided slot.An exchange deal with West Ham seems the solution. Voices claim Milan are keen on Faubert and a straight-swap with no co-ownership clauses is the solution. Faubert spent half of last season on loan at Real Madrid where he made little impact before returning to east London.The move depends on Oddo's will to leave though. He wants to fight for his place, and he recently turned down the chance to go back to his former club Lazio. Unless the Italian leaves, Faubert is unlikely to arrive.

Calcio Debate: Is Andrea Pirlo's Milan Stay Good For The Club?

Andrea Pirlo has dismissed all rumours surrounding his future and has committed himself to AC Milan.

Remember the Kaka-to-Manchester City transfer saga in January: Kaka fluttering the Milan shirt, the Milan fans protesting against the move, Silvio Berlusconi forced to negotiate and then breaking off talks while Kaka proclaimed his love for the club and his relief at having put the entire matter behind him?
Andrea Pirlo's broken Chelsea move this summer assumed a similar tone. No, this wasn't a mega-headline making, website crashing news that the entire world stopped to watch unfold, but until Pirlo's and Milan's declarations last Wednesday that Chelsea's offer has been declined for good, no one was quite sure how this would end.
Milan's obvious financial problems made Pirlo’s Chelsea switch likely, Carlo Ancelotti had reactivated Pirlo's career at the start of the century and was eager to do something similar with him at Chelsea and the player himself was ambiguous in his quotes.
Pirlo's eventual Milan stay is almost, but not quite, 'a new signing'. On other occasions this cliche might appear ridiculous but with the way things have unfolded at Milan, who have missed out on their first choice summer targets due to their inability to cough up the money, the World Cup winner's decision to carry on for the Rossoneri must indeed be something to be relieved about.
Apparently Good…..
The reasons of course are plenty. Pirlo is one of the best and proven players at Milan who still has the ability to rescue himself and the team. A deep-lying playmaker of marvellous vision and remarkable balance of play, Pirlo has the ability to build up the game from the back and give the team more balance and stability.

Chelsea wouldn't have gained much had Pirlo been signed by Ancelotti - after all, the Blues already have enough creative midfielders - but Milan would have lost a vital piece of their jigsaw. New coach Leonardo has declared that he will play in an attacking 4-3-1-2 formation implying that Pirlo will be one of three midfielders behind Ronaldinho.
Although Hernanes had been linked with a move to Milan and is still supposed to be a long-term replacement for the former Inter player, whether he can instantly click or not remains an issue.
But Still…..
Pirlo’s performance can be both good and bad and this can make discussions on him ‘divisive’. In the last two years the 30-year-old has featured in 59 Serie A matches and 11 times in Europe, missing several games last season due to injury. There have been mixed performances for Milan: on the basis of some Pirlo still remains a world class playmaker with devastating qualities while on the basis of others he is past his prime.
Although Pirlo's performance for Milan over the past two seasons has been, shall we say, satisfactory, it has been more symptomatic of the club's downward spiral than anything. Il Diavolo's Champions League success in 2007 was their last major trophy and since then the wheels have been coming off.
Moreover, Pirlo is one of those 'old Milan players'. The joke that Milan is a retirement home is not funny anymore as a number of first-teamers are into their 30s or near about. Milan ought to have taken care of this situation long ago by grooming young blood and integrating them into the system but Silvio Berlusconi's short-sightedness intervened.
Pirlo's departure to Chelsea would have garnered Milan around €20 million plus perhaps a second rate player (possibly striker Claudio Pizarro). These days Milan need to sell to buy and with the €20 million Leonardo could have signed someone younger, possibly Hernanes.

The Sao Paulo midfielder might be untried and untested at the ‘highest level’ but is said to be equivalent to Kaka of 2003. Milan's need for young and imaginative players would have been quenched slightly with the arrival of the 24-year-old, who as one respected South American football journalist reckons, "has immense technical quality and is quick but will have to learn to position himself a bit higher up the field."
But to compare Hernanes and Pirlo at this stage would an exercise in futility: one is a proven world class player who can still go strong for two or three more years while the other is a talent still in Brazil. At the moment Milan need strong characters who can rejuvenate themselves as well as the team and Pirlo is one of those players.
Pirlo is a reliable playmaker who can and will deliver the goods and with Alexandre Pato and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar upfront and Ronaldinho playing as a trequartista, his contribution to the revival of Milan will be vital.

