FORZA MILAN

Kala cautions Sheva

2006-06-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

It is a sign of the times that Kakhaber Kaladze is warning Andriy Shevchenko of the drawbacks of English Football. A year ago it would have been unthinkable. For Kala was all set for Chelsea, in the same way as Hernan Crespo was set for Milan. Kala was to be used as a pawn in the deal, and it would have gone through had Mourinho not plumped for Asier Del Horno in the last minute.

A year later, Kaladzhe has proved to be one of the revelations of the season in his new role at central defence. The Georgian and Sheva were teammates at Dynamo Kiev, and remain close friends to his day. So he was obviously disappointed to see his friend leave. “We have lost a great champion and I have lost a great friend,” said Kala. “I am happy for him because I know he is content with the choice he has made”.

However, he warned Sheva that not all would be to his liking in England. “However, I don’t think it will be as easy to acclimatise in England”. “Here in Italy there is great hospitality and warmth, I believe that in countries like England and Germany people are colder. I don’t think that Andriy will feel the warmth he has done in Italy.”

Link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun2f.html

Not a bad point. Only, Shevchenko and his wife didn't seem to realise that. But they should soon enough.

The other day, i read this article about how the writer had gone to a Premiership match in which Chelsea played. All the stars were there: Lampard, Terry, Robben, Joe Cole.. As were the 'New Blues', as the new legion of fans who have started to swear by Chelsea after the Abramovich revolution. The football wasn't electric, but efficient. Chelsea were controlling the match, but the goal was not coming. The New Blues were growing restless. Right before half-time, Lampard struck and Chelsea took the lead.

Goal! The crowd was in raptures. When the match resumed, with Chelsea still leading, the number of New Blues in the stadium had considerably come down. Where did they all vanish? Surely they didn't leave mid way? Well, it turns out that they did.

You can't blame them. They came to see the stars, saw them; they wanted one of their star men to score a goal, he did; And maybe, just maybe, they wanted their team to win. And Chelsea had a vice like grip on the match, so it would've taken a miracle to lose. That was it. Their duty was over. What they had come for had been acomplished. They could leave now.

So, that is where Sheva is going. If he's looking for new challenges, that's one hell of a challenge!

Calciopoli

2006-06-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Galliani laughs off match fixing rumour

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani laughed off reports that the draw with Udinese (which incidentally helped them clinch 4th spot and enter into a Champions League) at the end of the 2004-05 season was fixed.

It is rumoured that a telephone conversation took place between Leonardo Meani, the Milan referee liasion and an Udinese official before the match and it is reported that Milan agreed to do the favour and in return we got Marek Jankulovski for a cut price. Doubtless an interesting theory, but Galliani had no plans to entertain it.

“I know nothing of the call that they talk about,” he said. “It is obviously evident and clear even to a child that this has originated from Turin. They want to involve Milan so that their position, which everyone knows about, does not look so bad”.

“They’re looking to make it seem that the Juventus system and the Milan system are the same thing. It is not true at all – there is only the Juve system and everyone else has been affected and damaged by it.”

Link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun2e.html

Calciopoli

2006-06-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

Moggi suggests change of name
Insists 'Don Berlusco' would be perfect

Disgraced former Juve director Luciano Moggi's lawyer alleged that contrary to popular speculation, Moggi was not after all the man behind everyhing that was dubious in Calcio, but rather, he was its savior.

This extraordinary suggestion has come about amid reports that Jim Carrey is getting increasingly restless as his reputation as the world's ultimate showman has taken a severe beating recently, thanks in no small measure to Luciano Moggi and his lawyers. The public are reported to favour the elderly, fatherly-looking Italian over the eccentric and unpredictable Carrey.

“Moggi has always moved only to preserve Juventus’ status against the real power centres,” claimed lawyer Fulvio Gianaria in newspaper ‘La Stampa.’
“I am referring to Milan, who have the television companies and therefore the possibility to negotiate and buy up the pay-per-view rights of the clubs.”

Here, treat urself :D :
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may31j.html

The incident was given an official twist with Milan issuing the following statement in the official website:
In answer to the declarations made by Mr Luciano Moggi's defence lawyer in 'La Stampa' newspaper today, A.C. Milan deplores manifestly what has been asserted by the defence team that it is 'true that Milan buys and sells television rights.'

Sheva

2006-05-31T23:49:00.000-07:00

Its officially over

Andriy Shevchenko is officially a Chelsea player after he completed a (roughly) £30m move to Chelsea yesterday.
If he was miserable earlier in trying to compensate for his disloyalty to the club and he fans by asking us to 'accept his decision as man' , he was pathetic yesterday when he stated how 'proud' he was to be a Chelsea player.

Read it in his own words:
"I can go to Germany with a clear mind and proud to be a Chelsea player." They say money talks. It doesn't. Instead, it merely whispers in one's ear. And its effects can be..... Shevaesque. Huh. Talk about Spine.

Here's the link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may31p.html

Stevie G to Milan?

2006-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Steven Gerrard, the ultimate utility man in world football, has been linked with a move to the San Siro. It is unthinkable, it is ridiculous and it is outrageous. But this is football. What a magnificent coup it would be if we could pull that one off!

Link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may30d.html
Ancelotti's liking for attacking football is rather well known. Though the feasibility of having two sulphurous midfielders (don't ask me who's the other one, Ricky's gonna be furious) in the starting line up is debatable, the results can be unbelievably exciting. Gerrard, productive man that he is, can be deployed anywhere in the field - as a ball winner (there goes Rino), as a playmaker (oh dear, is that Pirlo shaking his head) or as the cunning strategist maneuvering through the opposition spraying passes all over and getting some goals for him as well a la Seedorf.

But there will be one hitch. Liverpool won't sell. No, not their Captain Sensational, no. Without Stevie G, the Kop wouldn't have a hope in hell. Anfield will witness riotous scenes. As for Gerrard himself, it would take some doing to convince him that he is wasting his prime years at a hopeless club but i don't think even Moggi would be able to drill that into his head. Anyway. Its always sweet to hear such rumours. You know, after all those Drogba stuff and all....

Sheva Deal

2006-05-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

Sheva to call on Chelsea today

Andriy Shevchenko's imminent transfer to Chelsea will see him at London today holding talks regarding the deal. Milan have confirmed that he has been given permission to talk to the English Champions.

“We can confirm that he has been given permission to travel to London,” a statement on the Chelsea's website stated. If things go smoothly, the move would be completed by the end of the week. It is reported that Sheva could even have his medical on wednesday afternoon.

Milan's policy of not keeping a player who wants out is something to be lauded, as there are few, if any, clubs which follow it, leave alone clubs of the calibre of Milan. But iam afraid some players may be using it to their advantage. If they think Milan's policy of not playing hardball is ground for them to dictate terms to the club, then it is time the club reminded them who pays the wages. They need to be reminded that not playing harball is only an option, as is the option of sticking to the contract and asking a player to shut up.

Van Nistelrooy

2006-05-31T04:01:00.000-07:00

Van Basten turns Milan exec

Netherlands gaffer Marco Van Basten has reportedly advised Ruud Van Nistelrooy to choose Milan as his next camping base.

The Milan legend, who has earlier spoken out in favour of his star striker during the aftermath of his fallout with Sir Alex, has now reportedly urged him to join Milan, pointing out that it is just the place to revive his career.

Link:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=17147078&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=van-to-van--go-to-milan---name_page.html

Well, the link is a bit long, but it is worth it so u can take the risk :)

Crespo

2006-05-31T03:31:00.000-07:00

Hernan not taking things for granted

Hernan Crespo knows all about the pain expectancy will bring. After all last season, he, on loan from Chelsea, had a successful campaign at Milan, and had his heart set on a permanent move to the San Siro, or if things went really bad, was even prepared to stay for another season on loan. But after much wrangling from both sides, he was ordered back to Chelsea with his heart stuck in Italy.

But instead of feeling sorry for himself after being forced to ply his trade in a country he felt alien, one can safely say that Crespo has silenced the critics who lambasted and labeled his passion for Italy as something of a defence mechanism he had developed to cover his inefficiency in the English country.

But even after helping his side to back to back premiership titles, Crespo says he still misses the Latino way of life and misses Italy. It has almost got nothing to do with the football. It has got to do with the people and culture.

When he was ordered back to London last summer only because his employers had not been able to get a big-name striker, Crespo should've had a reason to be despondent. But who would've thought that a striker no less than Shevchenko would be on his way to Chelsea the following summer? Even Hernan couldn't have figured that out.

But still, a wary Crespo is refusing to deal all his cards this time around, when speculation is rife that he could be used as a make-shift in the Sheva deal.
"With Milan there is nothing concrete and unfortunately the scandal situation doesn't help the transfer market," he said.
"I'd willingly come back to Italy, despite the fact that I feel good at Chelsea."

Of course, he should also be concerned about the ongoing match fixing investigations. But it is clear that he sure wouldn't mind one last crack at Serie A. Come to think of it, I wouldn't either.

Sheva replacement

2006-05-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

Eto'o set to shun Milan

When asked to comment on rumours linking him to Milan, the Barca star chose the moment not only to state his unavailability, but also to crack a joke.

Regarding his future: “What would happen if Milan called me? I would tell them to not waste their time because my answer would be no.”

And now the joke: “I would suggest that [owner Silvio] Berlusconi signs [Didier] Drogba. He is one of the best strikers in the world right now."

Now, beat that!

Sheva replacement

2006-05-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

Van the man for Milan?

Among all the rumours that have been sparked by Sheva's departure, Milan have most strongly been linked with Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch striker, who has scored an amazing 150 goals in 200 games for Manchester Unied, has had a well-publicised fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Milan are reportedly keen to bring him in, as they are on the lookout for a big name striker to replace Sheva. Here's what the BBC's site had to say on the rumour:

Milan 'eyeing Van Nistelrooy bid'

AC Milan are contemplating a move for Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Andriy Shevchenko. Van Nistelrooy is reported to have fallen out with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, while Shevchenko is about to begin talks with Chelsea.

"Van Nistelrooy is the man we want," an AC Milan spokesman is quoted as saying in The Sun newspaper. "He is one of the few players in the world who could replace Sheva."

