Bogy team no more

AC Milan 3 Palermo 0

Yes, it is confirmed. Milan have hit top gear. They are the best team in Italy at the moment, and could possible rival Barcelona and United for the label of best in Europe. That obviously is solely based on current form. Palermo weren't far behind on the form table, domestically. They had acquired some commendable results lately. 13 points from a possible 18, the bogy team of Milan were looking like building on their 3-1 demolition of the Rossoneri, from the previous meeting.

8 minutes into the game and Milan found themselves leading. Ambrosini came down in the penalty box and Cassani was penalized. Ask me, and it wasn't a penalty. But the referee thought otherwise. Kaka stepped up and scored giving Milan the morale boosting lead. 10 minutes later, Ambrosini was involved again, as he lofted the ball towards Inzaghi inside the box who just had to direct it to the back of the net. Bovo was nothing more than a spectator on this occasion. At this point of time, it looked like Milan were on course for another 5 goal performance. Beckham, not much later had a chance to make it 3 for his side, but he blazed his shot over. A poor effort by the Three Lions man. Miccoli provided the only threat for the home side but his effort from 30 yards out was wide. Kaka made one of his trademark runs from the left of the field, cutting into the centre and tried to curl the ball into the right hand bottom corner, but the shot went inches off target.

After the break, Palermo brought on Abel Hernandez for Nocerino to make it a 4-3-3. The central defenders from Sicily would have wished to have stayed at home. Kjaer on two occasions was left dead by Kaka, who failed to optimize on the opportunities. Bovo saw yellow twice and his horrid evening was put to an end after fouling Kaka. Seedorf missed from a position when it would have been easier to score. Federico Balzeretti appeared to have tugged Kaka down in the box, and the generous referee gifted Milan the second penalty. The fouled player scored from the penalty to make it his 93rd goal in Milan colors. Game was well and truly over by now. Ronaldinho and Shevchenko were introduced into the game. Seedorf and Inzaghi took their place on the bench. Pirlo who was having a very sound game almost made it 4 with a lovely drive, but the shot inched wide. The game deservedly ended in Milan's favor. And the scoreline wasn't one bit flattering.

Milan controlled the game throughout. To emphasize the domination, Dida dint have to make even one save throughout the game. Flamini was superb at his new fullback position. Maldini and Favalli put in no nonsense performances. Pirlo, Ambrosini and Beckham were effecient and effective. Kaka was quite obviously Milan's best player. He showed visible traces of his natural self during the course of the game. His passing, his runs and his shooting were very encouraging. We will need more of the same in the coming games. But the player who impressed me the most is Simon Kjaer. From Ancelotti to Cesar Maldini. Talk is fresh and truly on that this Dane could be at San Siro playing for us next season. He might have been skinned on a couple of occasions, but that is expected when you are only 20 and you are facing world class players. He is one of Serie A's best prospects. And with the best in Europe scouting him, his quality is already assessed. His strength, speed and skill was there to be seen on numerous occasions.

Juventus drew against Reggina, Inter lost to Napoli. 2 points ahead of Juve, 7 below Inter, with 5 games to go. So we are safe in second position. And boy, can I sniff the Scudetto now.

Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRHuLNlhWs0&eurl

Scorers -
A.C.Milan - Kaka (9'p, 55'p), Inzaghi (18')
Palermo - /

Hung(a)ry for more

Hungary League Team 2 AC Milan 5

No, it wasn't the national team. Yes it was a friendly. It was a selection of players from the Hungarian League. From what I saw, the quality of the Hungarian side was dreadfully low. Therefore, I don't raise my eyebrows when I look at this scoreline.

