A.C. Milan Forum - Welcome to San Siro, Home of the Rossoneri

demouse

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Rui Costa going nowhere

Manuel Rui Costa maintains he is happy at Milan despite reports that he could be on the verge of being sold.

The Portuguese ace was again left on the bench for the Brugge game last night as boss Carlo Ancelotti kept faith with Brazilian star Kaka.

"Obviously it is only logical that I wasn’t happy with being left out but when I went on to the field I gave it my all," he said.

"I’m just working hard and I’m not about to give up. It is normal for there to be strong competition for places at a club like this one."

The former Fiorentina star also dismissed speculation that he has a problem with Coach Ancelotti.

"That’s not true," he continued. "I’ve never been one to cause problems within a squad and I’m not about to start now."

Reports on Thursday suggested that Rui Costa could soon be on his way out of the club if he continued to be ignored.

With former club Benfica, Barcelona and Liverpool all believed to be interested in his services.

There are also rumours circulating today that Inter rejected the chance to sign the playmaker in the past.

Milan apparently offered him to Inter in exchange for Clarence Seedorf. Then boss Hector Cuper allegedly turned him down and Francesco Coco joined the Nerazzurri instead.
 

demouse

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Inzaghi sits out Samp game

Pippo Inzaghi and Rivaldo will not step on to the field against Sampdoria this Sunday after picking up injury worries.

The Italian international was set to start at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, but pulled a right thigh muscle during the final training session.

Club doctors suggest he stay on at the Milanello camp to perform specialist exercises and physiotherapy.

Rivaldo is also out of action for the trip to Genoa after suffering yet another muscular problem.

The Brazilian has barely featured for the Rossoneri this season due to a series of setbacks.

Therefore it is likely that Danish World Cup star Jon Dahl Tomasson will start alongside Andriy Shevchenko tomorrow afternoon.

There are also reports that Kaka’ will be partnered by Manuel Rui Costa in a more creative midfield after the Portuguese hero was left on the bench for the midweek defeat to Club Brugge.
 

demouse

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Ancelotti calls for 'real' Milan

Carlo Ancelotti has urged his side to beat Sampdoria with a show of force in order to silence the doubters.

“I think the defeat to Club Brugge was merely a blip,” insisted the Milan Coach, “but this next game will be the test of that theory.”

The Rossoneri are the reigning European Champions, but have always struggled to see off the smaller sides.

“Our first disappointing performance of the season was the 0-0 at Celta Vigo, but we must ensure this is just a worrying moment rather than a trend.”

Sampdoria have won only once so far this season despite their star-studded squad that includes ex-Milan men Massimo Donati and Francesco Antonioli.

“The Blucerchiati have always played well against the big teams and deserve more points than they have. This is an organised squad that will close down all the spaces, so we must learn to create that extra room.”

Much has been said on Ancelotti’s recent decisions, in particular leaving Manuel Rui Costa on the bench in favour of youngster Kaka’.

“I fielded the same men against Bruges as those who had beaten Inter and Lazio because they had played well and looked fit,” he explained.

“Some players are tired and will therefore be rested for this trip to Genoa. Rivaldo and Pippo Inzaghi have not been called as they are struggling with muscular injuries.”
 

demouse

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Sampdoria - Milan
26 Oct, Sun @ 09:55pm - Ch 21 LIVE
Stadio Marassi

----------------------------------------------------

Milan must win in order to stay level with Juventus at the top of the table and face a tricky trip to Marassi.

The Rossoneri are one of only three teams to remain unbeaten so far this season, but have struggled somewhat outside the San Siro. Held to a 1-1 draw by Perugia and struggling to see off Ancona, so this will be a real test of their title ambitions.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side has always found life difficult against the smaller clubs and must turn that trend around if he is to take the Serie A crown. The team could still be affected by the controversy surrounding their 1-0 win over Lazio and their midweek Champions’ League test with Club Brugge. Kakha Kaladze, Massimo Ambrosini and Rivaldo are doubts for this game due to minor injury worries, but Manuel Rui Costa may find his way back into the side in place of Kaka’.

