MILAN JUARA PIALA SUPER ITALIA

AC Milan akhirnya keluar sebagai juara Piala Super Italia. Meladeni rival sekota Inter Milan, Rossoneri tertinggal dulu sebelum akhirnya memukul balik Nerazzurri 2-1.

Dalam pertandingan di Beijing National Stadium, Sabtu (6/8/2011), Inter lebih dulu unggul pada menit ke-22. Sebuah tendangan bebas melengkung Wesley Sneijder tak kuasa dibendung Christian Abbiati.

Milan baru bisa bangkit pada babak kedua. Mereka menyamakan kedudukan pada menit ke-58 berkat sundulan Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Kemenangan Il Diavolo Rosso akhirnya ditentukan oleh Kevin-Prince Boateng. Sontekan gelandang internasional Ghana ini membawa timnya berbalik memimpin 2-1.

Ini adalah trofi Piala Super Italia keenam untuk Milan. Sebelumnya, mereka jadi juara pada tahun 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, dan 2004. Sementara bagi Inter, kekalahan ini adalah awal yang kurang baik untuk pelatih anyar Gian Piero Gasperini.

Jalannya pertandingan

Inter lebih dulu mengancam pada menit kelima. Umpan Samuel Eto'o diteruskan oleh Sneijder dengan sepakan yang masih belum menemui sasaran.

Semenit kemudian, Milan gantian menekan. Menerima umpan dari Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho melepaskan tembakan yang masih melenceng dari gawang Julio Cesar.

Kebuntuan pecah pada menit ke-22. Tendangan bebas Sneijder melengkung melewati pagar betis dan masuk ke gawang Christian Abbiati. Milan 0, Inter 1.

Gawang Abbiati kembali terancam pada menit ke-35. Namun, sepakan Ricky Alvarez dari dalam kotak penalti masih melambung.

Milan nyaris menyamakan skor beberapa saat kemudian. Sial buat Ibrahimovic, sundulannya masih menerpa mistar. Hingga turun minum, Inter tetap unggul 1-0.

Kedudukan sama kuat pada menit ke-58 setelah Milan menyamakan kedudukan. Gol ini diawali penetrasi Clarence Seedorf di kotak penalti usai menerima umpan Robinho. Seedorf kemudian melepas umpan silang ke mulut gawang. Sambil menjatuhkan diri, Ibrahimovic menyundul bola ke gawang kosong karena Cesar sudah meninggalkan sarangnya.

Milan berbalik unggul 11 menit kemudian. Dari sebuah proses serangan balik, Pato melepaskan tembakan yang tak bisa dijangkau Cesar, tapi masih mengenai mistar. Kevin-Prince Boateng datang dan menyambar bola rebound. Milan memimpin 2-1.

Inter sempat mencetak gol pada masa injury time lewat Eto'o. Namun, wasit menganulirnya karena pemain Kamerun itu sudah terjebak offside.

Hingga laga berakhir, skor 2-1 untuk Milan tetap awet. Piala Super Italia tahun ini pun jadi milik mereka.

Susunan pemain:
MILAN: Abbiati, Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta, Gattuso (Ambrosini 75'), Van Bommel, Seedorf, Boateng (Emanuelson 81'), Robinho (Pato 61'), Ibrahomivic

INTER: Julio Cesar; Ranocchia, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Thiago Motta, Stankovic (Pazzini 74'), Obi (Castaignos 81'); Alvarez (Faraoni 63'), Sneijder, Eto'o



minute by minute
Match ends, Milan 2, Inter Milan 1.

90'

Second Half ends, Milan 2, Inter Milan 1.

90'

Offside, Milan. Urby Emanuelson tries a through ball, but Alexandre Pato is caught offside.

90'

Offside, Inter Milan. Luc Castaignos tries a through ball, but Samuel Eto'o is caught offside.

90'

Attempt missed. Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is too high from a direct free kick.

90'

Giampaolo Pazzini (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

90'

Foul by Thiago Silva (Milan).

90'

Foul by Alexandre Pato (Milan).

90'

Marco Davide Faraoni (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90'

Attempt blocked. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

90'

Foul by Walter Samuel (Inter Milan).

90'

Alexandre Pato (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

88'

Hand ball by Cristian Chivu (Inter Milan).