I have been against friendlies, and if you have been reading my blog regularly you would know how much i have vented my frustration through my posts. These 'pointless friendlies'. But that was then, and this is now. Shocked? No i am not a moody, unstable guy. Just that the circumstances have changed since. Back then, we were in with a good chance for silverware, and the friendlies were only burdening the players. Travelling all across Europe can be very tiring. Especially when you have to play. But now, we play a game a week with no real objectives. Hell, Galliani doesn't expect us to finish second even. Therefore, pressure is no longer tagged with the Milan shirt till the end of the season. Also, the youngsters get some game time, something that doesn't happen during the competitive games. We get to see how good the youngsters genuinely are.

Budapest was the city, Kaka's birthday was the occasion. Puskas stadium was the venue. Shortly after the game started, 40,000 home fans were sent into delirium. Rajzci scored for the Hungarian selection after some trademark pathetic defending from the Italian club. Milan wasted a host of chances until Kaka scored one to level the scoreline, a goal that wouldn't have been scored in the Serie A or any top flight league. This, indicating the quality of defense the Lombardy giants were playing against. Kalac, who was keeping between the posts had to palm an effort from Horvat onto the crossbar.

Right after the start of the second half, Ronaldinho combined with Kaka and Seedorf resulting in a Shevchenko tap in. Tokoli maximised on Darmian's horrific defending, as he blasted past Kalac to make it 2-2. Darmian looked stoned on this occasion. It certainly explains the lack of trust shown by Ancelloti for the young Italian oh so often in the main games. Ronaldinho soon sent Shevchenko through, and Ukrainian professionally slotted the ball past the opposition keeper. It was 4-2 not much later through Seedorf. Again, this is a goal, that you wont see happen in European top flight football. It was almost like the Hungarian defense was motionless. Prior to this, Ronaldinho had hit the crossbar with a lob.. Mattioni, was quite impressive. His fantastic run down the right, resulted in him being brought down in the box. Ronaldinho shot one of the worst penalties I have seen anyone shoot in my life, the ball bouncing off the crossbar. Thiago Silva, on the counter attack, put Tabare Vuidez through, and the Uruguayan placed Milan's fifth goal with ease.

Many of the team's players dint impress me enough. Ronaldinho in particular. He was outstanding in the weekend, but this time he was his usual lazy self. His commitment and work-rate was appalling. Silva failed to impress me again. He was nowhere on the Tokoli goal. And though it was Darmian's fault, Silva should have been in the box to clear up. That's what top class central defenders do. Shevchenko got an entire game under his belt. More importantly he scored a brace. And most importantly, he wore the captain's armband.

Palermo this weekend, and a repeat of this performance will definitely see us drop points, something we can't afford to do considering how tough our run in is.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x94DEARqXsA&eurl=http://rimessalaterale.blog.dada.net/post/1207081117/Video%2Bgol%2Bhighlights%2BHungarian%2BLeague%2BTeam%2BMilan%2B2-5%2B-%2B&feature=player_embedded

Scorers -

Hungary League Team - Rajczi (7'), Tokoli (57')

A.C.Milan - Kaka (37'), Shevchenko (47', 62'), Seedorf (73'), Vuidez (85')

Puma's off

"AC Milan announces that the player, Emerson Ferreira Da Rosa, has successfully applied to resolve his contract with immediate effect, because of personal reasons," "We thank him for his experience demonstrated during his time as a Rossonero and Milan wishes him the best in the future."

The above is a statement is by AC Milan Football Club. News that elated me during a time of true personal trauma. Emerson, a.k.a Puma, is a player who has experienced what being world class is. Few can boast of the defensive abilities as a midfielder that Emerson once possessed when he played at Roma. He has played for the biggest clubs in the world, such as Juventus, Real and most recently Milan. He was bought some 2 seasons ago, at the age of 31 and was the only other purchase apart from Pato. Why he was bought from the Bernebau remains a mystery till date, considering a strong contingent of defensive midfielders were already plying their trade at the Meazza.

