Serie A leaders AC Milan made it seven games unbeaten with a comfortable win away to Bologna.
The Rossoneri went into the match three points clear of nearest rivals Lazio and ensured that lead would remain undiminished with a classy performance today.
Kevin-Prince Boateng got them off the mark early on before Robinho quickly made it 2-0 and Zlatan Ibrahimovic enjoyed a well-deserved goal of his own after another excellent performance.
Bologna had the first chance four minutes in when Gaston Ramirez took on Gennaro Gattuso before testing Christian Abbiati, the goalkeeper diving towards the left-hand corner to make an excellent save.
In the eighth minute, though, the visitors were ahead.
In-form striker Ibrahimovic did brilliantly to feed Boateng, the Ghana international was then able to keep his composure to beat Emiliano Viviano from close range.
As the half progressed the game died down, although Andrea Pirlo's cheeky 40-yard free-kick only went narrowly over the bar.
Ten minutes from the break it was 2-0. Boateng turned provider to find Robinho in the box. The Brazilian's pace saw him out-strip Andrea Esposito before poking the ball between Viviano's legs.
Viviano then put up some resistance when he denied Ibrahimovic with his leg and in added time produced another excellent save from the Swedish striker before Gianluca Zambrotta hit the ball from the rebound.
Pirlo and Ibrahimovic had half-chances early in the second half before Ramirez wasted a chance for the home team following a needless mistake by Abbiati in the Milan goal.
On the hour the leaders were 3-0 up and it was Pirlo and Ibrahimovic who combined, the former producing a lovely trademark pass to find his team-mate who controlled well before firing in right-footed past Viviano.
Substitute Riccardo Meggiorini had a header from close range for Bologna but Abbiati saved in the 63rd minute.
They had an even better chance to get on the scoresheet 12 minutes from time when they won a penalty. Clarence Seedorf fouled Marco Di Vaio in the box but Abbiati made the save when the striker got up to take the kick.
Miguel Britos saw a late header skim the post as Bologna's attacking enterprise went unrewarded.
The Rossoneri got off to a flyer just 3 minutes in, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic worked a good move down the left with Ambrosini, before pulling it back across the box – where Kevin-Prince Boateng was waiting to tap in his first goal for the club! An excellent start!
Milan continued their domination in the first 10 minutes, though Brescia did have one close moment, when Carraciolo was played in with a ball overhead, but Thiago Silva and Nesta managed to deal with it fairly easily.
Robinho came close to doubling Milan’s lead just moments later, once again Ibrahimovic playing the role of provider, he played it inside for the brazilian, who cut in and struck it hard and low, but Sereni held the ball well – the Brescia ‘keeper ensuring he didn’t.
A quarter of an hour in to the game, Brescia almost equalised, Carraciolo with an excellent overhead kick sending the ball goalwards, only for Christian Abbiati to deny them the goal with an excellent diving save.
Robinho – who’d made a good start to the game – was the next to come close for Milan, after some trademark stepovers on the left, he cut in to the box but his finish was poor – and hit the side netting.
The brazilian did give Milan a 2 goal lead just moments later though, after a poor backpass from Hetemaj, Robinho had a free shot against Sereni, and this time he had no chance of keeping out his shot, as Robinho finished by placing it in to the bottom left corner.
Milan had 3 before the 30 minute mark, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored! After picking up the ball inside the box, he used his close control and strength to keep the defenders at bay, before shifting it to the right and smashing it past the helpless Brescia goalkeeper, a goal of the highest quality.
The Rossoneri should’ve made it w just 3 minutes later, some carless play from ex-Juve defender Jonathan Zebina led to Kevin-Prince Boateng having a chance to score – Matteo Sereni pulled off a very good save to deny him, and Robinho just about reached the loose ball, but he couldn’t quite get enough on it to score, and it remained 3-0.
The pressure from Milan was relentless, after a mazy run from Robinho, the Rossoneri had a free kick right at the edge of the box. Andrea Pirlo curled it towards the bottom corner, but Sereni dived well to punch clear, and keep the damage to 3 goals.
5 minutes from the end of the half, Ibrahimovic pulled off a delicious flick over the top for Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose hard struck volley went narrowly over the bar, Milan were playing in style and dominating with ease!
Milan ended the half on top, as they’d started it, it was 3-0 at the break but it could easily have been more, nonetheless, the Rossoneri were totally dominating, and playing with some swagger.
At half time, Mario Yepes was brought on to replace Nesta – no cause for concer, Allegri was just resting Nesta, given that Milan were already 3-0 up and keeping Nesta fresh is important.
The second half started in a much less active manner, the first real chance didn’t come until 60 minutes, where Abate played in Boateng down the wing, who then put it in the box. After the Brescia defenders all missed it, it came towards Robinho – who decided to hit it first time rather than taking a touch first – and as a result went flying over the bar.
Gattuso almost scored just minutes later, Robinho putting a great ball in to the box, only for the Italian’s shot to be saved by Sereni after an excellent first touch, and a pretty decent effort.
Massimo Ambrosini was then replaced by Mathieu Flamini, once more with the purpose of keeping him fresh, whilst Milan piled on the pressure once more.
It was almost 4-0 moments later, as a deflected cross from Abate flew high up in to the sky – only for Zlatan Ibrahimovic (with his back to goal) to get right underneath it, and try an overhead/scissor kick style shot, which dribbled narrowly wide past the post!
The last substitution was for Ibrahimovic, with Ronaldinho getting a chance to show what he could do with just over 20 minutes left, whilst giving Ibra a well earned rest.
Ronaldinho was inolved within minutes, as Robinho dribbled down the flank, he played a ball in to the middle, and Dinho attempted a difficult first time powerful volley at goal, which went narrowly over the bar – the brazilian almost netting a spectacular goal within minutes.
Mathieu Flamini seemed to be enjoying himself, and he was the next to almost score, after Gattuso slipped the ball forward for the frenchman to strike with power, however, it didn’t trouble Sereni in the Brescia goal.
The game ended 3-0, and it was a totally dominant performance. The only disappointing aspect was the fact that Milan seemed to sit back a bit in the second half, and failed to take any more chances, nonetheless the Rossoneri looked assured, confident and some of the play was brilliant.
Best Moment: Ibra’s fantastic goal
Man of the Match: Robinho – could’ve been a few others, but he did a lot of running, made some nice interception, took his goal well and is improving with every game
A goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic was enough to take AC Milan four points clear at the top of Serie A thanks to a 1-0 win over Fiorentina.
The in-form Sweden striker scored on the stroke of half-time to take the Rossoneri away from the chasing pack at the top of the table and set them up for their midweek Champions League tie with Auxerre.
Fiorentina ended the game with 10 men as Per Kroldrup was shown a red card just seconds before the end.
Daniel Bonera signalled the home team's intent after just 50 seconds when his 20-yard shot was tipped over the crossbar by Artur Boruc.
But Fiorentina soon settled and started to create the better chances.
Gaetano D'Agostino's free-kick was curled just over the top of the wall and brought a fine one-handed save out of Christian Abbiati, who was alert again in the 18th minute to tip Kroldrup's header over the crossbar.
Adam Ljajic should have made Abbiati work again in the 28th minute, but he did not seem fully committed to an inviting cross from Alessio Cerci which was begging to be headed in.
Clarence Seedorf made Boruc work at the other end after half an hour before the home side went ahead.
Ibrahimovic controlled the ball inside the penalty area with his back to goal and he managed to create a chance by juggling the ball and scoring with an overhead kick.
Alessandro Nesta should have doubled their lead in the 56th minute with a free header from eight yards and Ljajic almost made Milan pay for not adding a second when he found room inside the area in the 83rd minute, but he shot straight at Abbiati.
Fiorentina could not find a way through and the frustration got the better of Kroldrup, who was shown a yellow card for a foul in midfield and then received another for what he said to the referee.
