ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - AC MILAN

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 12/20/2010

UPDATE: (1/9/11): Milan Podcast Released - Listen Here!!!

Half the season has flown by and Milan sit atop the table with a three point lead over second place Lazio and Napoli. So what has the first half of the season taught us about Milan and the Serie A? For starters, the league this year has the most parity that we've seen in a long time. I can't remember the last time the leader before Christmas break had a meager total of 36 points.

We've also learned that the four teams who hover above the table are the ones that made significant quality signings over the summer. Milan with Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Papastatonegfnjregnier... Napoli with Cavani... Lazio with Hernanes... Juve with Krasic and Quagliarella

Allegri has revolutionized the squad. He has turned Ronaldinho into a spectator, changed the formation into a more defensive 4-3-1-2, and played hardball with any player acting in a way that's detrimental to professionalism and team spirit. You might remember I wrote the article about Kaka & Ronaldinho coming and going. Since then other scenarios have unfolded which will only make half of my prediction come to fruition. I have little doubt that if the Cassano saga hadn't occurred, Milan would've brought in Kaka. Ronaldinho however, already has one foot out the Milanello training camp. Allegri putting him in during stoppage time is insulting, and for the first time in years I saw Ronaldinho play without his characteristic goofy smile every time the camera panned up close to his face.

Cassano Watch:

- Cassano is 99.9% a Milan player, reports the Corriere Dello Sport. He will join the team on December 27th in Dubai for training. Let's analyze this manoeuvre a little closer. Cassano's natural position is, well, to circulate around the field just like Robinho does. He loves playing alongside a central striker, as seen with Sampdoria. Pazzini was a benchwarmer at Fiorentina before he teamed up with Cassano who turned him into a 20 goal a year hitman for the blucerchiati. An attack consisting of Cassano behind Pato and Ibrahimovic is enough to bring any Milan faithful close to climax.

- Is Cassano still a red card threat every time he enters the pitch? He states that his new calm lifestyle, where he isn't sleeping with dozens of women a week (like he claimed in his autobiography) settled him down and allowed him to concentrate on his job. Gone are the days at Madrid where he dressed like Michael Jackson and had a fetish for baked goods and little snack cakes. Now Cassano seems happily married, and is expecting a baby boy. From what I hear he will only cost Milan around €2 million, and the other 5 million that needs to go to Real Madrid has apparently been sorted out. Thankfully, Galliani & Perez have a very good relationship, even though Galliani nearly pulled off grand theft by selling them a crooked Kaka.

Cassano, Milan's next mercurial striker ©AP

- Unfortunately, I have some doubts about the Cassano signing. What will happen if he doesn't play? I've always thought of Fantantonio being one of those players that need to feel like the undisputed #1 of the team in order to succeed. In Sampdoria he was viewed as a demigod by the fans. In Milan, he's not even the best player at his own position. I have my doubts about Cassano's mental strength, now comparable to that of a 15 year old pre-pubescent boy. His talent however, is world class.. But only when he's in the mood..

Random Notes:

- Why on earth is Clarence Slowdorf still playing a prominent role on this team? His body is decomposing on the field. He was absolutely atrocious the other day against Roma. Never mind the fact that he has the top speed of a legless mountain goat, his passes are off target, his shots sail so far into the stadium that Milan is thinking about handing out a disclaimer to fans sitting in the Curva Sud urging them to bring riot shields for protection against Seedorf's right leg and Oddo's wayward crosses.

- Boatinhovic. The three summer signings have formed a chemistry together that has seen them all score in two of the last three games. Boateng has been making some very clever runs into the boxes, proving that he's a more than capable trequartista. Robinho has been dancing the samba during games, breaking ankles of opposing defenders and putting himself in good scoring positions.

- I realize Milan is going for the spectacular by bringing in yet another fantasista, but someone needs to remind Galliani & Co. that we're especially thin on the defensive side. Antonini is a shadow of his former self, and his former self wasn't even that good to begin with. As I've mentioned before, pairing Nesta with Bonera is like pairing a filet mignon with a bag of doritos. It's not a mix that works well together. We need a young, talented central defender like Ranocchia!

So as I wrap this article up, the question I pose is the following: How do you see the Cassano signing playing out? What formation can Allegri use that would make the best use of all the talents we have up front? Who would have thought four months ago that our attack would consist of Ibrahimovic, Cassano, and Robinho?

