Susunan Pemain
Udinese: Handanovic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla (Pasquale 61'), Pazienza (Torje 88'), Fernandes, Armero; Abdi; Di Natale (Floro Flores 75')
Milan: Amelia; Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Mesbah; Emanuelson, Ambrosini, Nocerino (Lopez 66'); Seedorf; El Shaarawy, Robinho (Bonera 88')
Udinese tampil menggebrak di awal pertandingan, tim tuan rumah mendapatkan peluang pertama di menit ke-tujuh saat Almen Abdi melepas tembakan di garis kotak penalti AC Milan, sayang tendangannya masih menyamping.
Namun tidak butuh waktu terlalu lama bagi Udinese untuk memecah kebuntuan, Antonio Di Natale berhasil mejebol gawang Milan di menit ke-19 setelah sebelumnya melakukan kerjasama apik dengan Gelson Fernandes.
Highlights Udinese 1-2 AC Milan 11-02-2012 by Maestro21Channel
Tertinggal satu gol membuat Milan mencoba menekan pertahanan Udinese, namun meskipun berhasil menguasai permainan skuad asuhan Max Allegri tersebut tidak mampu menembus pertahanan rapat Udinese.
Bahkan, Udinese yang hampir menggandakan keunggulan melalui serangan balik di menit ke-35. Tetapi tembakan first time Di Natale setelah mendapatkan umpan matang di kotak penalti masih belum menemui sasaran sehingga kedudukan 1-0 tetap bertahan hingga turun minum.
Milan mencoba langsung menggebrak di awal babak kedua, baru tiga menit berjalan, Milan mendapatkan peluang untuk menyamakan kedudukan melalui umpan silang Robinho ke kotak penalti Udinese, sayang Nocerino gagal menyambar bola yang melintas di depannya tersebut.
Milan terus mendominasi permainan, namun mereka tetap tampak kesulitan menembus pertahanan disiplin yang diperagakan oleh skuad Udinese. Sementara tuan rumah terus mengancam Milan melalui serangan-serangan balik yang cepat, beberapa kali mereka mendapat peluang melalui Di Natale dan Armero, namun belum dapat mengubah kedudukan.
Pada menit ke-75, kembali melalui serangan balik, Udinese hampir berhasil menggandakan kedudukan. Kali ini tembakan terarah Maurizio Domizzi berhasil diantisipasi dengan gemilang oleh Marco Amelia. Satu menit kemudian, Amelia kembali menunjukkan kegemilangannya setelah berhasil memblok sepakan pemain Udinese.
Satu menit kemudian, Milan berhasil menyamakan kedudukan menjadi 1-1 melalui serangan balik usai menggagalkan tendangan penjuru Udinese. Striker abru Milan Maxi Lopez berhasil memecahkan kebuntuan setelah sontekannya berhasil merobek jala Hadanovic.
Setelah kedudukan imbang, tempo permainan kembali meningkat, El Shaarawy hampir membuat Milan balik unggul apabila dia dapat lebih tenang ketika hanya berhadapan dengan Handanovic di kotak penalti.
El Shaarawy akhirnya berhasil menebus kesalahannya setelah ia mencetak gol di menit ke-85. Memanfaatkan umpan Maxi Lopez, striker bernomor punggung 92 tersebut berhasil menaklukkan Handanovic dan membalikkan kedudukan menjadi 2-1. Gol tersebut sekaligus menjadi gol kemenangan untuk Milan.
Dengan kemenangan tersebut, Milan berhak menduduki posisi puncak menggusur Juventus dengan selisih dua poin. Sementara itu, Udinese gagal menembus tiga besar karena kekalahan tersebut.
Showing posts with label Thiago Silva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thiago Silva. Show all posts
Milan 0 Napoli 0
Milan: Abbiati (Amelia 45'); Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Emanuelson, Van Bommel, Nocerino; Seedorf (Ambrosini 76'); Ibrahimovic, Robinho (Maxi Lopez 86')
Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica (Pandev 81'); Maggio, Gargano, Dzemaili (Inler 75'), Zuniga; Lavezzi, Hamsik; Cavani
Milan lagi-lagi gagal meraih poin penuh saat melawan tim yang di atas kertas memiliki kualitas yang sama. Melawan Napoli di San Siro, Minggu (5/2) malam WIB, Milan hanya bisa bermain imbang tanpa gol.
Hasil itu tak cukup baik untuk bisa menjaga peluang mereka meraih scudetto di musim ini, meski hingga laga ini berakhir, posisi mereka di peringkat dua Serie A Italia belum tergeser. Milan saat ini masih mengoleksi 42 angka.
Sementara bagi Napoli, meski sukses menahan Milan di San Siro, tambahan satu angka tak cukup baik untuk bisa memperbaiki posisi mereka di klasemen. Napoli tetap berada di papan tengah dengan 31 poin.
Laga di San Siro sejatinya berjalan seru. Kedua tim terlibat jual beli serangan untuk bisa setidaknya mencetak satu gol.
Tapi Napoli yang lebih banyak membuka kans mencetak gol di paruh pertama, di antaranya lewat aksi Marek Hamsik dan Ezequiel Lavezzi. Beruntung bagi Milan karena usaha keduanya tak membuahkan hasil.
Robinho dan Clarence Seedorf juga sempat menguji kesigapan Morgan De Sanctis mengamankan gawang Napoli lewat tendangan jarak jauh. Namun, De Sanctis bermain tanpa kesalahan untuk menyelamatkan gawangnya.