The rest of the story :
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5024914.stm

Well, if you ask me, i'd say Van Nistelrooy would be a thousand times better than someone like Drogba. The fellow has aquired a rather ill-advised image as a diver, but his goalscoring record is beyond doubt. Scoring 150 goals in as little as 200 games in a league such as the EPL is something extraordinary.

I'd still prefer Ibra or Adriano if we could lay our hands on either of them, but in the likelihood that we won't i believe Van's the man.

Sheva Replacement

2006-05-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Ronaldo

The above three are unlikely arrivals to the San Siro, considering their importance to their respective clubs.

Ibrahimovic is a dazzling talent, but Juve, provided they survive the 'Calciopoli' ivestigations and remain in Serie A, would most certainly turn down any offer for their jewel, not least an offer from their direct title rivals. But if things don't go their way and they are relegated and stripped of titles, then Ibra will have the option to terminate his contract and jump ship. And i have no doubt Milan will waste little time snapping him up.

Adriano's is another story. He has publicly stated that he is not happy at Inter, which led to Cafu advising him to cross the city divide and join Milan. But after the fiasco of selling Roberto Carlos to Real Madrid, Cannavaro to Juvenus and most importantly, selling Seedorf and Pirlo to Milan, it is my belief that Inter will be paranoid about selling their most prized asset to their sworn rivals. Luis Figo to Real did happen, but such things happen once every 25 years or so.

The story of another Brazilian, the great Ronaldo, is poignant. The poor fellow has maintained a scoring average of 2 goals every 3 games throughout his career, but has got little recognition and far too little love for it. It is evident that he has grown pretty frustrated at the lack of respect and love his talent and exploits deserve at the Bernabeu, so he'll be keen to shift base and seek a club where he'll be happy.

The stories of Adriano and Ronaldo are not very different from each other, and a deal involving the swap of he two strikers may be on the cards. That could make things difficult for Milan. Ancelottti has been recorded expressing his wish to welcome Ronaldo to the San Siro, but that now depends on Real.

Sheva replacement

2006-05-29T04:52:00.000-07:00

Eto'o?

Barca's Eto'o has been linked with a move to Milan as a replacement for the departing Sheva. Eto'o is one of the few strikers in the world who would be able to fill the giant boots of Sheva at Milan. He has got pace, is brilliant with the ball, has a great positional sense and is a big match player.

Meanwhile, Cagliari's David Suazo, who has scored 22 Serie A goals this season, has also been linked with a move to the San Siro. Rumours suggest that he could be bought for as little as £6m and Milan could concentrate on strengthening the defence and the midfield with the remaining cash generated from Sheva's transfer. Now, that's an interesting option.

The link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may28c.html

Sheva's replacement

2006-05-29T04:11:00.000-07:00

Drogba for Sheva ?

The barter system has long been done away with, but Didier Drogba and his agent seem to be living in the stone age and insist 'Drogba for Sheva' would be the most natural thing in the world next to Marat Safin breaking raquets.

“Milan are very interested in Didier and he would be extremely happy to play for them,” Drogba's agent, Pierre Felot has been quoted as saying. Let us recall that Drogba a week back suggested that all was not well at Chelsea, what with his own fans turning on him at times. Well, when has he ever been popular with them, to start with?

"I’m not happy. For two seasons I have been unable to express my full potential. As for my future, it does not depend on me alone. I have two years left on my contract and so far have not received any offers.” Right after these comments, the unflappable Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, lost no time in pointing out that the Ivorian still had some more years left on his contract and as he considered him 'non-negotiable', he (Drogba) had no option but to stay. "If he plays with happiness, he plays. If he doesn't, he doesn't" said Mourinho as he put a lid on his £24m pet's latest whim.

Drogba subsequently went on to say how much he loved life in London and how fans don't come asking for autographs. But the fact remains that he would love a move to Milan. But again, who wouldn't? Despite Barca's Champions League triumph, Milan are miles away from other clubs in terms of results.

The problem with Drogba is he has no class. That special ability to waltz past a defender, sell a dummy to another and round the 'keeper to hit the ball into the net is what it takes to be something special. If somebody doesn't have it, he at least has to have the vision to create goalscoring opportunities for his team. I don't see Drogba doing either of these.

All he has achieved during his time at Chelsea is attain a notoriety for diving, elbowing opponents and a glaring inability to take a game by the scruff and turn it on its head when a match is not going his team's way. He can hardly be called inventive and has no vision. It'd be a shame if he comes to Milan.

Link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may28g.html

Practise match

2006-05-29T02:38:00.000-07:00

Gila and Pippo on fire

Alberto Gilardino bagged 5 goals and Filippo Inzaghi scored a hat-trick in a practise match with local side Sestese here on Sunday. Azurri Coach Marcelo Lippi divided his team into two groups and made them play the local side, who were whipped 10-0 on both occasions.

Though the quality of the opposition certainly was not something to lose any sleep over, accounting for half the scoreline would've done wonders for Gila's confidence. Alberto also used the occassion to express his solidarity to Milan on the ongoing match fixing investigation.

“I keep reading in the newspapers that every day there is a new story linked to this scandal, but I have always maintained we should wait and let the magistrates do their job,” he noted. “In any case, I’d stay at Milan even if they were demoted to Serie B.”

Link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may28j.html

Rossoneri regroup

2006-05-29T02:01:00.000-07:00

Sheva may be gone, but he Milanello spirit has been retained by our fellow Rossoneri at Milan. Pippo Inzaghi, who recently turned down an offer from Fransesco Totti, no less, to partner him at Roma, has spoken of his respect for Sheva meanwhile implying that Milan will not be a lesser team for the striker's departure.

“I’ll never forget the phone call he made to congratulate me on my return to the Italy squad. Sheva was injured and had to plan his future, but he still found time to call me. It was a gesture I appreciated a great deal. I’m sorry to see him go, but if this is his desire then we must all respect it. "

"Chelsea will become stronger, but Milan remain a great squad and are inferior to no-one in Europe.”

Alberto Gilardino, who should shoulder considerably more responsibility next season than he did in his first this year, had this to say:

“He (Sheva) really helped me to settle down at Milan. Sheva is a champion, but we have other great players and will start the next season with the intention of winning everything – just like we always do.”

Words of encouragemant also came from an unexpected soure - Inter's Marco 'The Cow' Materazzi. “He (Sheva) is a world class player who can put you under pressure at any moment.
But Milan have other champions and will know how to replace him" said the player despised (and that's putting it mildly, i tell you) at the Milan camp for his bone-crunching tackles on Milan players.

Sheva's appeal to fans

2006-05-29T01:09:00.000-07:00

Andriy Shevchenko has released an open letter to his fans on his official website asking them to understand and accept his decision of leaving Milan. Here's the full draft of it:

"Yesterday was a truly difficult day for me and I thought long and hard before coming to this decision. Mine was a troubled choice, but I feel the time has come to think about the future of my family and my children, who are the most important things in my life.

A few days ago, I explained my reasons to Silvio Berlusconi, who is a very special person for me, as he is the Godfather to my son. He listened and understood. ‘Do what is best for you,’ he told me. For this, and for all the things he has done for me and my family, I will be eternally grateful. I also thank the club and Adriano Galliani, who did everything possible, and more, to keep me here.

Above all, I want to speak to the fans and ask them to accept my choice. I have read your messages this week and many of them brought a tear to my eye. I also understand your anger and disappointment, but I request that you accept my decision as a man. What you have given me over these years has been unique and you always made me feel at home. You have a piece of my heart and will be there always. Andriy."

Well, iam sure his PR secretary would've added that tinge of sentiment in it. I don't know how you feel after reading this, but it doesn't make a blind bit of difference to me. His exploits for Milan I shall always cherish, but this was the man who said he wanted to end his career at Milan a la Maldini, Baresi and Van Basten before jumping ship just a week later. What transpired between those two press meets, i don't know, but the fellow sure as hell doesn't convince me.

Milan in for Reveillere?

2006-05-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

As has long been rumoured, Lyon's defender Anthony Reveillere seems to have become a summer transfer target. But it seems we have to fight it out with Inter. Goal.com has the following take on the issue:

Milan Derby For Reveillere?

'Lyon defender Anthony Reveillere may be the subject of a summer tug-of-war between Milan and Inter, according to reports in Italy.
The former Valencia star has made it clear to his agent that he wants to leave the French champions.
The main reason for this appears to be the emergence of young defender Francois Clerc who has limited Reveillere’s first-team involvement this season.
Milan and Inter have both been watching the player for some time and may be about to do battle for his services.'

For the uninitiated, Reveilleire is a right back, is 26 years old, and seems will be a pretty good replacement for Cafu. We've been monitoring him for some time now and this would be the right time to bid for him, taking into account the (roughly) Pounds 35 m we'd get from Sheva's sale. The lad has Champions League experience, is a regular at Lyon and should settle down quite qucikly at Milan. What's more, he can also play as a left back.

Now, how would it be if we could lay our hands on Gallas also :wink: By the way, we hear Gallas may also be included in the Sheva deal. If there is one good thing that can come out of this sordid affair, this could be it.

Meanwhile, have a look at what Uefa.com has to say about Reveillere:
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/Players/Player=30666/index.html

Sheva decision: Press release

2006-05-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

This is the complete text of the interview given by Andriy Shevchenko and Adriano Galliani to announce Sheva's departure from Milan:

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO: ‘I want to thank the club a lot, Doctor Galliani, president Silvio Berlusconi who have listened and understood me. I want the club to evaluate my transfer fee. I would like to explain that it is a personal choice and has nothing to do with my relationship with the team, the club or anything to do with money, which is the last thing I think about. I am very sad to look into the eyes of the fans and read their messages. This is an important decision for me and my family. My wife has nothing to do with this. We decided together for the best interests of our family.'

ADRIANO GALLIANI: ‘There is little to add, I want to say how sad I am. Andriy knows it well but it's better not to say too much. The Milan philosophy does not change, we do not sell our top players unless they want to leave. A player cannot be stopped if he asks for a transfer even if it is this player who has scored the most goals in Milan's history after Nordahl. We understand Sheva's motivation and now we will open negotiations with Chelsea but they cannot think of just taking the best players in the world ... If we reach an agreement, it will be what we want and what Andriy wants. Andriy has given a lot to this team, he's scored 174 goals because I am counting the disallowed goal against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. It's a painful divorce but it has happened with Baresi when he retired and with Van Basten. Andriy is in his prime at 29. I've tried to convince him to stay - even one minute prior to the press conference.'