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Comments

Posted by Milan 1963 on 12/20/2010

I must say Allegri is doing a great job, unlike the previous two managers I feel more confident with his tactics and even if his Milan may not be as spectacular as Leo's one, he is for sure more efficient and can get the job done against any team in Italy. What I like is that he is taking strong decisions without being influenced by Berlusca or the senators. He managed to find the right balance between strength and fantasy, between solid defending and goal scoring opportunities. With Leo Milan always looked that they would have to score 4 or 5 goals to win games, with Ancellotti last season often after having been ahead they would be caught at the end. Today this Milan is strong and conscious of its capacity thanks to the 3 new signings and the revival of Flamini, Gattuso and Abate among others. Now that Cassano is almost on board I am a bit worried that this balance may be broken with yet another immobile fantasista but let;s trust SuperMax. Forza Milan.

Posted by Chris on 12/20/2010

Oh man I totally agree with Seedorf coming in. He was terrible!! The moment Pirlo went down, the gas just ran out of Milan's Tank. They did have many amazing chances to score before then.
What I'm curious about Matteo is what will happen when Pato comes back. I'm pretty sure he will definitely be included in the starting 11 but who's gonna be benched. I could only see Robinho or Cassano being benched, however knowing how Cassano is I wouldn't think doing that would be such a good idea. How's our attack gonna look in a few weeks?

Posted by John on 12/20/2010

I agree with your article, only I find the parody to be you and your editors your copy editing skills.

"For starters, the league this year has the most parody that we've seen in a long time. I can't remember the last time the leader before Christmas break had a meager total of 36 points."

Posted by hari narayanan on 12/20/2010

pato now needs to earn his place in the team. i have noticed that he completely disappears during some games and now with robinho, pato and cassano we have 3 second strikers but not alternative for Ibracadabra.

I totally agree with the seedorf note. his time is up and he needs to go.

DEFENCE- italian team were bywords for defense. not anymore. not milan definitely. i have never seen a more ordinary set of defenders. we need a full back and a young centre back definitely.

Posted by Rizzla on 12/20/2010

Lets be serious for a second here...
Pato is still very young... He can play off the bench for another season or two, with random starts mixed inbetween. The kid has amazing talent but get hurt faster than a teenaged girls heart.

Cassano, Binho and Ibra will be the regular starters.

Posted by Soto on 12/20/2010

Well i can not understand why on earth milan signed Cassano..?? As you said ..what we need now is a better defense.. i can not watch bonera play as a central defender... -.- i think that papa would be a better choice than bonera.and yepes.. he is more talented.. Milan should also sign a talented midfilder that can gice a decent pass.. i am 100 % happy with gattuso this year..but lets tell the truth..when it comes to give a pass he is not the best.. abate has inproved a lot and we need his pace against faster teams.. i like allegri but i can not understand why he hates ronaldinho..?? I think Leo was not so bad he just did not have the players allaegri does.. Anyway Forza MILAN !!

Posted by Soto on 12/20/2010

@ MATTEO
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF OUR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CHANCES THIS YEAR..?? Can this milan go far?

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 12/20/2010

@John

Thank you for pointing out the typo, as I don't have an editor, mistakes will be made at times.

@Chris

Ideally I'd say Cassano floating around Pato & Ibra. But Robinho has been playing very well lately so it'll be interesting to see how Allegri handles the issue.

Posted by Pagliuca on 12/20/2010

Matteo:
Oh boy?! Where to begin? Cassano is Cassano when used right but like Roni will be he motiviated? That's the key. We need an already hungry and motiviated strikers up front. Also we have more half-puntas then puntas. We need target men. That's the problem. Also, to your suprise,I'm sad about Roni leaving. He's done everything for us, and the Clueless one decided to smack him by bringing him in injury time rather at the 65 minute mark for him to do his magic. Regardless, that was disrespectfull. We need another FB CB(for Nesta/Silva) and creative MF for Seedorf(maybe Poli?). If Galliani get's those than we should be OK. I agree with you on Ranocinna but again. Inter half own him. Unless we do Coco/Seedorf type deals and get Santon instead, I don't know how we will land him. With Casso, ummm. We could use him as Trequartista feeding balls to Ibra and Pato. Robinho to rotate with Ibra and Cassano. What do you think? (ps I don't want Roni to go and Balo will come-trust me!)