He has been a handy player so far. He has made 35 appearances over his tenure as a Milan player, but he has become a little bit demanding of late. He wanted to start every game, and wanted to be a regular in currently the best midfield in world. Now, that's asking too much, isn't it? He actually went to the extent of saying, if he played every game then Milan will win silverware. Though i found that incredibly funny, I did feel he has a streak of humour in him that is a rarity in defensive midfielders. Well, it wasn't much later that I realized he was actually being serious. I have heard that all good things come to an end. Its nice to know that all bad things come to an end as well.

Galacticos at work

AC Milan 5 Torino 1

Heading into this game, San Siro based outfit knew that a win would take them into 2nd with a difference of 10 points from league leaders and current champions Inter. Though the Scudetto looked like an unreasonable shout, minimizing the difference was absolutely necessary, to save some face.

Defensively, there were troubles. With players missing with injury and suspensions, options had severely reduced at the back. Former Gunner, Flamini was asked to return to his roots, i.e. right back, as Zambrotta was taking over from Jankulovski at left back. The deadly striking pair of Inzaghi and Pato took the striking positions once again. Beckham was starting for the first time in 3 games. Seedorf was on the bench.

Torino haven't defeated their opponents at the Giuseppe Meazza since 24th March 1985. Abate, a youth product of Milan was playing against the club that loaned him out to the Granata, and he wanted to make an impression. 9 minutes into the game, Pato was brought down by Rivata outside the box. Beckham delivered a delightful ball in and Inzaghi glanced the ball into the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. 4 minutes later, Bekcham's corner found the head of an unmarked Inzaghi who headed Milan in front of their less illustrious opponents. Pato was struggling. Even though he was dazzling with his skills, his finishing touch seems to have been implanted into Inzaghi for the night. 15 minutes into the game, and Pato missed a sitter from close range. Pirlo with his usual long ball found Pato facing the keeper. The young Brazilian tried to volley in the ball from close range but failed yet again. The Maroons were having chances, but only few and far in between. On 37 minutes, Pato and Beckham combined to give their side a 2-0 advantage. Beckham lined up for a long range shot after some unselfish play from Pato, but the Englishman chipped the ball into the box where Inzaghi directed it past Sereni. This dint seem to satisfy Milan as they continued to press in for another goal. Very un-azzuri like, I must say. 4 minutes later, a corner after being deflected from several players fell onto the feet of Flamini who blasted the ball from long range, but the shot was inches above the bar. Milan redefined dominance in the first half, and it looked like more goals were going to be added the scoreline come the second half.

Ronaldinho came on for Pato, and though this substitution looked surprising, signs indicate the young striker had suffered a minor ankle injury. This was going to be a blessing in disguise for Milan. 15 minutes into the second half, Inzaghi made it 3 for himself and for the club. A well planned through ball was met by Inzaghi who proceeded to slot the ball past Sereni, quite comfortably. Shevchenko entered the fray, and Inzaghi took to the bench. It was the first time that I had seen Inzaghi score more than one goal, with none of the goals being ugly/poacher-like. Toro went ahead with their 3rd and final substitution. 2 minutes later, Ambrosini showed incredible pace as he ran past two defenders only to be brought down in the box by Sereni. Kaka converted the penalty to make it four for the Rossoneri. It was his first goal since February, and its sad to see that the goal drought had to end with a penalty. Darmian replaced Maldini and we could get to see a future prospect for the defense of Milan get some playing time. On the 80th minute, Francheschini converted a poor clearance from Beckham into a goal, as he tapped in from close range. The Englishmen showed lesser commitment in the second half and seemed disinterested, which I found very upsetting. For the next 10 minutes, Milan dropped the tempo and it looked like they just wanted to see the game through by keeping possession. Into injury time, Kaka cut in from the left and sent Ambrosini through who finished past Sereni like a world class striker. 5 for AC Milan, and each of these goals were well deserved.

