A world-class sale

Yoann Gourcuff

FC Lorient was managed by Christian Gourcuff between 82'-86. It was around this time, that he introduced his son to the club. He was unfolding an identity that will re-live the legend of ZIdane. Yoann was then picked up by Rennes, who signed a youth team contract with him. Yoann quickly ascended into the main team, and thats where he performed terrificly, catching the eyes of many Europian big-wigs, such as Valencia, Arsenal, Ajax, etc. But he opted to sign for Milan, instead. During this period, AC were just about recovering from the Calciopoli scandal, and it seemed like a perfect move for him and the club. But after he joined, a villain named Ancelloti barely played him, opting for Seedorf instead. After having signed a 4 year contract with the club, he couldn't immediately ask for a sale, so Gourcuff pleaded for a temporary move outside the club, to get some game-time. Milan slapped a 15m pounds release clause to make matters worse, before loaning him to FC Girondins de Bordeaux. That was approximately the amount spent on him, for his arrival from Rennes.

What do we know next? The young Frenchman is setting Ligue 1 alight with his steller performances. Right away, the board knows they made a mistake, and Ancelloti decides to make periodic accusations at the young attacking midfielder. As this season has progressed, Gourcuff has taken a midtable French division side, and made them compete for the League title till the last day. He has made an ordinary team look extra-ordinarily good. He has won the Ligue 1 Player of The Season. He has also become a linchpin in the French national side. Not only does he look like Kaka, but he even plays a lot like the Brazilian maestro. And with even more skills in the CV than the former World Player of The Year. Gourcuff has a better work-rate, heads the ball really well, is a lot more skilled. What's best is that he is still only 22! Its a disaster, this sale for Milan.

We lost this world class talent, right in the beginning of the season. A blunder made by the likes of Galliani and Leonardo is barely imaginable. This duo took off to France a couple of days ago, to deal with this situation. I don't know what they did, but they definitely gave away the best possible heir to Milan's Kaka, at a ridiculously low price. And here I was dreaming about Gourcuff taking over the reigns from Kaka and writing his own fairy tale at Milan. Anyway, he has signed a four year contract with a release clause worth 20m pounds. I only hope that next season, we can add up the differential 5 million pounds and recoup a treasure that is worth so much more.

Rueful finale

Poalo Maldini

AC Milan 2 AS Roma 3

Yes, the game wasn't as it should have been. The final score, Maldini's farewell, the current standings, none of this are as they should have been. Flamini and Beckham found their way back into the main team. Roma had their full strength defense in place.

Roma know that they end up being the better team more often than not against Milan, and attacked from the onslaught with this confidence. Vucinic sent a through ball to Taddei, but Dida was there to protect the goal. Inzaghi had a one-on-one chance with Artur, but his move was ruled out as offside. This was a close call. Vucinic, who got the better of Favalli, was closed down by Pirlo just before pulling the trigger. Beckham's long range beauty was let down by a poor first touch by Pato, Brighi combined with Totti, but the effort went off target. Beckham was amidst the action yet again, his pass well worked by Pato but Artur did well to deny the starlet. Riise powered in a freekick to give his side the lead - top corner from the edge of the box. Artur was called into action yet again, Motta helping him out on this occasion as he blocked Pato's wicked volley.

At the break, Ancelloti brought on Seedorf for Beckham. Seedorf played in Inzaghi who was brought down by Juan, but no penalty was awarded because Artur already had gotten to the ball. Ancelloti continued making irrational substitutions, as he introduced Ronaldinho and Zambrotta for Pato and Jankulovski. Kaka got involved in the action, as he whipped in a low cross, but Seedorf failed to convert. Artur did seem Roma's best player. He denied Kaka and Ambrosini over the next few minutes. 74 minutes in and Milan find their equalizer. Kaka found Inzaghi from a wide position, whose volley was parried away onto Ambrosini's path, and the box-to-box midfielder had no issues tucking away the ball into the back of the net. Menez was having a good game, after he was brought on to weave his French charm, and he managed to do that, until Favalli came in the way. It wasn't much later that Menez slotted the ball past Dida, after combining well with Riise. If Riise was able to go past Milan players, then it must say something about how good our team was on this day. Kaka was involved yet again, his cross leaving Artur frozen, Ambrosini there yet again to apply the finish and equalize. Totti, who had gone AWOL during the game, had a chance to make an impression, and couldn't have made a better one, as his power-drive of a freekick, gave his side the lead, for the 3rd time in the game. Zambrotta, out of sheer desperation, started calling for a penalty after going down in the box from a mere nudge. Ambrosini thought it was apt to 'do a Ballack', but this time, he got what Ballack dint, a red card.

