ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - AC MILAN

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 11/15/2010

This past weekend marked the day every Milanista circled on their calendars months ago. The heated Derby Della Madonnina has gone Intergentina's way for the past years. We all bitterly remember the Adriano handball, Gattuso's sending off in the 4-0 loss last year. It has been an overall traumatic affair for Milanisti, seeing their city rivals win a historic treble, and Moratti's yellow toothed grin casting an ominous aura over the San Siro.

This summer - everything changed. Mourinho's magical tactics were handed over to Rafa Benitez, who fizzled them and created an inferior team compared to last years. Berlusconi had a Florentino Perez-esque epiphany one morning and decided to stop buying mediocre Dutch strikers and finally splurge. In come Robinho and Ibra. Meanwhile across town, Inter lose their dynamic youngster Balotelli, who always scared the daylights out of me when he suited up in the black & blue stripes.

As this season has unfolded, it has become apparent that this is Milan's year. It's our scudetto to lose now. A quick glance at the other candidates who could challenge for the Italian title will lead most of you to become as optimistic as I am.

Milan's Starting Attack Against Inter - Zlatman & Robin ©AP

Inter: Mourinho mania is over. Milito is a shell of his former self. Their starting 11 is the oldest in Italy. Also, injuries have devastated them this year. I don't see them repeating.

Lazio: Their fairytale start was cute, but their lack of talent compared to the other bigs will land them in the Europa League by the end of the year.

Juventus: At the moment this is probably the team that will give Milan the most problems down the stretch. They've been playing good football without Krasic in recent weeks, and their all-Italian lineup deserves respect from neutrals.

Roma: Seems like a team without an identity. While they'll probably secure a top 4 finish, I don't see them seriously challenging for the scudetto.

Random Notes:

- Apparently, Berlusconi sent a text to Allegri before the game urging him to play Ronaldinho. The coach didn't budge. Berlu has a history of clashing with previous coaches because of tactical differences. If you've been reading my column you all know I love Ronaldinho, but he has been really poor recently in pivotal games. When the opposition becomes world class, he is reduced to a mediocre player. It hurts just to type it, I know..

- Around a month ago I tweeted that if I were Berlusconi, I'd seriously consider selling Pato if the right offer came around. People thought I was insane. Here we are, another season, another injury. It's a very alarming sign when your young gem cannot stay healthy for longer than two weeks. This pattern is very frustrating not only for Pato, but for fans who are salivating at the thought of what il Papero could do if he remained healthy for an entire season. So, here's the major question. If Manchester City or Real Madrid (the two teams who overspend for everybody) offered Milan around €50-60 Million, would you take it?) I'd use that money right away and purchase the Brazilian starlet Ganso, switch to a 4-3-1-2 with Ganso playing behind two strikers. Oh, and Berlusconi could pocket a cool €30 million from the deal. Just a thought.

- How painful is it for Inter fans to see Ibrahimovic winning the derby for the other team in town? Last year Inter lucked out when Milan opted to charity and decided to play their Dutch Masseuse as a striker. Needless to say, the experiment was a total failure. The Robinho/Ibra attack is becoming more formidable as the chemistry builds, and keep in mind that they squander about a half dozen goal opportunities per game.

- One cannot help but pity poor Pippo Inzaghi. At the age of 37, he still has the emotion of a 20 year old who just scored in the World Cup. His joyous, overly flamboyant celebrations have always been refreshing to watch, and his sense of timing has not eluded him. Unfortunately his recent knee injury has halted his season, and even though he says his career isn't over, I have my doubts. If he did choose to retire, it'd be quite an honor to say one of your last games at the age of 37 resulted in scoring a brace against Real Madrid. Simply a class act.

Inzaghi's Signature Celebration. ©Getty

- The Abate vs. Pandev fight was a classic case of the referee not seeing the instigators first actions. Abate seems to be one of the most improved Milan players from last year. I always said that he could become a world class right back if he improved on his defending. He held his own against Cristiano Ronaldo last week, and has been performing well when given the chance.