85'

Massimo Ambrosini (Milan) is shown the yellow card.

85'

Thiago Motta (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

85'

Foul by Massimo Ambrosini (Milan).

84'

Foul by Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan).

84'

Clarence Seedorf (Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

83'

Attempt missed. Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Luc Castaignos with a cross.

83'

Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

83'

Foul by Mark van Bommel (Milan).

82'

Substitution, Milan. Urby Emanuelson replaces Kevin-Prince Boateng.

82'

Substitution, Inter Milan. Luc Castaignos replaces Joel Chukwuma Obi.

81'

Foul by Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan).

81'

Clarence Seedorf (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

80'

Foul by Thiago Motta (Inter Milan).

80'

Massimo Ambrosini (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

78'

Corner, Inter Milan. Conceded by Thiago Silva.

77'

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

77'

Joel Chukwuma Obi (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

77'

Foul by Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan).

76'

Attempt missed. Giampaolo Pazzini (Inter Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Thiago Motta.

75'

Substitution, Milan. Massimo Ambrosini replaces Gennaro Gattuso.

74'

Substitution, Inter Milan. Giampaolo Pazzini replaces Dejan Stankovic.

73'

Attempt missed. Alexandre Pato (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right from a direct free kick.

72'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

72'

Foul by Walter Samuel (Inter Milan).

71'

Offside, Milan. Thiago Silva tries a through ball, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic is caught offside.

69'

Goal! Milan 2, Inter Milan 1. Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal.

69'

Attempt saved. Alexandre Pato (Milan) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ignazio Abate.

67'

Foul by Thiago Motta (Inter Milan).

67'

Thiago Silva (Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

64'

Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

64'

Marco Davide Faraoni (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

64'

Foul by Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan).

63'

Substitution, Inter Milan. Marco Davide Faraoni replaces Ricardo Álvarez.

63'

Offside, Milan. Zlatan Ibrahimovic tries a through ball, but Kevin-Prince Boateng is caught offside.

62'

Substitution, Milan. Alexandre Pato replaces Robinho.

61'

Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) is shown the yellow card.

60'

Goal! Milan 1, Inter Milan 1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) header from very close range to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Clarence Seedorf with a cross.

58'

Ricardo Álvarez (Inter Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

58'

Foul by Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan).

57'

Walter Samuel (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

57'

Foul by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).

55'

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

55'

Delay in match Joel Chukwuma Obi (Inter Milan) because of an injury.

54'

Attempt missed. Clarence Seedorf (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.

54'

Offside, Inter Milan. Walter Samuel tries a through ball, but Samuel Eto'o is caught offside.

53'

Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

53'

Foul by Robinho (Milan).

53'

Attempt missed. Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Joel Chukwuma Obi.

52'

Attempt missed. Clarence Seedorf (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top right corner. Assisted by Robinho.

50'

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

50'

Delay in match Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan) because of an injury.

48'

Foul by Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan).

48'

Mark van Bommel (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

48'

Foul by Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan).

48'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

47'

Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

47'

Foul by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).



Second Half begins Milan 0, Inter Milan 1.

45'

First Half ends, Milan 0, Inter Milan 1.

45'

Foul by Cristian Chivu (Inter Milan).

45'

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

45'

Attempt blocked. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Robinho.

45'

Hand ball by Ricardo Álvarez (Inter Milan).

42'

Thiago Motta (Inter Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

42'

Foul by Clarence Seedorf (Milan).

41'

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

40'

Delay in match Walter Samuel (Inter Milan) because of an injury.

40'

Delay in match Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan) because of an injury.

40'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) hits the left post with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by Ignazio Abate with a cross.

37'

Attempt saved. Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Thiago Motta.

36'

Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

36'

Foul by Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan).

35'

Attempt missed. Ricardo Álvarez (Inter Milan) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Wesley Sneijder.

33'

Hand ball by Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan).

31'

Offside, Inter Milan. Cristian Chivu tries a through ball, but Samuel Eto'o is caught offside.

30'

Foul by Walter Samuel (Inter Milan).

30'

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

29'

Foul by Joel Chukwuma Obi (Inter Milan).

29'

Mark van Bommel (Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

28'

Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

28'

Foul by Thiago Silva (Milan).

25'

Cristian Chivu (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

25'

Foul by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).

24'

Foul by Ricardo Álvarez (Inter Milan).