THE WORD OF THE COACH

Ahead of the TIM Trophy, coach Leonardo spoke: 'The arrival of Huntelaar and Roma certainly gave us a big charge. The results are always important, so tomorrow we'll try to give our best.'

At the end of the training today coach Leonardo spoke about the Tim Trophy which will be played tomorrow at Pescara between Milan, Juve and Inter:
MILAN - 'The arrival of Huntelaar and Roma has certainly charged us up, we have welcomed them with an applause. New arrivals always bring extra motivation. As for the past week, we have been working hard, but today we worked with a good intensity so I am satisfied.'
'Huntelaar and Roma have shown good personality, they have inserted themselves well and they're available for tomorrow. Huntelaar hasn't trained consistently lately, he needs to prepare, he'll come with us and then we'll see how we use him.'
'In all these pre-season friendlies the important thing was to understand what we have available, certainly the results are always important, so tomorrow we'll try to give our best.'
'It's always an important appointment, and winning always helps. My intention is to continue with enthusiasm. The team is great and only time can tell what this Milan team can achieve. We are confident because we are sure you can't take away what Milan have inside: the desire to win always. We will go on slowly, calmly, with confidence and I'm sure we'll do well.'
'I feel the team is mine, I feel it very close to me, there's already a precise group identity and a consolidated relationship between us: the important thing will be to transform these positive things into results on the pitch.'

Barcelona Ponder Move For Milan Defender Felipe Mattioni

The young Brazilian is reportedly on the radar of the Catalan club...

13 Aug 2009- Barcelona are understood to be in the market for a right-sided defender and have now added Felipe Mattioni to their shortlist, according to RAC1.The 20-year-old joined Milan from Gremio in January but he has found playing time very reduced at the Serie A outfit.Reports in Spain claim Barcelona will turn their attention to Mattioni should they fail in their quest to land Emmanuel Eboue, their main target, from Arsenal.It is believed Mattioni would cost Barcelona no more than €3 million and that his transfer to the Camp Nou would be helped by the fact that the young right-back is represented by Mino Raiola, who has already taken Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell to the Spanish giants this summer.When asked by Primer Toc about Barcelona's alleged interest, Mattioni noted "there is a possibility" he could move to the Champions League holders in what he described as a "dream" move.

Flavio Roma: Milan Is A Top Level Team

The veteran goalkeeper is looking forward to beginning his first season with the Rossoneri following his move from France yesterday...

13 Aug 2009 - New Milan goalkeeper Flavio Roma is ready to rise to the challenge and claim the first team place as the season gets underway.Roma is also confident that the negative results obtained by the Rossoneri throughout the pre-season do not reflect the true value of the team and that they will manage to bounce back when the official games begin."I followed Milan's pre-season and I would define it as eventful; a bit for the continuous movements the team had to do and a bit for the results obtained during the friendly games," declared the former Monaco player to Milan Channel."I spoke with the players and this is a top level team. The players are aiming high. The team is strong, we have nothing to worry about."I know that it will be a battle between me and [Marco] Storari, because [Christian] Abbiati is still injured and [Nelson] Dida has some problems, but then it will be the coach to decide."The 35-year-old spent the last eight years playing in France with Monaco, earning a total of 247 league appearances as well as three caps for the Italian national team.

Thiago Silva Excited About Milan's Prospects For The Season

The former Fluminense defender is upbeat about the Rossoneri's chances in the coming months after a disappointing pre-season...