Posted by Rizz on 12/20/2010

ok, some of you guys need to come to your senses...
You have robinho putting ppl on their asses with his moves, on a nice scoring streak... and you want to bench him for an unfit Pato? you guys need to start using your heads. really.. put personal affections aside. you do NOT bench your hot players for guys you 'like'

It would be a huge mistake to throw pato into that starting spot again, especially if binho and ibra are healthy... and I am a HUGE pato fan.

Posted by Eric on 12/21/2010

Matteo I love your writing, it's hilarious!

Posted by D on 12/21/2010

I agree with '63 about Allegri. Feel much more comfortable with him at the helm than I had the last few seasons. Not sure why the hate from some. Strike that - most of it comes from keeping 'dinho on the bench. Cash in in Jan. before he walks in June!
Yes on Ranocchia! (I think I'm starting to echo on that one). Speaking of young CB - very impressed with Camporese. I'd sign Criscito for the left side. Read rumblings about PL teams eyeing him up - always pains me to see a PL team snatch up young talent. It's the best league money can buy. Do they actually develop any of their own players over there?
See last article for comments on strikers because I agree with Pagliuca we need another target man.
Cassano? I'll reserve judgement for after his first few games. I'd play him either behind Ibra and Pato/'binho or next to and slightly behind Ibra (ala Mutu and Gilardino).

Posted by RobStyles on 12/21/2010

Matteo, nice post was always. Signing Cassano will definitely put us over for the Scudetto and will help us tremendously as we rest players going forward with Champions League and Coppa Italia. I've heard various rulings on whether or not he can play with us in Champions League, do you know what the truth is on this? Giafranco from AC Milan Offsides blog posted a section from the UEFA rulebook on Twitter last week that supposedly said he is eligible to play for us. I'd love to know if he can. I'm with you about Roni, its nonsense what Allegri is doing to him, he should've came on when Pirlo went down and they should have slide KPB back to LM, instead he put Seedorf in a ultimately gave the game away.
I'd have to imagine that Galliani will be looking for some strength in the back during the Jan window, he has already said they will be looking to reinforce other positions, although I still feel Gooch should get a shot. Have a Happy Holidays and New Year! Please post more!!

Posted by RobStyles on 12/21/2010

@ Hari, Regarding defense, when healthy our CB pairing is easily the best in Serie A, and arguably top 3 in Europe. We certainly can use some depth across the back line and premier full back to really shore things up, but we've been very good when our top players are in. Italian football is still very much built on strong defense and tactics, I cannot say that I agree with you on that statement.

Posted by Laura on 12/21/2010

Never mind the fact that he has the top speed of a legless mountain goat...JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA!!!!! priceless

Posted by Sam on 12/21/2010

You did it once again, how do you spurn out these class articles. I really hope Cassano will find space in the team next year

Posted by mcdgreg21 on 12/21/2010

haha @TheMilanGuy "pairing Nesta with Bonera is like pairing a filet mignon with a bag of doritos" brilliant!

Posted by A. on 12/21/2010

Ideally I'd like to see this Milan being able to play the most balanced of modern formations, 4-2-3-1.

Ibra up top, Boateng as the trequartista that can track back as well, and Robinho and Cassano on the flanks. But this formation would require both of the wide attackers to drop back into midfield, and not just Robinho. Furthermore, we need a pair energetic holding players behind them but only seem to have that ill disciplined Frenchmen that fits the bill. The Italo-Dutch old guard in midfield is ponderous at the best of times.

They are good enough against second rate Serie A teams but to go to the next level, this squad needs to sort out the midfield and the wingback positions tout suite

Posted by Danilo on 12/21/2010

I still hope Galliani will go for a defender. Cassano's deal was incredibly cheap for Milan, so I think that there's still chances do get a good backup center back and/or a fullback. But for now, I would like to see Milan playing with Cassano behindo the strikers and in front of Gattuso, Ambrosini and Pirlo, with Andrea through the left flank as he's been playing recently.