Forum discussion: What were your thoughts on the derby? And what are your realistic expectations for Milan this year. Discuss & Enjoy!

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Comments

Posted by Julian on 11/15/2010

Nice piece as usual my friend...

in regards to selling Pato: I am 100% with you, IF IF IF we can actually wind up getting 50-60 mil.

As for the Ibra-Robihno ordeal I feel as if it's been his trouble finishing rather than his chemistry with Ibra (as you mentioned he squanders so many chances 1 v. 1)

Also any thoughts on Winter signings selling Ronaldihno to the Galaxy and picking up a defender? etc?

Posted by Virgie on 11/15/2010

Abate was certainly provoked by Pandev :( How could the referee doesn't give Pandev yellow card too ! But anyway, during the game, Abate is a great player, he has done very well..

Posted by Shevatofan on 11/15/2010

Hey, someone please give moratti some brush with whitening paste. Lol

another great article, not too sure about selling pato tho, when he reach 25, i think he will become unstopable.

Forza milan.

Posted by N. on 11/15/2010

Great recap and thoughts on the derby. Agree on selling Pato for the right offer and Ganso would be the perfect fit behind binho+Ibra. All rumors of Ballo sound good and I think he is an interesting skilled player but I would rather have Falcao and I think AC need to start replenishing the midfield pirlo,rino,seedorf,ambro avg about 60yrs old and we need to think about the future and Europe...

Posted by Abhishek on 11/15/2010

Hey Matteo,

I have been following this comment since inception. I really love the insights and details on my favourite club. (Wish the articles are more frequent)

My thoughts on the team:

Mid Field: Our previos 2 games rightly says, that we need 1 experienced mf (ambro or gattu) with 1 young engine (flamini or kp)

Attack: I am very excited at the thought of our future (post dinho seedorf) behind the striker player... this is the right window to sign1 and make him develop before dinho is shipped 2 usa (ny red bulls i can see him daiy then) and seedorf is retired. pastore is 1 option and so is ganso - i have been following him on gol tv bralizian league show... he has ooomph talent - also the ald is better than pato

Defense: with bale becoming even more expensive, how about the option of signing cissoko again (damn the medical) we also need sloban rajkovic (i am suprissed chelsea aint using him yet)

P.S: Pippo is what i would describe my feeling for acm, pure, joyish, innocent tbc

Posted by Abhishek on 11/15/2010

innocent, pristine and legendary,
I know he is retiring with the record under his belt but i am being selfish here and want more of him
Even during shevy at his peak - i would be confident of a goal only when pippo is on the pitch

Can we do a poll on which was pippos best acm moment? against ajax @ 2003 sf, lyon @ 2006 qf, liv @ 2007 finals, deportivo and munich @ 2003 or madrid @ 2010 or what about that glorious run in the spring of 2006, 2007,& 2008

Posted by damian on 11/15/2010

Entirely agree with you comments on Pato & Abate.
I would rather face the demons of serie a & ucl with a full squad minus Pato than a squad constantly a man down.
I think it would do well for morale too if Milan got rid of Pato since his replacement knows they are duty bound to take a 2 week holiday once he is again between injury.

Posted by tbone on 11/15/2010

derby was a really good one. I personally was on the edge of my chair the whole game. I thought although inter controlled the game, Milan was the far more dangerous of the two. Milan was in behind the defense and allegri's more compact team did its damage as well as taken all the attack inter could throw out there. Well fought win. Dissappointed to not see more than one goal to completely silence inter...but maybe next derby.

Posted by Rodger on 11/16/2010

First, I pray that we will get to see Pippo wear the Milan shirt at least one more time. i had the great fortune to be at the San Siro two years ago when he scored a hat trick against Torino, the joy in every goal was unmistakable.

Pato, I to am sick of him being out, but I feel it will be a huge mistake to sell him now. He still has 10 years ahead of him, give him a bit more time.

Abate did do a very nice job against the dive master, with a lot of help from Gattuso, and is better every game. How the hell did Pandev not get a Red? That was a complete joke.

