propitious referees

Milan 2 Siena 1
The hallmark of great champions is winning, and winning gloriously. Somehow, it doesn't apply to Milan lately, and by lately I mean the previous 3-4 seasons.Thats an awful lot of time for a club to prove itself. Yes the club had its share of tough times, but the arrogance of the club has contributed in its own way. Nonetheless, that is a different argument altogether.

What I am hitting at is, how can a club like Siena, come to the Guiseppa Meazza and leave unscathed? Very few players from the home side showed any drive. Pato for me stood out, and so did Gattuso. Kaka, yes you can call me biased here. First half started with both the clubs uncertain as to what they must do with the football. Slowly the game gained the desired pace. Developing wingback, Antonini, had a good game. He constantly bombed up and down the flanks. Learning from his Italian team mate Zambrotta. By the way, it was an all Italian defense. Dint posses the characteristics to be hailed as one though. The terrible pairing of the 2 most uneducated center backs for Milan in Bonera and Favalli played its role in my judgment of the defense. In attack, Pato was a bright spark, the kinda player who would run riot in any defense. His special moves were scintillating. The way he ran past 3 challenges shows he has got a physical dimension to his game as well. Siena attack seemed disinterested in scoring the goals. Maybe their coach has team talk issues. Milan however did break the deadlock with Inzaghi finishing a beautiful move that was started by Kaka. Gattuso was unusually good in passing the ball, and he had an effort cleared off the line in the second half. Good play by the dogged midfielder.

Second half, Siena started brightly, and this time they seemed like they knew what to do with the ball: score. And they did, the Rossoneri defense did obviously contribute. And then the side from the San Siro got a bit more active. There was a certain urgency in their play. The referee may have had some sort of affiliation for Milan as he decided to give a penalty against Daniel Portanova of Siena, which Kaka dispatched with relative ease. Milan were up and running again post the penalty. Pato was still a menace as his header crashed against the post, and he just about volleyed wide after some tremendous ball control. Siena then upped their tempo, and that made the former European Champions a bit shaky. All said and done, we did come away with the 3 points. And our defense can thank their stars for not conceding more than one goal.

Manitta, the Siena keeper was partially responsible for the scoreline being close. He put in a decent display. Emerson is impressing Ancelloti, and that is not a very good thing. And what Favalli is doing to impress Ancelloti, one would never know. Abbiati was ok, not his best. Zambrotta had a decent outing, and so did Seedorf. Though the latter went missing during some parts of the game.

Napoli await us at the weekend. The pace of Denis, Lavezzi and Hamsik can potentially rip apart our flimsy defense. I would be pleased with a draw and delighted with a win. We can only count on our attack to fire us to victory against the mighty young lions from Naples.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fZFG9EAF98s&eurl=http://www.footytube.com/page/2/

Goalscorers -
Milan - Inzaghi (31'), Kaka [p] (65')
Siena - Vergassola (53')

painful win

Atalanta 0 Milan 1

The Bergamo has haunted Milan for a while now. The haunting continues. This was to be the 50th meeting between the 2 sides in Bergamo. The home side was doing well this season, and were placed in 8th position having 13 points on the table. The Rossoneri also were having 13 points on the table but were higher on goal difference.
This stadium was Atalanta's fortress, with the home side being unbeaten here over the season. But yes they had played the likes of Siena, Cagliari and Sampadoria here. The visitors had to bridge the gap on the leaders, so a win here was absolutely necessary.

First half, the home side were making a mess of Milan. The pace of attack seemed too much for the visitors, as the center back pairing of Maldini and Bonera found the attack relentless and unmanageable. Milan's inspiration came in the form of Abbiati who was clearly the difference between the two sides. Besides Kaka, its been the Italian goalkeeper who has been the most consistent for the Diavoli this season. Milan had chances, but were being scuffed by the under-par (inconsistent) Ronaldinho. Borrielo was a bright spark up front along with Kaka, who was playing very well. The Brazilian was creating enough number of chances, but the lacklustre visiting side wasn't able to penetrate. Maldini brought down Floccari inside the penalty area. Atalanta were asking and pleading for a penalty, but the referee was having none of it. On another day, the decision could have easily gone in favor of Atalanta. The scores were level at half time. It dint seem like a deserving scoreline. Milan were definitely flattered (and flattened)

Second half, the Bergamaschi started were they left off and prevented Milan to get into the game. Ferriera Pinto was one of the better players for the home side, and he was making Jankulovski look like an amateur. The Czech international was poor in defense and in attack. Zambrotta was no different. Ronaldinho was a complete disaster today, and was rightfully taken off for fellow Brazilian Pato. Cigarini, who was providing creative flair for the home side put in a poor tackle on Pato, and injured himself in return. He was stretched off, as a result of that injury. Towards the end of the game, Borrielo had a glorious chance on a volley, but he cut the ball back for Kaka who finished with a fine chip over Copolla. A very nice finish from Kaka and great unselfish play from Borrielo. The pass to Borrielo was provided by Pato, who set up the pass for the Italian international with a pin point header. Atalanta threw all their players forward after conceding the goal, and a dismal Milan defense was saved by Abbiati. Unexpectedly, Milan left the stadium with all 3 points.