THE ROSSONERI won the Derby della Madonnina 1-0 earlier tonight, , Zlatan Ibrahimovic securing a win for Milan to break Inter’s undefeated home record and to put them top of the table, despite playing with 10 men for a third of the match!
AC Milan returned to the top of Serie A tonight with victory over city rivals Inter in the 275th Derby della Madonnina at the San Siro.
A penalty from former Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the fifth minute was enough to decide a game which Milan ended with 10 men after Ignazio Abate was sent off on the hour mark.
The result takes Milan back to the top of the table above Lazio and leaves Inter six points adrift in fifth.
The eagerly-anticipated derby started with a bang as Milan were awarded a penalty after just four minutes.
Marco Materazzi caught Ibrahimovic as he pulled the ball back just inside the area and there were no complaints from the Nerazzurri defender when the spot-kick was awarded.
Ibrahimovic stepped up to blast the penalty past Luca Castellazzi, who was again deputising for the injured Julio Cesar in the Inter goal.
Milan, officially the visiting team at the San Siro, did not want to settle down having taken an early lead and they continued to trouble the hosts' defence.
Ibrahimovic broke the offside trap in the 13th minute and sent the ball towards Mathieu Flamini in the centre, where Ivan Cordoba made a despairing lunge to clear the ball ahead of the Frenchman.
Ibrahimovic was left in acres of room again in the penalty area when he lifted the ball over Lucio and again looked for a team-mate in the centre, but Materazzi this time made the clearance just ahead of Clarence Seedorf.
A volley from the inspired Swede only just cleared the top of the crossbar as Inter did not know what was hitting them.
An injury to Joel Obi turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the home team as coach Rafael Benitez was forced to change his side and give it a more attack-minded look with Coutinho coming on.
The Nerazzurri finally found a foothold in the game and Wesley Sneijder sent a free-kick just inches wide of the post into the side-netting after being fouled by Gennaro Gattuso, who was riding his luck having already been booked.
Another Sneijder free-kick in the 56th minute tested Christian Abbiati, who pushed the ball away.
Abate tried to be a hero for Milan when he tried to play on despite being carried off on a stretcher with a back injury, but he turned into a villain when he was shown a second yellow card for a clash with Goran Pandev when Luca Antonini was already stripped and ready to replace him.
Antonini came on anyway to replace Robinho as Milan set their stall out to defend their lead for the final 30 minutes.
Inter, try as they might, simply could not find a way through the massed ranks of red and black shirts and the defending champions had to admit defeat as their city rivals held on for the win.
VERSI INDONESIA Pertarungan Derby della Madonina antara Inter Milan kontra AC Milan berlangsung ketat dan panas. Milan akhirnya keluar sebagai pemenang berkat gol penalti Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Gol penalti Ibrahimovic tercipta saat laga yang dihelat di Stadion Giuseppe Meazza, Senin (15/11/2010) dinihari WIB, itu baru berlangsung lima menit. Ternyata, gol itu menjadi gol tunggal di laga ini.
Inter sebenarnya diuntungkan ketika Milan dipaksa bermain dengan 10 orang dalam setengah jam terakhir usai Ignazio Abate diusir wasit usai bersitegang dengan Goran Pandev. Namun menang jumlah pemain tidak sanggup dimaksimalkan Nerazzurri.
Dengan kemenangan ini, Milan kembali tampil sebagai pemuncak klasemen sementara Seri A dengan nilai 26 dari 12 laga. Sementara Inter tertahan di posisi lima dengan nilai 20.
Jalannya pertandingan Pertandingan baru berusia empat menit ketika Milan memperoleh penalti akibat dijatuhkannya Ibrahimovic oleh Marco Materazzi. Ibra sendiri yang mengambil penalti sukses melakukan tugasnya.
Pada menit ke-22, Milan sempat memasukkan bola lagi ke gawang Inter yang dikawal kiper Luca Castelazzi. Namun gol dianulir karena Ibrahimovic yang mencetaknya sudah off-side.
Setelah skor 1-0 bertahan hingga jeda, Inter bermain lebih agresif di babak kedua. Menit 55, sebuah tendangan deras Wesley Sneijder memaksa kiper Milan, Christian Abbiati, menepisnya ke luar lapangan.
Di menit 60, kekuatan Milan berkurang satu setelah Abate diusir wasit. Pemain belakang Rossoneri itu mendapatkan kartu kuning kedua usai bersitegang dengan Pandev. Sementara Pandev yang kedapatan mendorong Abate malah bebas dari hukuman.
Akibat kartu merah Abate, arsitek Milan Massimiliano Allegri, memilih untuk menarik Robinho dan memasukkan seorang bek, Luca Antonini, demi menambal lini belakang.
Unggul jumlah pemain, Inter berusaha menekan. Namun hingga marka 90 menit terlewati, tidak ada satu pun peluang emas yang bisa mereka kreasikan, apalagi hingga mencetak gol.
Skor 1-0 buat kemenangan Milan pun bertahan sampai wasit meniup peluit panjang tanda berakhirnya permainan.
Susunan pemain Inter: Castellazzi; Cordoba, Materazzi (Biabiany 68), Lucio, Chivu; Zanetti, Stankovic, Sneijder, Obi (Coutinho 36); Eto'o, Milito (Pandev 46)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a penalty and made the third goal for Milan as they overcame Palermo at the San Siro. The home side had gone ahead midway through the first half thanks to Pato but Armin Bacinovic equalised just after the break for the away team, before Ibrahimovic stole the points for the Rossoneri at the death.
Both sides started the match at a relatively slow pace as they tried to play keep ball for the opening exchanges, but it was the away side who took the first steps to breaking the deadlock, with Armin Bacinovic making some good runs from deep that encouraged his team forward.
This momentum didn't last too long as Milan worked their way into the game and began to take over the midfield. Clarence Seedorf dropped deep and was orchestrating the midfield, showing off his excellent range of passing, which allowed Kevin-Prince Boateng freedom to bomb forward and test Salvatore Sirigu with a number of long range efforts.
Applying almost constant pressure it wasn't long before Milan broke the deadlock with Seedorf supplying the ammunition for Pato's bullet header that gave the Rossoneri the lead after 20 minutes.
With Milan having such a territorial advantage Palermo's best hope was a counter attack but their talisman Javier Pastore was off colour as he was barely afforded any time on the ball by the home side.
Mauricio Pinilla had most of Palermo's chances but he couldn't make anything of them and other than the Chilean's efforts they were restricted to tame long range shots as the half drew to a close.
But after the break it seemed Palermo had been given a few choice words from Delio Rossi as they came out with a new intent and fire, putting Milan under pressure and asking questions of Mario Yepes and Thiago Silva in defence.
However, they were dealt a blow when Javier Pastore was taken off five minutes after the restart with a knee injury, but he was replaced by club captain Fabrizio Miccoli. Just as Milan thought they had the game under control again, Bacinovic scored from long range, hitting his shot low along the ground from 25 yards.
Christian Abbiati was unsighted, though he will be bitterly disappointed to have let a seemingly tame shot past him, but his blushes were almost spared as Seedorf hit the post from inside the box at the other end.
It was however another member of the old guard that changed the game as Massimo Ambrosini burst forward and as he took the ball across the six yard box, Sirigu brought him down and a penalty was awarded.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic then stepped up to smash the ball, low into the corner and it wasn't long before the Swede was involved once again as he sprinted down the left side straight into the penalty area before playing the ball to an unmarked Robinho who made it three.
The Brazilian then had the chance to return the favour but his pass was poor and Palermo cleared as Ibrahimovic made his way into the box unmarked.
The result takes Milan to the summit of Serie A after Lazio lost to Cesena, while Palermo drop to ninth place after the midweek games and pressure will be on both teams as it's derby day this weekend, Palermo are at home to Catania and Milan are the designated away side at the San Siro when they face Inter.
AC Milan climbed into sole possession of second place in Serie A after a 2-1 victory at 10-man Napoli.
Man of the Match: amazingly… Oddo!