Di babak kedua, De Sanctis banyak melakukan penyelamatan penting untuk mengamankan gawangnya, mulai dari tendangan placing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, hingga sepakan keras Robinho dari dalam kotak penalti.
Di menit 65, Milan kehilangan Ibra. Striker asal Swedia itu membuat tindakan bodoh dengan menampar Aronica tanpa alasan jelas. Wasit yang mendapat masukan dari asistennya pun langsung mencabut kartu merah untuknya.
Unggul satu pemain, Napoli berusaha tampil lebih menekan. Akan tetapi, buruknya penyelesaian akhir membuat gawang Milan tetap perawan hingga laga selesai.
Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica (Pandev 81'); Maggio, Gargano, Dzemaili (Inler 75'), Zuniga; Lavezzi, Hamsik; Cavani
Milan lagi-lagi gagal meraih poin penuh saat melawan tim yang di atas kertas memiliki kualitas yang sama. Melawan Napoli di San Siro, Minggu (5/2) malam WIB, Milan hanya bisa bermain imbang tanpa gol.
Hasil itu tak cukup baik untuk bisa menjaga peluang mereka meraih scudetto di musim ini, meski hingga laga ini berakhir, posisi mereka di peringkat dua Serie A Italia belum tergeser. Milan saat ini masih mengoleksi 42 angka.
Sementara bagi Napoli, meski sukses menahan Milan di San Siro, tambahan satu angka tak cukup baik untuk bisa memperbaiki posisi mereka di klasemen. Napoli tetap berada di papan tengah dengan 31 poin.
Laga di San Siro sejatinya berjalan seru. Kedua tim terlibat jual beli serangan untuk bisa setidaknya mencetak satu gol.
Tapi Napoli yang lebih banyak membuka kans mencetak gol di paruh pertama, di antaranya lewat aksi Marek Hamsik dan Ezequiel Lavezzi. Beruntung bagi Milan karena usaha keduanya tak membuahkan hasil.
Robinho dan Clarence Seedorf juga sempat menguji kesigapan Morgan De Sanctis mengamankan gawang Napoli lewat tendangan jarak jauh. Namun, De Sanctis bermain tanpa kesalahan untuk menyelamatkan gawangnya.
Di babak kedua, De Sanctis banyak melakukan penyelamatan penting untuk mengamankan gawangnya, mulai dari tendangan placing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, hingga sepakan keras Robinho dari dalam kotak penalti.
Di menit 65, Milan kehilangan Ibra. Striker asal Swedia itu membuat tindakan bodoh dengan menampar Aronica tanpa alasan jelas. Wasit yang mendapat masukan dari asistennya pun langsung mencabut kartu merah untuknya.
Unggul satu pemain, Napoli berusaha tampil lebih menekan. Akan tetapi, buruknya penyelesaian akhir membuat gawang Milan tetap perawan hingga laga selesai.
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!
coppa italia : Pato 2 sampdoria 0
Sampdoria: Da Costa; Volta, Accardi, Zauri, Ziegler; Palombo, Poli (Tissone 65), Mannini (Koman 72), Guberti; Maccarone, Macheda
Milan: Roma; Yepes, Sokratis, Oddo, Antonini (Jankulovski 80); Van Bommel, Emanuelson, Thiago Silva; Merkel; Pato (Ibrahimovic 87), Robinho (Cassano 78)
The Rossoneri lined up in a 4-3-1-2, with 2 players making their Milan debut. Flavio Roma continued in goal, whilst Massimo Oddo and Sorkratis Papastathopoulos came in alongside Yepes and Antonini. In midfield, Thiago Silva continued in the anchoring role, whilst Urby Emmanuelson made his debut at the left of the middle 3, with Van Bommel making his debut alongside him. The front 3 consisted of youngster Alexander Merkel, Robinho, and Pato – meaning a well earned rest for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Milan’s first chance of the game fell to Alexander Merkel. After some wonderful play from new signing Urby Emmanuelson – playing a 1-2 with Robinho – the dutchman managed to find Alexander Merkel with a wonderful layoff, however, Merkel’s shot was pulled slightly wide as he opened up too much whilst taking the shot. An early warning sign for Sampdoria just 5 minutes in, though after all the excellent build up play, the shot was a bit of a let off.
Within 2 minutes, Robinho had the ball in the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out. After a volleyed attempt from Urby Emmanuelson, and a deflection off a Samdoria defender, the ball flew high up in to the air, and as it fell, Robinho latched on to it perfectly, volleying it cinlincally in to the bottom corner of the goal, just inside Da Costa’s far post. It was not to be though, the brazilian was standing in an offside position when the shot was taken, and the goal was correctly ruled out as a result.
Wih a quarter of an hour gone, Milan took the lead. The corner from Robino was played short to Emmanuelson, but the dutchman gave it back to Robinho, who volleyed it in to the box. After a bounce (which Sampdoria failed to cut out) Thiago Silva went up and challenged for the ball, and he managed to flick it on for Alexandre Pato, who volleyed it in to the bottom right corner with a stunning finish to cap off a well worked goal! The lead was a deserved one, Milan were looking fairly comfortable and the attack seemed fluid.