Luck was well and truly on our side today. If not, we would have suffered a grave defeat. Milan have been riding high on luck factor, and this undeserving win seems to prove that point. Lets see how much luck we have against Siena, this Wednesday.

(http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=ckpc2tVlN64&eurl=http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/1703992/)

Goalscorers
Atalanta - none
Milan - Kaka (80)'

stamp of authority

Heerenveen 1 Milan 3

Holland welcomed the San Siro giants for the Uefa cup group stage game. The Diavoli had qualified after defeating Zurich convincingly in the qualification phase. The Dutch task awaited. Luck wouldn't be the answer, and considering Milan's poor form against the smaller teams, expectations were high.

The team that Ancelloti fielded was very competitive, though in my opinion looked defensive. Flamini, Gattuso and Emerson in midfield. That barely spells ambition. Maybe Bereens words psyched him, or perhaps it was the his household issues, whatever it was, wasn't very pleasing. What I did like was the employement of 2 strikers up front. Fillipo Inzaghi and Andrei Shevchenko. Two well proclaimed stars of the 'ageing galacticos'. Behind them was the red hot Kaka. The defense had Favalli in it. So we can safely assume there was no defense. Dida was between the posts, which makes the assumption even more dependable.

First half started with the Dutch team taking the game to Milan. It was a scary experience as I have just mentioned that the Italians had no defense. Somehow we dint concede. After the departure of Afonso Alves to the Riverside, Heerenveen have forgotten the concept of scoring goals. And they dint seem to remember the concept, even though they could recognize Favalli's face in the opposition defense. Milan got hold of the game and dictated tempo. Due to some catastrophic defending and some shambolic keeping, the visitors took the lead. It was Kaka's cross from wide out. A delightful ball in, but it was the home team who scored. An own goal, i.e.
Kaka was running Heerenveen ragged, and he sent in a lovely pass again from wide out to find the boot of a charging Gattuso who finished it calmly to the bottom left corner. 2-0 to the Rossoneri. It was nice to see the captain scoring. Yes, you read right. The 'Captain'. Shevchenko possibly had personal differences with the Heerenveen keeper, because all his efforts, including a splendid free kick were kept out miraculously.

Second half started slow, with both teams playing as though they were content with the result. This continued until the homeside realized they were 2-0 down and started attacking. The obvious happened. Milan found space and Gattuso's fine pass found Inzaghi, who finished it for Milan. Must put it in here that it was a lucky goal, because Pippo's finish wasn't world class and keeper got a touch that contributed to the goal. Milan weren't done. Favalli had to show his colours, and he did. Gave away a penalty, which Pranjic took cheekily.

Dida was sound between the posts, Favalli is 37 years of age. Thats exactly how old Pep Guardiola is. And Guardiola is the manager of FC Barcelona. Get the hint Favalli?? Emerson played wonderfully, and so did Gattuso. He led by example. Kaka was unstoppable, Inzaghi and Shevchenko always looked like scoring. So over all it was a decent outing, wasn't fantastic, as the goals we scored - we wouldn't have against a top class team. Emerson played the best match in his Milan career, but lets not forget who he played against.

Atalanta await Milan, Del Neri must have already started plotting. They managed a double against us last season. I hope we manage the same against them this season. Not for pride, but for the Scudetto.

(http://www.eatlime.com/play_1FFC08D2-B762-E7FD-FE19-5FAD6A588BB9)

Goalscorers -
Heerenveen - Pranjic
Milan - Jong-A-Pin (o.g), Gattuso, Inzaghi

favor favors a favorable result

Milan 3 Sampdoria 0

Sometimes scorelines can be very flattering and so was the case in this game. The hosts were made to struggle all through the first half and would have probably continued if not for the referee's error. Stefeno Lucchini was sent off after conceding a penalty. He had his hands stretched out when Jankulovski tried to take a shot at goal. It was a definite penalty. Was it a sending off? No. Why? The distance between Lucchini and Jankulovski was not much, and Lucchini had less that a second to react.