Robinho opened the scoring for the visitors midway through the first half before Napoli's Michele Pazienza was handed his marching orders on the stroke of half-time after picking up a second yellow card.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic doubled Milan's lead in the 71st minute before Ezequiel Lavezzi reduced the arrears seven minutes later.
However, the Rossoneri held on for their fourth-straight league victory.
The result leaves Milan two points behind league leaders Lazio and two points clear of defending champions Inter, who were held to a 1-1 draw against Sampdoria on Sunday.
Milan went into the game on the back of last week's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Real Madrid.
The Rossoneri had a lively start and Robinho was first to test Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis with a left-footed strike from outside the area which the keeper saved.
Midway through the first half, Robinho put the visitors in front.
The Brazilian played a one-two with Massimo Oddo before firing past De Sanctis from the centre of the area.
Napoli replied with Edison Cavani's shot from the six-yard box going just wide before Lavezzi's cross found Marek Hamsik and his effort went over the bar.
But their cause was dealt a major blow when Pazienza was given his second yellow card after a foolish handball.
On the stroke of half-time Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati made a great save, palming Lavezzi's powerful header over the bar.
Napoli kept the pressure on after the restart and should have restored parity when Lavezzi got on the end of Andrea Dossena's cross but he struck the ball wide of the target.
On the hour mark Abbiati did well to save Hamsik's right-footed strike from seven yards but, just when Napoli looked at their most dangerous, Milan doubled their lead.
Oddo provided the cross from the right and Ibrahimovic headed past De Sanctis.
Napoli continued to push forward and were rewarded when Lavezzi struck from the right side of the six-yard box to beat Abbiati.
With seven minutes remaining, Walter Gargano missed a great chance to pull his team level by firing wide.
Milan almost grabbed a third but De Sanctis did well to deny Robinho and substitute Mathieu Flamini in the dying seconds of the game.
INDONESIA VERSION AC Milan membawa tiga poin dari lawatannya ke Napoli. Masing-masing satu gol yang dilesakkan Robinho dan Zlatan Ibrahimovic memberi Rossoneri kemenangan 2-1 dan naik ke posisi dua klasemen.
Inilah kemenangan pertama Milan di kandang Napoli setelah yang terakhir mereka dapat tahun 1998 silam. Lebih penting dari itu, hasil laga di Stadio San Paolo, Selasa (26/10/2010) dinihari ini membawa Andrea Pirlo cs menggusur Inter Milan di posisi dua dengan poin 17, tertinggal dua poin dari Lazio di posisi teratas.
Milan membuka keunggulan melalui sepakan Robinho di 22 sebelum diperbesar oleh Zlatan dengan tandukan kepalanya di menit 71. Napoli, yang sejak akhir babak pertama harus bermain dengan 10 orang, memperkecil ketinggalan di menit 78 melalui gol cantik Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Jalannya Pertandingan
Milan tampil percaya diri dan mengusai jalannya pertandingan di menit-menit awal laga. Menurunkan Robinho dan Kevin Prince Boateng untuk menggantikan Ronaldinho dan Clarence Seedorf, Rossoneri terus menekan pertahanan tuan rumah.
Upaya Rossoneri membuka keunggulan dimulai dengan sepakan Genarro Gattuso di menit tujuh dan Robinho delapan menit berselang yang belum mampu merepotkan kiper Morgan De Sanctis. Bencana malah datang buat tim tamu menyusul cedera yang dialami Luca Antonini, bertabrakan dengan pemain lawan dia harus keluar lapangan sambil ditandu dan menggunakan penyangga leher.
Tekanan demi tekanan Milan baru membuahkan hasil di menit 22 melalui Robinho. Melakukan kerjasama satu-dua dengan Oddo, yang masuk menggantikan Antonini, Robinho melepaskan sepakan terarah yang sama sekali tak bisa dibaca De Sanctis. 1-0 Milan unggul.
Gol tersebut membangkitkan Napoli untuk tampil berani menyerang. Pergerakan cepat Edison Cavani, Marek Hamsik dan Ezeguiel Lavezzi membuat lini belakang Milan pontang-panting.
Di menit 26 Hamsik membuang peluang saat upayanya mengarahkan bola umpan terobosan dari sisi kanan tidak mengarah ke gawang, padahal aksinya menjatuhkan diri tersebut cuma berjarak sekitar lima meter dari Cristian Abbiati.
Jelang turun minum Napoli malah harus kehilangan seorang pemainnya setelah wasit memberi kartu kuning kedua untuk Pazienza.
Di masa injury time peluang emas lain tuan rumah datang dari tandukan Cavani saat menyongsong umpan diagonal dari Hamsik. Bola sepertinya akan masuk ke gawang karena mengarah ke sudut atas, namun Abbiati membuat penyelamatan gemilang dengan menepis si kulit bundar.
Sebuah sepakan Robinho yang lemah dan mengarah tepat ke De Sanctis membuka jalannya babak kedua. Setelah itu gantian Lavezzi yang memporak-porandakan barisan belakang Milan dengan aksi individunya dan terpaksa harus dijatuhkan oleh Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
Milan punya peluang memperbesar keunggulan di menit 56 saat Pato gagal mengirim bola pada Robinho dan Ibra. Bola yang coa dikirim Pato pada dua rekannya yang berdiri bebas itu dipotong De Sanctis.
Meski bermain dengan 10 orang, Napoli tetap tampil dengan gagah berani dalam laga babak kedua. Mereka malah berhasil memaksa Milan lebih banyak bertahan dan hanyan mengandalkan Pato di lini depan. Salah satu peluang lain yang berhasil didapat adalah saat sepakan keras Hamsik masih bisa dihadang Abbiati.
Memasuki menit 71 Milan mampu menambah keunggulannya menjadi 2-0. Bermula dari umpan Oddo di sisi kanan, bola mengarah tepat pada Ibra yang berdiri tanpa kawalan di muka gawang. Tandukan bertenaga striker Swedia itu tak bisa ditepis De Sanctis dan mengubah kedudukan.
Kembali Napoli seperti tak terpengaruh dengan ketertinggalan dua gol. Setelah beberapa peluang yang dimiliki, mereka akhirnya mampu memperkecil ketinggalan lewat gol indah yang dibuat Lavezzi.
Menusuk ke kotak penalti, Lavezzi terjatuh saat dijepit Alessandro Nesta dan Sokratis. Saat mencoba bangkit, bola ternyata tak beranjak jauh dari Lavezzi yang membuat striker asal Argentina itu bisa langsung menyungkilnya meski dalam posisi tubuh sambil terjatuh. Si kulit bundar melambung tinggi melewati Abbiati yang mencoba mempersempit ruang gerak dan masuk ke dalam gawang. 2-1 masih buat Milan.
Setelah kerusuhan kecil yang melibatkan banyak pemain di menit 83, Milan kembali punya peluang menambah keunggulannya. Namun Mathieu Flamini gagal menceploskan bola melewati De Sanctis saat dia berdiri sendiri di sisi kanan kotak penalti usai dapat umpan dari Ibra.
Skor 2-1 untuk keunggulan Milan bertahan hingga laga usai.
Susunan Pemain
Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Grava, Aronica; Maggio (Yebda 23), Gargano (Dumitru 84), Pazienza, Dossena; Hamsik (Sosa 68), Lavezzi, Cavani
Full name:Robson de SouzaNickname:RobinhoDate of birth:25⁄01-1984 Place of Birth:São Vicente, São Paulo State Nationality:Brazilian Height:1.75 m Position:Forward National team appearances:70 Goals for national team:19 Debut for national team:Brazil vs Mexico, 2003 Gold Cup final First goal for national team:February 9 2005 vs Hong Kong Honors:Confederation Cup 2005, 2009, Copa America 2007, Campeonato Brasileiro 2002, 2004, La Liga: 2006-07, 2007-08, Supercopa de España 2008.Personal honors:Top goal scorer at the 2007 Copa America (6 goals), Bola de Ouro 2004
Robson de Souza, or Robinho, is one of the greatest talents to come out of Brazil in recent times. Born in São Vicente, a city near Santos, he was discovered at a very young age and was still a just kid when he made his debut as a professional footballer. By the time he was 18 he was the star of the Santos side that won the Brazilian league in 2002. Robinho’s life with a football at his feet – or a futsal ball, as it was at the time – began at the Beira-Mar sports club. The club has now disappeared and given way to a sports complex bearing his name, but it was there that Robinho first delighted fans and exasperated opponents with his disconcerting dribbles.