Maldini couldn't have wished for his last game at the San Siro to be as maligned as this. Letting 3 goals past him, isn't very Maldinisque. Also, in his lap of honor, the Curva Sud, Ultras started protesting, making loud what they felt about Maldini. Banners reading 'There is only one captain - Franco Baresi, were hung all over the stand. These fans' distaste for Maldini was evident from this display, and it left the legend shocked. But in a typical gentlemanly way, he waved and walked away, looking disassociated with the entire incident.

I ain't furious with the fans, I am enraged with the coach, and the team. What a joyless performance. And what an ungrateful farewell to the skipper. Maldini deserved better than this. Not only is this a remorseful finale for Maldini, it leaves Milan exposed, and endangered of losing out on direct qualification for the Champions League. Fiorentina, are looking mean, and hungry. Milan, are looking quite the opposite. Viola, are prepared to give Maldini a better farewell, than the one he got at San Siro. I sincerely hope, that means gifting Milan and Maldini a win.

Goal Scorers -
AC Milan - Ambrosini (75', 81')
AS Roma - Riise (36'), Menez (80'), Totti (84')

What 5-1?

Pasquale Marino

Udinese 2 AC MIlan 1

Its unofficially official. Carlo Ancelloti will be handling Chelsea FC next season. And that was having a direct impact on his tactical play. His counterpart Marino was out for blood. 5-1, the previous scoreline was crying 'payback time' for the Udine based club. And the most in-form club in the league were determined to balance things out.

The approach was very different from the start. Udinese started with a 3 man attack. Milan, with a one man attack. It would be appropriate to mention here, that the scoreline is very flattering for Milan. We were fortunate to save some face. Determination factor was impalpable for the away side, because it just wasn't there. Udinese's resolution was admirable and I was left awestruck by their commitment. Right from the start, they looked the better team. On the 9th minute, Pepe sent a cross in for D'Agostinho, whose right footed shot went wide. 15 minutes in, Pato headed down the ball to Ambrosini, but the Italian midfielder just couldn't convert. On the half hour mark, Pepe's delightful ball into the box from midfield finds Floro Flores. But the young Italian striker was brought down by Paolo Maldini. Penalty, and Serie A's man of the moment, Gaetano D'Agostinho scores the penalty. 36 minutes in, and Pepe passes to Quagliarella who turns to shoot. But somehow Senderos manages to block the shot. Milan were looking like a team that is struggling at relegation level in Serie B, throughout the affair. All the top players were taking a nap, leaving the traveling fans fuming with insult.

Flamini, who was given a midfield role and who played it by being anonymous throughout the half, was substituted by Inzaghi. Senderos made things worse for Milan by giving away a freekick just outside the box, but Pepe failed to capitalize on it. 4 minutes into the second half and a corner, combined with some atrocious defending by Milan, provided Zapata with a chance to make it 2-0 with a tap in, and he did. 58th minute, Inzaghi scores, but that is ruled out for offside. AC Milan were being taught some severe lessons by the home side, who were mauling the visiting side with pace and physical strength. D'Agostinho, who was the best player on the pitch by far, ran right through the middle of the park, and took a shot, calling Dida into action. Ronaldinho came on, and the team looked more offensive than ever before in the game. Ronaldinho put Inzaghi clean through on the keeper, but the veteran wasted yet another chance as he shot straight at Handanovic. 5 minutes before time, Quagliarella shot on target from a corner but Dida looked good here as well. We played one of our worst games this season, no doubt. But on a certain counter-attack we managed to grab a goal, to make the scoreline look more respectable. But it could have worsened, as Udinese, with a far superior counterattack hit the post through Quagliarella.