Posted by kshitij on 11/16/2010

I really don't want pato to leave yes it might make fiscal sense but its kinda hard to see players leave who when they are fit and come on the pitch do create magic most of the time...

Posted by Chad on 11/16/2010

Selling Pato? That's just crazy. He can only get better. A lot better. Best player in the world better. You can see his shots, dribbling, and pace are improving every game. Messi was very injury prone and got over it and Ganso is not made of steel. He has been injured for months now.
But that's the price you pay for being a player so talented like Pato. You get kicked a lot by defenders yout legs get damaged.

Posted by D on 11/16/2010

M-
You've seen my comments for over a year now stating I'd sell Pato for the right price. There's no denying the talent...and he'll probably have a great career. But between the injuries and the idea most of his game is centered around speed (something he'll lose as he gets older) I'd cash in. Spend the money on bringing Mario back to Italy. I'd also invest in a young CB to groom as Nesta's replacement (I know .. we've had this discussion before). Convince Genoa to sell their half of Ranocchia.
As far as Pato replacements (and to spell Ibra - who I think has been great btw) Matri would look nice in the red/black and I think Morimoto could be snagged from Catania for a song right now.

Gatuso looks reborn this season. Go figure.

Abate and Antonini should be fine. Just taken them time to figure it out.

I'd also get away from three up front and instead would put two up there with one behind. (Honda anyone?)

Oh yeah ... sell Ronaldinho in January

Posted by tom sebastian on 11/16/2010

totally agree with you on the fact that juve will be toughest opponent.btw luca antonini must be started more frequently

Posted by Ben Davidson on 11/16/2010

Matteo,

Very well said. The more and more I stream games on my computer (the only way I can watch the Rossoneri), the more I watch and begin to think this is starting to look like an elite ballclub not dissimilar to that which vacated the pitch after Athens in May 2007. What's funny to me is about half of those starters just won the Derby! What was going on for the past 3 years? Injuries? Always. Talent? Not necessarily. Stellar moves during the transfer window? Hmmm...

Pato is absolutely world class talent. Sell him? I don't know. So far I've read he'll be out till roughly Christmas. I say let him rest until the season picks back up. If he misses more than 4-5 games due to major knocks then he's tradeable. If he's got a few hitches here and there, let him develop into more of the phenomenal player than he already is.

Breaks my heart to see Pippo out. A clutch brace against Real at 37? Absolutely ridiculous.

Expectations - Scudetto, at least quarters in ucl

Posted by punditguy on 11/16/2010

Great article. Remember when you said sometime ago that Ronnie will be heading to MLS? Well im starting to see it taking shape now. Its sad but i have a feeling Burli & Galliani will bring in some one good. Selling Pato? Hmm.....it will hurt like hell but he's to injury prone! He's like an EGG! 50-60 sounds good. Neymar, Ganso, Pastore all sounds good.

The derby...i must say, i really didnt enjoy the match until it finished. I was nervous and tense. I couldnt enjoy the game until we scored a 2nd goal or 90mins up. I think i have to look at it again and this time i'll be able to enjoy it. lol. But cant even begin to express myself for how happy i am!

Milan season. Im not sure what to think or say. This is a very unpredictable Milan side. Maybe they will surprise us maybe they wont. I think we just have to wait until the end of the season and see. Anything can happen.

BTW MATTEO. Cassano may become a free agent, what do you think of a possible move for him? Would you take the risk?

Posted by D. Piper on 11/16/2010

Shame about Pato and Pippo,Pato is enduring growing pains. Abate should have clocked pandev's motive. But all in all,it was a stellar performance by ACM albeit with 10 men.
They played intelligently and kept their nerve against a vengeful INTER. If they continue in this vein, they'll suprise all this season. Me thinks Allegri is starting to instill his philosophy upon the team. They should use Sunday's derby as a Tactical Template for the future.They must allow Pato to grow, Rome wasn't built in a day. I was impressed by ACM on sunday.
It shows the team has mental steel in spades, however the road is long, i like what i see.
To conquer more obdurate teams in future, they have to muster such mettle,as the duels would get tougher the further they go. I saw a stoic side i had not seen for yonks in our team on sunday, if they avoid defensive lapses in the latter stages of games and score more of their chances, then it could be mission accomplished soon. One game at a time though.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 11/16/2010

punditguy:

The Cassano question is a good one. While he has unparalleled technical ability in Italy, I still doubt his ability to thrive in a team like Milan. To me, Cassano has always been a player that NEEDS to feel like the best player on his particular team. The second he feels overshadowed, that's when the Cassanata's start all over again. He is a perfect fit at teams like Sampdoria, Palermo, Napoli, or Fiorentina. Although I love his style, I don't know if he's what Milan needs.

Posted by D. Schreuder (The Netherlands) on 11/16/2010

First off all.. Great blog!!!

Ganso is a good player too have at Milan but selling Pato for it, is a big mistake.. Better sell players like Ronaldinho and Seedorf. And then there are players like Jankulovski, Oddo, Yepes, Oneywu and Roma who are not of any use anymore. They (almost) never play.. They cost money!! Get rid of them. It's time for a new Milan. Get players like Contrao, Ganso, Neymar, Diego Alves, David Luiz, Jan Vertonghen, Gregory vd Wiel... And what about the youngsters, when will they get a real chance??... Gattuso and Ambrosini are good players, but old.. Use Merkel, Strasser, Verdi..

---------------------Amelia----------------------

Vd Wiel-------David Luiz-------T.Silva-----Contrao

--------Boateng-------Pirlo------Flamini----------

---------------------Ganso------------------------

----------Pato--------------------Ibrahimovic-----

Posted by jono on 11/17/2010

Its Milan's year to do all great things. I've been a Milan supporter for many years and its this year that when i watch this team play i get shivers. I believe this team will achieve great things this year. MIlan doing the double doesn't seem to be far fetched thinking.

On the issue of Ronaldinho he is a great player but this season he seems to be lacking that fire that pushes him on and off the field. Lets try to make him feel more wanted and i believe he will become that great player that we all know.

FORZA MILAN

Posted by Anonymous on 11/17/2010

selling pato is d greatess mistake of our time, buying ganso is good, but dey should pair dem together an, 4 seedof nd d rest old player they sould sale dem. all

Posted by Mjay on 11/17/2010

Very good article as always Matteo. Sell Pato would be insane. He is enduring a rough period but many players go through a series of injuries but sometimes is just a matter of getting the right treatment/surgery and allow the player to recover, not rush straight back to the starting line up. Messi was one of them, Inzagui early in his Milan career, Ronaldo was injured at Inter and went on to thrive in Real and won the world cup for brazil in 2002, the list goes on. The start line up we used at Inter is probably our best, only change would be Pirlo in for Ambrosini and KPB in for Gatusso. When is Allegri going to realise that Gatusso is like a time bomb, he is a red card threat in every match. Furthermore we should give more playing time to Strasser he looks like a great player, much better than gatusso

Posted by Pagliuca on 11/17/2010

Matteo!

Forza Raggazzi! That game was beautiful. We ran and played total football and shut down the Inter machine with 10 men and paid them back like they did to us last year! I like the way our MF ran and with Ambro and Gattuso in full form! Mama Mia! There's not stopping us. I notice this. When Pirlo was brought in he did OK, but I feel that he slows down the tempo for us? Also, come January we need to get a punta. Ibra, Robi, Roni, are all half-puntas. Pato? He's more like the same thing but right now it's in the air with him. This kid is a phenomino but every other day he's out. We sold Kaka just in time before he went down. Again with Pato? I don't know. We can't hold on to him if he's to injury prone. Rather take the amount we can get for him, and buy Pastore, Nesta's relplacement, another creative MF like Seedorf/Pirlo, and get Senoir Balotelli back. The dynasty continues. Also, when Milan is in form and syncronized. NO team in the world can beat them. Even if they have Mou!