At the age of nine, he scored 73 goals in one season of futsal and, in 1994, his coach Roberto Antônio dos Santos (better known simply as Betinho) took him to play on a full-size pitch at the Associação Atlética dos Portuários, a dockworkers’ club. From there, he quickly moved to the Santos youth academy.
As always, the lad at his side was his faithful teammate, Diego. At first, Robinho was in his teammate’s shadow. When Santos scouts went to see the pair play for the first time it was Diego who caught their eye. But Robinho gradually blossomed and after the two youngsters helped Santos to the São Paulo state Under-17 title in 2001, they were both promoted to the first-team squad.
Santos fans couldn’t believe their luck at seeing two such stars appearing on the scene at the same time. Robinho even won the personal blessing of Pele, who was responsible for coordinating Santos' junior teams at the time.
It was in 2002 that Robinho’s fame began to grow beyond Santos and he soon became known nationwide. In less than a year, he had gone from being a promising youngster to one of the big stars of the Brazilian game. In that year’s national championship race, he helped Santos win the title for the first time in 18 years.
In the final against Santos’s biggest rival Corinthians, he reined supreme. In addition to scoring a goal, he delighted fans with his trademark stepovers. The following year he took Santos to the final of the Libertadores Cup and a year after that he helped them to another Brazilian league title, delighting fans across the country as he helped to bring the joy back to football.
After conquering Brazil, it was time to seek new challenges. It was his former coach at Santos, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, who first opened the door to Europe by signing him for Real Madrid, one of the best known clubs in the world, where he was handed the No. 10 shirt.
For his country, Robinho is still practically a novice. However, following Brazil’s disappointing performance at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where he was given little chance to show what he can do, he has now become one of the regular strikers in the national team squad and should certainly have a key part to play at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
On September 1, 2008, Robinho completed a €42.5m move to Manchester City.
Return to Santos on loan On 28 January 2010, Robinho returned to his home club Santos, due to moving down the pecking order at Manchester City, joining them on a 6 month loan deal. He had publicly stated that at Manchester City he would play every other game, and because of the upcoming World Cup, he wanted to play every game, and so returned to Brazil with Santos after declining a move to São Paulo. On his return to Santos, Robinho scored a backheel against aforementioned admirers São Paulo with five minutes to spare to complete a 2–1 victory for the Peixe.In the final match of his loan deal on 4 August, Robinho helped Santos win the Copa Brasil. Although Santos lost 2–1 to Vitória, they won the tie 3–2 on aggregate to win the competition for the first time in their history Shortly afterwards Robinho stated that he wanted to remain with Santos rather than return to England. However, Manchester City refused to extend the loan deal and Santos failed to make a transfer bid.
Return to Manchester City Robinho returned to training with Manchester City in August 2010 but stated that he was seeking a move away from the club before the end of the summer transfer window on 31 August.Fenerbahçe and Besiktas opened transfer negotiations with Manchester City but Robinho rejected a move to Turkish football, declaring that he would rather move to a club in Spain or Italy.
Milan
On 31 August 2010, Robinho moved to A.C. Milan from Manchester City after signing a four-year contract.He made his debut as a substitute in a 0–2 surprise defeat to newly-promoted Cesena. He started his first game with Milan in their 1-0 win over Genoa. He scored his first goal in injury time against Chievo to make the score 3-1 on October 16, 2010.
Personal preferences
Dream car: It doesn't matter, as long as it gets me where I want to go
Favourite colour:Black
Favourite film:The Scorpion King
Favourite food:Feijoada (a Brazilian stew)
Favourite holiday destination:It doesn’t matter where, as long as it’s with my family
Favourite music:Pagode (a type of Brazilian samba music)
Favourite other sport:I don't have one. I just like kicking the ball about with friends
Favourite team:Santos FC
Greatest pleasure:Being with family
Heroes:Off the pitch - my dad, on the pitch - Ronaldo
Alexandre Pato scored twice against the run of play in the first half to set the Rossoneri on their way to the top.
VIDEO Ac milan vs Chievo 3-0
An own goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 71st minute gave Chievo hope, but Robinho ended their dreams in stoppage time with his first goal for Milan sending them above Lazio into first place.
Chievo made it clear they were not just making up the numbers as they made a bold start to the game with Kevin Constant, a surprise inclusion in their midfield, particularly lively.
They did most of the attacking from start to finish, but fell behind to Milan's first counter attack in the 16th minute.
Clarence Seedorf started the attack from deep in his own half and he sent Luca Antonini forward down the left.
The Milan full-back passed the ball wide to Ibrahimovic, who picked out Pato at the far post and the Brazilian volleyed the ball back across Stefano Sorrentino into the opposite corner of his goal.
Pablo Granoche should have done better with a header from eight yards after being found by Constant's cross in the 24th minute before an excellent team move in the 28th minute culminated in Constant shooting straight at Abbiati, who made an instinctive save to deny him.
The ball fell back to Constant, who was denied again by the Milan goalkeeper.
Chievo were continuing to pose the greater threat, but a quick free-kick from Ibrahimovic sent Pato through to double Milan's lead against the run of play on the half-hour mark.
Sorrentino then denied Pato a hat-trick with a good save on the stroke of half time.
Chievo continued to believe in their chances of getting back into the game and substitute Cyril Thereau tested Abbiati with a curling 30-yard shot which was tipped over the crossbar.
They finally got the goal they deserved in the 71st minute when Sergio Pellissier flicked a corner on with his head and the ball took a deflection off Ibrahimovic's shoulder to divert into the top corner of the goal.
Gelson Fernandes nearly levelled three minutes later with a shot wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area, but the Flying Donkeys ran out of steam.
Robinho pounced with the Chievo defence stretched to round Sorrentino and stroke the ball in for his first goal for the Rossoneri in stoppage time to seal the 3-1 victory.
The San Siro (named after the saint who had a chapel dedicated to him in this suburb) stadium was a gift from the Milan president Piero Pirelli (in charge from 1909 for twenty years) to 'his Milan'. The stadium was built in just 13 and a half months, thanks to the work of 120 construction workers. The total cost of the operation came to five million lire which in today's terms would translate to three and a half million euro. The stadium was designed by Ulisse Stacchini, the architect whose other major work in the city was the Milan Central Station, and renowned engineer Alberto Cugini.
HOW TO GET THERE ? The San Siro stadium is about 6 km away from the centre of Milan and is easily reachable in various ways.
With public transport * Subway: linea MM1 (rossa) fermata LOTTO, poi si prosegue a piedi lungo viale Caprilli fino allo Stadio. In occasione delle partite di calcio esiste un servizio di navette dalle fermate della linea MM1 di LOTTO e di LAMPUGNANO (parcheggio di interscambio). * Bus: line 49 from Piazza Tirana (station FS San Cristoforo) to the Lotto square, Piazza Axum stop; * Autobus: line 78 from Via Govone to Via Lorenteggio, Via Tesio stop. * Tram: line 16 from Piazza Fontana (Duomo) to San Siro, stop at the Via Dessiè terminal.
Usually, on the days of the Milan games, a shuttle service is prepared from Piazzale Lotto (MM1 stop – red) starting from two hours before the kick-off.