13 Aug 2009- Thiago Silva joined Milan from Fluminense last January in a €10 million deal, but was unable to play for the first-team due to the limit on non-EU players. However, he is now ready and raring to go for Leonardo's side after a bright pre-season for him personally in which he scored twice."To arrive in a great club like Milan was my dream," Thiago Silva told Il Corriere dello Sport."I'm happy because I've found an excellent atmosphere here; I'm training with lots of champions and I have the chance to learn a lot."[Scoring goals from defence] happened there too, but I have had more opportunities here than I had in three years at Fluminense. I have the advantage that Leonardo always wants me in the opposition penalty area when we have a set-piece."The 24-year-old went on to praise Ronaldinho's commitment, as the former World Player of the Year attempts to rediscover his form of 2005/06."He is working hard. It has been some time since I saw him concentrate so hard. He is very attentive to what he does on the pitch, but also to what he does off it. Like me, he has a tendency to fatten a bit, so we must always be on a diet."While the Rossoneri consider moves for Gareth Bale and Royston Drenthe, Thiago Silva went on to make his own suggestion for Milan's search for a left-back."Junior Cesar. He's a friend of mine, we played together at Fluminense - now he has gone to Sao Paolo. He would do well in Europe," he concluded.

Milan Target Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe

The Rossoneri are weighing up a loan deal for the former Feyenoord man...

13 Aug 2009- Milan are considering a host of players to solve their left-sided problems, but believe that Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe is one of the best solutions.Though Gareth Bale remains their first choice target, if a deal cannot be pushed through, Milan will return to los Merengues for another of the Spanish club’s Dutchmen, having signed Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from the Madrid club last week.Although no official contact has yet been made between the clubs over Drenthe, who can fill in anywhere down the left flank, Il Corriere dello Sport suggests that Milan will sound Real Madrid president Florentino Perez out over a loan move in the coming hours.Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is thought to be prepared to pay €3-4 million to take the 22-year-old on loan for a season, with an option to make the move permanent for around €7-8m at the end of the season.The Rossoneri's final major transfer push will begin next week after the Trofeo Tim, and they are expected to move for Gareth Bale and Lorenzo De Silvestri. A move for the latter may be put on hold because the 21-year-old picked up an injury while playing for the Italian Under-21s and Milan will wait to see the extent of the damage.

Manchester United May Not Have Acquired Cristiano Ronaldo If Ronaldinho Had Signed

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the sensational Portuguese superstar might not have set foot in Old Trafford, had the deal for the Brazilian gone through successfully...

13 Aug 2009- Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo may never have had the pleasure of plying his trade with the Red Devils if the English club had succeeded in signing Ronaldinho."I thought we'd clinched the deal [for Ronaldinho], but when I flew to Paris to speak with him, the goalposts seemed to have moved somehow," the Scot is quoted by The Irish Independent as saying."His people complained to me that it didn't seem as though they were getting the same deal we'd previously agreed."The next thing I know, he was at Barcelona the following day."It was a big disappointment at the time," he reminisced."But we signed Cristiano Ronaldo that very same summer and perhaps we wouldn't have ended up with Ronaldo had we got Ronaldinho."However, the 67-year-old manager admitted that the club would have monitored the young Ronaldo, since the Red Devils had agreed to a pre-contract arrangement with Sporting."We probably would have kept tabs on Ronaldo, though, because we had a pre-contract agreement with Sporting," 'Fergie' mused."However, maybe we wouldn't have accelerated the Ronaldo deal in the way we did."Ronaldo, who joined the Manchester outfit in 2003, was handed the famous No. 7 jersey upon his arrival. After six years of terrorising defences in the Premier League, the player left for greener pastures when he signed for los Blancos in a deal worth about €93 million.Sir Alex spoke about the loss that the club faces."Obviously, Cristiano is a big loss in terms of the goals that he gave us, but we'll just have to find them from somewhere else and our tactics will adjust accordingly," he concluded.

OFFICIAL: Milan Release Kalac & Bring In Monaco’s Flavio Roma

13 Aug 2009- Reports earlier this week indicated that Zeljko Kalacs’s future at Milan was up in the air, following an inconsistent pre-season that has seen him slide down the goalkeeping ranks at the club.Consequently, the Rossoneri were strongly linked to Flavio Roma of Monaco as a direct replacement, and as of only a few hours ago, the move has officially been announced.The San Siro outfit released a statement on their official website, which read, "AC Milan announce that by consensus, it has decided to terminate the working relationship with the player Zeljko Kalac. We thank him for what he has done for the Rossoneri in the past, and we wish him all the very best for the future. "AC Milan also would like to announce that it has acquired the full rights to Flavio Roma from Monaco, who has signed a contract until June 30 2010."Roma managed to make 247 appearances for his now-former French club from 2001 to 2009. At 35 years of age, he isn’t aiding the Rossoneri’s cause of lowering the average age of their squad.