24'

Ignazio Abate (Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

22'

Goal! Milan 0, Inter Milan 1. Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) from a free kick with a right footed shot to the top left corner.

20'

Joel Chukwuma Obi (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

20'

Foul by Gennaro Gattuso (Milan).

19'

Gennaro Gattuso (Milan) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

19'

Ricardo Álvarez (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

19'

Foul by Gennaro Gattuso (Milan).

18'

Attempt missed. Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Ricardo Álvarez.

15'

Foul by Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan).

15'

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

15'

Foul by Joel Chukwuma Obi (Inter Milan).

15'

Gennaro Gattuso (Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

9'

Thiago Motta (Inter Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

9'

Foul by Clarence Seedorf (Milan).

6'

Attempt missed. Robinho (Milan) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses the top right corner. Assisted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a through ball.

5'

Attempt missed. Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Samuel Eto'o.

4'

Corner, Inter Milan. Conceded by Ignazio Abate.

3'

Joel Chukwuma Obi (Inter Milan) wins a free kick on the left wing.

3'

Foul by Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan).

2'

Thiago Motta (Inter Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.

2'

Foul by Mark van Bommel (Milan).

2'

Hand ball by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).

1'

Thiago Motta (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

1'

Foul by Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan).

milan 4 parma 0 : bravo cassano!

Milan-Parma, Formazioni Ufficiali/Official Lineups:
MILAN: Abbiati, Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini, Gattuso, Van Bommel, Merkel, Seedorf, Ibrahimovic, Cassano.
PARMA: Mirante, Gobbi, Lucarelli, Paci, Zaccardo, Valiani, Dzemaili, Candreva, Giovinco, Amauri, Crespo.

Great performance of the rossoneri today at San Siro! AC Milan beats Parma 4-0, goals by Seedorf, Cassano and twice score by Robinho!

Milan’s injury hit squad was still nowhere near full strength, and although he was due to play, Pirlo suffered a setback in training to keep him out too, so in Allegri’s 4-3-1-2, Christian Abbiati started in goal, behind a slightly more recognisable back 4 than in recent times with Massimo Oddo on the right, the number 1 partnership of Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta in the middle, and Luca Antonini on the left. In midfield, Van Bommel retained his spot, along with Gennaro Gattuso and Alexander Merkel. Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic started up front with Antonio Cassano, with Clarence Seedorf back in the side behind them.

The game (like many of Milan’s this season) started off at a frantic pace, with Clarence Seedorf involved instantly after returning from injury. As Gennaro Gattuso won the ball back, he managed to find Clarence Seedorf with a little bit of space. The Dutchman took a few strides forward, and unleashed a strike at goal! The shot was a decent one, and it forced Mirante in to making a smart save, but the keeper was not beaten, and despite threatening otherwise, the scores remained level very early on.


With just 7 minutes gone, Milan took the lead! After Alexander Merkel showed good pace and dribbling on the left, he cut inside and took a shot, however, his effort was deflected out towards Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The swede intelligently played a through ball in to space, and Seedorf had already started making the run. Picking up Ibra’s superb pass, Seedorf touched the ball past Antonio Mirante, before walking the ball in to the empty net! A cool, calm and collected finish after a cool calm an collected ball from Ibrahimovic!

Within minutes of a world class save from Abbiati to deny Giovinco, Milan had doubled their lead! Once again, some excellent work from Alexander Merkel lead to the goal – but this time there was a difference. Merkel picked out Antonio Cassano, who ran in towards the box, and layed the ball off to Gennaro Gattuso at the edge – this was just the first part of the 1-2 though, as Gattuso flicked the ball over the Parma defenders, straight to Cassano! Cassano managed to bring the ball down with an excellent first touch, before calmly slotting the ball in to the bottom right corner to score his first goal for the Rossoneri!

Almost 28 minutes in to the game, Milan’s lead could easily have been 3! By this stage the Rossoneri were dominating, and were clearly the better side, with any half chances for Parma few and far between to say the least. Clarence Seedorf was just outside the left edge of the box, when he managed to pull it back across goal! The ball sqqueezed through and it seemingly found its way to Alexander Merkel, but Merkel completely missed the ball whilst swinging for it! He was very unlucky, but his ‘air shot’ was nowhere near the ball, and so the lead stayed at 2-0.