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO: ‘It will be impossible to find a club like Milan. I have thought only about my family. I don't speak English, my wife Kristen does not speak Ukrainian - the only language we have in common at the moment is Italian. The only way to be able to teach our children our love that we have for them is the English language.'

ADRIANO GALLIANI: ‘I will close by saying that this is a victory for the English language over Italian just has it functions in the world. English is essential, in school, studying, for work to develop.'

Source: www.acmilan.com

Official: Shevchenko adventure over

2006-05-26T23:31:00.000-07:00

Andriy Shevchenko anoounced his decision to leave Milan after 7 magical years for what might be called the weirdest of reasons - to learn English. Milan fans' hopes of a repeat of the Henry soap opera with a happily-ever-after ending were officially put to an end as Sheva and Adriano Galliani confronted the media to announce the decision.

“I’m leaving for family reasons,” said Sheva. “I want to thank the club for what they have done for me.I would like to point out that there were no problems in our relationship and this isn’t about money.” Of course this isn't about money. Why would we ever think so?

“I am sorry, as I saw the look in the eyes of the fans and the many messages that have come in. My wife has nothing to do with this, as we made the decision together for the good of my family.” Yeah, and I am Adriano.

Now, this is the big one: “I don’t speak English, my wife does not speak Ukrainian, so the only language we have in common right now is Italian. The only way to make our children understand how much we love them is through the English language.” Everyone knows english is important, but i never knew one can learn english only if he/she is in England. Anyway, now that i do, i'll keep that in mind.

My rantings notwithstanding, i have reason to believe that the match fixing scandal affecting everyone involved with Italian Football may have had a role to play in this particular issue. After all, this is not the first time that Calcio has courted controversy. In fact, all through its history, an especially since the last decade, hardly a season has passed without some controversy suggesting all were not equal in Serie A. I believe this atmosphere may have had a hand in leading Sheva to change his mind.

Then again, just days before calling a press conference to announce it was "useless to hide these facts anymore" and that he wanted to leave Milan, Sheva had assured the Milan faithful that he was not at all tempted by an ever-probable Chelsea offer and talked about his dream of ending his career as a 'Milanista', thereby joining the likes of Maldini, Baresi and Van Basten. Well?

Even if his hand was forced by his wife, model Kristen Kristen Pazik, we as Milanistas have an obligation to accept his decision and move on. A villifying campaign against Kristen or even Sheva is not going to help us in any way. Moreover, a team is more than a striker. AC Milan is more than Andriy Shevchenko. There was AC Milan before Shevchenko, and we were a great club. There will be Milan after Shevchenko, and we will still be a great club.

Let us not Sheva's inglorious exit make us forget all the unforgetable memories he has given us. Whenever I think of the penalty at Old Trafford, it will always be Sheva who won us the CL. As a rossoneri. And not as a bloody 'blue'. But at the end of the day, the club is bigger than anybody. It is the ultimate.

Emerson

2006-05-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Emerson ready to jump ship

Juve's Brazilian midfielder Emerson has hinted he may not stay with the outfit if they go down to Serie B in the course of the match fixing investigation. This makes it easier for Milan to pursue what some time ago would have been a most unlikely transfer. Gaffer Ancelotti has been recorded expressing his wish to sign the player.

“No player would like to play in Serie B and I’m no exception,” said Emerson, when quizzed by reporters if he would stick with the side in the case of them being relegated. Club symbol Alessandro Del Piero, Fabio Cannavaro, Cristiano Zanetti and Marco Marchionni have already announced their plans to stick with the side come what may.

Complete text of Emerson's comments:
“To talk now would be a little premature,” he said from Brazil’s World Cup training base in Switzerland.
“No player would like to play in Serie B and I’m no exception,” he underlined.
“I still have two years left on my contract and I’ll just have to wait and see what happens over the next few weeks before making any further comment.”

Newspaper article questions Milan's innocence

2006-05-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Milan have been implicated in the match-fixing scandal which is rocking Italian Football at the moment. Corriere della Sera has published transcripts of wiretaps of conversations between club management member Leonardo Meani and Gennaro Mazzei, the official who assigns linesmen.

"I don't want him. I never asked for him and I never wanted him," Meani said, according to Corriere. "Now you be careful, be careful," Meani said, adding that "Galliani is furious."

Transcripts of an alleged conversation between Meani and Claudio Puglisi - the linesman who was assigned the Milan derby last year - have also been published. Puglisi is reported to have said how important it was to "beat these Interisti"

Here is the full report:
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2006/05/25/1597204-ap.html

Milan claim innocence:

Milan have subsequenttly moved to quash these reports, refusing to acknowledge the the validity of these transcripts. Milan have ruled out any contact made by Vice-President and Lega Calcio Chief Galliani - who has been charged with being associated with the match fixing allegations on Milan - with 'the referee's designator or management of A.I.A. and C.A.N. about assigning referees or assistants.'

Complete declaration by AC Milan on this matter:

JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS

A.C. Milan have clarified the claims that have been published in the Italian newspapers regarding the club's actions. We have outlined them below.
1) There was no contact with chief executive Adriano Galliani and former referee Pierluigi Collina.
2) Adriano Galliani has never had a conversation with the referee's designator or management of A.I.A. and C.A.N. about assigning referees or assistants.
3) The Paparesta dossier is all outside the role of Mr. Paparesta and Mr. Galliani in his role as Milan chief executive. As Mr. Papareata has declared, Mr. Galliani only requested from his secretary to Dr. Letta a relative document to connected activities of the Diesel Bio Ace Consortium, of which Mr. Paparesta was auditor.
4) The telephone conversations reported to Mr. Leonardo Meani demonstrate exclusively that the organsied system came from a third party. Moreover, they demonstrate that Milan was never meant to be involved, never used those system and viceversa, but only demands to be dealt with justice and fairness

Source: www.acmilan.com

Rui going home for real

2006-05-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Rui Costa, who had earlier rescinded his contract with Milan, has completed his long-time dream and joined Portuguese giants Benfica. The playmaker is expected to end his career in the club he played for before he hit big time.

One likes to thank Rui for all he contributed to Milan and i'll remember him as someone who always accepted whatever life (or Ancelotti) threw at him with a smile. We are losing a very noble and rare man. He will be missed.

As for Milan, if we have not started scouting for Rui's replacement, we better do now.

Emerson?

2006-05-26T05:22:00.000-07:00

Emerson, one of the most versatile midfielders in Europe, may join Milan, according to reports. Coach Carlo Ancelotti yesterday made no secret of his desire to bring Patrick Viera's midfield partner at Juve to the San Siro in the event of Juve being relegated to Serie B.

Carletto spoke about his plans for giving Andrea Pirlo more freedom to play his natural game, and in order to do so, he touched upon bringing in someone to maintain the balance in midfield.
“The ideal solution would be placing a figure of substance alongside [Andrea] Pirlo. I’m thinking of someone like Emerson.”

The Link:
Channel4: http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may25b.html

Official Site: http://www.acmilan.com/en/NewsDetail.aspx?IdNews=71009

Let us not forget that Pirlo probably has had his most disappointing season in a Milan shirt since he joined us in 2001. His ability to take a game by the scruff is unchallenged, but his form has been much too inconsistent this season to label him as one of Milan's leading lighs this year. More often than not, Pirlo was a shadow of his real self, and when he did seem to find his feet, it was only for minutes when he would go back into his shell.

His main failure this season has been his inablility to come good in big matches. In the two semifinal legs against Barca, Pirlo was a perepheral figure at best, save a few minutes of brilliance in the first half of the second leg. It was the same against Lyon. It was cruel.

The question of bringing in Emerson is hypothetical and the effect he may have, still more so. Milan have been playing in a 4-3-1-2 formation for some time now and it'd be interesting to ponder who might have to make way in the midfield for Emerson - Ancelotti insisted that he'd continue using 4 defenders and 2 atackers.

Up front, Kaka Gilardino (or Pippo) and (hopefully) Sheva pick themselves, while at the back, the back four remains the same. That leaves us with Pirlo, Seedorf and Gattuso. Considering Rino's importance to the team as a ball winner, it appears that Seedorf may be the one to make way. Its an interesting possibility.

Lets wait and see what unfolds. These are interesting times.

Sheva keeps us on tenterhooks

2006-05-26T05:02:00.000-07:00

Andriy Shevchenko extended our agony when he said he'll reveal his decision some time later today, after meeting with Galliani. His meeting was supposed to take place yesterday. Milan understandably are not pushing it too much, but it is rather interesting for Sheva to postpone the meeting.

After completing the treatment for his injured knee at Milanello, Sheva told the waiting reporters that he'd be meeting Galliani today.

'I cannot say anything yet - first I have to speak to Galliani,'
'I will not meet Galliani today - perhaps tomorrow and maybe in the evening,' he said.

Link:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368881&cc=4716

2006-05-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

Berlusco to return

Silvio Berlusconi is all set to reprise his role as Milan president following his defeat in the parliamentary elections and subsequent removal from office. He had had to step down as President due to the law which forbade a single person to hold to offices simultaneously.

"We will be strengthened and in a few days I will be back as Milan president". The patron also sought to dismiss claims made by Luciano Moggi that he had been offered a job at Milan when the two met in September. "It wasn't like that. He came by the Forza Italia office and we spoke about what his intentions were and I knew that something was cracking".

It remains to be seen if the Big B's return will witness a turnaround in transfer scene, where Milan have hardly been inspiring this season. Zeljko Kalac, Marek Jankulovski, Johann Vogel and Marcio Amoroso were signed prior to and during the course of the season, and no one has established himself in the first team. Giuseppe Favalli was a recent addition. It certainly didn't help that our executives overlooked the need for a revolution in our defence.

One hopes that the sharp Berlusconi recognises the brewing crisis and does the needful.