Luis Fabiano: I Care About Sevilla, Not AC Milan

The Brazilian forward is only concerned with having a successful season with his current club...

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano insists his focus is on his future with the Spanish club, after his move to AC Milan finally appears to be dead in the water.The Serie A side have coveted the Brazilian international for the majority of the summer but the clubs have never come close to reaching an agreement on a valuation for the 28-year-old.It now appears that, with the Rossoneri clinching the signature of Real Madrid man Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, their pursuit of Fabiano has ended, and the player himself insists that he is only interested in performing to the best of his ability for the Andalusian side.“I do not think of Milan, they made their offer, but I was quiet and I was always thinking of Sevilla,” Goal.com Spain reports the player commenting.
“What I am concerned about just now, is to continue working to be fit for the start of the season.”Fabiano also addressed the shocking death of Espanyol captain Daniel Jarque, who passed away suddenly yesterday of a heart attack at just 27 years of age.
“We are all very sad because he was the same as us, we must remember that. We are all alert because it is a young player who has died, and we are all a little concerned,” said the Brazil international.

PIPPO INZAGHI: 36 YEARS, 306 GOALS

8/9/2009- Many birthday wishes to Superpippo who turns 36! But most of all thanks for the infinite emotions you have given us and which, we are sure, you will continue to offer in your ninth consecutive season with the Rossoneri!

'I think I can say to the children who dream about goals and football pitches, that the fundamental thing is to love what you do. If you truly love football, destiny repays you. Perhaps that's why football, my sport, has given me unmatchable emotions.' This is what you said after scoring your 300th career goal. It was last March and you, excited as a kid, presented yourself to the cameras to explain the secret behind your eternal youth: the passion, the commitment, the consistency, but especially the infinite love for the green rectangle and the emotions you experience inside it.
Five months have passed since that goal which has projected you even more in Milan's history and Italian football history, in the meantime your goal count has reached 306 and you, a champion, have continued growing, and today your blow out 36 candles. 36 years, many of which spent with a ball at your feet, 36 years with a few very tough moments but which were amply repaid with extraordinary personal and team success. With the Milan shirt you have won everything: a Scudetto, a Coppa Italia, an Italian Supercup, two Champions Leagues, two European Supercups, and one Fifa Club World Cup. With the national team you became a World Champion.
What more to ask from destiny? To continue playing, winning, having fun. Which is what you are doing in your ninth consecutive season as a Rossonero. Which, we can bet, will be full of goals, adrenaline and emotions. An essential ingredient for someone like you.
So, many happy birthday wishes, Champion! Even though you've turned 36, you look 10 years younger on the pitch, we hope you'll score 306 more goals, more or less important ones, but still goals, which you were born to score. But especially thank you for the determination, desire to always be there, and the extraordinary professionalism which have given you tremendous victories and an infinite passion for this sport and this shirt.
Happy birthday Pippo!

A STEP FORWARD

Milan lose on penalties against Benfica, but steps forward in the play and the condition are evident: a sign that gives faith for the future. Gianluca Zambrotta and Ignazio Abate talked about it at the end of the game.

MILAN - Here are the declarations made by the Rossoneri to Milan Channel's microphones after Benfica-Milan.
Gianluca Zambrotta: 'We've made some improvements, some steps forward, let's say that overall we're satisfied with how the match went. There are still some days to go before the start of the season, we have time to keep working and so we don't have problems or worries of any kind. This step forward certainly gives us confidence to be ready for the start against Siena and Inter.'
Ignazio Abate: 'I'd say we did not start very well, we suffered the first 20-25 minutes but then, once we got into the match, the team grew and came out. We played against very aggressive opponents, but when we got organised we took control of the play and created 3-4 important chances and from then on they were only dangerous on counterattacks. As fas I'm concerned, I'm satisfied with my performance. I try to work well during the week, get in top shape and always be ready. It's normal that I'd like to play always, it means I will try to put the coach in difficulty with his choices.'