Milan were at the receiving end of poor refereeing decisions over the last 2 terms. So it is nice to have Milan winning games due to the same. This is the second result in recent history that has Milan leaving the San Siro with 3 points due to a poor refereeing decision. I do feel sad for Mazzarri. The poor guy hasn't won a single game with the club from the start of the season. And he is the same guy, who did very well at Reggina between 2004-2007. Seeing his infuriated display and outburst at the decision was delightful, it made me laugh.

We struggled through the first half, could barely find space. Cassano was obviously the most imposing player of the visitors. Our defense was solid, the only weakling there was Bonera (as usual). Maldini was giving almost everyone in the opposition a complex. There was this moment in the game, where he pushed the ball past a Sampadorian player and outran him for the ball. Antonini put in a sound performance and so did Jankulovski. In the midfield, Ambrosini did what was asked of him, Seedorf blew hot-blew cold. Flamini was his usual dogged self. Ronaldinho is certainly showing signs of returning to form. His penalty was unstoppable and his second goal was a result of beautiful sync up play with Kaka. Who said that these 2 can't play together?? Pato was tireless, Borrielo wasn't up to the mark, but this is his first game after returning from injury. Inzaghi came on in the second half and capped a good move with a typical finish.

It was a fine afternoon at the San Siro and the result was a favorable one for the home side. But can we continue depending on favors to win games? I hope not. Milan are a team with a lot of players who have 'been there and done that', and I am sure this trend won't continue for long. We will win the big games on sheer credibility and not good fortune. That I am certain of.

http://www.eatlime.com/play_E6C2903B-20B0-CDDA-9A28-CC29B8EADF09

Goalscorers -
Milan - Ronaldinho (2), Inzaghi
Sampadoria - none

pointless friendlies

FK Tirana 2 Milan 1

How often do you see an European giant getting humiliated? My bet is not very often. Milan seem to be the case exemption. They suffered their umpteenth defeat in a friendly against a lame Albanian side, yesterday. It was a friendly sponsored by Unicef. Ancelloti's pre-match interviews were not very encouraging. The impression I got from reading them is that he is taking the team to Albania to experience another defeat. Many fans will say this was just a practice match? Yes, it probably was, but losing?? C'mon. I hate to say this, but other top flight clubs wouldn't take a defeat like this lightly. I being a Milan fan have been disgraced enough this season, seeing Milan lose to some of the most mediocre sides in Europe. So this wasn't a new feeling for me.

Losing is a significant blow. Its hard to convince me it doesn't matter. When you play for one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe, and you lose to sides who should be learning football from you, its merely a morale booster. These friendlies are doing more harm than good, for the players, and for the club. Nesta was making his return after 5 long months. Last season, he was considered by many as the best center back in the world. Even I did, till i realized his consistency rate. A player aged 32, missing half a year due to injury and susceptible to more injuries cannot be rated the best center back in the world, no. Ironically, this game marked the return of 'Pippo'. It also marked his exit, as he has returned to the list of injured 'stars' of Milan. He suffered a thigh injury in this game, so much for the practice games. A former Milan great recently wrote of Milan's Scudetto chances. Though I don't agree with his reasons, I also do believe this Milan team can't win the Scudetto. Losing to the most mediocre sides in Europe and drawing against a team that couldn't grab a point since the beginning of the season, shows the caliber of the Rossoneri. Beating these teams consistently, and getting results against the smaller oppositions is what brings home the domestic league trophy. One which our cousins are very professional in doing.

Deviating from a topic that is starting to become stale, lets move onto the latest transfer rumors. Milan have shortlisted some fabulous players - Ramos, Moutinho, Fabregas, Santacrocce, Rinaudo, Zapata, Mexes and Agger. Gourcuff is out on loan at Bordeux, and he is making heads turn with his performances for club and country. The man who barely played him last season, made a statement that the Frenchman will return to the San Siro, and boy was I pleasantly surprised.

Milan's brand name is gradually tarnishing, thanks to these results. And unfortunately, the 'trifosi' is very forgiving. This could mark the rise of complacency in the club and the eventual downfall if things aren't put in place. I am sure many of you would think I am being premature with my comments, but I am only telling the truth.