By Car * From A1 (Autostrada del Sole): after the Melegnano barrier take the Tangenziale Ovest towards Malpensa and exit in Milan Via Novara. Then follow the indications for San Siro. * From A4 (Milano-Torino): at the Milano Nord barrier take the Tangenziale Ovest towards Linate and exit in Milan Via Novara. Then follow the indications for San Siro. * From A4 (Milano-Venezia): at the Milano Nord barrier continue towards Milan and take the Milano Certosa exit. Then follow the indications towards San Siro. * From A7 (Milano-Genova): at the Milano barrier Sud take the Tangenziale Ovest towards Malpensa and exit in Milan Via Novara. Then follow the indications for San Siro. * From A8 (Milano-Laghi): at the Milano Nord barrier take the Tangenziale Ovest towards Linate and exit in Milan Via Novara. Then follow the indications for San Siro.
By train * From the Milano Central Station, Milano Porta Garibaldi, Milano Lambrate: take Line 2 of the subway (Green Line) towards Abbiategrasso, go down at the Cadorna FN stop. From here take Line 1 (Red Line) towards Rho Fiera and go down at the Lotto stop. * From the Porta Genova Station: take Line 2 of the subway (Green Line) towards Cologno/Gessate, at Cardorna FN take Line 2 (Red Line) towards Rho Fiera at the Lotto stop. * From the Cardorna station: take Line 1 (Red Line) towards Rho-Fiera and go down at the Lotto stop
By airplane From LINATE AIRPORT: Take the Line 73 bus up to San Babila MM1. Continue with the sybway Line MM1 towards Rho Fiera, and go down at the Lotto stop. From MALPENSA AIRPORT: Use the train connection Malpensa Express up to Cadorna FN. Continue then wih the subway Line MM1 towards Rho Fiera, and go down at the Lotto stop. From ORIO AL SERIO AIRPORT: Use the bus connection up to Milano Centrale, then continue with Line 2 of the subway owards Abbiategrasso, go down at the Cadorna FN stop. Here take Line 1 (Red Line) towards Rho Fiera and go down at the Lotto stop.
AC Milan closed the gap on Serie A leaders Inter as they edged out Genoa with a 1-0 victory at the San Siro.
The visitors initially had a much clearer game plan and were even denied by the woodwork in what proved to be a rather eventless opening period.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Milan ahead with a trademark goal shortly after the break as he shrugged off two defenders to stab a shot over Eduardo with an outstretched leg.
The hosts were much more comfortable from then on and missed a number of chances to put the game beyond doubt, although they still held out to celebrate a much needed win, which allows them to cut the gap at the top to two points ahead of Inter’s clash with Roma.
Milan’s first real scoring chance fell to Robinho on 18 minutes when he was served on the counter-attack by fellow countryman Ronaldinho. The former Manchester City forward struck a low drive towards the far post, but it did little to trouble Eduardo inside the Genoa goal.
Genoa looked threatening going forward and the home rearguard had much to think about as they looked to contain Luca Toni’s strength and Giandomenico Mesto’s movement.
Gennaro Gattuso made a great run off the ball on 26 minutes and forced a great save from Eduardo as he latched onto Ronaldinho’s neat pass to fire on target from close range. The move underlined Milan’s ability to threaten but also the distinct lack in runs from the forwards.
Rodrigo Palacio gave them a scare on the stroke of half-time as his cross towards the back post struck the woodwork following Abbiati’s soft punch.
The deadlock was finally broken on 49 minutes when Ibrahimovic knocked the ball over the ‘keeper with an outstretched leg. Despite being hounded by two defenders, the hitman showed great strength as he gave Milan the lead with a trademark goal.
The Rossoneri were far more creative in the second period and Ronaldinho almost doubled their lead as he attempted a floated chip from 18 yards on the hour mark.
With the clock ticking down, Genoa made good in-roads down the flanks but were far less threatening in front of goal as they failed to get threatening crosses into the box.
Robinho almost slotted home a second late on following a wonderful exchange with Clarence Seedorf down the left. Despite the goal-line clearance from Criscito, it was a fine move by the Samba star who finally showed what he can bring to the side when at full fitness.
With few ideas in the closing stages there was no way back for Genoa. Milan celebrated their second league win of the season to momentarily reduce Inter’s lead at the top to two points.
Although it may not have been a resounding victory for his side, coach Allegri will have been delighted to return to winning ways and given the form of Ibrahimovic there is much to fill the Rossoneri with confidence as they continue to search for a balance between attack and defence. Milan vs genoa video highlight bravo ibra !!
Sergio Floccari's equaliser prevented AC Milan from returning to winning ways tonight as Lazio earned a deserved point at the Stadio Olimpico.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had given the Rossoneri a 1-0 lead in the 66th minute only for Lazio to hit back with nine minutes remaining.
Milan were unlucky not to claim all three points after Gianluca Zambrotta's strike rattled the crossbar two minutes from time.
The result marked Milan's second straight draw and their third game without a win under new boss Massimiliano Allegri.
Ibrahimovic should have given the visitors a seventh-minute lead but the Swede failed to beat Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in a one-on-one.
Shortly afterwards, Ibrahimovic got behind Andrea Pirlo's free-kick and beat his marker before firing a right-footed strike that Muslera turned away for a corner.
On the half-hour mark, Lazio had their first chance.
Floccari fed Hernanes on the edge of the area and he fired just wide of the far post.
Lazio should have taken the lead before the break but Stefano Mauri's 15-yard strike was met by a fine save by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.
Shortly after the restart, Floccari's attempt from outside the area was kept out by Abbiati
On the hour, Abbiati cleared Hernanes' 14-yard shot with his knee as Milan's defence looked to be under constant threat.
But it was Milan that took a surprise lead after the hour mark.
A defensive distraction from Lazio saw Ibrahimovic connect with Clarence Seedorf's pass and he struck the ball past Muslera to put his team in front.
Lazio coach Edoardo Reja brought in attacking duo Tommaso Rocchi and Mauro Zarate.
But it was Floccari that came to the rescue for the home side.
Hernanes' cross found Floccari at the heart of the area and his left-footed strike towards the top left corner beat Abbiati.
Lazio still could have claimed victory had Abbiati not made a great save to deny Hernanes from close range with one minute to go.
Milan failed to keep their 100 percent record at San Siro after being held by a determined Catania outfit during Saturday evening's posticipo.
The Rossoneri started brightly but were stunned on 27 minutes when Ciro Capuano made the most of a poor clearance to rifle home a volleyed finish from long range. Filippo Inzaghi levelled proceedings on the stroke of half time as he stabbed home in the six yard box in trademark fashion.
Milan threw everything at the visitors after the break but they lacked the luck in the final third needed to find the winning goal.
Both sides were forced to settle for a draw which moves them up to four points apiece in the standings. Despite an improved all round performance, the Diavolo left the field discontent after failing to win at San Siro for the first time this term.
A slow start to the encounter favoured Milan who took an early hold of possession looking to work from the back. Inzaghi was served with a golden chance on 13 minutes, but the usually razor sharp hitman snuffed his effort just yards from goal.
The Rossoneri looked far more convincing than their midweek showing in the Champions League and Massimiliano Allegri’s men dictated proceedings as they worked the ball around rapidly in attack.
Capuano stunned the home crowd on 26 minutes when he buried a shot into the back of the net from 25 yards. The Diavolo were stunned but there was little Christian Abbiati could do to block a stunning effort. The goal put the wind in Catania’s sails and Marco Giampaolo’s outfit were a different side, boosted by the lead.
Milan got themselves back into the game, however, on the stroke of half time when Inzaghi stabbed home following a rifled assist from Ronaldinho. The goal had been coming for the Rossoneri and they merited the equaliser for their insistent approach.
The Diavolo came out firing after the break and were unlucky not to take the lead when Mariano Andujar beat away Clarance Seedorf’s well taken strike.
Milan continued to get men forward in numbers but Catania were well organised at the back and made life difficult as they paid extra attention to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Giuseppe Mascara attempted a speculative drive on 65 minutes, but the Elefanti marksman could not find the bottom corner as Abbiati read the effort attentively.