THE RIGHT REACTION

8/9/2009- Milan leave the "Da Luz" partially satisfied. The match against Benfica saw a team that reacted very well to the disadvantage. It's important to fight until the 90th minute. Pato and Nesta did well.

MILAN - After the defeats in the United States a draw after 90 minutes was needed. It gives a bit of morale and shows a group that doesn't give up. 3 minutes from the end Milan were a goal down, but tenacity and desire not to lose made sure that there was a right reaction. The Eusebio Cup goes to Rui Costa's Benfica, but only after a long series of penalties.
Leonardo, compared to the expected formation, had to do without Mathieu Flamini. The Frenchman was forced to pull out of the match with a tendon problem. In his place Jankulovski in midfield and Favalli in defence.Benfica started strongly, with two initiatives by Cardozo and Ramires which caused Storari problems. The Rossoneri tried to react, but in the first half there were few playable balls for Pato and Borriello. Both were forced to retreat in turns to take part in the action.The first 45 minutes went by without real emotions. Leonardo's formation had a few sparse chances only in the end of the first half, when first Thiago Silva and then Borriello failed to take advantage of a couple of chances. In the first case the Brazilian couldn't control the ball well, alone in front of Quim; in the second case Borriello couldn't head a good ball coming in from the left. It ended 0-0.
The second half saw a more aggressive and more temperamental Milan. Also because the team had to come back from a goal down. The 1-0 goal, in fact, came in the 58th minute thanks to a cross from the left wing (after losing a ball) by Shaffer. Thiago Silva and Favalli tried to get the ball, but they were a bit late; in the middle there was Cardozo who jumped and headed the ball, which went in at the far post.The team's reaction was there. Ronaldinho tried to invent something and sent forward a few interesting balls forward. On one of these Zambrotta sent in a powerful cross, which was deflected out for a corner.Milan continued to try and attack, doing so aggressively, not always with order, but 3 minutes before the end they reaped the benefits. Antonini won the ball in his half, played the ball forward, picking out Pato's run perfectly; the striker disoriented Luisao with a series of dribbles, played a low ball in for Borriello, who was anticipated with a slide by Sidnei, which deflected the ball in Benfica's goal: it's the 1-1 goal which sent the teams to penalties.
The penalty series was infinite, because first Ronaldinho and Thiago Silva missed for Milan, and Fabio Coentrao and Weldon for Benfica. The penalties went to sudden death, and Zambrotta had a chance to win the game after Patric's error, but he missed. Sidnei and Antonini scored and missed respectively in the last round. Benfica won 6-5.

Chelsea are set to pay £45m for AC Milan striker Alaxandre Pato and then loan him back to the Italian club for a year.

CARLO ANCELOTTI will pay an astonishing £45million for Alexandre Pato - and then loan him back to AC Milan for a year!

Chelsea will happily smash the transfer record for a teenager, previously the £27.5m paid for Wayne Rooney, but allow Pato to stay in Italy until after the World Cup.
Ancelotti believes his former club will now do business after rejecting all of Chelsea's earlier approaches for the 19-year-old, tipped to be one of the world's best.
A Stamford Bridge insider said: "Ancelotti's so keen to capture Pato that he will pay a club record fee and still allow the kid to stay at Milan for another season. That tells you how highly he values him."
The Blues boss gave Pato his big break in Italian football after he was signed from Brazil's Internacional in 2007.
And Pato is indebted to Ancelotti for that and has a great loyalty to him as a result.
The source added: "The boy would come to Chelsea right now but Milan have just sold Kaka and do not want to lose another top star.
"That's why this deal could make all the difference. Milan get their money up front and keep his services for one more season and have plenty of time to scout a replacement.
"Chelsea are hoping it is the perfect deal both for them and for Milan."
Pato scored 18 goals in Serie A last term and has also established himself in the Brazil national team.
Chelsea will double his wages to £100,000 a week to cement the deal.
He is currently on just over £50,000 a week at Milan - one of their lowest paid stars.