I haven't mentioned much about Ronaldinho in the last paragraph, and it wont be justified not to mention him. He was Milan's best player in the second half. He worked tirelessly, his through balls and passing was a sight to behold, and he also got past players showing traces of Ronaldinho some 4 years ago. This for me was his best game in the red and black colours and hope we get to see more of the same. Flamini was rock solid at right back. Pirlo was classy, his usual self. Ambrosini put in a very effeicient performance. Dida stood tall, once again, and beside the goal, he generally let nothing past him. We have 6 games to go, our next against Palermo. This team from Sicily is more like a boogie team for us. We need to fight fate and destiny, and another display of authentic football like this could be just enough.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A79mF-VeeAw&feature=related

Goalscorers -
AC Milan - Inzaghi (13',37',60'), Kaka (68'), Ambrosini (90')
Torino F.C.- Franceschini (80')

Dida stands tall

Chievo 0 AC Milan 1

Milan have been riding on some good form. And the flying donkeys had just kicked the Old Lady quite hard. Milan aren't famous for learning their lessons. And that is what i feared before this game. Chievo are involved in a relegation struggle. And its not new that teams at the bottom of the table towards season end start playing like European Champions. Chievo were not intimidated by Milan. The coach knew this is a technical team he will be facing, the most technical in all of Europe perhaps. But the way to dismantle this aging machine is speed, and Chievo had that in their list of accomplished attributes.

Pellissier and Bogdani led the attack with the former setting Turin on fire with his hatrick last week. With a defense comprising of Senderos, Favalli, Jankulovski and Zambrotta, it was looking like a feat the Chievo striker would be capable of repeating. The home team started on a bright note as Pellissier tested Dida twice. Pinzi had his try as well. Zambrotta made Sorentino make a save at the other end. 26 minutes into the game and Inzaghi almost scored with a header. Pirlo tested Sorentino from 30 yards out. Dida had to face something similar from Marcolini. Pellissier was continuing his top form and almost scored, but his header thumped against the crossbar. Luciano's penalty appeals against Dida were turned down by the referee. Ancelloti got heated up by something and he decided to have a go at the fourth official. As a return of favor, he was asked to go to the stands. Kaka came down in the box from a challenge of Yepes. But no penalty was given.

53 minutes into the game and Seedorf scored from some fabulous team work. Jankulovski's ball was brought down to the path of Seedorf by Inzaghi and the veteran Dutchman slotted the ball past Sorrentino. Exceptional quality and control was witnessed on this goal. Pellissier's form continued to dip from here on and he started competing with Kaka to decide who is the worst player on the pitch. He missed a chance to equalise when faced against an open goal but he fired well over. Fortunately for him, he was in an offside position. Colucci's effort was saved by Dida on the hour mark. Pellissier's deflected free kick found the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside. Pellissier was Chievo's most dangerous man, but there was no finishing touch. It seemed like he had exhausted it all at Turin. He left Zambrotta looking like an amatuer on one particular occasion but he shot wide. Dida secured three points with a world class save of Colucci from 6 yards out.

With Genoa beating Juventus, Milan are 2 points from 2nd place on the league table. But things haven't changed remarkably below. Tassotti handled the team well after Ancelloti was banished to the stands. The quality of play by the Rossoneri was poor to say the least. Kaka put in another trademark, horrendous performance. Ambrosini was back in the starting line up and Sheva got 3 kicks of the ball in the last 15 minutes. So things haven't changed. And what we need is change. But I am glad that there are positive signs here to take. With Abbiati gone, I thought I would witness a flood of goals going past our posts. But Dida has found himself, and at what a time! He was just like the man called Nelson Dida, who stood like a giant between the posts, some 5 years ago. He was nothing short of world class today. We need more of these performances as we look to take on some sensational attacking quality in the near future. More so with Senderos and Favalli as centrebacks.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBumkR8rcTc&eurl

Goal Scorers -
Chievo - /
Milan - Seedorf (54')

Longevity Questioned

"Milan, for life". Kaka uttered these words for the 5th time, recently, at a press conference. For long i have admired this person. Not only as a footballer, but as a personality. His ability to confess Christ to the world, when the world feels ashamed to publicize The Lord. His ability to stay faithful to his wife amidst those women who truly demonstrate the beauty of creation. Amidst those millions, when he models for the biggest brands in the world, yet maintaining a clean reputation devoid of vices. Kaka is a close to perfect human being.