Despite a late push the Rossoneri were unable to find the match-winning goal. Allegri’s men left the field with a point and the coach was left happy with the improved performance despite failure to secure victory.
The result leaves Milan two points off leaders Chievo after having played a game more than the Gialloblu. After holding the Rossoneri in the same fixture last year, Catania returned from the San Siro with another point, a feat which the Elefanti had never completed twice in a row before this evening.
AC Milan (4-4-3) – Massimiliano Allegri Christian Abbiati; Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Luca Antonini; Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf; Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho.
Calcio Catania (4-3-1-2) – Marco Giampaolo Mariano Andujar; Ciro Capuano, Nicolás Spolli, Matías Silvestre, Alessandro Potenza; Marco Biagianti, Ezequiel Carboni, Mariano Izco; Adrian Ricchiuti; Giuseppe Mascara; Maxi López.
The Rossoneri will be trying to stay on the right track and win this match. Once again, less than three points would be surprising and disappointing.
The Rossazzurri have a lot to give, as with players like Maxi Lopez, they would be able to surprise the “Milanticos” tomorrow night.
The last time Milan faced Catania it was 11/4/2010. Maxi López scored first (12′) for Catania and Adrian Ricchiuti doubled it (43′). In the second half, Milan bounced back with Marco Borriello’s brace (48′, 80′).
Milan have played only three official matches this season and already from the beginning, you could see the same old problems in defense and midfield.
Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva played only once together, but for Catania match, they are expected to play, with Gianluca Zambrotta or Daniele Bonera as right-back and Luca Antonini on the left.
With Massimo Ambrosini out injured, Kevin-Prince Boateng will take his place in midfield. The Ghanaian played a very good match in the midweek Champions League match against Auxerre, and he will start along with Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf, as Mathieu Flamini is still injured.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still not at his best but he’s already got off the mark with a brace against the French side on Wednesday, as Ronaldinho was the main player in the set-up of the goals. Alexandre Pato is out for three weeks and Robinho will replace him in 4-3-3.
Milan were not brilliant, but still effective against Auxerre. They remain Scudetto contenders despite last week’s 2-0 defeat to A.C. Cesena, and they will try to leapfrog Inter, who are one point ahead.
Star Man: Ibrahimovic is a great striker, but still, Ronaldinho is Milan’s star man for this match. When the Brazilian is good, the players around him are good. Ronie must try to play like he did against Lecce, and if he does that, victory is almost guaranteed.
Injury List: Ambrosini, Flamini and Pato are out. Sokratis Papastathopoulos is doubtful.
Catania have not yet reached the full potential, as this is only the start of the season. Coming off as clear underdogs, the Rossazzurri will still be playing for all the three points and will definitely not only defend.
Marco Giampaolo’s side beat Parma 2-1 last week, but it took two penalties, which were scored by Mirko Antenucci and Giuseppe Mascara. Giampaolo knows his men must improve.
“We suffered out there today,” Giampaolo declared after Parma match. “I am aware we need to improve in all areas. Our physical condition is still not what it should be and the sharpness is still yet to arrive. Nevertheless, the three points are very precious because they bring moral to the group. I am happy for the boys, but I don’t want to settle for this as we still need to step up a level.”
Catania are South America, as they have 11 players from Argentina and one from Brazil. They have always caused problems for Milan, as last season they were in 2-0 lead before Marco Borriello scored a brace.
Star Man: Maxi Lopez is still out of form. The Argentine was the hero of last season when he arrived in January and scored 11 goals in 17 matches. Despite not scoring yet this year, Lopez is Catania’s most important man. He’s expected to start alongside Giuseppe Mascara and Adrian Ricchiuti.
Injury List: Fabio Sciacca, Cristian Llama and Blazej Augustin are unavailable.
After a goalless first half, Milan beat Auxerre 2-0 thanks to a brace from Ibrahimovic (66' and 69').
Milan’s miserable six-game run of home European games without a win was ended thanks to the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who lead the Rossoneri to a 2-0 Champions League success over Auxerre at the San Siro.
With Massimiliano Allegri’s side toiling to create chances, an angled Ronaldinho centre was knocked on by substitute Kevin-Prince Boateng, with Ibrahimovic getting the decisive touch just in front of AJA goalkeeper Olivier Sorin.
Suddenly the pressure was lifted on the Italians, and as their opponents advanced a Ronaldinho surge from the midfield resulted in a pass that further exposed the French defence. Ibrahimovic wasn’t about to pass up the chance, side-footing a neat finish into the corner of the net from 18 yards to score his second goal in three minutes, killing the game off.
This would not be an entirely comfortable evening for the Milanese side, who were poor until they opened the scoring.
Adama Coulibaly came closest for the guests with 22 minutes on the clock, towering above Alessandro Nesta to head against the junction of post and bar from a corner kick.
This was by no means the only chance the Burgundy club had to open the scoring. Just before the interval a Milan corner broke down and as their veteran players lumbered back, the sprightly Burgundy club shot forward only for Steeven Langil to shoot from an impossible angle when two team-mates were waiting in the centre for a simple tap-in.
The Rossoneri had made a woeful start to the game from a defensive point of view, looking incredibly sloppy in the opening minutes. Valter Birsa and Langil were both given sights of goal, though Christian Abbiati wasn’t called into serious action on either occasion.
After these early wobbles, the hosts did get the expect grip on the ball but rarely penetrated. A free kick from Andrea Pirlo was punched away by Olivier Sorin on 22 minutes, while a flurry in the visiting box saw Alexandre Pato have a shot deflected over the top.
Milan perked up following the half-time interval. Pirlo had an effort from distance flash just wide before Luca Antonini’s low, hard cross had no takers moments later.
Only late on, after Ibrahimovic’s double, did Auxerre fight back. A late Dennis Oliech shot drew a save from Abbiati, but the guests couldn’t find even a consolation.
Twelve months ago, the Rossoneri were busy losing 1-0 to Zurich, so although this was by no means an impressive performance, it was a drastic improvement on that nightmarish evening.
Massimiliano Allegri named the following 19 players for Milan’s Champions League match against Auxerre: Abbiati, Amelia, Roma, Antonini, Bonera, Nesta, Zambrotta, Yepes, Abate, Ambrosini, Boateng, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Ibrahimovic, Inzaghi, Pato, Robinho, Ronaldinho.
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is looking forward to making his Champions League coaching debut in tomorrow night's Group G opener against Auxerre.
Allegri, who replaced Leonardo at the helm of the Rossoneri this summer, has had a shaky start in his new role after falling to newly-promoted Cesena 2-0 on Saturday.
But the 43-year-old is fully concentrated on his first game in Europe's premier club competition.
"It will be very emotional for me,'' said Allegri. "This is my first time.
"The draw has placed us in a group with top European clubs and it will be a challenge from the start.''
Milan, who will also face Real Madrid and Ajax in their pool, lost to Manchester United in the last 16 of last season's competition.
Allegri will hope his side's European prospects will be boosted by recent signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although the Swedish striker had a poor debut on Saturday when he missed a penalty in the defeat at Cesena.
But Allegri has tried to use the defeat as a tool to motivate his players.
"I think this loss is a good lesson for the team because games have to be won with sacrifice,'' said Allegri. "If we don't play as a team, it will be difficult to win anything this campaign.
"Now we must react and look ahead with optimism.''
The Italians will be without Thiago Silva, who is sidelined with a right thigh problem.
The good news for Allegri is that defender Alessandro Nesta and fellow veteran Clarence Seedorf, who missed the game at Cesena, have recovered from injuries and will start on Wednesday.
Rivals Auxerre have travelled to Italy also desperate to find their form.
The French side have yet to win after five games of their domestic campaign.
They gave away a late goal against Caen on Saturday and drew for the fourth time this season.
"Football is cruel,'' said Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez.
"To have claimed four points so far it gives cause for concern for some but I am not worried.
