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.

MILAN 3 BRESCIA 0

Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Nesta (Yepes 46), Thiago Silva, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini (Flamini 63); Boateng; Ibrahimovic (Ronaldinho 69), Robinho

Brescia: Sereni; Zebina, Bega, Martinez; Berardi, Vass (Budel 66), Hetemaj, Daprelà; Diamanti, Kone (Eder 58); Caracciolo



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

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

Bari 2 Milan 3 : Viva Milan

Bari 2 Milan 3

BARI-MILAN, Formazione Ufficiale/Official Line-up:

BARI: Gillet; Belmonte, Masiello, Rossi, Parisi; Alvarez, Almiron, Donati, Pulzetti; Kutuzov, Barreto.
MILAN: Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Yepes, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Flamini; Seedorf; Ibrahimovic, Robinho.

GOAL
Vitaly Kutuzov (65) Massimo Ambrosini (4)
Paulo Vito Barreto (90) Mathieu Flamini (31)
Pato (72)

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.

Chievo 1 - Milan 2

Nest nesta nesta...
At the Stadio Bentegodi it finished Chievo-Milan 1-2. During the first half the home side took the lead in the 7th minute thanks to Pinzi. In the second half the Rossoneri found the victory thanks to the brace scored by Alessandro Nesta in the 81st and 92nd minutes.

Chievo: Sorrentino; Frey, Morero, Mandelli, Mantovani; Luciano, Iori, Marcolini; Pinzi; Pellissier, Bogdani.

MILAN: Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Flamini, Pirlo, Seedorf; Pato, Huntelaar, Ronaldinho.

Serie A 2009/2010 : Siena- Milan Preview

Leonardo De Araujo makes his debut as first team coach, in the Italian Serie A. The Brazilian is one of the three debuting coaches in Serie A along with Atzori (Catania) and Russo (Livorno). If he plays, Gennaro Gattuso will make his 400th official appearence with Milan's shirt, having made his debut on 15 September 1999 in Chelsea-Milan 0-0 (Champions League). Gattuso has made 276 appearences in Serie A, 23 in the Coppa Italia, 2 in the Italian Supercup, 79 in the Champions League, 14 in the Uefa Cup, 2 in the European Supercup, and 3 in the Intercontinental Cup/Club World Cup. If he plays, Cristiano Del Grosso makes his 100th appearence in Serie A: his debut was on 28 August 2005, Ascoli-Milan 1-1.

Here is the list of players called up for Siena-Milan: Perucchini, Roma, Storari, Antonini, Favalli, Jankulovski, Nesta, Onyewu, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta, Abate, Ambrosini, Flamini, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Borriello, Inzaghi, Pato, Ronaldinho.
Unavailable players: Dida, Abbiati, Bonera, Di Gennaro.
Players not called up: Kaladze, Oddo, Zigoni.
Suspended: Huntelaar.


Here are the main declarations of the Rossoneri's coach.

HUNTELAAR'S SUSPENSION
"We knew, there was the hope to remove it, but there was not possibility to field him. Unfortunately he cannot play, but we knew that.

THE FIRST MATCH AGAINST SIENA AND THE SEASON
"The first matchday arrives, now we are all at zero points and we start off on the same level. Tomorrow's game is one we can have to face fully concentrated. We must act like in the Berlusconi Trophy, playing with the same attention and concentration. It was an important month of work, I think that the team is ready.

"Starting out well is always fundamental, managing to give a fingerprint to our performance would important for ourselves. I don't think that it is decisive to win or lose, but I think that the team is able to start off well. We have reacted well to the difficulties and the proof was Milan-Juve at San Siro. We need to give a signal straight away to ourselves and to the others to prove what we are. We cannot say today what we are, it will be the games to say so, in the path of the season.

"Who can win the Scudetto? I will not make too many calculations, let's think about ourselves and to how we can improve. Starting from Bonera, Dida and Abbiati, apart from Di Gennaro, we have available everyone and this is very important. We know the commitments we have, I don't want to stay here to preach what we shall do and what we will not do. Milan can always start with the willl to win. Game after game, we shall understand what we can do. We start out knowing that we are Milan and that we have inside us this will to win. Then it will be the games to determine things. We play match after match and we'll see where we can arrive.

FORMATION AND INJURIES

"The formation doubts will always be there and if we will have the entire squad available, the doubts will always be welcome. Everyone is returning and this is what matters. The basis to the squad which goes on the pitch is that of the team who played in the Berlusconi Trophy.

"Borriello or Inzaghi? I see them well both, they are different players. The choice can be for their characteristics. I will keep the doubt until tomorrow, I want to understand also how Siena will play, we don't know exactly what to expect. They tried the 4-3-1-2, but they also have the possibility for the 4-3-3. We'll see.

"Kaladze had a series of injuries, he stopped, he is doing a new period of preparation. His week has been very good, he's close to be totally available. If this team will always have its potential available, it will be a good season. Oddo not called-up? With Massimo I have always spoken and I had done so also with Kalac. Right from the start I told him that I had some ideas and that if he had found a better place than the one of Milan today, we could have spoke about it. He has always worked hard in all of the moments of the preparation and this is very important. The transfer market is open. If he had to find a better place we'll see. De Silvestri? In the transfer market one thing is tied to another, we must see. We have to wait. We start off with this group and I think that it's a valid group. The idea is a player on the wing, but there are many impossible names. We'll see what is possible until August 31. The moment in general, on the transfer market, is of economic difficulty. We see the big clubs, but also the average and the small ones. It's a period like this."