5 minutes later and The Rossoneri doubled their lead! Urby Emmanuelson did well to pick out Pato, but the real magic was yet to come. Receiving the ball from Emmanuelson, Pato managed to bring the ball forward, and use a bit of skill to nutmeg Accardi to get past him, before taking an extra touch or two and emphatically blasting the ball in to the back of the net! A stunning goal, and another sign of Milan’s domination, Pato was really enjoying himself out there!
Sampdoria’s first decent effort of the game from Kiko Macheda (on loan from Manchester United) the 19 year old Italian received the ball around 20 yards out, and powered a shot goalwards, but Roma managed to tip it over the bar relatively trouble free, and the pass to Macheda was slightly behind him making it more difficult, espcially with Papastathopoulos coming to pressurise him from the edge of the box.
The lead was almost cut down to 1 once again shortly after. Picking the ball up on the edge of the box, Macheda ran at the Milan defence, and managed to get a shot out quickly. As a result of it travelling low and fast, Roma only saw the ball late, but despite Macheda’s effort beating him – the Italian’s shot was not on target, going narrowly wide to keep Milan 2 goals ahead with 35 minutes on the clock.
Milan were pressing well all over the filed but it was Sampdoria who came closest to scoring next. After good work from Macheda, Guberti was able to get a shot away, however, his effort was blocked by Mario Yepes. This didn’t stop Sampdoria though – as the ball dropped, Kiko Macheda headed the ball on, and Massimo Maccarone reached and took a shot, but Sokratis Papastathopoulos came in with an excellent block and clearence to deny Sampdoria a goal, good brave defending from the greek.
The Rossoneri had one or two half chances to extend their lead before half time, but Pato’s effort went wide, Robinho only just reached the return ball from Pato in a 1-2 (and so missed) and Alexander’s Merkel wasn’t struck with enough conviction. With 2 players making their debut, and a bit of an injury crisis, you’d be forgiven for thinking Milan would struggle against Sampdoria, but the Rossoneri ended the first half on top, with a deserved 2 goal lead thanks to some exellent goals from Alexandre Pato.
After a mixed start to the second half, Sampdoria scored just 5 minutes in to open up the time again. Massimo Maccarone managed to get by Sokratis Papastathopoulos (however, this took place on the left flank where Luca Antonini should have been convering, Sokratis was just filling in), and played the ball in to the box, where Guberti managed to head the ball past Flavio Roma – who had no chance of saving the header from such a close range – to halve Milan’s lead. It came as something of a shock to Milan given how comfortable the Rossoneri had looked, but Sampdoria crafted the goal well.
Sampdoria were taking charge now, and taking the game to Milan. With 58 minutes on the clock, Kiko Macheda went down in the box claiming a penalty, but the ref correctly ignored Sampdoria’s protests. Milan immediately went down the other end though, culminating in Robinho dribbling in and taking on defenders from the left – the brazilian did well to get his strike on target at the near post, but Da Costa managed to punch it out for a corner.
With 15 minutes to go, the impressive Urby Emmanuelson picked up a knock, however he managed to recover, and that meant moments later that Antonini would be subbed off for the return of Marek Jankulovski moments later. Meanwhile, Antonio Cassano was brought on to make his return to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, coming on for Robinho, still in search of his first goal in a Rossoneri shirt, despite playign well and picking up a few crucial assists in his time at the club already. Alexandre Pato was denied the chance of a hat trick after he was taken off with 5 minutes to go, as Ibrahimovic was brought on to close out the game (in fairness, Pato had been quiet second half)
Despite having a quarter of an hour and more momentum, Sampdoria couldn’t muster up an equaliser – even with the 5 minutes of added time. Cassano almost had a dream return to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, but his effort from 20 yards out was not struck cleanly, and then the game fizzled out, meaning Milan secured their place in the Semi Final against Palermo. In a fairly confident display, Milan were the better side overall, even if Sampdoria shaded the second half, Milan were much better in the first, and thanks to Pato’s 2 great goals, they had their progress to the next round to show for it.
Best Moment: Pato’s second goal
Man of the Match: Pato, simply for winning the game for Milan.
Milan: Roma; Yepes, Sokratis, Oddo, Antonini (Jankulovski 80); Van Bommel, Emanuelson, Thiago Silva; Merkel; Pato (Ibrahimovic 87), Robinho (Cassano 78)
The Rossoneri lined up in a 4-3-1-2, with 2 players making their Milan debut. Flavio Roma continued in goal, whilst Massimo Oddo and Sorkratis Papastathopoulos came in alongside Yepes and Antonini. In midfield, Thiago Silva continued in the anchoring role, whilst Urby Emmanuelson made his debut at the left of the middle 3, with Van Bommel making his debut alongside him. The front 3 consisted of youngster Alexander Merkel, Robinho, and Pato – meaning a well earned rest for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Milan’s first chance of the game fell to Alexander Merkel. After some wonderful play from new signing Urby Emmanuelson – playing a 1-2 with Robinho – the dutchman managed to find Alexander Merkel with a wonderful layoff, however, Merkel’s shot was pulled slightly wide as he opened up too much whilst taking the shot. An early warning sign for Sampdoria just 5 minutes in, though after all the excellent build up play, the shot was a bit of a let off.
Within 2 minutes, Robinho had the ball in the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out. After a volleyed attempt from Urby Emmanuelson, and a deflection off a Samdoria defender, the ball flew high up in to the air, and as it fell, Robinho latched on to it perfectly, volleying it cinlincally in to the bottom corner of the goal, just inside Da Costa’s far post. It was not to be though, the brazilian was standing in an offside position when the shot was taken, and the goal was correctly ruled out as a result.