"I know I have a group of quality players and that the team will get better.''
Adriano Galliani's words quoted by Sky: 'The acquisition of Robinho cost us € 18 million plus bonuses. He's a wonderful gift from president Berlusconi to the Milan fans.' Official: - Robinho 100% ours - Borriello loan to AS Roma - Hunter sold to Schalke04 - Kaladze sold to Genoa
As for the shirt numbers of the two new Rossoneri stars, Zlatan Ibrahimovic took number 11, while Robinho will wear number 70 this season. Welcome Robinho. I hope this is just the beginning for a new era of Milan! Forza Milan!Good luck with Hunter and Borri, and many thanks for 10 years contribution of Kakha Kaladza. Robinho cost City £32 million when signing for the club in a shock move from Real Madrid in 2008 but now they have recouped an initial payment of £15 million from Milan.
"Milan have a great players, a great team with a victorious history," Robinho said. "I hope that together with my new team-mates we will be able to help the club to several titles.
"I always heard great things about Milan from Kaka, and I'm sure that the other Brazilian players will help me integrate into the team. I hope to satisfy all Milan fans, I'll train hard to make it happen. I want to make them all happy."
Robinho, who spent a spell on loan with Santos last season, leaves City after scoring 14 goals in 41 Premier League appearances.
Robinho joins Milan just days after the club recruited Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona. They join Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho at San Siro to form a very talented forward line.
"These two signings were a great present to all the supporters from Silvio Berlusconi," vice-president Adriano Galliani said.
"Robinho will wear the No. 70 shirt, Ibrahimovic will have the No. 11. Robinho cost €18 million plus bonuses.
"For so many years I have not seen Berlusconi so in love with Milan. On Sunday Ibrahimovic told me to go and buy Robinho also."
"After a raft of stellar names arrived at the San Siro, AC Milan have confirmed that Italian striker Marco Borriello will play on loan at Roma this season and that Kakha Kaladze has ended his nine years with the club.
The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the signing of Brazilian winger Robinho to AC Milan, forced Borriello to consider a move elsewhere.
A statement from AC Milan read: "AC Milan announces it has loaned Marco Borriello to Roma for the 2010-11 campaign."
The 28-year-old came close to signing for Juventus but the deal fell through earlier with Borriello unwilling to join the Turin giants on a loan spell. However, Borriello has joined Roma on loan with the Eternal City club having an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
Meanwhile, Genoa have signed Kakha Kaladze on a permanent transfer from AC Milan. The 32-year-old Georgia captain joins Genoa after nine seasons with Milan, and has signed a two-year contract with Genoa.
A statement from Genoa read: "Genoa announces the signing of Georgian international Kakhaber Kaladze on a permanent transfer from AC Milan. In the next few days the defender will join Giampiero Gasperini's side in training."
Alexandre Pato sounded a warning to Zlatan Ibrahimovic that he does not intend to give up his place at AC Milan without a fight by scoring twice as AC Milan opened their Serie A account with an impressive opening-weekend win over Lecce.
With Ibrahimovic joining the Rossoneri from Barcelona on an initial loan deal which will become permanent next summer, the pressure was on the young Brazilian and Pato responded with two goals inside the opening 29 minutes as Massimiliano Allegri's first game in charge ended in a comprehensive victory.
Thiago Silva also scored in between Pato's strikes as newly-promoted Lecce endured a tricky return to the top flight.
Veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi grabbed a late fourth to complete the win and send Milan - albeit after just one game - to the top of the table.
The onslaught started early with Brazilian centre-half Thiago Silva smashing in a 35-yard drive which Antonio Rosati in the Lecce goal did superbly well to tip over for a corner.
Rosati was powerless to keep out Pato four minutes later, however, the 20-year-old converting Massimo Ambrosini's pass.
It was 2-0 after 23 minutes as Thiago Silva fired home after a goalmouth scramble.
There was no let-up for poor Lecce with Pato scoring his second of the night in the 29th minute, beating the offside trap to run on to countryman Ronaldinho's pass before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting into an empty net.
Ronaldinho looked full of confidence and his impudent effort from the halfway line landed just wide.
Clarence Seedorf almost made it 4-0 before the break but the veteran Dutchman's volley clipped the post and went wide.
Ibrahimovic was presented to the San Siro crowd at half-time and the Swede will have been impressed with what he saw on the pitch as Milan continued to press.
Daniele Corvia threatened briefly for Lecce before Milan got back on top.
Marco Borriello had the ball in the net but saw his effort controversially disallowed for offside while Inzaghi hit the post minutes after his introduction.
The outstanding Pato was then denied by Rosati, as was Inzaghi six minutes before the end.
Inzaghi did find the back of the net with time almost up when, following some fine work by Gennaro Gattuso, he prodded past Rosati to complete a good night's work for Allegri.
Stadio San Siro will be full for the presentation of new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic this evening, and afterwards, Milan will play the first match of the Serie A against newly promoted side U.S. Lecce.
Massimo Oddo and Mathieu Flamini are out injured, while Marek Jankulovski, Kakha Kaladze, Oguchi Onyewu, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mario Yepes and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have not been called-up.
In the meantime, new coach Massimiliano Allegri will have all of his players available to face Lecce, with Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato set to start having recovered from a muscular injury.
"I am not 100% but I feel better,'' said Pato. "I believe I will be ready for our first game of the season.
"My aim is always to help the team do well and contribute so that Milan wins everything.''
Rivals Lecce make their anticipated return to Serie A tomorrow but will have to do without injured striker Ernesto Chevanton.
Chevanton, who is returning to the club for a second spell after six years away, was the biggest name in a summer of busy recruitment in Lecce.
Chevanton is recuperating from a muscular problem while Lecce coach Luigi De Canio will also be without suspended midfielder Riccardo Oliveira.
AC Milan Squad List
Goalkeepers: Christian Abbiati, Marco Amelia, Flavio Roma;
AC Milan have signed FC Barcelona player Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
After long days of negotiations, AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has made it and he brought the 28-year-old Sweden to Milan!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Bio Viewed as one of the world's top strikers, as well as being one of the most temperamental, Ibrahimovic made a name for himself at Inter Milan and won himself numerous personal awards at the San Siro. Known for his strength, aerial ability and fiery personality, Ibrahimovic has been compared to Dutch legend Marco Van Basten for his playing style, before he started a new chapter his career with Barcelona.
Born to a Bosnian father and a Croatian mother, Ibrahimovic grew up in Sweden and plays for the Swedish national team. He began his career at nearby Malmo FF, before moving to Ajax where he blossomed, but courted controversy in his three years, before he was sold to Juventus.
Caught up in the Calciopoli scandal, Ibrahimovic was relegated to Serie B, but was not keen to stay on in Turin. Moving to Internazionale for £16.7 million, he became a fixture in their three title-winning side and then-boss Jose Mourinho claimed that he was, for him, "the best player in the world, ahead of (Cristiano) Ronaldo" - although the quote raised some eyebrows.
In 2009, he announced that he would like to seek a new challenge and agreed terms on an incredible swap deal with Samuel Eto'o that would see him become a Barcelona player for 2009-10, signing a five-year deal.
Strengths: Strong and agile, he plays well with his back to goal and boasts some of the best ball control around.
Weaknesses: Drifts in and out of games, has questionable temperament and has been criticised for his work-rate in the big matches.
Career high: Top scored in Serie A in 2009 as he led Inter to the title.
Career low: Missed a penalty as Sweden were knocked out of Euro 2004 following a shoot-out loss to Netherlands.
Style: Languid, stylish, a composed and agile striker.
Quotes: "What [John] Carew does with a football, I can do with an orange." Zlatan Ibrahimovic responds to criticism from the Norwegian striker.
Trivia: Ibrahimovic received a black belt in taekwondo at the age of 17.
The transfer saga : 21:45: More from Galliani: “With Ibra, Pato and Ronaldinho, our team is not inferior to no one in Europe.”