Not only did we gift Inter the crown with this ignominies performance, but we are unworthily holding onto a place in Europe which in my opinion should be deservedly Udinese's. Yes, its quite shocking my statement. But I have my reasons. Udinese have a side that is strong and fast. They have one of the most under-rated squads in Europe. They have the right players for each position. They might not have superstars, but they are capable of putting in a better representation of Italy than Milan are. Disturbing news is, Berlusconi thinks that Ancelloti is part of the "Milan family". So him leaving the San Siro still seems in doubt. But the blessing could be Marco Van Basten. The young, capable coach able of leading Milan. Apparently, those are the attributes high on Milan's wishlist. And more apparently, he was in Milan yesterday, at a round table conference.

Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plxZxyyfXYI&eurl
Scorers -
Udinese - D'Agostinho (31' pen.), Zapata (49')
AC MIlan - Ambrosini (93')

Apocalypse in Albania

Gennaro Gattuso

Albania 3 AC Milan 3 (4-5 pen.)

Albania hosted us for some sidey trophy. One which Inzaghi lofted with great pride. Just demonstrates where Milan as a club have reached in terms of objectives and stature. 2 days after messing up a golden opportunity to reduce the lead on Inter and possibly steal the title, Milan were found playing a purposeless friendly. It would have been a lot better to stay home and bemoan our performance but instead we went on a trip.

Clearly shows we are making up for the lack of games in other competitions. It could be an exercise of brand building or revenue making, but it certainly isn't doing any good to the reputation of Milan. My point can be cemented by taking a look at the scoreline. We couldn't beat a national side ranked 92 in the world by FIFA. And we perceive ourselves in the Champions League next season. Well, the silver lining is we could have lost this game!

Gattuso was making a start for the first time after 5 months, post his surgery. It is an entire month before his scheduled recovery. So much for all the flak that the Milan Labs were facing over the course of the season. Tirana was the venue, Taci Oil Albania Reads was the name of the tournament. Apparently, the receipts of this game go towards breaching illiteracy in the county. Ok, whatever. From the onset, the game looked like an unwanted advertisement of the Serie A. Boring, mundane, slow and dreary. Antonini had a goal ruled out for offside. Later, some amazing hold-up play from Shevchenko and Pato provided Ronaldinho with the opportunity to score, and he did.

But it was the second half that was more entertaining. Kaka did well to set up Shevchenko who was having a good game. The Ukrainian did well to slot the ball between the keeper's legs. Then, shocking tidings befell Milan. Albania scored 3 goals in the span of 12 minutes. Vila with a lob, Muzaka's half volley, and Salili's header riped Milan's defense into shreds. Moving on, Albania seemed to derived inspiration from Milan's heroic defending in the night. Milan's 3rd goal was scored under calamitous conditions. Defenders were just falling around Kaka for practically no reason, as he strolled into the goal and cut the ball across goal, to a waiting Inzaghi who scored. Eventually the match ended by Milan winning on penalties.

As I watched the game, I was beginning to feel disconnected with a club that I once watched in awe. A defense which deservedly possessed the title of being the Great Wall of Italy, are now being static and motionless. They are entitled to hold onto the title even now. However, for other reasons. Our defense, young and old, are incapable of holding out Europe. Ancelloti, need not be blamed, but there are some glorified bureaucrats who would rather have the media make Carlo the scapegoat. From Senderos to Silva, the defense is plagued with incapability. Mattioni was solely responsible for the third goal. His inability to lift his feet of the ground provided Salili a free header. Many times, he was found ahead of the Shevchenko in the opposition penalty box! On all the goals, Silva was happily star gazing. I have never been a big fan of the number 33. He is regarded as the future of our defense. Ok, we might as well have Simon Loria, instead. Darmian should continue in the youth academy for the next 10 years. As for Albertazzi, he should take a change of profession. Perucchini makes Heurelho Gomes look world class. He dint know when to hold the line and when to attack. His basics in goalkeeping are non-existent to say the least.