Posted by Pars on 12/21/2010

Alright a few notes:

1. On Cassano: I think I can now safely say (without fears of jinxing the possibilities) that Cassano is a Milan player. This news, of course, delights me enormously! With him in the team we only get stronger. As for his bad behaviour, Milan have a lots of established 'old guys' (especially Rino and Pippo) in the dressing room, so they can definitely put him in place. With regards to CL, I don't think we can play him - he is 'cup-tied,' but that shouldn't be that big of a problem: we now have more depth to rotate/rest players. Finally, I really, really hope Cassano forever banishes Seedorf to the bench, unless we are playing a Seria C team in the Coppa Italia; aside from Ronnie (which I will get to in a minute) he brings NOTHING to the team. I realize that he's a Milan legend, but his time at the San Siro has come. Move him to the front room (like Zidane and Real, and Figo and Inter), or make him a youth coach, or keep him for Seria C games!

To be continued!

Posted by Pars on 12/21/2010

Moving on...

2. On defenders and other signings: I have been wailing for almost 18 months that we should buy Rannochia. What do I get? Inter goes and buys him!! Can we not pull the wool and convince Morratti that Santon is crap and that he doesn't need him. Also, I say on this day that we should buy Andrea Poli from Samp asap! He can replace Pirlo. As for prospective attackers, get Paloscchi and Super Mario...or Rossi (he wants to come, why are we not interested??)

3. On Ronalidinho: simple and short...sell him before he leaves! He is finished! I agree that he would've been a better option for the game against Roma (instead of Seedorf), but I am firm on my opinion Ronnie is no longer the player he was in 05-06. Allegri has no other option. Bringing on a player at the 93 minute should have only one effect: spur him on to prove himself. But with Ronnie it doesn't even faze him! As for all the cries that he doesn't play enough, what did he do against Ajax at the San Siro??

Posted by justin italiano on 12/21/2010

Im very happy with milan this season, cassano seens to be a gamble compared to what milan really need, a young cb like t. Silva who was injured against roma, and need a replacement playmaker cause lets face it seedorf jst doesnt hav it anymre. Forza milan keep up the good work matteo

Posted by punditguy on 12/21/2010

Cassano? From an economic perspective its a steal of a deal! 2Mil for a player thats worth around 20Mil is just fantastic! Galliani has his "Magic Golden tie" on. IMO....I dont think he is the type of striker they were looking for but how can you say no to such a deal? Would have really love to see Matri instead.

Matteo- Do you think its possible for Cassano to play in Slowdorf position with a 4-2-1-3 formation? Play 2 defensive Mid behind Cassano and with him playing behind the forwards.

Also Galliani has said, apart from bringing in a striker in Jan, they will also look to reinforce the team. If they are not willing to sign a CB then maybe they should focus on bringing in a quality full back. Coentrao i would love to see! If they sign Coentrao then they can bring back Astori. He is much better than what we have right now and its a bargain because we own him!

Posted by akalo on 12/21/2010

So we are all good up front. Now, on our defense I think Oddo, Onyewu, Bonera, Jankulovski, Sokratis should leave, and Lichsteiner from Lazio, Pablo Alvarez from Catania, Vargas from Fiorentina, Ranocchia, Astori can come, maybe we can spend less than 40M for them.

Would Pastore be a good replacement for Seedorf and eventually for Pirlo? We can afford him now. An important topic to be discussed is Tottenham’s match on February.

And I couldn’t find the typo user ‘John’ pointed out where you wrote ‘parody’, I only read ‘parity’ and it was well written.

Posted by John on 12/22/2010

Wow thanks for this article i'm glad there is some Serie A news some where on this website! Love a good Milan discussion. I see Cassano as the trequartista playing behind Ibra and robinho/pato with the same formation 4-3-1-2. Pato will have to compete with Robinho for his spot, besides he is still quite young! Boateng has done well and can be a backup trequartista, but normally should be doing the running for Pirlo in midfield with Flamini. Gat & Ambro can sit bench & help with rotations but are not starters ne more. Thats the league sorted! To win CL we nee a left back and right back. Antoni/Zamb/Abate can be backups and abate could also rotate in midfield. Next season and beyond a young central defender, Ranocchia would be good and start bringing Merkel into some games! FORZA MILAN. One last note......sorry but ronaldinho serves no purpose at Milan his best days were at Barca and are long gone!

Posted by Simon on 12/22/2010

Milan must offload dinho - waste of time and effort

Posted by Sean from Baltimore on 12/22/2010

I could not agree more with your assessment regarding defense. Nesta is a lone warrior back there. Bonera is tough to watch at times....most of the time. I love Zambrotta, but he is getting old, and age is magnified for players who relied mainly on their speed and work rate. I like Abate and are we going to see any more of this Greek guy? Is Gooch really not good enough?