Wih a quarter of an hour gone, Milan took the lead. The corner from Robino was played short to Emmanuelson, but the dutchman gave it back to Robinho, who volleyed it in to the box. After a bounce (which Sampdoria failed to cut out) Thiago Silva went up and challenged for the ball, and he managed to flick it on for Alexandre Pato, who volleyed it in to the bottom right corner with a stunning finish to cap off a well worked goal! The lead was a deserved one, Milan were looking fairly comfortable and the attack seemed fluid.
5 minutes later and The Rossoneri doubled their lead! Urby Emmanuelson did well to pick out Pato, but the real magic was yet to come. Receiving the ball from Emmanuelson, Pato managed to bring the ball forward, and use a bit of skill to nutmeg Accardi to get past him, before taking an extra touch or two and emphatically blasting the ball in to the back of the net! A stunning goal, and another sign of Milan’s domination, Pato was really enjoying himself out there!
Sampdoria’s first decent effort of the game from Kiko Macheda (on loan from Manchester United) the 19 year old Italian received the ball around 20 yards out, and powered a shot goalwards, but Roma managed to tip it over the bar relatively trouble free, and the pass to Macheda was slightly behind him making it more difficult, espcially with Papastathopoulos coming to pressurise him from the edge of the box.
The lead was almost cut down to 1 once again shortly after. Picking the ball up on the edge of the box, Macheda ran at the Milan defence, and managed to get a shot out quickly. As a result of it travelling low and fast, Roma only saw the ball late, but despite Macheda’s effort beating him – the Italian’s shot was not on target, going narrowly wide to keep Milan 2 goals ahead with 35 minutes on the clock.
Milan were pressing well all over the filed but it was Sampdoria who came closest to scoring next. After good work from Macheda, Guberti was able to get a shot away, however, his effort was blocked by Mario Yepes. This didn’t stop Sampdoria though – as the ball dropped, Kiko Macheda headed the ball on, and Massimo Maccarone reached and took a shot, but Sokratis Papastathopoulos came in with an excellent block and clearence to deny Sampdoria a goal, good brave defending from the greek.
The Rossoneri had one or two half chances to extend their lead before half time, but Pato’s effort went wide, Robinho only just reached the return ball from Pato in a 1-2 (and so missed) and Alexander’s Merkel wasn’t struck with enough conviction. With 2 players making their debut, and a bit of an injury crisis, you’d be forgiven for thinking Milan would struggle against Sampdoria, but the Rossoneri ended the first half on top, with a deserved 2 goal lead thanks to some exellent goals from Alexandre Pato.
After a mixed start to the second half, Sampdoria scored just 5 minutes in to open up the time again. Massimo Maccarone managed to get by Sokratis Papastathopoulos (however, this took place on the left flank where Luca Antonini should have been convering, Sokratis was just filling in), and played the ball in to the box, where Guberti managed to head the ball past Flavio Roma – who had no chance of saving the header from such a close range – to halve Milan’s lead. It came as something of a shock to Milan given how comfortable the Rossoneri had looked, but Sampdoria crafted the goal well.
Sampdoria were taking charge now, and taking the game to Milan. With 58 minutes on the clock, Kiko Macheda went down in the box claiming a penalty, but the ref correctly ignored Sampdoria’s protests. Milan immediately went down the other end though, culminating in Robinho dribbling in and taking on defenders from the left – the brazilian did well to get his strike on target at the near post, but Da Costa managed to punch it out for a corner.
With 15 minutes to go, the impressive Urby Emmanuelson picked up a knock, however he managed to recover, and that meant moments later that Antonini would be subbed off for the return of Marek Jankulovski moments later. Meanwhile, Antonio Cassano was brought on to make his return to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, coming on for Robinho, still in search of his first goal in a Rossoneri shirt, despite playign well and picking up a few crucial assists in his time at the club already. Alexandre Pato was denied the chance of a hat trick after he was taken off with 5 minutes to go, as Ibrahimovic was brought on to close out the game (in fairness, Pato had been quiet second half)
Despite having a quarter of an hour and more momentum, Sampdoria couldn’t muster up an equaliser – even with the 5 minutes of added time. Cassano almost had a dream return to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, but his effort from 20 yards out was not struck cleanly, and then the game fizzled out, meaning Milan secured their place in the Semi Final against Palermo. In a fairly confident display, Milan were the better side overall, even if Sampdoria shaded the second half, Milan were much better in the first, and thanks to Pato’s 2 great goals, they had their progress to the next round to show for it.
Best Moment: Pato’s second goal
Man of the Match: Pato, simply for winning the game for Milan.
Cagliari 0 - Milan 1
Cagliari: Agazzi, Astori, Canini, Agostini, Pisano, Conti, Cossu, Lazzari (Biondini 48), Nainggolan, Nene, Matri (Acquafresca 84).
AC Milan: Abbiati, Thiago Silva, Bonera, Antonini, Abate, Seedorf, Merkel (Cassano 74), Ambrosini, Gattuso (Strasser 58), Robinho, Pato.
Substitute Sidney Strasser netted his first professional goal five minutes from time at Cagliari to move AC Milan provisionally five points clear at the Serie A summit.
The 20-year-old Sierra Leone midfielder, a second-half replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, slotted home a late winner after fine work from new signing Antonio Cassano.