Sampdoria are slowly but surely making their way up the standings with a series of improving results. Last week’s 1-1 draw at Chievo proved they are an organised set-up with a wild card in attacking winger Aimo Diana. The former Reggina man is their second top scorer with two goals and his prowess from distance make him a danger for the Milan defence. Fabio Bazzani and Francesco Flachi should be the starting strikers, although Massimo Marazzina has recovered from an injury to battle for his place.

----------------------------------------------------

Sampdoria (probable): Antonioli; Sacchetti, Carrozzieri, Falcone, Bettarini; Diana, Palombo, Volpi, Doni; Flachi, Bazzani

Milan (probable): Dida; Simic, Nesta, Maldini, Pancaro; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Rui Costa; Shevchenko, Inzaghi

Ref: To follow
 

hwmook

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milan won 3 - 0 .

tomasson 1
shevchenko 2

the title chase is just starting to get hot.
 

Zacxaviqer

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Great game for Milan... Top-notch performance by every single 1 of them....

Next match will be determine who will be the leader in Serie A as Milan and Juve square off next week...
 

demouse

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Tomasson rejects Bologna talk

Milan forward Jon Dahl Tomasson has dismissed speculation that he is on the verge of a move to Bologna.

"I think I’ve already been sold around 15 times this season according to the newspapers," said the Dane.

"Let me say it again, I’m very happy at Milan. I’m not joining Bologna or any other club in the near future.

"I’ve already scored twice in the League and I just want to be ready when boss Carlo Ancelotti needs me."

Although the Dane scored in the 3-0 win over Samp yesterday, he has never maintained a regular first team shirt at Milan.

He joined the Italian giants on a free transfer from Feyenoord after the 2002 World Cup Finals.
 

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Maldini after significant win

A win against Juventus on Saturday would be worth more than just three points according to Milan ace Paolo Maldini.

"We are playing for first place in Serie A but the game will be much more important for the mind," said the legend.

"Whoever wins will acquire a feeling of superiority over the defeated side even if in reality that may not be the case.

"This is a clash that could boost morale for the winner because beating your nearest rival will convince you of the strength of your team."

Maldini, who is set to play in his 720th game for the Rossoneri, will also come up against his Golden Ball rival Pavel Nedved.

"It is a race that I would be delighted to win," he continued. "However, if I’m not named the European Footballer of the Year then I’ll get over it.

"Especially as a few days later I will be playing in the Intercontinental Final against Boca Juniors.

"Winning trophies with my teammates are my real objectives. Targets that can be reached with our performances on the field of play."

Meanwhile, teammate Andrea Pirlo feels that next week’s game against Brugges is more crucial than the Juve tie.

"Our Champions’ League game in Belgium is more delicate after they beat us at the San Siro," stated the Italian.

"But we must try to delay any thoughts about the European Cup tie until after the game against Juventus."
 

demouse

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Milan track attacking duo

Italian giants Milan have revealed the names of two strikers who they are keeping a close eye on.

The Rossoneri have been linked with Luis Fabiano plus Fabio Bazzani in recent months and Vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed Milan’s interest.

"Fabiano isn’t a specific target but we are following his progress in Brazil," stated the San Siro chief.

"While I really like Bazzani after his performances this season," he added. "He’s a real Milan fan too."

Fabiano is a 23-year-old striker who is catching the eye in South America with Sao Paulo. He’s also been linked with Inter.

As for Bazzani, he’s made an excellent start to the season with Samp. The 27-year-old first hit the headlines in Italy with Perugia.

Meanwhile, Palmeiras are being associated with a January swoop for the unsettled Rivaldo (pictured).

The Brazilian, who has won two League titles and a Coppa Libertadores with the club in the past, is set to leave Milan in January after failing to break into the first team.
 

demouse

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Serie A Week 8 - 1/11/03 (20.30)
Milan 1 - 1 Juventus
Tomasson 66 (M), Di Vaio 84 (J)
San Siro
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A stunning Marco Di Vaio strike cancelled out Jon Dahl Tomasson's goal as Milan and Juve remain locked at the top.

These two teams fought for the Champions' League and Italian Supercup over the last few months, but now find themselves battling for the top of the Serie A table. Joint leaders going into this game, both clubs had scored in every single round and were unbeaten.