Posted by Sean from baltimore on 12/22/2010

Ibra, Cassano and Robinho are notorious for their attitude problems. How long before it rears it's ugly head? If it happens, im sure wins will occur less frequently. Ibra was yelling at his teammates the entire time during the Roma game. I hope I'm wrong.

Posted by Sammy on 12/23/2010

Great blog!!!

Posted by Lorenzo on 12/23/2010

With the government falling apart il cavalliere has to spend on milan. he needs a winning milan to portray his winning image. signing cassano gets attention... especially in the south. while no part time fan would give a toss about signing ranocchia. someone like balotelli on the other hand would be a bigger political statement than a football move. "l'italiano nero"

Posted by Astorino on 12/23/2010

Great Blog Matteo. And as for Cassano playing in the CL i dont know if someone already said it but yes he can play for Milan in the CL.

Posted by Soto on 12/23/2010

AHAHAHAHA... i was thinking about some of our players...and their "attidute" problems... could you people imagine milan if flamini gattuso boateng ibra and cassano played together..?? we would propably have the strongest fighting team !! :P even barca would be afraid of us.. !!

Posted by Jerrod on 12/24/2010

well MAtteo, brilliant article as usual but i'm still a little dumbfounded. If something isn't broken, why fix it? I'm refering to our attack. We don't need Cassano. I'm nnot doubting he is a good player but we don't need him. Robinho, Ibra, And boateng are playing brilliantly together and lets not forget that Pato is coming back from injury soon so there is going to be a lot quality players playing on the bench. We need a stronger mid and defense. I think the Michel Bastos or Juan would be a good pick up for us. What do you think Matteo?

Posted by pato on 12/24/2010

i think milan should working on the midfield..seedorf is good but his time has passed..lets buy younger player..player that can duplicate pirlo..pirlo should also playing more attacking..boateng is good but to play entire 90 minutes..i dont think so..

Posted by Pagliuca on 12/24/2010

Matteo:

Gazzetta is saying that Leo will be the new head coach for intermerda. Don't know how I feel about that? I have mixed feelings with him. Given the talent that we have this year I wonder how he would of fared? Still, I think his scouting talent may be better than coaching. I hope this is another Moratti blunder. Let's see?

Posted by max on 12/24/2010

Ronaldinho is, and continues to be, one of the best, very best, inspirational players in the world. Even if he is less than what he used to be, he is still a tremendous impact player that makes you want to watch a soccer game.
The problem that many overlook is that if the coach does not allow the player to play, he simply cannot perform. What Allegri has been doing is, in my opinion, simply unacceptable!!
You cannot say that Ronaldinho is not playing because he is finished. He is benched, for some reason that is beyond my knowledge of the facts.
Let's review AC Milan's performance this year under Allegri: I rate
Milan's performance against Lecce (4x0) as its best. The attack that day, with Ronaldinho, Pato and Borriello was formidable. It was a show for Ibra to watch. Remember? After Ibra and Robinho arrived, Allegri has never dared to play Ronaldinho, Ibra, Robinho and Pato together, as initially dreamed by many. That combination has not happened yet. (to be continued...)

Posted by Max on 12/24/2010

The combination of the three of them (but never the four of them) has happened on a few occasions, but it has been frustrating to watch the games knowing that one of those players is available but not playing. Yes, I know that with regards to Pato, he has been hurt. But Ronaldinho? It's a shame - and for me unacceptable.
Also, realize that Milan's relative success this year at the top of Serie A is nothing compared to the play of Barcelona and Real Madrid . The team is defensively oriented, with Allegri's 4-3-1-2 tactics, and, if I'm not mistaken, has not scored more than four goals in a game this season (except in the one against Lecce). The team almost didn't make to the second round in the Champions League and has managed to beat only Inter among the big teams (and by a penalty shot). Remember that Ronaldinho was benched!! for many (if not most) of the games.

the rant continues...