Milan Tell Chelsea That Pato Is Not For Sale

9 Aug 2009- Chelsea have reportedly been chasing Milan star Alexandre Pato, but the Italians have unequivocally stated that their striker is not for sale.The Rossoneri released an official press release, claiming that there were no current negotiations in progress for the player and he would not be leaving the club under any circumstances."With regard to the items circulated this morning by the British press, AC Milan clarifies and reaffirms that there is no negotiation on Alexandre Pato, and that the player is absolutely unsellable," read a brief statement on the club's official website.The Blues were set to launch a €52.5 million bid for the services of the Brazilian starlet, who scored 15 goals in Serie A last season. The Premier League giants were even willing to loan the player back to the Rossoneri for one more campaign if the deal went through.However, Milan have poured cold water on those rumours, insisting the player is vital for the club's plans.The 19-year-old is set to be part of the Selecao squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Leonardo Encouraged Despite Milan's Defeat To Benfica In Eusebio Cup

9 Aug 2009- Milan were defeated 6-5 on penalties by Benfica last night, after a 1-1 draw in normal time, to deal the Rossoneri another pre-season blow, but coach Leonardo remained typically upbeat."Apart from the first few minutes, the defence played well, the two centre backs are finding a mutual understanding," the coach told La Gazzetta Dello Sport."I saw some good movement up front, although Pato needs to improve physically. [Ronaldinho] needs to do more and be more consistent," he continued, warning 'Dinho' that he owes no allegiance to his Brazilian compatriot with multimillion signing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar waiting for his chance."I was pleased with our reaction in the second half. Considering the hard work we put in during the week and the absentees, on balance it [the game] was positive."After a disastrous pre-season so far, including defeats to Inter and Chelsea, Leonardo has his work cut out ahead of the new campaign.
The Rossoneri's actions in the transfer market are not yet over, however, and there could be new defensive arrivals at Milanello before the start of the season.

Chelsea Launch Mega 'Buy & Loan' Move For Milan Star Pato

9 Aug 2009- According to the News of the World, Chelsea are ready to pay Milan a sum of €52.5 million for the services of Alexandre Pato.The Blues have long been linked with the Brazilian teenager, especially since Carlo Ancelotti, the former Rossoneri boss, took over at Stamford Bridge earlier this summer.The Italian giants have thus far resisted all approaches for their up-and-coming striker, but Chelsea believe they have come up with a deal that will please all parties.It is claimed that the Londoners are willing to buy Pato outright for the aforementioned €52.5m and then loan him back to Milan immediately for the 2009-10 season.The Serie A side are worried about cashing in on another star so soon after selling their talismanic playmaker, Kaka, to Real Madrid, but the Pensioners' new proposal would calm some of those fears.A NOTW source said, "The boy would come to Chelsea right now but Milan have just sold Kaka and do not want to lose another top star."That's why this deal could make all the difference. Milan get their money up front and keep his services for one more season and have plenty of time to scout a replacement."Chelsea are hoping it is the perfect deal both for them and for Milan." Both clubs are yet to comment on these latest reports.

Carlo Ancelotti: Chelsea Don't Need Andrea Pirlo

8 Aug 2009- Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed his new sides inability to lure Andrea Pirlo from AC Milan by suggesting that the Italian would have inflated the already healthy Chelsea squad list.Citing the importance of the experienced squad that he has inherited, the former AC Milan boss suggested that Pirlo may have been unnecessary in the long-run.
"I think it's an advantage that we have the same group, same players, as they have a very good relationship," Ancelotti stated.
"Zhirkov is a very good international and Sturridge is a young player while Turnbull is a good goalkeeper - if we don't need to buy, then we stay with these players," he added, referring to Chelsea's new players.
"It is more important not to lose a player. Andrea Pirlo was not necessary, he was necessary for Milan."
Chelsea take on Manchester United tomorrow in the Community Shield, but new signing Yuri Zhirkov is not expected to feature as he is suffering from a knee injury.