The result extended the Rossoneri's advantage at the top to five points over second-placed Lazio, although third-spotted Napoli can close that gap by winning at Inter Milan this evening.
The league leaders were made hard to work for their win today, with goalkeeper Michael Agazzi pulling off a brilliant fingertip save to keep out an early Robinho effort.
But the visitors did not have it all their own way and nearly fell behind just after the half-hour, when Michele Canini headed a corner against the post for 15th-placed Cagliari.
Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati then punched away a bullet 30-yard attempt from Andrea Lazzari as the teams went in at the break goalless.
Abbiati almost gifted the hosts the opener five minutes after the restart with a poor clearance which went straight to Nene, but he wasted his golden opportunity by firing over.
Robinho passed up another chance midway through the second half after latching onto Alexandre Pato's pass, failing to test Agazzi.
Cagliari too were not settling for a point and Abbiati did well two minutes later to keep out a drilled left-footed effort from Alessandro Matri.
But when the deadlock was finally broken it was the visiting fans who were cheering, Strasser beating the offside trap and slotting home from Cassano's pass.
AC Milan: Abbiati, Thiago Silva, Bonera, Antonini, Abate, Seedorf, Merkel (Cassano 74), Ambrosini, Gattuso (Strasser 58), Robinho, Pato.
Substitute Sidney Strasser netted his first professional goal five minutes from time at Cagliari to move AC Milan provisionally five points clear at the Serie A summit.
The 20-year-old Sierra Leone midfielder, a second-half replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, slotted home a late winner after fine work from new signing Antonio Cassano.
The result extended the Rossoneri's advantage at the top to five points over second-placed Lazio, although third-spotted Napoli can close that gap by winning at Inter Milan this evening.
The league leaders were made hard to work for their win today, with goalkeeper Michael Agazzi pulling off a brilliant fingertip save to keep out an early Robinho effort.
But the visitors did not have it all their own way and nearly fell behind just after the half-hour, when Michele Canini headed a corner against the post for 15th-placed Cagliari.
Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati then punched away a bullet 30-yard attempt from Andrea Lazzari as the teams went in at the break goalless.
Abbiati almost gifted the hosts the opener five minutes after the restart with a poor clearance which went straight to Nene, but he wasted his golden opportunity by firing over.
Robinho passed up another chance midway through the second half after latching onto Alexandre Pato's pass, failing to test Agazzi.
Cagliari too were not settling for a point and Abbiati did well two minutes later to keep out a drilled left-footed effort from Alessandro Matri.
But when the deadlock was finally broken it was the visiting fans who were cheering, Strasser beating the offside trap and slotting home from Cassano's pass.
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
Milan 3 Palermo 0 : bravo Pato,bravo Ibra,bravo Binho
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Yepes, Thiago Silva, Antonini;
Flamini, Ambrosini, Boateng; Seedorf; Ibrahimovic, Pato.
Palermo:
Sirigu; Cassani, Munoz, Bovo, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Bacinovic,
Nocerino; Pastore, Ilicic; Pinilla.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a penalty and made the third goal for Milan as they overcame Palermo at the San Siro. The home side had gone ahead midway through the first half thanks to Pato but Armin Bacinovic equalised just after the break for the away team, before Ibrahimovic stole the points for the Rossoneri at the death.
Both sides started the match at a relatively slow pace as they tried to play keep ball for the opening exchanges, but it was the away side who took the first steps to breaking the deadlock, with Armin Bacinovic making some good runs from deep that encouraged his team forward.
This momentum didn't last too long as Milan worked their way into the game and began to take over the midfield. Clarence Seedorf dropped deep and was orchestrating the midfield, showing off his excellent range of passing, which allowed Kevin-Prince Boateng freedom to bomb forward and test Salvatore Sirigu with a number of long range efforts.
Applying almost constant pressure it wasn't long before Milan broke the deadlock with Seedorf supplying the ammunition for Pato's bullet header that gave the Rossoneri the lead after 20 minutes.
With Milan having such a territorial advantage Palermo's best hope was a counter attack but their talisman Javier Pastore was off colour as he was barely afforded any time on the ball by the home side.
Mauricio Pinilla had most of Palermo's chances but he couldn't make anything of them and other than the Chilean's efforts they were restricted to tame long range shots as the half drew to a close.
But after the break it seemed Palermo had been given a few choice words from Delio Rossi as they came out with a new intent and fire, putting Milan under pressure and asking questions of Mario Yepes and Thiago Silva in defence.
However, they were dealt a blow when Javier Pastore was taken off five minutes after the restart with a knee injury, but he was replaced by club captain Fabrizio Miccoli. Just as Milan thought they had the game under control again, Bacinovic scored from long range, hitting his shot low along the ground from 25 yards.
Christian Abbiati was unsighted, though he will be bitterly disappointed to have let a seemingly tame shot past him, but his blushes were almost spared as Seedorf hit the post from inside the box at the other end.
It was however another member of the old guard that changed the game as Massimo Ambrosini burst forward and as he took the ball across the six yard box, Sirigu brought him down and a penalty was awarded.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic then stepped up to smash the ball, low into the corner and it wasn't long before the Swede was involved once again as he sprinted down the left side straight into the penalty area before playing the ball to an unmarked Robinho who made it three.
The Brazilian then had the chance to return the favour but his pass was poor and Palermo cleared as Ibrahimovic made his way into the box unmarked.