21:36: Ibra: “I’m glad the situation. It was not easy, but it all worked out for the best. Why AC Milan? Because it is one of the strongest clubs in the world, with a great tradition. Ronaldinho and Pato? It’s a great attack, depend on us. Fans of AC Milan will enjoy. Supporters of Inter? I do not what they think now that I have won everything there. Dreams? I want ton win the Champions League and all that we can win.
21:31: acmilan.com confirmed Galliani’s words: “A.C. MILAN announces the acquisition of the player Zlatan Ibrahimovic from F.C. Barcelona, through a free loan with the option to purchase the athlete’s playing rights for € 24 million at the end of the season 2010-2011. The Swedish champion will go through the medical exams tomorrow morning, before signing the contract that will tie him to the Rossonero club for four years.”
21:25: Galliani revealed to Sky Sport 24 the nature of the transfer: “We defined acquisition loan with right of repurchase for 24 million. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will undergo medical tomorrow and will sign a four-year contract.”
21:15: Speaking to Milan Channel, Milan new striker, Ibrahimovic said: “Barcelona are fixing the last things, and then there will be the announcement. I am very pleased, I can’t wait for tomorrow. “
20:42: Silvio Berlusconi has left Milanello, and the official announcement will come soon from the mouth of Vice President Galliani directly from Spain.20:38: Raiola, Ibrahimovic, Galliani and Rosell left the office of the Barcelona President. Meanwhile, Berlusconi is talking to the players in Milanello.
20:30: Here is the program for tomorrow: Ibrahimovic will arrive tomorrow at Milan’s Linate Airport around 12:30pm. The player will then speak to Coach Allegri and understand what the project of the team is.
At 19:45, there will be a press conference at the San Siro, followed by a walk around the pitch before the Lecce match.
20:20: Ibrahimovic is an AC Milan player! There is still no official announcement but the player is now a Rossonero.20:02: Ibra has signed a four-year contract with AC Milan! The official announcement will come in few minutes!
19:56: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has arrived to the Camp Nou to sign the termination of his contract with Barcelona and his new deal with AC Milan. However, before entering he joked with the press: “I’m here to sign a contract renewal with Barcelona, Guardiola asked me to.”19:35: Mr. Silvio Berlusconi has arrived to training center Milanello and he will probably announce on the purchase by himself.
19:16: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has not been called-up for tomorrow’s match against Lecce and it appears that he will now move to German side Schalke 04 for 12 million.
19:00: The official announcement will come in 30 minutes on both club’s site. The deal is a loan with an obligation to buy for 25 million."
18:55: In few minutes, the official announcement should come according to reports. Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on verge of becoming a Rossonero.
18:17: The meeting between Galliani, Rosell and Raiola has started two hours ago. More news are expected soon.
17:05: More from Raiola: “The press? I do not understand why they are resentful. Barça is free to think what you want, I express my views. My only duty is to represent my player. The negotiations for Zlatan? We will see, for the time nothing is decided.”
16:30: Adriano Galliani and Mino Raiola have reached the Camp Nou. Raiola: “We are still in the eighth month. We still lack all the agreements. Ends today? The important thing is to make it closed by August 31.
16:23: Allegri spoke about Ibra during the press conference ahead of Lecce game: “If president Berlusconi will acquire Ibrahimovic we will be all very happy because he is important player, he is a champion who goes to complete a very strong attack.”16:20: Negotiations are expected to be long; Barcelona want to discus first with Ibra’s agent Raiola.
15:50: Rosell has arrived to Barcelona’s headquarters at the Camp Nou. The meeting should begin shortly.
15:40: The meeting is about to start, there are few journalists in the Camp Nou already waiting for Galliani, Raiola and Rosell. Sky Sport’s Alessandro Alciato reports Galliani will use a credit card to pay Barcelona 30 million.
15:48: Barcelona President Sandro Rosell has returned from Ibiza, where he spent the weekend, in order to take part in the decisive meeting on Ibra along with Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani and the player’s agent Mino Raiola.
14:15: According to the Spanish news agency EFE, the meeting between Adriano Galliani and Mino Raiola has been brought forward in half an hour. It will start on
16:00 Spain time. The reason for this change is to close the deal in daytime.13:20: Still waiting for the decisive meeting between Raiola and Galliani. Meanwhile, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri will hold a press conference ahead of Lecce game, which takes place tomorrow night.
12:44: As reported in the Spanish daily El Mundo Deporativo, Milan tried to offer players in exchange for Ibrahimovic, but the only man Barca were interested in was Alexandre Pato. Adriano Galliani of course, did not accept that.
12:05: Pep Guardiola: “I am tired of the Ibrahimovic situation, we will see what happens in the coming hours. I am not happy with the way this situation has been managed. For now Ibrahimovic is a Barcelona player. We will see what happens.“I am the boss here, and I decided not to pick him [for Sunday's clash against Racing Santander]. In a normal situation he would have been picked. But in this situation, it was best not to select him.“In any case I am staying calm and will make team decisions. Raiola? I am surprised that he knows me so well. I have ever only spoken to him once in my life. I thank the club for defending me after they published the statement. That has not affected me as I can defend myself. I said okay to the statement and now it’s with the legal team.”
11:22: According to rumours, the compensations the Sweden will receive from the Spanish club could be an addition discount on the amount Milan will have to pay Sandro Rosell’s club. If it’s true, Milan will have to pay 25m at the end of the season in order to bring the 28-year-old permanently.
11:01: Barca coach Pep Guardiola has dropped Ibra from the squad for Sunday’s clash against Racing Santander. These are the players Pep has called-up: Valdés, Pinto, Abidal, Alves, Milito, Piqué, Puyol, Maxwell, Adriano, Sergio Busquets, Keita, Xavi, Iniesta, Jeffren, Bojan, Messi, Pedro, Villa.
10:56: Barcelona seem reluctant to pay the player’s compensations. It appears that Raiola will now try to lower his demands from yesterday. At the moment, we are waiting for the final meeting between Galliani and agent Raiola at 16:30.
10:13: Milan CEO Adriano Galliani and Ibra’s agent Mino Raiola had a dinner last night; they looked calm and ready to for the birth of the transfer.10:08: As reported last night, AC Milan and FC Barcelona have agreed on the loan of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Spain to Italy. The Rossoneri will be obligated to sign the player at the end of the season for 25/30 million.
Milan played out an exciting Gamper Trophy game against Barcelona in what was their last test before facing Lecce on Sunday on the opening day of the season.
It was a special evening for Ronaldinho, who was greeted by a standing ovation before kick-off. Allegri played the Brazilian upfront with Borriello and Huntelaar while Boateng was given his debut in midfield alongside Pirlo and Ambrosini. Alessandro Nesta returned in defence after his hand surgery.
Guardiola fielded a trident with Iniesta, Villa and Ibrahimovic.
The home side started well and Ibrahimovic had a goal disallowed for offside while just before the half-hour mark Iniesta saw a shot well saved by Amelia and at the other end Ambrosini volleyed wide.
Allegri made a raft of changes at half-time but it was Barca who took the lead two minutes after the restart, when David Silva toe-poked the ball beyond Amelia after reaching Adriano’s cross from the left.
Andres Iniesta and Bojan’s header then went close but the Rossoneri got their just reward as Pippo Inzaghi hit a stunning left-footed volley into the top corner on 67 minutes.
Leo Messi tested substitute goalkeeper Flavio Roma with a header and a curling free-kick but Milan were the equal of any further pressure and game finished 1-1 which lead to penalties to decide the outcome.
The first from the spot was Leo Messi who put Roma the wrong way. However, Clarence Seedorf saw his shot saved. Same fate for Busquets, well blocked by the excellent Roma. The second penalty taker for Milan, Pirlo, missed. Bojan scored, despite the Milan goalkeeper guessing right. Yepes got the Rossoneri off the mark. Barca's Thiag scored but Jankulovski: missed and Barcelona won 4-2.