2006-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sheva decision imminent

Andriy Shevchenko is expected to announce his decision on whether to stay at Milan or move on later today. Earlier this week, the striker had promised to announce his decision by the "24th or the 25th".

There is already a resigned look on Milan fans' faces, who seem cynical seeing Sheva at the San Siro next season. There is palpable anger on Sheva's wife Kristen, who has strangely been blamed of manipulating the star, after he admitted that he was looking elsewhere "for family reasons".

I cannot bear to wait.

Link:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368755&cc=4716

2006-05-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

Sheva to Chelsea - done deal?

Fresh rumours indicate that Milan and Chelsea have verbally agreed on a deal which will see Willam Gallas arrive at the San Siro as a part of the deal. A hefty sum is also said to be on offer from Chelsea for Sheva to join the Stamford Bridge outfit.

It says while Chelsea have offered around Euros 40m, Milan are holding out for Euros 50m. All will be revealed today with Sheva promising to clear the air by evening. We are waiting with bated breath.

The rumour:
http://www.goal.com/en-india/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=56876

2006-05-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

Gila dismisses 'psychological effects' of Scandal

Alberto Gilardino refused to entertain thoughts of the Azurri suffering from any psychological after-effects of the match fixing scandal during the World Cup. Asked to comment on Franz Beckenbauer's claim that Italy's players would 'undoubtedly' suffer psychologically during the World Cup, Gila shot back “He should think about his Germany, and we shall think of playing with nothing to hide.”

2006-05-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

Tevez in for Sheva?

Now, now. We have interesting reports which suggest Carlitos Tevez is on his way to replace Sheva at Milan. Here's the rumour:

Tevez To Replace Shevchenko

"Milan are said to be ready to land the Corinthian striker in order to substitute the departing Ukrainian forward

According to reports coming from Italy, the Rossoneri have found the perfect replacement for Andriy Shevchenko: Tevez.The Corinthian striker would arrive along with team-mate Mascherano, even though Milan are still after Eto'o and Ibrahimovic.Shevchenko is expected to announce his transfer to Chelsea on Wednesday or Thursday, despite the club and fans trying every possible way to change his mind.

In other transfer news, Milan are set to replace Rui Costa, who just re-joined Benfica, with French midfielder Gourcuf from Rennes."

Source: www.goal.com

Well, Tevez is 22 and certainly has a good scoring record. He made his debut for Boca Juniors when he was just 17, and went on to score 26 goals in 75 appearances. In 2005, he surprisingly signed for Brazilian side Corinthians and has so far scored 31 goals from 53 starts. It speaks volumes of his talent when we see that at 22, Tevez, an Argentinian, is star and Captain at a (Brazilian) club such as Corinthians.

Tevez is certainly aggressive and despite lacking in height - he is only 1.69 m - has an all round game. At 22 he appears a bit raw and is hardly the finished product, but even Sheva was 22 when he arrived from Dynamo Kiev, and with questions over his adaptability still fresh, went on to become Capocannoniere in his first season.

Sheva to Chelski looks more or less a done deal now, so lets wait and hope for the best.

2006-05-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Galliani not to relinquish post

Vice-President Adriano Galliani has reiterated his stand on relinquishing the office of the President of Lega Calcio.

"I won't resign because, in this country, only those who are guilt resign. And I don't feel guilty at all. On the contrary, I think that I have always acted very well in favour of the Lega Calcio" said Galliani, whose stance has been backed by Berlusconi.

The Link:
http://www.goal.com/en-india/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=56056

If Milan is not found guilty, as I hope it will be, Galliani's stand would be laudable. But if we are found gulity of fixing referees and rigging matches, then he would be assailed from every quarter. I fervently hope our Vice-President is acting by his conscience, as even one mis-step in this high-wire act will cost him, and more importantly Milan dear.

2006-05-24T02:09:00.000-07:00

Pippo Promises Red and Black future

Filippo Inzaghi, 32 but ever the strapping school boy, appeased Milan fans' fears over his future after a call from the great Fransesco Totti to join him at Roma.

"I'm grateful towards Milan; I decided to end my activity with the Rossoneri's shirt. I thank Francesco Totti for his attestation of respect that he has towards me."

The gesture was something in order after Milan stood by him through his 2 year injury induced sabbatical from football and aided him in his recuperation. And Pippo has been paying back those debts in the only he knows: scoring goals, and bagfuls of them. One looks forward to seeing Pippo partner Sheva or whoever it will be in attack next year. This is a very special striker.

2006-05-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

Forsaken Moggi Shows Signs of Mellowing

“I was ambushed. It was a punch behind my back that I could never have imagined”. Well, it seems Luciano Moggi at last appreciates the fact that he is cornered and vulnerable, and is resorting to desperate measures.

The link:
http://www.goal.com/en-india/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=55529

Those who have followed this scandal closely will remember how initially Moggi vehemently denied any wrongdoing on his part. Now it has changed from "Not me!" to "Not only me". Well, it seems Moggi is breaking. His air of arrogance is no longer there, and his impassive visage is now a distant memory. We are looking at a terrorized man, painfully aware of his vulnarability and impotence. Let us have no doubt that his 'well-wishers' will be enjoying his disintergation.

2006-05-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

Classy Paolo set to shun titles

An impossibly noble Paolo Maldini ruled out welcoming to Milan's cupboard the two domestic titles that could be awarded to Milan in the event of Juve being found guilty in the on-going investigation on match fixing.

"I don't want those Scudetti because I don't like celebrating for titles already celebrated by others."

The link:
http://www.goal.com/en-india/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=55416

It'd be hard to find a more dignified man in football, especially in Serie A. In this moment of crisis, when every tom, dick and harry is calling Serie A names, we need Paolo Maldini.
His stand is all the more incredible given that our own (soon to be) President is lobbying for the titles to be awarded to Milan.

Oh my. I don't what iam gonnna to when this guy calls it a day.

2006-05-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

TECHNOLOGY: THE PANACEA?

On seeing the ever-wondrous developments that are taking place in the wire-tapping scandal revolving around Serie A, one is tempted to comment that we live in interesting times. But we are not. Rather we are living in very interesting times. In order to bring some order to the chaotic process refereeing has become and to retain the alarmingly dwindling interest in football and its integrity, I strongly believe that the application of technology is the only way out. Introduction of TV replays will help reduce and prevent the amount of controversies surrounding matches.

In Italy, a serious match fixing scandal has tarnished the sport and could see a lot of top clubs relegated. This scenario could be prevented in the future if FIFA implements the use of TV replays. This will also help prevent bad calls and other poor referring decisions that could affect the sport and teams involved.Football is one of the most popular sports and there is a large amount of money being pumped into the sport from merchandising deals, sponsorship deals, TV rights, gate collection, etc. Club owners and presidents pump in a lot of money on transfer and other projects that will help benefit the club and I believe some of them turn to match fixing to ensure the success of their team as well as to prevent revenue losses if their teams fail to meet their main objectives of the season.

I remember reading a story in the newspaper last year about a match in Spain. According to the article, there was a floodlight failure in one of the big matches that week forcing the game to be postponed. There were some rumours going around the press that some bookies used their influence to postpone the match because the team they were betting for was down by a goal and tried to postpone the match hoping for a better outcome. This just goes to show that with so much money being pumped into the game, a lot of people are trying to use their influence to decide the outcome of the matches.

The issue of allowing TV Replays has been mentioned many times in the past but FIFA and other footballing bodies have always ruled out the possibility of using it during matches claiming that it will take to much time spoil the spirit of the game and it’s a sign of lack of faith in referees. I believe that with so many controversies surrounding the sport and the image of football being tarnished lately due to a lot of controversial decisions made by the refs and his officials, its time for FIFA to take a stand and implement the use of new technology which has already been tested in other big sports such as cricket. What do you think?

2006-05-23T01:09:00.000-07:00

Sheva To Reveal All Shortly

Sometime this week, Andriy Shevchenko will put to rest the agony we have been going through over the last few weeks, one way or the other.

"I'm considering it and you will know my decision on the 24th or 25th May". God bless his soul if he does. The anxiety we have suffered over the last few weeks has been immense. Shevchenko is one of a kind in world football and one of the most complete strikers to have graced the game in recent memory. Losing him would doubtless be a blow.

Hopefully, by the evening of the 25th of May, all will be clear and we'll be put out of our misery. I believe he's already made up his mind to leave. But let us see.

2006-05-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

Rui Rescinds Contract

Manuel Rui Costa, portuguese legend and playmaker supreme, rescinded his Milan contract which expires only next year, because of inadequate playing time.

Here's the link:
http://www.goal.com/en-india/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=54736

For 5 years, Carlo Ancelotti has been terriffic for Milan. But if there is one blemish in his otherwise admirable personality, it is in his handling of second-choice players.

Ancelotti has, in his 5 years in charge, developed an efficient machine which is widely regarded as the best in the world, and he has to be commended for that. But all through his reign, we have seen too many fringe players moan about the almost criminal lack of opportunity to prove themselves to the coach.

Kaka Kaladze, Dario Simic..... Rui Costa. The man cost us £27m when he arrived, and after Kaka's arrival, has been sidelined as the latter's replacement. Its a given that Kaka is young has fresher legs, is more vigorous and has a huge part to play in the future of Milan. But I believe that is no excuse to treat a man such as Rui like a tissue paper.

As we have pointed out earlier in these pages, the least Carletto could've done is to have rest Kaka for a few more games and let Rui take charge. Now we have lost arguably the most able natural replacement for Kaka. To think it was the other way round in the beginning...

2006-05-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Sign the "Please dont Leave Sheva" Petition

It’s been a tensed and emotional week for most AC Milan fans as Shevchenko stated he could leave the club for family reasons. One of our key members in the blog Kyara, decided to start a petition to keep Sheva at the club. Her efforts were rewarded when one of the leading newspaper in Italy published information as well as the URL of her petition. The petition was also mentioned in Milan Channel last night. If you are a Milan fan and would like Sheva to stay, please sign the petition below. We may not succeed but at least we did our part and gave it our best shot…Thanks :)

http://www.petitiononline.com/sh700777/petition.html

2006-05-15T01:47:00.000-07:00

Juve 'Provisional' Champions as Milan Finish runners-up:

Milan needed 2 penalties to beat Roma even as Juve marched on, Trez and DelBoy to the rescue this time. But iam not disillusione; not even disappointed all that much either. Maybe that can be attributed to our knowledge that anyway we weren't in for much of a chance. But iam not complaining. And certainly not in a mood to whine. I'll tell you why.