Shortly after, there were another two oppertunities to take the lead, this time through Antonio Cassano, and then Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Cassano’s chance came after a run just outside the box. The italian turned inwards and struck the ball ferociously with power at the goal of Antonio Mirante – however, the goalkeeper did well to punch the ball over the bar. Ibrahimovic’s effort was one where he perhaps should have passed – after some good footwork he found himself approaching the 6 yard box, and Antonio Cassano fired in a superb ball for him which he just got on to, before taking the shot, but his effort went wide.

The half came to a close with the Rossoneri still in complete control. Milan were looking comfortable at the back, and impressie going forward, not a single player was having a poor game, and they had a 2-0 lead to boot! Parma never really got going, and the front 3 of Giovinco, Crespo and Amauri hadn’t really tested Abbiati’s goal.

The opening 10 minutes of the second half were fairly quiet, with little action in front of goal. Milan did have one or two half chances though. Firstly Van Bommel smashed the ball goalwards, and the deflcted shot found it’s way in to the path of Clarence Seedorf, however, he fired over the crossbar. Secondly, Milan should have had a penalty, after Ibrahimovic’s free kick struck a Parma defender’s arm in the wall, but the referee either didn’t see it, or didn’t think it was a penalty, as the game played on. Meanwhile, Parma rarely threatened and the Rossoneri’s back 4 looked solid.

With 58 minutes on the clock, Allegri decided to take off Clarence Seedorf for Robinho – and the dutchman walked off to rapturous applause, after a very good performance.

This proved to be an inspired substitute after just 3 minutes! Despite Parma looking like they might get back in to the game, Milan added to their lead! After a run in to the box on the left from Antonio Cassano, the Italian intelligently managed to flash it across goal, and Ibrahimovic let it run behind him for Robinho to run on to it and score with a very neat finish in to the bottom corner! Instant impact from the substitute, and a goal and an assist wrapped up for Antonio Cassano! As a result of the goal, with all 3 points secured, Massimiliano Allegri decided to bring on Flamini for Gattuso. Seconds after, the lead could have been 4! After an awesome low ball across the box for Robinho by Ibra, but Lucarelli did well to get something on it to stop him scoring!

Nearing the 65 minute mark, Milan crushed Parma’s spirit even further by adding yet another goal! Robinho once again on the scoresheet! Mark Van Bommel managed to pick out Antonio Cassano, who took the ball in his stride and dribbled at the Parma defence! The Italian continued without being stopped until around 20 yards out, where he had Ibrahimovic to his right, and Robinho to his left! He chose the unmarked Robinho, and the Brazilian made no mistake whatsoever in slotting the ball neatly in to the back of the net past the helpless oncoming Antonio Mirante! With the game well and truly done, Allegri gave Pato a run out in the center forward role, and a rest for Ibrahimovic with a sub.

Parma had another half chance within the next 10 minutes, but again Abbiati was on top. Truth be told, Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta completely dominated defensively, it once again showed how much better defensively Milan are when paired together. Thiago Silva was excellent at attacking the Parma forwards, and any time they did get a bit closer to goal, Alessandro Nesta was there to clean up any mess, the pair complimented each other wonderfully, and meant that there was a solid foundation to base attacks on.

The game ended as the last 10 minutes fizzled out quite quickly, the only chance coming from Pato’s effort inside the box, but he didn’t strike it cleanly and it went wide. It was a very comfortable performance, and possibly the best kind of preparation for the Spurs game. There were no fresh injuries, Ibra, Gattuso and Seedorf earned some rest, Flamini, Pato and Robinho had some rest – and the Rossoneri racked up 4 goals whilst looking rarely troubled at the back, an excellent victory!

Best Moment: Robinho’s second goal, to seal the victory

Man of the Match: Antonio Cassano, a goal and 2 assists!

BOLOGNA 0 MILAN 3

Bologna: Viviano; Esposito, Britos, Moras, Morleo; Casarini, Mudingayi, Della Rocca (Meggiorini 46); Buscè (Ekdal 46), Ramirez (Gimenez 76), Di Vaio

Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Bonera, Zambrotta (Antonini 57); Gattuso (Strasser 53), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Boateng (Seedorf 72); Ibrahimovic, Robinho

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.