There were injury worries for both outfits, as Alessandro Del Piero and Pippo Inzaghi did not even make the bench. Andriy Shevchenko has a good record of scoring against the Bianconeri, while Pavel Nedved had the opportunity of facing Milan after missing the Champions' League Final due to a ban.

Manuel Rui Costa was given the nod ahead of Kaka', while Serginho retained his left-back position. Bizarrely, the kick-off was delayed by ten minutes due to a traffic jam outside the Stadium that caught the Juventus team bus.

Juventus had the first shot on goal after four minutes with a fierce Nedved piledriver palmed out for a corner kick. Marco Di Vaio then failed to take full advantage of a defensive error, while Serginho's brave intervention prevented David Trezeguet taking a free header.

Milan slowly gained more of a grip on the game after a strong Juve start and Gianluigi Buffon controlled a Gennaro Gattuso drive from almost 30 metres, then the Italian Number 1 punched a dangerous ball off Shevchenko's head.

The tension was high between these old rivals and a scuffle broke out between Dario Simic and Trezeguet with an apparent elbow from the Frenchman.

Another more determined fight exploded before the break when Milan carried on playing despite the fact Nedved was on the ground at the other end of the field. At least ten players were involved in the brawl and Buffon was forced to hold a livid Maldini back.

Shevchenko skipped past Paolo Montero and placed a slide-rule pass in to the centre, but Stephan Appiah was able to clear before a teammate could pounce.

Despite the tension, the first yellow card fell to Gianluca Zambrotta for a foul from behind on Serginho on 50 minutes.

The Rossoneri went close when a Serginho cross was fingertipped off Shevchenko's head from close range.

The strain on the field rose further when Shevcheko hit the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for a very tight offside decision.

Moments later Montero was forced into a desperate challenge on Gattuso as he strode into the six-yard box.

But Juventus went even closer to an opening goal on 56 minutes when Di Vaio volleyed a deflected Camoranesi cross on to the near post with Dida beaten.

The Brazilian goalkeeper then performed a great reaction save to palm away Trezeguet's shot from eight yards.

Milan fought back immediately and a Serginho cross caused havoc with Shevchenko and Rui Costa unable to get a solid touch on it.

A clearly unhappy Clarence Seedorf was substituted by Massimo Ambrosini.

Mere seconds later Milan took the lead through Jon Dahl Tomasson. The Juve defence tried to play the offside trap on a corner kick, but failed to notice Pirlo's through ball to the unmarked Tomasson from nine yards. Replays suggest that Camoranesi was the man keeping his opponents onside.

The Dane, who was only on the field due to Inzaghi's thigh injury, also netted in last week's 3-0 win over Sampdoria.

Juve poured forward in search of an equaliser and Di Vaio thought he had it with a free header at the back post, but Dida performed one of the best saves of his career to palm it out.

Marcello Lippi threw on Fabrizio Miccoli, while Milan turned to a 4-4-2 with Serginho in his habitual more advanced position and Kaka' partnering Shevchenko upfront.

Juventus found their equaliser and it was well worth the wait. Di Vaio unleashed a simply unstoppable volley from 20 metres that slotted into the top corner beyond Dida's outstretched hand. There was also some fine set-up work by Trezeguet to lift the ball up for the ex-Parma player's left foot.

There was bad news in the final minutes for both teams. Serginho and Enzo Maresca seemed to sprain ankles during awkward falls, but the Juventus midfielder appeared to have the worst injury.


-----------------------------------------------------

Milan: Dida; Simic, Maldini, Nesta, Serginho; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf (Ambrosini 64); Rui Costa (Kaka' 77); Tomasson (Pancaro 74), Shevchenko

Juventus: Buffon; Thuram, Legrottaglie, Montero, Zambrotta; Camoranesi (Miccoli 74), Tacchinardi (Maresca 81), Appiah; Nedved (Iuliano 86); Di Vaio, Trezeguet

Ref: Racalbuto
 

demouse

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Opinion: The best and the rest


The best…
Christian Vieri (Inter)
Christian Vieri got back on the scoresheet against Chievo last night to put his poor form behind him. Heckled by his own fans last week, he proved that if the quality of service to him is good then he will put the ball away. He’s on the up which is good news for Inter and Italy.