But this article isn't merely about Kaka's personal life, its about a more relevant topic. Its about two of the biggest clubs in the world, and one of the biggesting footballing icons of this millenium. Kaka has served this club, since 2001. He has won Champions League twice, almost winning it thrice. He has won the Scudetto, he has won the Coppa Italia, the Club World Cup and the World Player of The Year in 2007. At 26, he had accomplished what many players couldn't over the tenure of being footballers. Turning 27 this month, has probably asked for a few more turns, that would flip and change the course of his life in the near future. Being courted by the biggest club on the planet is not new for World Class Players. But being potentially paid 12 million euros a year and being offered the sacred no. '5' jersey is an honor that only Kaka can be proud of. Having one everything at a club can lead to motivational issues. And he has displayed that in abundance over the last 2 seasons. His performances used to leave me spellbound, but since he has passed over the baton to Messi, Kaka has been a shadow of his former self. His performances in club games make me grimace in pain but he still manages to sparkle in yellow. This surely must indicate something. His statistics continue to take a dip, just like his fitness does.

AC Milan needed him to replace Rui Costa. I dont think he succeeded in doing that. However, I think he succeeded in making himself one of the biggest names in world football, an honor Costa would have loved to have. Kaka has led this club to European Success, has been a frontman, a talisman even at times. A club icon amidst the plethora of heroes this club nurtures. His accomplishments, loyalty and service to this club is beyond question, and he will go down into the history books as a Legend, not only of the club, but of the game as well. He is the 'Son of Milan', an honor that he accepted after Shevchenko moved to the Bridge. Kaka is more than a player for Milan. But its time to think, and not feel. Kaka's performances dont match his paycheck, and I am afraid that it has been so for awhile. His fitness concerns have left MIlan Lab, considered the best in world sport, clueless. Kaka has also lost the ability to win club matches, an ability that encouraged the management to put him up there with Zlatan. With the economic crisis at the club being advertised as the Nano is at India, paying a player who fails to perform 160,000 euros a week is folly. The 60-85 million euros that Perez is offering, should, and needs to be taken into consideration, looking at Kaka's physical and professional shortcomings. With the money, 2-3 top class players can be signed in much needed areas to replace a rusted core and to strengthen the structure. And with Gourcuff returning, our 'Rui Costa issue' also seems solved.

5 years being knocked out of the Champions League, in the round of 16, is several levels deeper than just plain humiliating for the world's biggest club. Real lack world class quality. And what better than a 27 year old Kaka, who can dismantle defenses and lift trophies almost as easily. Besides Robben, Madrid have lacked players who can win them games. Zidane needed an heir, and Madrid dint find him one. Better late than never, and you have Kaka on the face of Marca, flaunting the no. 5 jersey with Zidane and Perez in the background. Milan are gradually becoming fallen giants, and Kaka needs a club that can reflect ambition and quality. He wont find that at a commercially corrupted Milan anymore. Spain, is therefore a destination in sight, and which better than Madrid. A club known for fielding the best players in the world, will continue to do so, and The Almighty knows, someday could be winning Europe's crown, crediting Kaka as the protagonist. He has done it in the past, and with some much needed motivation, there is no reason why he cant do it again. Kaka has dreamt of Madrid, and I am sure Perez is dreaming of him now.

Kaka to Manchester City sounded like a shady business deal. Its like Catherine Zeta Jones tying the knot with Sulman Rushdie, or maybe worse. But Kaka to Madrid, sounds like a blend of perfect business, with a touch of footballing sense. Two great clubs combine and one megastar moves court. Milan need it, Madrid need it and so does Kaka. This does seem like a match made in heaven. And yes, Kaka will remain in the heart of the Rossoneri faithful, forever.