Angry Milan Fans Tell Partying Ronaldinho To ‘Go To Bed’

8 Aug 2009- Following the sale of Kaka to Real Madrid, it has been made very clear that Milan are relying on Ronaldinho to be the team’s creative force and, if this is to happen, he will need to rediscover his world-beating form of a few years ago.The 29-year-old had a rather disappointing first year at San Siro, with some people claiming that the playmaker was not focused enough on his football, instead spending too much time out on the town enjoying himself.Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi reportedly made Ronaldinho stand on top of a table in front of shocked team-mates a few weeks ago and promise everyone that he would be a model professional and lead the club to success.Rossoneri fans are also well aware of the club’s wishes, and according to the Gazzetta dello Sport, took matters into their own hands when they saw Ronaldinho partying in Milan deep into the early hours of Thursday morning.Ronaldinho had been out on the town with compatriot Nelson Dida at the Festival Latinoamericano where famous Brazilian samba singer Neguinho had been performing. After the show ended, at gone 01:30 AM, Ronaldinho and Dida were spotted talking, having fun and dancing with friends. Some supporters asked the duo for autographs, but another group were visibly angry and started shouting at Ronaldinho and Dida to return home and go to bed because it was late and they had to train in a few hours.The pair listened to the advice of the tifosi, and returned to their homes rather than stay and risk a nasty situation.

Milan Prepare Move For San Lorenzo Ace Gonzalo Bergessio

8 Aug 2009 Milan- Despite signing Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Milan are preparing to make another move for a forward, with San Lorenzo star Gonzalo Bergessio in their sights, according to sportmediaset.it.After a failed spell at Benfica, Bergessio returned to his Argentine homeland in 2008. Since returning to his native country, his impressive form has rewarded him with a call-up to the national team by Diego Maradona.It is believed that Milan have now joined Catania and Villarreal in the race for the 25-year-old striker, who is valued at around the €4.5 million mark.Bergessio is considered the perfect alternative to Alexandre Pato as the supporting act for Huntelaar, although the 25-year-old has a fine scoring record himself, finding the back of the net twice in three caps for Argentina.

Andrea Pirlo: I Rejected Chelsea Because Milan Can Win The Scudetto

8 Aug 2009 Milan- Andrea Pirlo has explained that if he didn't believe Milan could win the Serie A title this season, he would have quit the club to join Chelsea.The 30-year-old was expected to join former Rossoneri coach Carlo Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge this summer, and for a while the transfer looked inevitable.However, this week Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi announced that Pirlo will not be joining Chelsea and will instead be finishing his career at the San Siro.“I knew there was an important offer on the table from Chelsea, and my agent kept me up to date, but I did not spend the summer glued to the telephone,” the ex-Inter man told La Gazzetta dello Sport.“The reason was very simple – I wanted to stay at Milan and never asked to leave. I must also confess that I already knew about what was going to happen three nights before Berlusconi flew in.“Did Ancelotti take it well? Well, not really. He was disappointed, but he understood.“Something should be made very clear: if I thought Milan’s objective was just a decent placement, I would be at Chelsea right now. I want to win. These are not just words - I am convinced it is possible.”Despite the signing of Klaas Jan Huntelaar from Real Madrid on Thursday, many people still feel it is going to be a rough season for Milan, but Pirlo will hope to prove them all wrong.