I believe we have got more than our due this season. After something like Istanbul, no team would've been able to adopt a "forget it & move-on" attitude. I believe that we have shown enough character to warn the world that we are not one or two season wonders, but a generation committed to success.

It is very creditable indeed that we made it this far.Though it is thanks to Juve that we were back in the Scudetto race, we should also not forget how our players regrouped admirably after a tumultous start to the season.

I believe that the impact of Istanbul has been grossly under-rated, if it was rated at all. It was not just another game.Instances like Istanbul come once every fifty years or so. And they leave a scar that can never be erased.

It poses important questions to the player. Is he not good enough? Will he always crack when under pressure? How long would it be before he gets another shot at the ultimate prize in club football? As if this is not enough, the almost ridiculous amount of criticism he has to face - from the game's past masters, his heroes and idols, and from every Tom, Dick and Harry.All this sows serious doubts in the players' minds and dents their self-confidence, self-esteem and pride.
It takes an unbreakable will and determined effort to prove all those detractors wrong. Our players have displayed just that this season.

They have reached the third semi-final in four seasons, an awe inspiring record in itself. Whether they won the Scudetto or not, they are already winners. They can plan for and dream about the new season with their honour intact. Our players have done us proud this season. They have shown that they belong to Milan.

I ask no more.

2006-05-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

I Want To Leave : Sheva

Well, there it is. The news we've all been dreading. Sheva wants to leave.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may12j.html

I feel gutted. Amidst all the rumours that had been doing the rounds, whispers not caring to keep their voice down, crying for our attention - Chelsea want Sheva, Chelsea want Sheva! frankly, I couldn't care less. Because if Chelsea wanted Sheva, then so did a host of other big name teams in the world.

What comforted me and had given me the strength to pocess such conceit was the knowledge that though almost any club worth its salt would die to have Sheva in its ranks, Sheva himself didn't wan to leave us. After all, he loves Milan, he's revered and venerated here. This is the world's greatest club - and iam not just blowing our own trumpet, 6 CLs, 17 Scudettos and 3 CL semifinals in the last 4 years say a hell lot - and he's the star of the show here, the fan favorite, earning loads of money through ever-expanding ad committments and says he loves the city he lives in.

It looked like a match made in heaven. The world's greatest striker with the world's greatest club. Then he uttered those words. "Its useless to hide the facts. We've had a discussion". Jesus, did he make me sick.

Let us assume, for instance, that Sheva indeed chooses Chelsea over Milan. But does he honestly think he'll ever get the plaudits his talent deserves at Chelsea? If he does, then we're talking about a very short-sighted and stupid man. For whatever Chelsea achieve in the next ten years or so, will only ever be credited to one man, or rather, his truckloads of money :Roman Abramovich. In his 7 years at Milan, and during his interviews, Sheva has always come across as a sensible and resonably intelligent chap. But if he thinks he can choose Chelsea over Milan and get away with it, i have to say he's nuts.

Does he even for a moment ponder how history will assess him? I for a fact know of how high a calibre as coach Mourinho is, but do you see him getting credit for for he has done in two years at England? Not a chance. He gets crucified, villified and what not. Even if he does a Ferguson with Chelsea, he'll never get his credit. NEVER. When Roman Abramovich, with all his oil greased dollars, arrogantly thinks he can prise away the best players in the world from the best clubs on the planet, i would say he's right to an extent. Heck, he can even buy success, as he already has.

But there is another honour he will never be able to acquire. And that is recognition. Credit. Whole-hearted admiration and applause. A place in the history books when names of the great teams world football are written down. The billions of football fans around the world will never take Chelsea to heart. Never will they accept Chelsea as one of their own. It will always be he Ugly Duckling. In the end, tthe game is greater than anything. Football decides who it will honour, and who it will blackmark. Chelsea will always be an indelible blackmark in the annals of the game. Not everything is for sale, Mr.Moneybags.

2006-05-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Henry To Replace 'Greedy' Sheva?

Well, well well. I should've known. It was coming. It was coming for a long time. "Andriy Shevchenko is discontent at Milan"; "Andriy Shevchenko struggles to get on with Carlo Ancelotti"; "Shevchenko is an intimate pal of Roman Abramovich"......The signs were all there, we were only waiting for the matter to become a bit more public. Now that it has, lets analyse it.

First up, we saw Sheva verbally abusing Ancelotti after he was substituted in the Livorno game. Though it is absolutely probable that he was only venting his anger - he did admit as much, and what's more, apologised after the game, denying any bad blood between him and Ancelotti - the ever exaggerative media gave the issue undue importance and blew it out of all proportion.

But shortly after the annoyance caused by all this unnecessary complication, our friends at the Press also have a rather pleasant surprise for us: Thierry Henry wants to join Milan. Yes, they assert- 'King' Thierry, hotly pursued by Barca and Inter, has his heart set on Milan, doubtless impressed by our awesome CL record. Can't blame him there, so here's the link :

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may7g.html

Then we hear news - unconfirmed, may i add - of Sheva visiting Berlusconi after the Parma game and requesting a contract extension that allowed him a monstrous £115,000 a week, only to be turned down gently by the ever-alert patron.

Here's the link:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,283-2171476,00.html

If we look at the numbers, it looks good. Or at the least tempting, it surely is. £30 m + William Gallas sure looks good. And considering Henry would come cheap this summer (providing we sign him in the first place) - and by cheap, i mean real cheap - around £10 m - beat that! - the looks like a deal, doesn't it? Only, it doesn't. I'll tell you why i believe this won't work.

Let us take a dispassionate look at the records of both Sheva and Henry. After all, if the latter should replace the former, he should be at least his equal, if not superior to him. Deal?

Ok. Now, we all know Thierry Henry is one of the fastest men on the ball, a magician with the ball, can do anything he wishes to with it..... blah,blah,blah... And iam not refuting it. Of course Henry is one of top strikers in the world, and he can't be Arsenal's greatest ever striker for nothing.

But when you look at his career, how many times has he stood up and got counted when the situaton demanded it? How many times has he bailed out his team when all hope seemed lost? Or, to be more precise, has he been a habitual big-match player? Why has it took so long for Arsenal to go past the quarterfinal stage with him in their midst? Iam not crucifying Henry for all his teams failings, but we cannot absolve him entirely either.

If you are going to tell me that Sheva's record is better because his supply-line from midfield is so much better - iam not unaware that Seedorf, Kaka and Pirlo are ages ahead of Viera, Gilberto and Pires - that point sells only to a certain extent. If Henry is blessed with so many special qualities - and he has some, believe me - then at some point he should have been able to summon his powers and create magic on the field. But he didn't. I won't buy the odd knock-out game when he wrought havoc with the defence and won a game all by himself for Arsenal. We want something better because what we have already is the best goddamn stud in the world.

When you look at Sheva's Milan career, it is littered with countless instances when he put things straight when the team was in trouble. He always scored when we needed it most, he always scored against the best defences in the world - another weakness of Henry. Sheva has this priceless ability of taking a game by the cruff and forcing it to change its course. He has been our go-to man when the team is in trouble. And he has almost always delivered.

And while he was at it, he captained his country to the World Cup. Henry, for all his talent and promise, is yet to recreate his magical club form for his country.

So, one thinks of replacing Sheva with Henry, we have to acknowledge that both are masters of the game in their own right - but to duplicate Andriy Shevchenko's form for Milan is something else. £30 m? Forget it. Iam not letting him go even for £100 m.

2006-05-11T04:07:00.000-07:00

Moggi-gate Raises Disturbing Questions

Sorry everyone... I owe you all an apology. I've not been able to update the blog as much as would have wanted to due to some unavoidable circumstances. However, with the CL gone now and all to play for in the League and the World Cup approaching with alarming rapidity, there is more than one occasion to look forward to.

But I am afraid not everything is so colorful for us to be gay and cheerful. The exploits of Luciano Moggi and Co. have embroiled Italian football in yet another unsavoury episode and though we are tempted to dismiss it as just that - a yet another scandal that would die out in the ensuing weeks amidst the frenzy surrounding the World Cup - I have a feeling that this issue has the possibility to snowball into a major scandal, involving some of the biggest names in Calcio. I am afraid it has already started to.

I cannot blame Juve fans for feeling that they are being picked by the media time and again to be made the scape-goat for all that is ill with Italian football - and i can assure you there are many. But in order to get an objective view of things as they are and not as they (allegedly) have been portrayed, i have no other choice but to view the whole situation as a third person - and mind you, especially not as a Milan fan.

Not for a moment do i think that Berlusconi and Galliani won't have a part to play in some - countless, if you wish - dubious decisions that have benefited Milan. Silvio Berlusconi is one of the most powerful men in Italy and certainly not the most moral man you'll ever meet. That Milan's golden era, a period of sustained success has come under his presidency is no co-incidence. After all, its his club. Its his money. And it'll be his ass that will be on fire if we don't make the champions league year in, year out. So maybe, just maybe, he manipulated a ref here and a club owner there, a league president here and an FA official there. It happens. It happens in all big clubs like Juve and Milan, Real and Barca, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The problem with Juve is, the manipulations are too obvious. And that is because they happen much too frequently. If they have 28 Scudettos and only 2 CL, even an amateur can sense something is wrong. Its not rocket science.

And despite not having tasted European glory for so long, they continue to get the world's best players. How is that? You may tell me that it is down to domestic dominance, that they are just 'two good matches away' from European success, but it just doesn't add up.

Juventus manipulate more than matches. They manipulate people. They manipulate federations. The name - forgive me - has an ominous ring to it that made Franz Beckenbauer call them 'The Mafia'.

My take is, Juve are becoming so desperate for European success, they are resorting to ill-advised means of appraching players and acquiring them. The problem is, it shows.

You may call me jealous, but i can assure you iam not. Because if iam, then something's seriously wrong with me because i will be longing for something which is giving Italian Football a bad name, tarnishing the reputation of a league known as the best in the whole bloody world. What's your take?