A FIRST BALANCE
"We're coming from a tiring month, useful for some tests. Today I feel strong, more inside the squad, I confronted myself with a different role which I like more, I find in the players a continuous response which makes me go forward. All that we have suffered last year we paid for it even until today: the recovery of Nesta and Gatuzo, fundamental players, Borriello who was out for a year, Kaladze out for a long period, Bonera still out, Inzaghi, Seedorf and Ambro at times not available during the preparation... I did not expect a brilliant Milan for these reasons. What I see today is that this team has a unique sense of belonging, to Milan: everyone knows their importance and what it is to live the Rossoneri's world. This is the departure. The rest, tactics, form and so one, must be built.The solid base is a matter of pride and objectives and this exists and is increasing. It's this energy that makes the world go round, the rest is built day after day.

"How can you have trust in this Milan? During the preparation we did not prove our real value. Until Chelsea, in reality we had done very well, until the squad was full and complete. We were not in form but we had energies to use. From then onwards, Amrbo and Seedorf stopped, Borriello, Nesta and Gattuso felt the initial sprint. What this team is, is not the picture of the preparation. The week of work at Milanello was very positive and it was a proud response to start again. At our return from America I think that Milan improved a lot."

THE BENCH DEBUT

"If I'm excited for the bench debut? Sincerely my personal stories I now see them useless, I'm in the role of thinking about the others' emotions, not mine. This career is a surprise for me. I'm thinking about making a career, I'm responding to a call of a club to whom I'm completely tied and I try to do my best, with what is my experience. Honestly my personal stories and emotions fall a bit. I'm only worried about reching my objectives.

SILVIO BERLUSCONI AND RONALDINHO

"My rapport with Berlusconi is very good. When he talks about swage cuts and so on, he speaks like a football director, more than as Milan president. He talks about a football idea which needs to be re-thought. His words are tied to ties, for a more sustainable football in the future.

"Berlusconi is in love with Ronaldinho, he knows that he has a pearl at home which needs to be used at its best. I have known Ronaldinho since always, I know his story, I play for years with his brother, I'm Brazilian. His training session today was beautiful to see. He must do what he did today always. I will do everything to make him and the entire team give their best. I want to get from him, and from those who can, the best. He's improving, he's returning, either now or never, his moment for Milan and the national team is now, in all sense, also for the prearation he has made.

THE BRAZILIANS, THE NATIONAL TEAM AND THE ROSSONERI'S TACTICS

"Pato is an incredible talent who must affirm himself in the national teal. Thiago is paying for those six months he did with us without playing. I think that both, just like Ronaldino, will soon return in Brazil. Egoistically we have them here for ourselves, it's a positive thing. Ronaldinho today is playing as a forward. We play with 4-3-1-2 with Ronaldinho as forward and he must be decisive in attack. We play like we have always played. I Pato can become top-scorer. He has enormous possibilities, he has grown, he has become more man also in his physique. He has speed, he is spontaneous in his movements, easily arrives, but he needs to find continuity. He has scored 15 goals last year, but he has head of him still many things to do."

LIPPI-MOURINHO

"The row between Mourinho-Lippi? I'm out of it, in order not to add other opinions. It's not that I don't want to sway one side or the other, it's that I have other things in my mind. What I can say is that I'm happy about the good luck tha Mourinho gave me in Boston and the charge that Lippi gave me at the Berlusconi trophy. We met and he was very nice with me."

8/22 17:00 UK Bologna VS Fiorentina
8/22 19:45 UK Siena VS AC Milan
8/23 17:00 UK Internazionale VS Bari
8/23 19:45 UK Livorno VS Cagliari
8/23 19:45 UK Genoa VS AS Roma
8/23 19:45 UK Lazio VS Atalanta
8/23 19:45 UK Catania VS Sampdoria
8/23 19:45 UK Palermo VS Napoli
8/23 19:45 UK Juventus VS Chievo Verona
8/23 19:45 UK Udinese VS Parma

Nesta Kembali Musim Depan....

Milanisti khawatir dengan kondisi Nesta Musim ini.. Bahkan, Nesta sempat dikhawatirkan pensiun dini akibat cedera yang tak kunjung pulih, Alesandro Nesta menunjukkan perkembangan yang menggembirakan setelah dia mulai ikut berkatih penuh bersama rekan-rekannya di AC Milan.

Sepanjang musim ini belum sekalipun Nesta tampil membela Milan di berbagai ajang. Cedera punggung yang sudah membebatnya sejak akhir musim lalu membuat bek 33 tahun itu selalu berada di ruang perawatan menyembuhkan cedera yang tak kunjung pulih.

Isu tak sedap bahkan sempat berhembus yang menyatakan kalau mantan pemain Lazio itu akan dipaksa mengakhir karirnya lebih cepat. Namun masa depan mantan pesepakbola internasional Italia itu sepertinya masih akan bertahan beberapa musim lagi karena kondisinya kini berangsur pulih.

Sekarang, Nesta sudah terlihat kembali berlatih pada awal pekan ini. Tak cuma skedar latihan memulihkan kondisi pasca cedera karena dia sudah bisa bergabung dengan skuad Rossoneri lainnya untuk menjalani latihan penuh.

Belum ada pernyataan resmi dari pihak Milan terkait kabar positif ini. Namun pihak Diavolo Rosso diyakini tak akan mengambil risiko dengan menurunkan Nesta di dua pertandingan sisa musim ini demi memastikan kondisnya benar-benar pulih di musim depan.