preparations for rome

Milan 1 Hamburg 1
After a long break, the Italians were bracing themselves for a hard, second half of the season ahead. Dubai was the haven for the red and blacks for the winter. David Beckam would be finding time to bond with his new team mates. Bayern would also be sharing the same facility, and as a result weren't going to be pleased with the furore around 'Brand Beckam'.

Hamburg, another German club, were going to play a friendly with Milan. This was going to be used by the Rossoneri to prepare for the game against Roma in the weekend. A make/break game. With Inter having Cagliari at home, it is absolutely essential that AC win against Roma. With that in mind, Kaka was rested for this game. Roma would possibly have a lot of first team players missing, so taking advantage of the situation would be absolutely essential. We fielded a strong team which after the winter break should have torn a humble HSV apart. Well, on the contrary, we were experiencing how teams feel when Barcelona attacks them. Being on the defensive for large parts of the game, we were quite fortunate to have escaped with a draw, and ultimately winning on pointless penalties. There was no improvement in the style of play. Players looked as confused. Just that our squad seemed more stronger as this period provided for the injured to return from injury. The Germans were teaching us a lesson or two in pace. And our master tactician decides to employ the youth for the last 10 minutes. What's the point of the friendly then? I was heavily disappointed with the team selection. Cardaccio should have been given more minutes, Viudez and Darmian should have featured in the game. Going by the trend, we are certainly not sending out the right message to the younger players out there.

David Beckam debuted for Milan in this game. He was quite poor, as expected. Just hoping that he isn't picked on Sunday. I am not bothered about the result. We Italians never take friendlies seriously. If you go over the results recently you would know that my statement is a genuine one. Getting fit was all that matters. Big clubs have fallen at the Olimpicio. AC could be the next one if this performance is to be taken seriously.

AC Milan bid 8.5m euros for Daniel Agger, expecting Liverpool to sell up. I think the management forgot to see the reports suggesting that the reds are one of the richest clubs in Europe. So a minor bid wont force them to sell their prized defensive asset. After hearing the ridiculous names being linked with the giants from Italy, I decided not to pay too much attention. Only waiting, and watching. Who will it be?

Goals - http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4GSetEDHU&feature=related
Penalties - http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=CyhhOHqmdiQ&feature=related

Milan - Ronaldinho (62') (p),
Hamburg - Benjamin (67')