P.S: for the less enlightened, the venerable old man above is Franco Carraro, the FIGC president, and the one above him is the unfortunate Pierluigi Pairetto, referreing designator. LOL.

2006-04-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Because We Believe

It’s been a long week of patience, many hours of anxiety and a lot of moments in doubt. How many of us spaced out to the green pitch during class? Or suffered from lack of focus while working on something important? You could smell it all in the air. The fear, the tension, the trepidation, and yet, the strongest scent amidst the worry is that of belief.

I must say I’m amazed by the amount of support the fans have given Milan for this game. There’s something about this match that’s bringing our hearts closer than ever. I’ve talked to a lot of fellow Milanisti, read a lot of posts, seen a lot of pictures and signatures screaming with trust for the team in spite of the fact that they’re going as the underdogs this time. One would think that after the hurtful knockout against Depor, the painful final in Istanbul and the disappointing defeat in San Siro last week, the fans would lose any hope of seeing the lights of Paris. But here they are, chanting songs of belief for the team before their departure to the lion’s den. Here we are, putting all our dark memories aside and clinging to every ray of hope, every drop of faith.

After last year’s final, the pain was so great I thought no victory, no trophy would ever be able to heal the deep wound. But I only realized how wrong I was a few weeks ago when I saw the ball finding its way into Lyon’s net on the 88^th and 93^rd minutes, announcing the Rossoneri’s qualification once again. The sweet disbelief, the celebration, the happiness, memories of PSV and the fact that we’re through after 90 minutes of struggle made me remember the taste of victory. The red and black taste of glory that we, Milan fans, find no where else in this world.

How can we not believe after witnessing such determination? How can we not believe when we’ve reached this far in spite of every difficulty and all the challenges? How can we not believe when our hearts are telling us “Paris, here we come”? How can we not believe when the name AC Milan gives us every reason to believe?

Let’s go to Nou Camp today and fight for the dream we long longed for. Let’s go there and show them what we’re made of and make history.

Let’s go to Nou Camp today and WIN …
Because we deserve it, and because we believe …

FORZA MILAN!!!

2006-04-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

Ambro Season Over

Massimo Ambrosini's season is over after he was diagonised with a hairline leg fracture, and he'll be out for the better part of 40 days.

Here'e the link:

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/apr24m.html

I was rather suspecting something of this sort would come up. Now we'll have to see how Marek copes with the burden.

On the other hand, Ricky, Sandro and Sheva have all been named in the squad, despite no concrete reports confirming their fitess.

2006-04-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Rossoneri Await Heroes' Fate

Milan await the fates of Ricky Kaka, Massimo Ambrosini, Andriy Shevchenko and Alesandro Nesta, all out injured at various stages of the Messina game. To say that Kaka's availability is important for Milan on Tuesday would be tantamount to saying that 'The Grass is Green', but indeed the grass is green.

However, unlike Kaka's, Sheva's injury didn't seem too serious and one expects him to figure in the starting line-up. But Sandro's and Ambro's situation is cause for concern, and we'll be severely lacking in options if both even fail to make it to the bench.

Milan increasingly seem to be developing a revolving door policy in team selections. While Ricky and Sandro may not make it, Paolo Maldini makes yet another comeback this season alongwith Pippo, so sorely missed at the San Siro last week when he was down with flu.

Should Kaka fail to make it, Rui Costa would gladly step into his shoes, and Sandro, should he too miss out, may be replaced by Stam. Ambro's probable absence may be much harder to fill-up, however. We do have Marek, who will be on a high after scoring his first league goal for Milan on Saturday, but it remains to be seen if he can hold the ball up even while contending with Barca's slick passing game.

2006-04-23T03:22:00.000-07:00

Rui Concerned

Here's the link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/apr21d.html

This is a hurt man we are hearing speak. One can understand. He is a legend in his country back home and can still outsmart the best in the business when he gets going.

It is true that Ancelotti has few options, yes, what with Kaka in raging form more often than not, but the least he could've done is to have given Ricky a bit more rest and some more playing time for Rui. We are blessed that we have a player of such class as a cover for Kaka. Even when registering his displeasure, note how dignified he looks. A class act. The great man should indeed leave if need be. Only, we'll have a hard time finding a worthy replacement.

2006-04-23T03:08:00.000-07:00

Milan Target Gallas

Here's the link:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/apr20f.html

Well, Galliani didn't say yes, but we all can read through the lines, right? Never say never, good old Baldy maintains. After all, who wants to get into a scuffle with Chelsea over 'Ilegal approach to a player under contract', Ashley Cole et al notwithstanding?

However, Gallas will be an impressive addition, especially considering his versatility in being able to play both as a centre-back and a left-back. And he's 28- the right age to graduate to bigger and better things. Which means....

2006-04-23T02:08:00.000-07:00

Determined Milan come out unscathed at Stadio San Fillipo:

Even after conceding the lead and losing three of its top players with not even 30 minutes on the clock, Milan showed grit and eventually came out on top 3-1 at the Stadio San Fillipo against Messina.

It was a determined show by the Rosseneri who showed great character after conceding the lead in the sixth minute (after Dida fumbled a freekick), and lost Kaka to injury, who was replaced by Ambro, whose run of misfortune this season continued as he too limped off after 15 minutes, replaced by Janku. As if this was not enough, Sandro Nesta was replaced earlier after a strain. Let us hope to god that all three be fit for the return leg against Barca. Kaka and Sandro, in particular, will be crucial.

Milan, however, showed little sign of relenting and goals came from unexpected sources such as Janku (first league goal in a red & black shirt) and Rino, who of late seems to have rather found a liking for scoring goals. Messina were down to ten men at the stroke of half time, and Milan dominated the second half, with a deserving result coming in the 90th minute when Gila tapped home the clincher. Seedorf, probably boiling with frustration at having been left out of the Netherlands squad despite a pretty decent season, saw red late into injury time.

It was a welcome result, even more sweetened by Juve's draw with Lazio at the Stadio delle Alpi, which means the difference at the top is down to a very respectable three points. That's seven games without a win now. Something tells me that if Juve lose the Scudetto, he'll be relocating to Madrid in the summer. But lets see.

2006-04-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

Profligate Milan need a Win to Go to Paris

It was a typical big-match night. It was a tie which made fans dream, and purists purr. But, like so many big matches, it was not such a big deal in the end.

Milan, true to their style, take the game to Barca and Kaka's cross and and an ambitious header from Stam, returning from injury, are parried away. Barca take note and waste no time in turning on their passing game: game on.

The other day, Ancelotti, when quizzed whether he had any plans to man-mark Ronaldinho, denied it. "That is not the way we play" he said. All very well, but why do we get a feeling that Carletto is a hypocrite when we see Rino Gattuso, that great ball winner, chasing Ronnie as if the buck-toothed charmer is making of with his girlfriend?

One of Rino's innumerable challenges inevitably leads to a freekick and the effort by Ronnie rebounds off the Milan wall. Gila goes close in the 14th minute, making use of a throw in, but it teases to break the deadlock before hitting the woodwork. Moments later, Sheva is denied by an alert Valdes who collects his header in time. Milan have not yet stamped their authority on the game, but given a little more time, we will. Ronnie who?

It is 23 minutes on the clock when Eto'o shoots Barca's first effort on goal. Collected cooly by Dida. A freekick to Barca moments later sees Ronaldinho trying in vain, yet again, to split the Milan wall. Dida later charges down to stop Giuly from scoring as he had a clear run on goal.
(Not for long, though....one is moved to say)

After half-an hour, Sheva's glancing header of Pirlo's freekick goes wide. Giuly's effort in the 38th minute, a fruit of a good move by the Barca trident of Ronnie,Eto'o and the Frenchman is saved by Dida. Gila is flagged offside before he could convert a typical pin-point cross.
In the first half stoppages Eto'o uncharacterestically balloons over agood chance. Ronnie wastes another chance after a good build up.

Its half-time and Milan seem to have the upper hand overall, but Barca have not done too badly either, especially for a visiting team. Milan should keep creating chances - our strikers have not really been undone by Barca's defence, only by our lack of composure infront of goal. Any time now. One good move, and one quality shot will do it.

The second half gets underway. Milan's best chance yet come in the 50th minute with Sheva, benefiting from a marauding run by Stam, providing Kaka with a delightful chip, only for the Brazilian to be too generous and passes it to Gila to convert it. Gila misses the target, Kaka should have done better. "You need to be selfish" said the great Ian Wright. How true.

If one wondered just how costly this latest miss was going to be, Ludovic Giuly provided the answer in the 57th minute. The move, generated by - who else - Ronaldinho, who shrugged of Gattuso and provided Giuly with a chip, sees the pacy Frenchman converting it meticulously.
0-1 to Barca.

The San Siro faithful witness another scare on the 64th minute when Ronnie scuffs his shot with Dida beaten. With less than 25 minutes to go, the ageless Paolo Maldini comes on for the utterly disappointing Pirlo, and a furious Gattuso is replaced by the more aesthetic Massimo Ambosini. Ambro's role in the last match with Lyon was significant, when he holded the ball up for Pippo to score the late winner, and you hope something similar happens now, though there is no Pippo in this one. We also see Belletti coming on for a triumphant- looking Giuly.

Kaka then embarks on one of his trademark runs, only to be proved profligate in front of the goal. Eto'o runs rings rounds around Stam before firing wide, and Ancelotti duly replaces him with the more pacy Cafu. Stam has played his last european game for Milan at the San Siro, and his has been an important contribution this evening, as it has been for most of his time here.

Kaka gives a Ambro a great opportunity to equalise, but the crowd favourite scuffs the shot. It is 81 minutes on the clock. A Nesta foul results in a freekick, and Ronaldinho fails to add to the total. Two minutes to go, and Paolo Maldini, all of 37 years, leaps high to meet a corner but Valdes makes a save. Kaka has a last minute attempt at goal saved by Valdes.

The match is wrapped up, but not the tie. Considering the relative insignificance of the home goal, Milan can take heart from the fact that an early goal at the Camp Nou will cancel things out. Even if Barca take the lead, we can do with a 2-1 result that will see us through. Considering that is not beyond us, let us not let ourselves down and give up just yet.