The result takes Milan to the summit of Serie A after Lazio lost to Cesena, while Palermo drop to ninth place after the midweek games and pressure will be on both teams as it's derby day this weekend, Palermo are at home to Catania and Milan are the designated away side at the San Siro when they face Inter.
Flamini, Ambrosini, Boateng; Seedorf; Ibrahimovic, Pato.
Palermo:
Sirigu; Cassani, Munoz, Bovo, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Bacinovic,
Nocerino; Pastore, Ilicic; Pinilla.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a penalty and made the third goal for Milan as they overcame Palermo at the San Siro. The home side had gone ahead midway through the first half thanks to Pato but Armin Bacinovic equalised just after the break for the away team, before Ibrahimovic stole the points for the Rossoneri at the death.
Both sides started the match at a relatively slow pace as they tried to play keep ball for the opening exchanges, but it was the away side who took the first steps to breaking the deadlock, with Armin Bacinovic making some good runs from deep that encouraged his team forward.
This momentum didn't last too long as Milan worked their way into the game and began to take over the midfield. Clarence Seedorf dropped deep and was orchestrating the midfield, showing off his excellent range of passing, which allowed Kevin-Prince Boateng freedom to bomb forward and test Salvatore Sirigu with a number of long range efforts.
Applying almost constant pressure it wasn't long before Milan broke the deadlock with Seedorf supplying the ammunition for Pato's bullet header that gave the Rossoneri the lead after 20 minutes.
With Milan having such a territorial advantage Palermo's best hope was a counter attack but their talisman Javier Pastore was off colour as he was barely afforded any time on the ball by the home side.
Mauricio Pinilla had most of Palermo's chances but he couldn't make anything of them and other than the Chilean's efforts they were restricted to tame long range shots as the half drew to a close.
But after the break it seemed Palermo had been given a few choice words from Delio Rossi as they came out with a new intent and fire, putting Milan under pressure and asking questions of Mario Yepes and Thiago Silva in defence.
However, they were dealt a blow when Javier Pastore was taken off five minutes after the restart with a knee injury, but he was replaced by club captain Fabrizio Miccoli. Just as Milan thought they had the game under control again, Bacinovic scored from long range, hitting his shot low along the ground from 25 yards.
Christian Abbiati was unsighted, though he will be bitterly disappointed to have let a seemingly tame shot past him, but his blushes were almost spared as Seedorf hit the post from inside the box at the other end.
It was however another member of the old guard that changed the game as Massimo Ambrosini burst forward and as he took the ball across the six yard box, Sirigu brought him down and a penalty was awarded.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic then stepped up to smash the ball, low into the corner and it wasn't long before the Swede was involved once again as he sprinted down the left side straight into the penalty area before playing the ball to an unmarked Robinho who made it three.
The Brazilian then had the chance to return the favour but his pass was poor and Palermo cleared as Ibrahimovic made his way into the box unmarked.
The result takes Milan to the summit of Serie A after Lazio lost to Cesena, while Palermo drop to ninth place after the midweek games and pressure will be on both teams as it's derby day this weekend, Palermo are at home to Catania and Milan are the designated away side at the San Siro when they face Inter.
Serie A Preview : AC milan vs Lecce
Stadio San Siro will be full for the presentation of new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic this evening, and afterwards, Milan will play the first match of the Serie A against newly promoted side U.S. Lecce.
Massimo Oddo and Mathieu Flamini are out injured, while Marek Jankulovski, Kakha Kaladze, Oguchi Onyewu, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mario Yepes and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have not been called-up.
In the meantime, new coach Massimiliano Allegri will have all of his players available to face Lecce, with Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato set to start having recovered from a muscular injury.
"I am not 100% but I feel better,'' said Pato. "I believe I will be ready for our first game of the season.
"My aim is always to help the team do well and contribute so that Milan wins everything.''
Rivals Lecce make their anticipated return to Serie A tomorrow but will have to do without injured striker Ernesto Chevanton.
Chevanton, who is returning to the club for a second spell after six years away, was the biggest name in a summer of busy recruitment in Lecce.
Chevanton is recuperating from a muscular problem while Lecce coach Luigi De Canio will also be without suspended midfielder Riccardo Oliveira.
AC Milan Squad List
Goalkeepers: Christian Abbiati, Marco Amelia, Flavio Roma;
Defenders: Luca Antonini, Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Thiago Silva;
Midfielders: Ignazio Abate, Massimo Ambrosini, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Rodney Strasser;
Forwards: Marco Borriello, Filippo Inzaghi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho.
U.S Lecce Squad List
Goalkeepers: Giulio Donati, Alberto Giuliatto, Antonio Rosati, Massimiliano Benassi;
Defenders: Simone Sini, Tore Reginiussen, Stefano Ferrario,
Midfielders: Gianni Munari, Djamel Mesbah, Guillermo Giacomazzi, Ignacio Piatti, Giuseppe Vives, Carlos Grossmüller, Davide Brivio
Forwards: Daniele Corvia, Bryan Bergougnoux, Javier Chevantón, Andrea Bertolacci.
Massimo Oddo and Mathieu Flamini are out injured, while Marek Jankulovski, Kakha Kaladze, Oguchi Onyewu, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mario Yepes and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have not been called-up.
In the meantime, new coach Massimiliano Allegri will have all of his players available to face Lecce, with Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato set to start having recovered from a muscular injury.