Fortunately, a different result

AC Milan 2 Lecce 0

The same performance. But a different result. For long Milan have dominated games and walked away with shared points. For long Kaka and Ronaldinho have made a mess of games, helping the opposition get a point. But this time, the final score was in our favor. The international break gave the veterans 2 weeks to stretch their aging legs. Pirlo rediscovered his form for country that translated into his club outings. With Genoa lining up a strong bid for Champions League football next season, Milan had to win this game. The last 4 games for the Lombardy giants are going to be a test of character, and it is extremely important that we maximize the points until then.

AC Milan started positively and maintained the tempo throughout the game. Inzaghi had an amazing opportunity early on but he put the ball wide from close range. As Inzaghi was quite inclined on doing favors for Lecce, Tiribocchi was keen on returning the favor to Milan. The Lecce striker displayed a lack of composure to score and this wasn't the first time that he was going to be unproductive upfront. The Gaillorossi were depending solely on counter-attacking football to score and they came close on many occasions and if not for a sturdy Rossoneri defense, Lecce could have had a different half time team talk. 34 minutes into the game and Pato almost scored a genius of a solo goal as he won the ball, ran down 2 defenders and shot from a distance. Unfortunatly the ball was curling outwards. 5 minutes to time, and the home fans received a shock substitution as Senderos came on for Maldini. The Italian had received a knock earlier on that was preventing him from leading the line of defense.

Milan started the second half the way the had ended the first half. Kaka, Flamini and Pato had their efforts but none of them tested Benussi. Seedorf who had a quiet game was brought off in favor of Ronaldinho. The Brazilian went onto make some sharp passes, but he was generally poor in possession. He combined well with Zambrotta on one occasion but the cross by the wingback was not effectively converted by Pato. Kaka slowly began getting into a dangerous mode. Pato was being Milan's best player yet again, with his runs and his ability to get into good positions. Shevchenko came on for Kaka in the 78h minute. Ancelloti had his last throw of the dice and he felt that 3 strikers would make the difference. And did they disappoint him? Surely not. With 70% of the possession in favor of Milan, the scoreboard was an astonishing sight. It could have become quite unbelievable if Munari's delightful cross and Senderos' horrendous defending had been punished by Tiribocchi. But evidently, that dint happen. Ronaldinho had displayed a good amount of intelligence in his play so far this season, but from a very promising position, his choice of direction of the freekick was extremely disappointing. The save was methodical, deemed by the media as world-class. Into injury time and Pirlo flighted a wonderful free kick into the box that transformed the much maligned Senderos into a hero. But the header from Senderos was deflected in by Ronaldinho, so the credit of the goal went to the attacker. 2 minutes later, Ronaldinho got himself involved in Milan's second goal. His 'Dinho-like' pass to Sheva brought out the best in the Ukrainian who crossed sublimely into the box. Inzaghi was found, all alone waiting for the ball as he headed it into the back of an unguarded net. Game, set and match.

Kaka must have friends in the media. There seems to be very little reason otherwise, as to how he manages to escape with good ratings even if plays at Serie C quality, repeatedly for Milan. The defense was good but the wingbacks could have done more to aid the attack. Dida was his usual no-nonsense self. Flamini and Pirlo were very good, and Inzaghi, quite the opposite. But my vote goes to Shevchenko. This legend has a lot to offer, not merely on technical ability, but on will also. He has set his objectives and seems keen to show the trifosi why they still mean something to him. We need Shevchenko, and going by our business sense, I trust we can get him for a lot lesser than the 9 million release clause.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22yeajSD6dY&feature=related

Goals -
AC Milan - Ronaldinho (91'), Inzaghi (93')
Lecce - /