Ronaldinho wasn't all that great this night. He's all magic and grace when he gets going, but we did succeed in keeping him quiet for long periods of time this evening, save for the odd moment of genius, such as the one which resulted in the goal. Whether we can accomplish this none-too-inconsiderable task at the Camp Nou remains to be seen, but there is no reason why that can be the case with Kaka and Pirlo next week as well: both were not at their best in this match, the latter more so than the former, but who knows in a week's time? So let us keep our hopes and keep our fingers crossed.

2006-04-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

Wanted: Torch Bearer to Replace La Vecchia Guardia of Milan

March 27th 2006, week 31 of the Italian Serie A competition at the legendary Meazza stadium, Milan played Fiorentina. It was 70th minute and 40 years old Billy Costacurta limped off the pitch breathlessly. His exit was accompanied by rousing ovation from the adoring Curva Sud after his cross was headed in for Milan 2nd goal by the 22 years-old Kaka, his second assists in as many games after his low threading pass was accurately slotted in by another 22 years old Gilardino in the game vs Udinese at the Friuli stadium last week.

His replacement? Beaming with excitement on the touchline as if making his first appearance
was another soccer senior citizen, 37 years-old Paolo Maldini, ready to play for the first time in almost 4 months and received an even louder ovation from the whole stadium. After one of his most serious injury in his career, Maldini is going to make yet another number to add to his nearly 600 Serie A games. And probably to add another unlikely goal to his double scored in week 6 vs Reggina (his first ever double in his glorious 20 seasons).

Another event significant to the story took place 2 weeks earlier: the testimonial game of Demetrio Albertini. Milan heroes like Baresi, Van Basten, Gullit, Boban, Savicevic, Desailly, Massaro and Weah joined the new crops of Rosonerri players to paid homage to one of Milan linchpin. It was surely a night to remember and opened up floodgates of memory of an era where Milan was simply known as Il Invicibili or the Invincible.

But Albertini’s farewell and the inevitable retirement of both Costacurta and Maldini opens up a new question that is unheard in AC Milan for almost 40 years: who will replace them as the club symbol? Who will act as their Bandiera? Who is the one player who will serve as a bridge between one period to another? Who will emerge as a player that will be synonymous with Milan, where you can’t talk one without mentioning the other? Or in short: their heart and soul.

Despite domestic and international triumphs in the last 15 years, this is one battle where Milan seemed to be losing. In all their modern history, Milan always have a player who will guide them through a long triumphant period before passing the torch to a young player and the cycle will go on.

First they have Gianni Rivera, the Bambino d’Oro (Golden Boy) of Milan. Although the first few years of his professional career was played at Alessandria, he was transferred to Milan at the tender age of 19 years old in 60/61 season with a then-record transfer of 135 million lire. Gifted with exceptional dribbling and passing skill, he was the center of Milan team built by coach Nerreo Rocco with Jose Altafini, Kurt Hamrin , Cesare Maldini, Giovanni Trappatoni and Pierino Pratti. 3 scudetto tittles, 4 Italian Cup, 2 Champions Cup, 2 Cup Winners Cup and 1 Intercontonental Cup were his personal glory with Milan. Rivera left Milan after season 78/79 where he guided Milan to win their 10th scudetto thus allowing the Rossonerri to wear the coveted gold star. The first Italian player ever to receive the prestigious Balon d’Or award in 1969, the only blemish in his career was probably having to play at the same position and the same period with Sandro Mazzola at the National Team, causing the National Coaches to literally alternate them, playing one at the first 45 minutes then the other on the remaining half.

But before he retired, Rivera had a chance to witness and pass the baton to a player who will replace him as Milan symbol: Franco Baresi. Regarded as probably the best Italian defender of all time, he joined Milan one week before his 18th birthday as a midfielder, which showed in the way he comfortably held the ball and ushering the attack from his line of defense (earning him a comparison with the great Franz Beckenbauer). Hardly breaking a sweat, he spread composure all through the side with his unflustered presence and rock-solid defending. He was loyal to Milan to the end, sticking even at the darkest hour in the early 80s when Milan was relegated twice to the Serie B (it was a time when his brother Giuseppe Baresi was winning titles in city rival Inter Milan, imagine the teasing he received at family dinner). But the arrival of Berlusconi shepherd in a new era and although it was the Dutch Trio and other stellar continental stars who got most of the attention, Baresi was their leader by right and all deferred to him. When talking about this all-conquering Milan sides, you simply had to talk about Baresi. When he retired after the disastrous 96/97 season, Milan made the unprecedented step of appreciation of retiring his number 6 jersey (soon to be followed by Cagliari and Napoli to honor Luigi Riva and – who else – Diego Maradona). After a disastrous term with Fulham as Director of Sport, he is now working as a scout for Milan.

But Baresi was fortunate to act as tutor and played alongside a couple of young players who will continue the tradition: Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta. Much has been said about Maldini, about his class and skill that earned him the reputation as the best left defender in the world. He started in Milan so young, at the age of just 15 in season 85/86 and he ended up breaking 2 Dino Zoff’s seemingly insurmountable records: 126 caps for the Azzuri and 571 Serie A appearance and barring serious injury he is set to play another season before hanging up his number 3 jersey (which Milan will also retire). Son of Cesare Maldini (the captain of the Milan side who won the Champions Cup in ’63), he seemed to be the natural replacement for Baresi. And the Milan-Maldini connection will continue since his son Christian has just signed up for Milan youth team.

Although he graduated from the same Milan youth academy and has won the same number of club trophies, Billy Costacurta seemed destined to never receive the same accolade given to Maldini. Probably the only player to miss the Champions League Final and World Cup Final in the space of 2 months (in 1994), his work in central defense was shadowed by Baresi’s elegance although he was always the unsung hero and the Curva favorite (before the arrival of Gattuso) with his tough tackling and non-sense approach (he traded headbutts with Luiz Enrique when Italy met Spain in WC 94 quarter final). A versatile player (Ancelotti opted for him in the right back and dropping Simic in CL Final 03 vs Juventus) with above average long distance pass, he now made up his lack in speed with positioning and old-school instinct. After the arrival of Alessandro Nesta in 03 (some say in his heyday, Billy was better than Nesta), he called it a day with Milan and headed west to United States to study journalism but lack of top class replacement at the center back (Roque Jr and Martin Laursen were all Milan had as back up for Maldini and Nesta) proved that Ancelotti still needed him. A call from his old cohort Baresi changed his plan and he flew back to Milanello ground for regimental training with the reserve team to recondition with body to match-fit under the supervision of another old comrade Mauro Tasotti (he wore number 19 that season since his customary number 5 jersey was taken by the Argentine Redondo). Billy is set to play for one last season for Milan, which will make him 41 years old when he hang up his boots. It’s interesting to see whether he will also receive the same honor of having his jersey number retired like Maldini and Baresi.

But the big question remains: who will replace Costacurta and Maldini after they both retired? It is not an easy question since to be heralded as Milan symbol this one player must have several attributes: The first is almost mandatory and self-explanatory: they have to be Italian since Milan – after all – is an Italian club (the same reason why the Rolling Stones picked Ronnie Wood to replace Mick Taylor in the mid 70s when there are many technically superior guitarists, because he’s British). Although current world soccer seemed to eliminate boundaries set by nationalities, Milan is an old fashioned club and they will stick to their time-honored tradition (this is a club who insists on playing with their white away jersey in cup finals due to superstitious reason). The first criteria will eliminate – cruel as it may seemed – Shevchenko although nowadays the Ukraine is probably the player that everyone will talk about when mentioning Milan and he has been carrying himself honorably when given the captain’s arm band.

The second criteria is also easy to understand: he must come from Milan youth system. Using this criteria, Massimo Ambrosini is the runaway leader, having started in the team since the 95/96 season when he was only 18 years old (although he was loaned out to Vicenza to gained more experience in the 97/98 season). One player that almost qualify is Francesco Coco, he started in the same season like Ambrosini but he was sold to Barcelona in 00/01 season and Inter in season 02/03 (automatically eliminate him from the equation since to the Curva Sud playing for Inter is equivalent to betraying your mother). He now plays for Livorno under the tutelage of another former Milan great Roberto Donadoni before Carlo Mazzone replaced the latter.

But having passed the two hurdles, Ambrosini failed under the third and probably the most important category: he must have regular playing time and shows at least some quality of a legend in the making. Ambrosini’s role in Milan has always been the backup for either Pirlo or Gattuso since he has both the attacking and defending qualities (he can also play at right back) but the strict playing formula set by Ancelotti requires each player to have a certain specialty and role. He is good enough to earn regular starting spot at any club in the world but not in Milan, which fueled the annual off-season speculation whether he will leave Milan. The lack of regular playing time also cost him the spot on national team, another – if less important – pre-requisites.

The question is still unanswered. IF the first criteria will be dropped, one player could be brought into discussion: Kaka. Although he started his career at Sao Paolo but he joined Milan at such early age and he has enough qualities to eventually ended up as a legend. And IF the second criteria will be disregarded, Rino Gattuso has surely and rightfully earned it. But then again, IF. Still no clear-cut answer.

The current trend in world soccer is partly to blame for the unanswered question. Club owners demanded instant success and by doing so they preferred to buy proven stars or players they see will become one in future seasons thus neglecting the youth development. Long gone are the days when young players will be carefully groomed to earn his place in the first team. The likes of Maldini and Baresi (also Giuseppe Bergomi from Inter and Antonio Benarivo in Parma) are rare examples of players spending all the playing time in one club. Current players like Paul Scholes and Gary Neville for Man United, Francesco Totti in AS Roma or Raul in Real Madrid are fast diminishing examples.

Kaka? Gattuso? Sheva? Does it matter? Maybe not to the owners and boards. But it does matter to us the die-hard fans who want to see the tradition continues before Milan (knock on wood) lost their identity. Do we want to end up like Inter who only have Toldo and Materazzi as their Italian players in their regular squad? Maybe it’s okay for them because after all they are Inter Milan, a club with zero planning and rationality. But we are AC Milan. So?