I Like Huntelaar A Lot, Milan Will Do Well - Former Goalscoring Legend Prati

8 Aug 2009 Milan-With the arrival of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and the confirmation of Andrea Pirlo's stay, Milan fans may have regained some optimism ahead of the new season.
Former goalscoring legend Pierino Prati, who scored a hat-trick for Milan in the 1969 Champions Cup final against Ajax, talked about the Rossoneri's objectives for the coming season.
On Huntelaar, he said, speaking to IlSussidiario.net: "I like Huntelaar a lot, he's the kind of player Milan needed. He's physically strong, has a strong goalscoring sense, he's always scored everywhere, also in his last difficult season at Real Madrid. He likes to be close to the goal, just what Milan needed. He also has a good international experience.
"Pirlo? He can still give a lot to Milan. He's one of the best midfielders in his role, especially if Leonardo can insert him in an interesting playing system. I think he will still be decisive for the team."
On Kaka's departure: "Certainly Kaka's sale was not a small thing, but I think Milan have bought two very strong players in Huntelaar and Thiago Silva. And then they will also recover players like [Marco] Borriello, [Gennaro] Gattuso, and [Alessandro] Nesta who were almost always out last season. And the transfer period isn't over yet..."
Asked what Milan's chances are in Serie A and the Champions League, he said: "The strongest rivals are always Inter and Juventus, but Milan are competitive, if they can find a positive tactical set-up they have all it takes to compete with those two clubs. Milan are capable of winning the Scudetto.
"In the Champions League there are teams that are stronger on paper, like Barcelona and Real Madrid, but Milan can do well, even without winning the trophy itself. They can go far also in Europe.
"I wouldn't criticise Milan as bitterly as some fans have been doing. They always expect the maximum, but you also have to admit that Milan have made football history in the last twenty years, winning many important trophies. We must not forget that."

DANIEL JARQUE: MILAN'S CONDOLENCES

8/8/2009MILAN - The club and fans of A.C. Milan are close to the Jarque family after the sudden loss of Daniel Jarque. The 26-year-old midfielder, captain of Espanyol, was at the Coverciano training camp with his team. The player apparently had a heart attack while on the phone with his girlfriend in his room.

BENFICA-MILAN ENDS IN PENALTIES: 6-5

8/8/2009LISBON - In the friendly played in Portugal against Benfica, Milan came away unbeaten after 90 minutes, but are beaten on penalties. 6-5 for the Lusitans, who win the 2009 Eusebio Cup. Cardozo gave the Portuguese side the lead in the 58th minute, while Sidnei scored an own goal to make it 1-1 in the 87th minute.

ITALIAN NATIONAL TEAM: PIRLO AND ZAMBROTTA CALLED UP

8/8/2009MILAN - Two Rossoneri were included in the list of 20 players called up by Marcello Lippi for the national team's friendly on 12 August against Switzerland in Basel: Gianluca Zambrotta and Andrea Pirlo

ITALIAN SUPERCUP: MILAN REMAIN FIRST WITH 5 VICTORIES

8/8/2009MILAN - After today's victory of Lazio in the Italian Supercup (the Biancocelesti had also won in 1998 and 2000 and therefore capture their third trophy), Milan remain the first Italian club in the number of victories of the event, with 5. Milan won the trophy in 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994 e 2004.

LEONARDO: TODAY'S DECLARATIONS AT MALPENSA AIRPORT

MILAN - At the Malpensa airport, just before the departure for Lisbon, coach Leonardo made a few declarations to the microphones of Mediaset and Milan Channel: "We are going to play in Lisbon, a team who are doing very well in this pre-season. We'll meet Rui Costa, with whom we have experienced some great days. We are still preparing, we continue to work, these matches are useful to continue understanding what aspects we have to improve on. The market? It's open until 31 August."

LEONARDO ON KLAAS JAN HUNTELAAR

8/8/2009MILAN - Here is the judgement of Leonardo on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: "An important player, who has a strong goalscoring sense. He's capable of playing for the team, and finalising the work done by the team. He's a serious and scrupolous professional. I am very happy he has arrived here." 8/8/2009MILAN - Here is the judgement of Leonardo on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: "An important player, who has a strong goalscoring sense. He's capable of playing for the team, and finalising the work done by the team. He's a serious and scrupolous professional. I am very happy he has arrived here."

MILAN ARE IN LISBON

8/8/2009 LISBON - The Rossoneri have landed at the Ortela airport, after a flight of just under two and a half hours. Milan arrived under a temperature of about 27 degrees. The climate is windy. The transfer from the airport to the Corinthia Lisbon Hotel was relatively brief. Cesare Maldini, father of Paolo and a glorious part of the Rossoneri's history, travelled with the team. Cesare and Eusebio both took part in the historic European Final of Wembley of 1963 between Milan and Benfica.