Buffon says he is frightened for the future of Juventus. I can feel the same way, about Milan. A bunch of have beens, and a bunch of over-rated talent, can honestly get us nowhere. We have the toughest run in, in Italy. And going by our previous two games, we can neither beat a depleted Juventus side, nor a team ranked 92 in the world. Must I explain more?

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7WLgdIdikg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2F

Scorers -
Albania - Vila (64'), Muzaka (71'), Salili (76") [ pen. Pisha, Muzaka, Vila, Vrapi, Beqiri (missed)]
AC Milan - Ronaldinho (22'), Shevchenko (50'), Inzaghi (88') [ pen. Kaka, Seedorf, Flamini, Silva, Inzaghi]

Scudetto over

Vincenzo Iaquinta

AC Milan 1 Juventus 1

This was meant to be the biggest game in Europe. And it was everything else but that. Both teams had enough injury concerns. They were forced to field teams that essentially weren't first choice. Coaches' lack of rationalization also added to the weaker strength of the teams fielded. This game was crucial for Milan, more than it was for Juve. But motivation did flow in the opposite direction. And that, is very perplexing to understand. The good news for us was that Gattuso was fit and was starting from the bench.

Ancelloti started the game with Inzaghi. And this striker had a dreadful outing against Catania last weekend. Therefore. the choice was baffling and would come to haunt the gaffer later. Ranieri chose two of his best strikers. That declared intent. With Kalac between the posts and Favalli-Maldini forming our central defense, a repeat of Turin was well and truly on the cards.

4 minutes in and unusually, Beckham picks up a yellow card for an unreasonable tackle on Marchionni. Cameronesi almost scored for his side after some amazing link-up play between Iaquinta and Marchionni. However, the Italian winger dint take his chance. Flamini, who is fast becoming a world class wingback put in some splendid tackles. Two in particular were goal saving tackles. One was of Iaquinta, the other was of Marchionni. It was all Juve for the first 20 minutes. Milan had a wonderful chance to take the lead as Chiellini made an unusual mistake in an otherwise rock solid performance, that presented Inzaghi with an opportunity to score. But the veteran so characteristically shot over. It was here that Milan started getting into the game. The game was becoming more and more of a midfield battle, but considering Poulsen and Zanetti were in the heart of the Old Lady's midfield, I was left astounded that we weren't winning the battle. Poulsen created a hole in our defense and charged in to score, but he scuffed his shot, narrowly wide of the target. Even though opportunities were being created, it was never really enough to test Buffon in goal. Juventus were quite water-tight in their midfield. Their closing down was surely commendable in the half which was preventing Milan from taking another shot on target.

Juventus were not only playing hard to breach, but were attacking fervently. They must have comprehended from the previous meeting that a central defense of a combined age of 78, should crack with a few knocks. It was Milan however with the better defined chances. Inzaghi was found unmarked from a Beckham corner but his header was wayward. A striker at this level should be scoring from where he missed. Almost instantly, in typing Calcio fashion, Juve came close to taking a lead. On the counter, Iaquinta's pile driver was spilled by Kalac, and if not for Flamini's dauntlessness, Amauri would have tapped in from close range. 57 minutes into the game, and the home side shocked the Bianconeri as Legrottagglie's poor pass was picked up by Inzaghi who cut in from the left side, passed it to Ambrosini who mishit the shot but fortunately Seedorf was there to apply the finishing touch. La Zebre hit back in vintage Juve style. 3 minutes later, they found their equalizer. Cameronesi sent in the cross to an oncoming Iaquinta, and the Italian hitman made no mistake finishing. His strength was just too much for Flamini, who was man marking him at this point of time. Milan engaged themselves in attack mode, as Ancelloti replaced Becks with Pato on the 67th minute. 75 minutes into the game, and two titans in Del Piero and Ronaldinho entered the fray. Pato was electrifying from the point of entry, and on this occasion, put in a delightful cross for Inzaghi who blasted over the goal. 83 minutes, Legrottaglie brings down Pato with a challenge from behind. The Referees' Union of Europe, who have decided against giving penalties this week, were probably watching. And so Milan were denied a penalty. To make matters worse, Favalli picked up his second yellow and was sent of for dissent. I mentioned worse, because its a matter of formality. It makes no difference to Milan if Favalli stays on the pitch or doesn't. The scoreline nor the pattern of play changed till the end of the game, leaving me along with several other fans frustrated.