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 11/17/2010

@Pagliuca:

I've always said that despite the occasional world class pass, Pirlo slows down the tempo in a drastic way. Our steel midfield 3 composed of Gattuso, Ambro, Flamini/Boateng is very tough to pass through. I liked the formation, although I'd salivate at the thought of Ganso slotting in Seedorf's place...

By the way, seems like Milan are keen on bringing in Cagliari striker Alessandro Matri in January to replace the injured Inzaghi. Personally, I think it's a great idea. Matri can score 12-15 goals in the Serie if given a chance. He's the perfect substitute for Ibra.

Posted by linduAji on 11/17/2010

OVERALL....0NE THING FOR SURE 'BENITEZ IS THE BEST TRANSFER EVER' FOR MILANISTI, HAHA...... I THINK WE STILL CAN BEAT INTERMERDA WITHOUT IBRA N ROBIN, AS LONG AS BENITEZ ON THE PITCH.
Please, mr.m0rrati...gv him an extension....,
;-p

Posted by Abhishek on 11/17/2010

Hey Matteo,

Any idea why have we loaned adiyiah?
we never gave him a chance.

Posted by Michael on 11/17/2010

It pains me to even think of pato leaving as he is my favorite player... but this injury has changed my mind. If we can get that good a deal for Pato. sell him.

I am growing very fond of Allegri. At first, I couldn't understand his substitutions or starting lineups, but now i'm starting to see his brilliance. He doesnt play the best players. he plays the right players

Great derby and it feels so good to win

Posted by Sandro on 11/17/2010

Just because you don't know much about Roma, doesn't mean they don't have an identity. I'm not trying to talk smack, but don't forget they had a 6-month unbeaten streak in Serie A last year. I agree it is Milan's scudetto to lose going forward, but a team with Roma's years of experience playing together is what will make them serious contenders. On a lighter note, I hope Benitez gets a 10-year extension, gotta love him!

Posted by KoolMILANFaN on 11/18/2010

I say if we ever get rid off pato... it should be for 50-60 million and in return we should

sign man city Striker Mario Balotelli...i feel deep down he bleeds Red and Black and would fit in at milan perfectly

Sign brazilian defender David Luiz from benfica to link up with Thiago silva as our centerback/ this will give us a sold Defense if nesta retires or gets injured again...

Im also worried if abbiati gets injured again that well be screwed in the box....what do you guys think?

Posted by Duc Nguyen on 11/18/2010

Pato does not get injured from being kicked actually. Most (if not all) of his injuries are muscle tears, which result from fast sprinting and sudden change of pace. This is quite common with strikers who don't continually run but instead do very quick sprints once in a while.

If Pato keeps playing like this he'll always get injured because his muscles are built that way and you cannot change them. Perhaps there are ways with advanced technology and medicine but I highly doubt it.

So yes actually it would make sense to sell him. I actually thought about this as early as last year, when he had the second incurring muscle injury. The question is, will anyone actually buy him for that price, given his injury history? I guess Real Madrid and Bayern were taking the risks with Robben, so who knows?

Posted by Italo Carrieri-Russo on 11/18/2010

This past weekend game between Milan vs Inter was a classic. I was very pleased to see Milan's team finally pulling through and coming up with a win in a big game and stay in first in the Serie A. The confidence that the team has now, will help them get through the season and even play better in Champions League Games and Italia Cup. The lose of Pippo is my concern for Milan right now. On paper, Milan had the best attacking force in Serie A Pato, Ibrahimovic, Robino, Ronaldinho, Pippo. You have a combo of youth, speed, and experience. However, I do think Pippo will come back from his injury and play great for Milan whether this year or next year. Ronaldinho will now get an opportunity to help with the squad now, because Allergi needs to make sure not another striker goes down for a long period of time. That would be a huge blow to the team. The big factor to the success of the Rossneri has been strong defenseive play, which was lacking last year. Any thoughts on that?