Zlatan 1 Fiorentina 0

Milan: Abbiati; Bonera, Silva, Nesta, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf (Ronaldinho 86), Flamini; Robinho (Boateng 77), Ibrahimovic

Fiorentina: Boruc; Comotto, Kroldrup, Natali (Camporese 46), Pasqual; Donadel, D'Agostino; Cerci (Santana 60), Ljajic, Marchionni (Vargas 76); Gilardino

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.

Inter 0 Ibra 1, Forza Milan!

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!

Inter: Castellazzi; Cordoba, Materazzi, Lucio, Chivu; Zanetti, Stankovic, Sneijder, Obi (Coutinho 36); Eto'o, Milito

Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Silva, Nesta, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf, Flamini; Robinho, Ibrahimovic

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)

Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Silva, Nesta, Zambrotta; Gattuso (Pirlo 46), Ambrosini, Seedorf (Boateng 73), Flamini; Robinho (Antonini 62), Ibrahimovic

Napoli 1 Milan 2 , Binho and Ibra scores

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Grava, Aronica; Maggio (Yebda 23), Gargano (Dumitru 84), Pazienza, Dossena; Hamsik (Sosa 68), Lavezzi, Cavani

Milan: Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta, Papastathopoulos, Antonini (Oddo 12); Boateng, Pirlo, Gattuso (Flamini 87); Robinho; Pato, Ibrahimovic (Seedorf 75)





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

Milan: Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta, Papastathopoulos, Antonini (Oddo 12); Boateng, Pirlo, Gattuso (Flamini 87); Robinho; Pato, Ibrahimovic (Seedorf 75)

Ac milan vs Chievo 3-0

AC Milan moved to the top of Serie A thanks to a 3-1 win over Chievo this evening, but they were made to work hard for all three points.

Milan: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Nesta, Thiago Silva (Bonera 63), Antonini; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf (Boateng 78); Ronaldinho; Pato (Robinho 69), Ibrahimovic

Chievo: Sorrentino; Frey, Andreolli, Cesar, Mantovani; Bentivoglio (Gelson Fernandes 46), Rigoni, Constant; Bogliacino (Moscardelli 80); Pellissier, Granoche (Thereau 46

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.

lazio 1 milan 1, ibra score

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 vs Catania Preview

Milan vs Catania Preview
Probable Line-Ups:

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.

Champions League : milan 2 auxerre 0

MILAN: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Nesta, Bonera, Antonini; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf; Pato, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho

AUXERRE: Sorin; Hengbart, Coulibaly, Mignot, Grichting; Pedretti, Ndinga; Oliech, Langil, Birsa; Jelen

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.

Milan 4 Lecce 0

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.

MILAN: Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf; Ronaldinho, Borriello, Pato

LECCE: Rosati; Vives, Donati, Sini , Giuliatto, Ferrario; Munari, Giacomazzi, Grossmuller; Mesbah; Corvia


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.

Zlatan "Ibra" ibrahimovic is a milan player !!!!

FINALLY! HE'S OURS!

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.

Gamper Trophy : Ac Milan 1 Barcelona 1 ( pen. 2-4)

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.

MILAN - Barcellona-Milan 4-2, penalties. Statistics:
Barcellona: Pinto, Adriano, Milito (18'sh Fontas), Puyol (18'sh Pique), Abidal (1'sh Dani Alves); Maxwell (1'sh Thiago), Jeffren (18'sh Pedro), Jonathan (18'sh Busquets); Iniesta (18'sh Keita), Ibrahimovic (1'sh Bojan), Villa (18'sh Messi).
Coach: Guardiola.
Milan: Amelia (15'sh Roma); Bonera (1'sh Abate), Nesta (1'sh Papastathopoulos), Thiago Silva (15'sh Yepes), Antonini (1'sh Jankulovski); Ambrosini (1'sh Seedorf), Pirlo, Boateng (37'sh Strasser); Huntelaar (10'sh Oduamadi), Borriello (10'sh Inzaghi), Ronaldinho (31'sh Merkel).
Coach: Allegri.
Goalscorers: 47' Villa (B), 67' Inzaghi (M)
Referee: Borbalan (Spa)
Penalties:
Messi goal; Busquets saved; Bojan goal; Thiago goal;
Seedorf saved; Pirlo saved; Yepes goal; Jankulovski saved.