"I am not 100% but I feel better,'' said Pato. "I believe I will be ready for our first game of the season.
"My aim is always to help the team do well and contribute so that Milan wins everything.''
Rivals Lecce make their anticipated return to Serie A tomorrow but will have to do without injured striker Ernesto Chevanton.
Chevanton, who is returning to the club for a second spell after six years away, was the biggest name in a summer of busy recruitment in Lecce.
Chevanton is recuperating from a muscular problem while Lecce coach Luigi De Canio will also be without suspended midfielder Riccardo Oliveira.
AC Milan Squad List
Goalkeepers: Christian Abbiati, Marco Amelia, Flavio Roma;
Defenders: Luca Antonini, Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Thiago Silva;
Midfielders: Ignazio Abate, Massimo Ambrosini, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Rodney Strasser;
Forwards: Marco Borriello, Filippo Inzaghi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho.
U.S Lecce Squad List
Goalkeepers: Giulio Donati, Alberto Giuliatto, Antonio Rosati, Massimiliano Benassi;
Defenders: Simone Sini, Tore Reginiussen, Stefano Ferrario,
Midfielders: Gianni Munari, Djamel Mesbah, Guillermo Giacomazzi, Ignacio Piatti, Giuseppe Vives, Carlos Grossmüller, Davide Brivio
Forwards: Daniele Corvia, Bryan Bergougnoux, Javier Chevantón, Andrea Bertolacci.
BERLUSCONI TROPHY : milan 4 Juventus 5

OFFICIAL LINE-UPS FOR BERLUSCONI TROPHY
MILAN: Abbiati; Bonera, Papastathopoulos, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf, Oduamadi, Borriello, Ronaldinho.
JUVENTUS: Manninger; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Pepe, Marchisio, Felipe Melo, Martinez; Trezeguet, Del Piero
After a goalless ninety minutes, Milan went down 5-4 on penalties to Juventus in the 20th Berlusconi Trophy.
Massimiliano Allegri sent this line-up out: Christian Abbiati in goal; a defence of Daniele Bonera and Luca Antonini at full-back, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Thiago Silva in the central. In midfield the coach went for Massimo Ambrosini, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf. The attack was lead by Oduamadi, Borriello and Ronaldinho.
On the bench: Amelia, Yepes, Abate, Flamini, Gattuso, Strasser, Huntelaar e Inzaghi.
Bianconeri coach Gigi Del Neri: Manninger; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Pepe, Marchisio, Felipe Melo, Martinez; Trezeguet, Del Piero.
Milan started brightly and dominated the opening stages with Juventus playing on the break although the Rossoneri defence moved quickly to close down the visiting attack.
Ronaldinho started to create space drifting in from the left and it was a low ball that Oduamadi just failed to control that almost opened the scoring.
Five minutes from the break Bonera hit a powerful left-footed shot which Manninger kept out and then Seedorf hit a stunning volley just wide.
On 76 minutes Flamini turned sharply in the area on the end of a Ronaldinho pass but Manninger pushed the effort away. At the other end Abbiati was across his line to punch a Motta angled shot behind for a corner.
An Ambrosini cross was just too high for Inzaghi and then Flamini almost got on the end of Ronaldinho's through-ball but no breakthrough could be found even with four minutes added.
This was the sequence of penalties:
Ronaldinho (M): GOAL (1-0); Pepe (J): GOAL (1-1); Thiago Silva (M): missed (1-1); Bonucci (J): GOAL (1-2); Bonera (M): GOAL (2-2); Lanzafame (J): GOAL (3-2), Inzaghi: GOAL (3-3); Diego (J): GOAL (4-3); Huntelaar (M): GOAL (4-4); Motta (J): GOAL (5-4).
STATISTICS
MILAN-JUVENTUS 4-5 pens (0-0)
Milan (4-3-3): Abbiati; Antonini, Thiago Silva, Papastathopoulos, Bonera; Seedorf (32' sh Huntelaar), Pirlo (27' sh Gattuso), Ambrosini; Ronaldinho, Borriello (15' sh Inzaghi), Oduamadi (21' sh Flamini). On the bench: Amelia, Yepes, Abate. Coach. Allegri.
Juventus (4-4-2): Manninger; Grygera (34' sh Motta), Legrottaglie (27' sh Bonucci), Chiellini, De Ceglie; Martinez (27' sh Lanzafame), Melo, Marchisio (13' sh Sissoko), Pepe; Trezeguet (13' sh Amauri), Del Piero (13' sh Diego). On the bench: Storari. All. Delneri
Referee: Romeo
Goalscorers: -
Yellow cards: Flamini (M)
Red cards: -
PENALTIES: Ronaldinho (M) goal, Pepe (J) goal, Thiago Silva (M) missed, Bonucci (J) goal, Bonera (M) goal, Lanzafame (J) goal, Inzaghi (M) goal, Diego (J) goal, Huntelaar (M) goal, Motta (J) goal
Serie A November 22,2009, Milan 4 Cagliari 3
IT'S OVER: MILAN-CAGLIARI 4-3at san Siro it finished Milan-Cagliari 4-3. In the second half two more goals, one per team: Ronaldinho on a penalty in the 62nd minute and Nené in the 69th.
Milan - Dida; Oddo, Thiago Silva, Kaladze, Zambrotta; Pirlo, Ambrosini; Pato, Seedorf, Ronaldinho; Borriello.