Posted by Travis on 11/18/2010

Even though scoring and setting up goals, i still think Ibra is a lazy player. I think Milan could have scored so much more goals in both the league and CL, according to Ibra's play. He often passes when he should shoot and vice versa. He is a great player, but Milan doesn't need this type of play. I really believe Kaka would be a welcome back, he and Pato just run at defences whole day (once they both stay healthy). And our midfield is too slow, one of our main stats now is offsides, because the midfield is too slow in getting the ball to the forwards. I was excited to see a new face in defence (Yepes), but my excited left me to learn it was another oldster. WHY???? geez. A little observation, "WHAT IS WRONG WITH MILANELLO?" isn't the health and training not working again? Why and how are these players always getting injured so easily again? I LOVE MY MILAN TO DEATH!!!!

Posted by kelon on 11/18/2010

matteo,
love all ur comments but the idea of selling pato is a little harsh rite now,also ganso is needed love ronnie but isnt playin with confidence also love the robust midfield gud energy ,i also agree with the david luiz signing theres a chemistry with brazil and a left-back is also needed and last abbiati is still a dout for me punches balls too much

Posted by Jerrod on 11/20/2010

Matteo, Brilliant article as usual. I agree with what you are saying about Pato too but I just don't think it's right. He is going to be the best player in the world in the next 2 years and he's 21 right now. he has such a promising career ahead of him even dispite his injuries. He will have the effect on Milan that Kaka once did. Now with all that said, yes I agree we did well against Inter but i would still like to see Ronaldinho play more. I mean here is a guy with just unlimited potential, although already realized, he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the world because of his ability to make plays. He needs to transition to a central midfield role I think. I do agree though that Ganso would be a good pick up playing behind Pato and Ibra (probably in a 4-3-1-2) or Danielle Sturridge from Chelsea. He's young, extremely talented, and doesn't get much playing time there. Sounds like a perfect opportunity for Milan to pick up world class talent. What do you think?

Posted by zibra on 11/20/2010

Hey all Milan fan, I would say the game was very much defensive from Milan while Inter was the team went to attack. Almost all the attack came from Milan was counter attack. Inter couldn't even do counter attack because Milan was playing a very defensive game than usual since Inter are superior over Milan in last couple of season. I think it is a mistake to say Juve is the only title challenge this season. Inter will be back to top area before Christmas. For Abate, he was lost against Eto in the first half, could have got red card if Gatu helped him in sharing the cards.

Posted by Juston on 11/20/2010

I agree with the Pato Selling. If they could get $50-$60 Million then they can go out and get another young striker such as Balotelli, Neymar, Benzema etc. I see this as being a good idea myself.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 11/20/2010

@Jerrod

Selling Pato could open up new opportunities. Imagine bringing Balotelli in and partnering him with Ibra? Call me crazy, insane, whatever you all like, but I still see Balotelli having the higher ceiling than Pato in the long run (that is if he can maintain his sanity. Which is a major question mark)

While I've seen Sturridge play multiple times I don't think Milan would ever target him. While the Ronaldinho transitioning to a central MF role sounds interesting, keep in mind that most the damage he does is on the left flank, where he curls in those dangerous balls with his right foot. However it could work out in the future (if we keep him) as he continues losing pace.

Posted by Milan 1963 on 11/21/2010

Ciao Matteo, Milan fans and not. It is funny how most of us were doubting the choices of Galliani and Berlusca to buy Ibra and Robinho commenting that it would have been wiser to buy defenders. Now looking back it seems that with a sound and strong midfield (read Flamini, Ambro, Rino and KPB) our defense is less exposed and is actully doing pretty well. Meanwhile with the double injuries of SuperPippo and il Papero, we realize how important it is to have Ibra who keeps on winning us games and Bihno who is getting more and more on the ball and most of it helps a lot tracking back. Obviously what we lack now is una "prima punta" and Matri would be a great candidate for that role, while I have mixed feeling about selling Pato, who could become the best player in a couple of years, but could also get eternally injured.
Lastly I would like to see more KPB, Flamini playing with either Gattuso or Ambrosini as I believe they can represent more of an additional threat going forward.