Nelson Dida (Milan)
He was undoubtedly the man of the match in the 1-1 draw with Juventus. He didn’t make one mistake all night and made two outstanding saves to deny Juventus all three points. He was a joy to watch from the stands.


Marco Di Vaio (Juventus)
What a goal! He’s often said in the past that he wants to prove to people that he deserves to be at Juventus and that volley against Milan has left few doubts. He’s now a top quality striker, one who’s diagonal runs and powerful shots consistently cause havoc.


The rest…
Stephen Appiah (Juventus)
He didn’t play badly against Milan but that was the kind of game where the dynamism of Edgar Davids may have been more suited. Appiah did his job but the Dutchman, left on the bench, could have offered more.

David Trezeguet (Juventus)
Trezeguet had a poor game against Milan. The Juventus system may leave him isolated at times but he didn’t look world class at the San Siro. His elbow on Dario Simic was also a disgrace. He should have seen red.

Morgan De Sanctis (Udinese)
The goalkeeper’s error against Lazio gifted the away side the maximum three points. Despite signing a new contract last week, these are tough times for the No 1. Maybe he should stop trying to impress so much. After all, none of the big clubs are looking for a new ‘keeper.
 

dreamer75

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Parma cham liao...without Adriano for 2 mths...

dun think they can win against Milan this weekend..
 

demouse

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dreamer75 said:
Parma cham liao...without Adriano for 2 mths...

dun think they can win against Milan this weekend..

a relief for milan defenders :D
 

Zacxaviqer

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It's all balance up now... Maldini will be out for the next match and Adriano is out as well.. A good win last nite to put Milan on top of the table....
 

demouse

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Serie A Week 9 - 9/11/03
Parma-Milan
9 Nov, Sun @ 09:55pm - Ch 22 LIVE
Stadio Tardini
--------------------------------------------------

Fourth-placed Parma could not ask for a tougher tie as they bid to prove they can perform even without star striker Adriano.

Leaders Milan will be thanking their lucky stars that the Brazilian tore a thigh muscle during the 3-2 win at Brescia last week, effectively ruling him out until the New Year. Adriano netted almost half of all their goals in the League this season and his absence may even force a change of tactics.

The keys to the Parma attack are handed to Alberto Gilardino, an Under-21 international who has made a good impression in his few substitute appearances. If the youngster can pierce through Serie A’s second meanest defence then it will put his name firmly on the map. The problems don’t stop there for the Gialloblu, as central midfielders Manuele Blasi and Marco Donadel are suspended. The return from a two-match ban of Emanuele Filippini could not have been timed better as he slots in beside Simone Barone.

Milan must win to ensure they stay top of the table, particularly with a relatively simple task for Juventus this weekend. Their record at the Tardini is not particularly impressive, winning just once in their last nine trips to this Stadium. There is still ill feeling over last year’s 1-0 home victory, as Pippo Inzaghi saw a late goal incorrectly disallowed for offside following Adriano’s winner. That result effectively ended Milan’s Scudetto hopes.

Question marks remain over the fitness levels of Inzaghi, who has missed the last two Serie A ties with a muscular problem, while Paolo Maldini is out after suffering a thigh strain during the 1-0 win in Bruges. It has been a bad week for Brazilians, as Serginho was also ruled out until January at the earliest after damaging ankle ligaments. Jon Dahl Tomasson was on target in that 1-1 draw against Juventus and will retain his place alongside Andriy Shevchenko. Manuel Rui Costa should again win the battle with Kaka’, while Giuseppe Pancaro steps in to the left-back position.

--------------------------------------------------

Parma: Frey; Bonera, Ferrari, Castellini, Junior; Barone, Filippini; Marchionni, Morfeo, Bresciano; Gilardino

Milan: Dida; Simic, Nesta, Costacurta, Pancaro; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Rui Costa; Shevchenko, Tomasson

Ref: To follow
 

hwmook

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the ref is collina. finally one good ref. milan must win this match.
 
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