Cagliari - Marchetti; Canini, Lopez, Astori, Agostini; Dessena, Conti, Biondini; Lazzari; Jeda, Matri.
AC Milan were imperious in attack but woeful defensively in a 4-3 home win over Cagliari on Sunday which summed up their topsy-turvy season.
Clarence Seedorf gave the hosts the lead in the fifth minute, but Alessandro Matri replied within five minutes and Andrea Lazzari gave the Sardinians a deserved lead after half an hour. But two goals in as many minutes earned Milan the half-time lead with Marco Borriello and Alexandre Pato on target.
A penalty by Ronaldinho gave the Rossoneri a two-goal advantage in the 62nd minute, but they were made to sweat for their third straight league win when Nene reduced the arrears in the 69th minute.
Milan - Dida; Oddo, Thiago Silva, Kaladze, Zambrotta; Pirlo, Ambrosini; Pato, Seedorf, Ronaldinho; Borriello.
Cagliari - Marchetti; Canini, Lopez, Astori, Agostini; Dessena, Conti, Biondini; Lazzari; Jeda, Matri.
AC Milan were imperious in attack but woeful defensively in a 4-3 home win over Cagliari on Sunday which summed up their topsy-turvy season.
Clarence Seedorf gave the hosts the lead in the fifth minute, but Alessandro Matri replied within five minutes and Andrea Lazzari gave the Sardinians a deserved lead after half an hour. But two goals in as many minutes earned Milan the half-time lead with Marco Borriello and Alexandre Pato on target.
A penalty by Ronaldinho gave the Rossoneri a two-goal advantage in the 62nd minute, but they were made to sweat for their third straight league win when Nene reduced the arrears in the 69th minute.
Lazio 1- Milan 2

Viva milan
Viva pato
Viva Thiago silva
At the Stadio Olimpico of Rome it finished Lazio-Milan 1-2. In the second half the Biancocelesti reduced the disadvantage with Thiago Silva's own goal in the 65th minute. At half time it was 0-2 thanks to goals by Thiago Silva in the 21st minute and Pato in the 35th.
Lazio - Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Siviglia, Radu, Kolarov; Brocchi, Baronio, Mauri; Matuzalem; Rocchi, Zarate.
MILAN - Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta; Ambrosini, Pirlo; Seedorf; Pato, Borriello, Ronaldinho
In-form AC Milan moved up to third in Serie A after inflicting a home defeat on Lazio which leaves the Rome side hovering just above the relegation zone.
Thiago Silva put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute before Alexandre Pato extended his team's lead before the break.
Lazio reduced the arrears in the 64th minute when Silva deflected Mauro Zarate's strike into his own goal.
The hosts had chances to level the score but Milan held on to claim all three points.
The outcome means it is four wins in the last five league games for Leonardo's Milan while Lazio are still searching for their first triumph since August 30.
The hosts went into the game on the back of a 4-1 midweek humiliation at Villarreal in the Europa League.
Davide Ballardini's men enjoyed a good start and should have taken an early lead.
Roberto Baronio's pass found an unmarked Tommaso Rocchi inside the area and he fired wide.
Shortly after, Aleksandar Kolarov's left-footed strike forced Dida to make a good save.
At the other end, Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera did well to keep out Massimo Oddo's strike from the edge of the area.
There was little Muslera could do to prevent the Rossoneri taking the lead as Silva latched onto a free-kick by Andrea Pirlo and nodded past Muslera.
The Rossoneri maintained the pressure and almost doubled their advantage soon after.
Pato did well to get behind Pirlo's cross from the right but his weak header proved an easy catch for Muslera.
The home side reacted and almost levelled the score on the half-hour mark when Zarate smashed in a powerful free-kick that Dida managed to palm over the bar.
Ten minutes before half-time and Pato made it 2-0.
Ronaldinho's cross found his fellow Brazilian inside the area and Pato's header went inside the top right-hand corner of the goal.
Dida made sure his team went into the break with a 2-0 lead, diving to his right to parry away Matuzalem's stinging drive from distance.
Ballardini made his first substitution after the re-start, with Julio Cruz replacing Stefano Mauri, but Milan's dominance continued in the second half.
Pirlo's curled free-kick went just over the bar.
Shortly after, Marco Borriello did well to control Pirlo's pass inside the area but was unable to fire on target.
On the hour mark, Massimo Ambrosini made a crucial clearance inside the area with Cruz ready to strike from close range.
Lazio reduced the deficit soon after, with Dida having no chance to save Zarate's deflected shot.
The goal inspired the hosts, who surged forward looking for an equaliser.
They were almost rewarded with 15 minutes remaining.
Meghni's cross from the left found Rocchi inside the area but his header went wide.
The visitors dominated the closing stages of the game.
Muslera made a great save to deny Flamini while the Lazio keeper was forced to fully stretch to clear Pato's bullet strike from the edge of the area in what was the last chance of the game.
Another result :
11/07 Catania 0 - 0 Napoli
11/07 Atalanta 2 - 5 Juventus
11/08 Bari 1 - 0 Livorno
11/08 Parma 2 - 0 Chievo Verona
11/08 Cagliari 2 - 0 Sampdoria
11/08 Lazio 1 - 2 AC Milan
11/08 Bologna 3 - 1 Palermo
11/08 Genoa 4 - 2 Siena
11/08 Udinese 0 - 1 Fiorentina
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
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