Posted by Alvi(pakistan) on 11/21/2010

I think we will sign ganso in near future or asian ace honda atleast but if we will win the title we will buy two or three young defenders and may be another holding mid fielder

Posted by Dan on 11/21/2010

the idea of picking up cassano in the winter transfer window is scary, and by scary i mean that having cassano and ibra fighting for a spot would not be the best for the team chemistry. but cassano is able to play behind the forwards, and he would be able to take a spot that dinho used to play. there are definite possibilities, but i feel that since milan is doing so well, no big moves will be made to play it conservative. but after the summer transfer window, who knows what will happen

Posted by phuh on 11/21/2010

pathetic attempt at journalism... I want my 5 min back...
I especially love the jibe about buying Ganzo and switching tactis... if only football would be that simple at top level

Posted by Milantactiocos Mania on 11/22/2010

Are you all serious !The real strength of Milan is not in the attackers but in our Pillars at the back Nesta and Da Silva.i REMEMBER THE DAYS WITH Maldini and Nesta at the back best defensive partnership ever.The saying is really true defenders are given no praise and are undermined while some new fancy attacking player gets bought and we forget about the true Milan players.Nesta is my favourite player and to me the best defendr to play the game learning from the second greatest Paolo MALDINI.Hes should BE PLAYED AS A SWEEPER.Now FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THINKS HES OLD AND IRRELEVANT watch the game against Barca for the Joan Gamper where he single handedly stopped the likes of Messi,Iniesta and Villa.Milan has always had a rich history of center backs with the likes of Baresi Custacurta Tassatotti and Maldini and Nesta is no exception he is truly the last of the golden generation of defenders and if I had my way the new chant would be IN NESTA WE TRUST ....IN IBRA AND ROBINHO WE MUST

Posted by Lenny S on 11/24/2010

Love the article, Matteo. I don't think selling Pato right now is a good move. He is still too young, and we need his speed. I love to watch him play, when he is healthy. I think Allegri should rest him well after he is cleared to play, rather than rush him back. Is it any wonder than MIlan has been awesome with Flamini in the line-up? I love Ambro, Pirlo and Rino, but they are older and cannot play everyday. WE need more of Prince, and Flamini and rotate the older AWESOME 3 midfielders (Ambro, Pirlo and Gattuso) When Pirlo is sitting, then Seedorf should play. I love him too, but he cannot keep up with the speed MIlan needs and has with IBRA, BINHO, and DINHO (Pato) NESTA needs replacing QUICKLY. So, cassano MIGHT be available. I say pick him up, sell Ronaldinho (I HATE to say that, but needs to be done) and pick up NEsta's replacement with that money.... Love reading your articles. Love being in 1st place and I LOVE AC MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Abhishek on 11/24/2010

@ lenny - we cant get money by selling ronaldinho as he is in his last year of contract
cassano will be a surplus what we really need is a fast paced wing back aka cissiko

Posted by Aafrican on 11/25/2010

Im sorry to say but selling pato ( a ronadlo figure ) is a bad idea. He's the only 1 on the pitch that can run with the ball and be confident. He's still young. No one has his speed on the team. It doesn't make sense to sell a player like pato. Young and unique. And as of ronaldinho...? ( my favorite player) he should not and will not be sold. From the words of the owerns. He's the best thing that ever happend to Milan. I feel like AC Milan needs to score more goals, and those oppertunitties come from Dinho.. He provides alot of assists. 1 goal isn't enough for ac Milan. I'm sorry but our attack options would be more open with goals if ronAldinho was in.

Posted by Andrija on 12/02/2010

Pato is my favourite player.I don t think you should sell him.He is a playier with a big heart.He is unique.None plays like he does.He is very fast, he has very accurate shot,dribble,he is very talented.I know he has a problem with injuries right now but he will get healed and be better.I don t think you should sell him he is very young and world class player.Pato is the best.I whope milan wont sell him

Posted by Ibrahim on 12/09/2010

Hi.

Selling pato would be a good idea. We would need a replacement for our aging defence but that raises another question. Pato is the only other striker that Milan have and unless they sign Ibrahimovic by the end of the loan, they would be left strikerless.

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