2006-04-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

"A match lasts 90 minutes" - Joseph 'Sepp' Herberger

Gerard Houllier is not someone to let his emotions betray his voice, but when he said that he 'was proud of his players' the evening Olympique Lyonnais defied AC Milan for the better part of 90 minutes but still ended up empty-handed, he, uncomfortably, looked weary and shell-shocked.

You have to give it to Lyon, though. They came to the San Siro - 'they' including a 10,000 strong travelling contingent, among others - and so very nearly outplayed the six-time european champions on their own turf. Till, that is, Milan decided to show just what it took to get anywhere near the holy grail of European football,which is fast becoming the flagship tournament of football for the whole world, magical brazilians and dazzling argentines notwithstanding.

The first twenty minutes witnessed a stiff Lyon resistence to the usual forays into the opposition's defence which this Milan side have sort of made a habit of. Pippo Inzaghi had a chance in the 11th minute, only to scuff it due to pressure from Cris, on whom Milan are reported to be keeping tabs on. Good habit, this, you are tempted to say - the usual forays into the opposition defence;Yeah, but don't write us off just yet, Nelson Dida seemed to say, with his pathetic clearance of a Inzaghi cross; not all habits are so desirable, you must say.

Lyon would've gone ahead had Wiltord pounced on this, which he uncharacteristically didn't,and this was followed by Flourent Malouda's inept lob into an empty net,thanks to Dida who had been busy closing down Fred.

Milan, arguably against the run of play, took the lead in the 25th minute when Shevchenko fed Seedorf down the left and little Clarence had little problems giving the ball to Pippo, who
converted the header with relish.

A Juninho freekick almost always produces a goal, directly or indirectly;in this case it was the latter. It was 31 minutes on the clock when Juninho unleashed one of his typical missiles into a nervy Milan defence, and in the chaos that ensued Mahamadou Diarra, a player who makes a man no less than Sir Alex fantasise about, emerges from within a mass of bodies to equalise. One more goal from set-pieces for the famous Milan defence.

The first half ends with the scores level, with Fred's attempt which hit the woodwork and Sheva's harmless effort on the Lyon goal to speak of. Lyon hold the edge on the away goals rule. One feels Kaka should have a firmer grip on the game, and so should the enigmatic Andrea Pirlo, whose sight on the field is one for the gods one day and negligible the very next.

The second half commences and soon after we witness a firm Nesta header off Pirlo's free kick going off target. Juninho then has a go with one of his free kicks, only to be denied by the Milan wall. Sheva and Abidal then have their own time having a crack at their respective opponent's goals, but neither meets with success.

The next fifteen minutes witnesses various goal-bound Milan efforts come to nothing as a gritty Lyon deny their illustrious opponents space and what's more, prove nearly a handful at the business end. Its the 70th minute and the 80,000 rossoneri at the San Siro realise its high-time Milan showed some innovation in breaking a determined opponent.

Which is when Carlo Ancelotti comes up with what can now be called a vital move - he pulls off the ineffectual Andrea Pirlo and throws in - surprise, surprise - Massimo Amborosini. Ambro is coming back after a long layoff, and almost everyone agrees that this is a gamble.

This is followed by a corner kick which sees Kaka head the ball almost into the Lyon goal and over the line, only for Wiltord to play saviour at the last moment and clear it. Kudos. This is followed by an interesting move by Ancelotti - he replaces Rino Gattuso with Paolo Maldini. The present and future Milan captains (so we are told) make way for each other.

A tense ten minutes follow, with Pippo flagged for off-side and Sheva having a go at the goal. But to no avail. It is the 88th minute, and Olympique Lyonnais think they are as close as one can get to make the step up in European football. They were dead right.

Only, they didn't. Sheva well-timed drive had 'jelly' written all over it - it kissed Coupet, who certainly could've done without it, thumped the far post and rolled on to the other side as well. It was well on its way out - until, that is, Pippo decided that it was time to remind everyone of his genius at the death.

Lyon are stunned. Chances are that they have heard of this predator called Fillipo Inzaghi - i'll bet on my life that they would have - but Christ.

The match goes onto injury time, but Lyon are too stunned to react; they almost seem to have lost heart when they realise that the monument that they biult over the last 90 minutes has come crumbling down. Juninho has one last free kick to make amends; but it doesn't seem as if he has his heart set upon it. It is a facile affort and Dida has no problems collecting it.

Less than two minutes to go, and Sheva strikes. Ever alert, he spots a Coupet error faster than even the poor man himself and slots past him in majestic fashion. Milan have won. For us, the joy in unbridled. For the poor french souls, the agony is complete.

This has been one of the most remarkable matches that i've watched in recent times, and it stresses the importance of believing in oneself. After all, a match is ninety minutes.

FORZA MILAN!!! BRING ON BARCA!!!

2006-03-31T03:13:00.000-08:00

One Last Grand Hurrah for the Unlikeliest Predator?

During one of my endless soccer related discussion with my friends, we decided to put together the necesarry skills that a striker must have to be reverred as the ultimate striker along with players possesing the quality. So we came up with individual skill (Shevchenko), flair (Henry), dribbling (Ronaldo), strength and power (Adriano/van Nistelrooy), speed (Eto'o) and accuracy (Trezeguet). Add with above average heading ability, then you got a very complete striker (last seen on the Flying Dutchman Marco Van Basten).

But one striker crept up in the discussion and yet possesses none of those skills. He's small, too small to be the leading striker. He looks very fragile with those skinny body and leg, you won't put your money on him to stand a chance against the likes of Jaap Stam or John Terry.

Yes. Filippo "Pippo" Inzaghi has continued to baffled defenders for such a long time and he's got more than 100 serie A goals to prove it. A constant favorite among the linesmen (and I bet - in a way - also a constant frustration for the offensive midfields) for his repeated offside. Forget "goal of the week" or net buster, his goals is never beautiful, sometimes the ball just rolled meekly, but good enough to pass the goal line. He's the kind of striker that make you scratch your head and say "Even I can do it" after he scores a goal. Opposing fans called him a blatant diver (Jurgen Klinsmann could blushed with embarassment when Pippo does his theatrical fall), but for Piacenza, Parma, Atalanta, Juve and Milan fans he is simply Super Pippo.

There's only one way to treat him: love him or hate him and was clearly the case when Juve fans who used to chant his name at the Delle Alpi jeered him when he changed colors to Milan in 2002. And interestingly, Milan fans who used to burn his number 9 Juve shirt embraced him warmly since they believe he is the perfect partner for Shevchenko.

Because the tifosi know, what Pippo lacks in skill, he made it up in one quality that you can never teach a striker, one quality that you can only be born with : timing and positioning. The ability to know exactly where the ball will drop, the fast reflex to know where the goalie block save will go, the way to position your body for that final touch and the instinct to lose your marker.

After Juve opted for a younger model in Trezeguet, Pippo scored 12 goals to lead Milan to beat - ironically but deservedly - Juve in CL Final 03 at the Old Trafford. But his body is too fragile and began to take its toll on him the next season when Milan won the scudetto practically without his contribution (this - after all - was the year of Kaka) until Milan decided to bring Alberto Gilardino at the beginning of the season. Fans and press all over the world start to write his professional career obituaries, the King is dying and a new Prince has come to dethroned him they said.

But you just know the kind of player like him will be back with a big bang. And his moment of reckoning can't be more sweeter. Week 8 of the Italian league, Milan faced the men in pink from Palermo who scored first only to have Gattuso brought the house down with a smart lob from outside the box for the equalizer. For the remaining 60 minutes Milan pressed and pressed but couldn't find the winner until Ancelotti threw his final roll of the dice and brought in the number 9 and he paid his coach loyalty and his fans patience with a diving header minutes before the game ends. There will always be a better scoreline for Milan this season at the San Siro but you can't find a louder roar celebrating a goal than this one. And I can't hide the small beads of tears in my eyes lost among my shout.

In a season that is billed as his real last season before the inevitable fate of being loaned out to a smaller club, Pippo proved that he's still got it. He still has the midas touch to break the deadlock and change the game. He still has enough trick in his bag to win the game.

His 10 goals in the league and 2 CL goals pass Oliver Kahn of Bayern Munchen (no small feat for any striker) has led to calls for Marcello Lippi (his coach in Juve) to draft him to the National Team squad for the World Cup in Germany this summer. It is no brainer to guess that his Milan team-mate Gilardino and the new hero at Fiorentina Luca Toni will be the first choice in front of the Roman Prince Francesco Totti. So that will leave 2 spots for the customary 5 strikers squad. Despite his bench status, Del Piero has got more goals that the Ibrahimovic the Swedish so he can start learning some German language for the summer.

Antonio Cassano? Christiano Lucarelli? Christian Vieri? No one knows who will get the final spot. But in a new crips of of young Italian strikers, they will benefit from an old fox like Pippo who can sit in a bench without any grumble and just simply wait for his chance to send the crowd into a mass rapture.

Next time I discuss about striker with my friends again, I will add another quality in the mix: wild goal celebration. Pippo has been known for this and he will surely send the whole Azzuri tifosi into wild delirium come summer in Germany.

2006-03-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hail Rossoneri!!!

Let me first introduce ourselves. We three here are diehard AC Milan fans, and when we searched the web, we were surprised to find that there was actually no active blog which talked about Milan: its matches, its players and everything else connected with it. So we decided to start one on our own, and here we are!

Here you will find match reports of all the matches Milan will play from here on (well, almost all - we'll try our best to catch up :) ), the latest updates about upcoming Milan matches, the latest news about all our players, past and present, and of course, the latest gossips emerging from the transfer market and our take on them!

So in a nutshell, this will be a place where we'll giving our take on the issues pertaining to and affecting Milan, from whether Adriano Galliani should sign William Gallas to whether Paolo Maldini should continue playing till his son Christian comes along ( iam kidding, of course...Don't we all love and revere our Captain :) )

Now comes the most important part. We'll be glad to share our views with you, but we'll be even more glad if you can come up with your own contribution too, however small it may be. Size does not matter - only the gesture does. Let me be frank, what more would we love to do than converse at length about the thing we all love most - Milan...

So, get ready, we're entering the Red & Black zone. Hold on to your hats, its gonna be one hell of a ride!!!

FORZA MILAN!!!

Arun, Sid and Gaizka.