I say that because this was a game, that we should have won. And won comfortably. But instead we walked away with a point, not capitalizing on Inter's draw against the Flying Donkeys earlier in the day. Inzaghi was becoming something of a hero, but after the last two games, my impression of him is very much what it should be. A retirement bound, washed up striker. I have no real complaints of anyone else. Inzaghi could/should have won this match for us. But seeing the colors that made him the striker that the world recognized, probably, probably made him the invalid that he was yesterday. This result almost obviously means the Scudetto race is over. What we can now fight for is pride, something we haven't fought for in awhile.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvrjDM8Qlqc&eurl

Scorers -
AC Milan - Seedorf (57')
Juventus - Iaquinta (60')

Wasteful Inzaghi

Ricardo Kaka

Calcio Catania 0 AC Milan 2

Inter beating Lazio had left AC Milan 10 points from top spot. Away to Catania, wasn't going to be a tough game by any stretch of imagination. The electrifying form that AC have been experiencing over the last couple of months was going to be too hard for the Sicilians to handle. The prominent Flamini had to miss this game due to suspension. This allowed Zambrotta back to his favored right-back position and Jankulovski in left-back. Favalli and Maldini were playing in central defense. And the news that Potenza and Ledesma were unavailable for the home side was quite comforting.

Favalli howlers were getting past their due date and one of them was round the corner. It was relieving to see it come in the sixth minute of the game, as the former Inter man headed the ball onto his own post from point blank range. As the game progressed, Milan had two glorious opportunities to score. Maldini's header was cleared of the line. And Tomas Kosicky produced his first save from Pippo. Possession was with the Rossoneri for most part of the half, as they passed around ingeniously. Finally a moment of breakthrough as Kaka's through-ball found Inzaghi who lost his man and slotted past the keeper to make it 11 in 8. Mascara tried to level the terms and had Dida on his toes. Milan on the counter got Kosicky worried, but the keeper got the better of Inzaghi for not the last time in the game. 5 minutes from time and Inzaghi missed another chance. Pirlo's cross had Inzaghi facing an open goal, but he headed wide.

Surprisingly, Inzaghi wasn't substituted at half time. Tedesco came on for Izco for the Gli Elephanti. Tedesco's long-drive had a few tremors running in the Milan defense but it wasn't enough to level the score. It was quite simply astonishing to see that Catania still had the chance to find a way back into the game after the Diavoli's domination. Kosicky made a mistake from Beckham's cross as he pushed the ball onto Kaka's path who was just six yards out. Kaka has a history of missing sitters, but not this time. 2-0 to the visitors. Kaka was in the midst of the action yet again, as he crossed to Inzaghi who made a mess of the cross. Another open goal chance fell to the feet on Inzaghi,who blasted over. Kaka realizing that today wasn't Inzaghi's day decided to go for goal himself. His curler hit the crossbar and bounced back into play. Pato came on for Inzaghi and almost made it 3 for his side. Kosicky denying a Milan player, yet again. Mattioni made his Serie A debut for Milan with a few minutes to go.

Kaka was Milan's best player. And this hasn't happened very often this season. Pirlo and Beckham were sound during the entire game. The back four were good for their weekly wage. But I am infuriated with Fillipo Inzaghi. The veteran could have scored 5 goals quite comfortably this afternoon. The chances presented to him were far too easy to miss. David Nugent would have scored them, that's how easy they were. But we had to leave The Stadio Angelo Massimino with a scoreline that barely tells the real story.

At the end of the game, Milan had registered their fifth win in five games. Four games to go, four real tough games to go. All starts with Juventus next weekend. This is where, the run in begins.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGkd2WPMepo&eurl

Scorers -
Calcio Catania - /
A.C.Milan - Inzaghi (26'), Kaka (61')