Goalscorers -
FK Tirana - Memeli, Musaka
Milan - Ronaldinho

uefa cup group stage

Group E
1. Portsmouth
2. AC Milan
3. Wolfsburg
4. Heerenveen
5. Braga

Milan fixtures -
23 October - Heerenveen vs Milan
6 November - Milan vs Braga
27 November - Portsmouth vs Milan
17 December - Milan vs Wolfsburg

disastrous draw

Cagliari 0 Milan 0

Milan were coming into this game from a 5 game winning streak. Many expected this to be a smooth ride for the club from San Siro. Cagliari were riding very low on form. Having played 5 games previously, the team was struggling at the bottom of the table with 0 points. This obviously means they had lost their previous 5 games. All of them! They had lost to Lazio, Siena, Juventus, Atlanta and Lecce. Not the most dangerous of oppositions in the Serie A, perhaps besides that of Lazio. You must be surprised how come Juventus aren't in my list of 'dangerous teams'. Thats because they have failed to score more than 1 goal in any of their Serie games this season and languish in mid table.

The first half started with Cagliari attacking Milan, like the visitors were a team from junior high. Milan were getting over-powered. Other than a few bleak chances Milan dint seem to find a stepping in the game. The defense was mediocre at best with Maldini putting up a stand-out performance for the second week in a row. The midfield was awful, Ambrosini is in the team because of his allegiance to the club for several years, more than anything else. Atleast, in my opinion. Seedorf played like he was doing Ancelloti a favor and Gattuso was as bad if not worse. He did show heart, but quality was missing. Something that has gotten synonymous with Brocchi who plays for Lazio this season.

Second half Milan were more assertive, but not productive. Kaka was doing ok, but Ronaldinho was compensating for an excellent performance last week against Inter. Pato also dint seem to have any solutions for the problems at hand. Abbiati was doing well, but was lucky on a few occasions due to poor finishing from the Cagliari attack. Milan were really fortunate to escape with a draw to be honest. They looked likely to concede at any moment, and the attack was too scared to score. We did bring on Shevchenko and Inzaghi for the disappointing pair of Ronaldinho and Pato. But it was too late. If only Ancelloti had used his head to play 2 strikers from the beginning.

To top it all, Maldini comes up to the press and says that Milan cannot always play well, and Galliani blames the UEFA Cup for the draw. Aren't we getting fed up with the same excuses, and how lame are these excuses?? If consistency is a problem, then Rossoneri can wave the Scudetto goodbye. But everything is not lost as we are 3 points below the leaders with 6 games gone. We play Sampadoria in about 10 days. Palombo, Cassano, Delvecchhio, Sammarco and Dessena await. But they haven't had a great start as they have lost 4 games out of 6, so there is hope of winning.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=5-jn4WkcK4w&eurl=http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/1633352/

Goalscorers -
Cagliari - none
Milan - none

first of many more to come

Zurich 0 Milan 1

Milan have been lucky over the last couple of games. Can't deny that. We scored an offside goal against Inter and somehow managed to scrape past Zurich. Kudos to the Zurich attack that helped us achieve this result. I personally would have been pleased with a draw as well.

Milan in the 1st half were exposed at the back. Surprisingly, the Zurich attack was so bad that Dida dint have to even move a muscle. What caught my eye was the excellence of the sync of play upfront. Ronaldinho+Seedorf+Kaka+Shevchenko=Mesmerising!!

Zurich defense was left pleading for mercy. Ronaldinho has probably gotten Laporta thinking if selling the Brazilian was a wise decision after all. Seedorf has certainly done away with his personal differences with the the 'Gaucho'. And then the goalscorer, Andriy. Abrahamovic's best friend is showing return to form. He was a constant threat to the Zurich defense. This goal will certainly do great deal of good to the confidence of the striker. This is his first goal for Milan since the return from the Blues. The chip from Ronaldinho leading to the goal was one of his trademark moves.

Now coming to the controversial penalty. I agree it was a penalty. Zambrotta's awful sense of tackling was displayed again. And Milan were not punished. Maybe if the penalty was given, the scoreline could have been very different.
Antonini is a player for the future and he is a handy player, want him to stay in the team. Emerson, what you 'still' doing in the team mate?? Kaladze and Favalli were injured, and I could not be happier with an injury to one of the squad players of my favorite club. Bonera is a better right back but Ancelloti prefers to play him at center,the gaffer has certainly lost his screws. Flamini and Ambrosini were ok, wouldn't want to expand on the attack, as i have already mentioned how good they were

Milan take on Cagliari in the weekend, and here is hoping for the a 'Cagliarian Demolition'.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6y7ln_08-uefa-zurich-ac-milan-01_sport

Goalscorers -
Zurich - none
Milan - Andriy Shevchenko