Posted by max on 12/24/2010

.... Allegri has certainly done few things right, as strengthening the defense formation, despite lacking more quality players in the sector, but choosing not (or knowing not) how to play all of his top players is just ... incompetence!
And what amazes me is what incompetence like this sometimes promotes: a diagnostic that a great player (just because he is not allowed to play) is finished. What a mistake!! Sad and so frustrating!
It really infuriates me to see Allegri bringing Ronaldinho in only when the game is about finished. He hurts the team and he hurts the player.
A great coach is one who knows how to play all his best players, who does not waste them, creating a tactical formation that maximizes what they can offer. With Allegri, he is either arrogant, trying to show that he is superior to a star player, or he simply does not know better.
Without saying that Leonardo is necessarily a better coach, he was at least savvy enough to recognize the strength players at his disposal.

Posted by max on 12/24/2010

... So, Leonardo was able to lift Ronaldinho to play better. He was able to recognize the values at his disposal. it's a shame that Berlusconi interfered with his work and Milan lost Leonardo.
Now, Berlusconi chooses not to interfere with Allegri's work and Milan is about to let a player like Ronaldinho go ( for a Cassano?)

And now that Milan has all these great forward players, are they going to play in the bench while only two are allowed at any one time to be in the field? Besides Ronaldinho (if he stays) is Allegri going to bench healthy Pato and Robinho?

Well - let me just finally say: it will be a mistake for Milan to lose a player like Ronaldinho (who, by the way, is rarely hurt and is always available willing to play and to create magic). It's a shame that this possibility is being masked by an elusive points success at the top of Serie A despite losing to Juventus and Roma.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 12/24/2010

We're going to need an entire article dedicated to the traitor named Leo..

Leo's greatest hits volume 1.0:

"There's no way I'd ever coach Roma. Milan are in my heart, I could never do that to them." (When asked about Roma gig)

"I have no idea what's going on, you guys know more than I do." (When asked about Inter head coaching position, SEVERAL hours before he signed the contact)

Leo, you broke an unwritten rule. He was in this organization since 1997 as a player, assistant, and ultimately head coach. While I don't think he was treated as well as he could have been during his brief coaching stint, or given enough freedom, going to Inter is certainly a low blow, and comes as a shock to Milanista fans all around the world, and also Galliani/Berlusconi.

Posted by Milan 1963 on 12/25/2010

@ Max
Dinho was the greatest player on the planet, but today he seems like he lost this motivation that one need to stay on top. Maybe because he realizes he is no longer the main star at Milan with the arrival of Ibra. Playing all your best players at the same time would be a dream if they were not all so similar in characteristics. This would mean playing a 424 with Pirlo and Seedorf in the middle and then Pato, Ibra, Dinho and Binho upfront.....beautifull but only on playstation. With this formation Milan would be battered by teams like Albinoleffe, West Ham or Herzogenbuchsee. this was somehow proven by Leo last season and I hope he will continue this with sfINcTER.This move on Leo shows Moratti at its best, Inter is going back to what they were before farsopoli, CHAOS. I am wondering how long Leo will manage to stay in this farsical organization after having been with the bests for so long. LEO for this I have one thing to say...VA FANCULO. Merry Christmas to all Milan Fans.

Posted by FlyingBlues on 12/26/2010

Lots of Laughs when someone commented that PL Doesnot produce anything.. Please remember BALE against MAICON and many others like Rooney, terry, gerrard and many others you dont know about..
Now about milan.. I think they are the oldest team in Europe right now and need to bring in young talent, esp in midfield and defense with most of the players in their mid 30's I will doubt their ability to stay for the whole season... the list starts with Inzaghi, Seedorf, Ambrosini, Nesta, Oddo, Zambrotta, they are all above 33 and look really slow and amazingly pathetic on the pitch..

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 12/26/2010

FlyingBlues:

Confused about who or what incident in particular you are referring to. As for the age thing, yes, we heard the same thing four years ago when we won the Champions League. As For Inzaghi, Seedorf, Oddo, and Zambrotta - Most likely NONE of these players will be on the pitch when Milan plays Tottenham.

As for Ambrosini, Inzaghi and Nesta looking "really slow and amazingly pathetic on the pitch." I really have no idea how to respond to this...

But here is a list of players who will be playing and their age:
Silva (26)
Abate (23)
Robinho (26)
Ibra (29)
Boateng (23)
Antonini (28)
Pato (21)
Flamini (26)

There are actually teams much older than us.. Inter and Chelsea spring to mind. And as you can see, 8 out of the 11 players in our best starting lineup are under 30 years old. We're actually - quite young.

Posted by Israel C. on 12/26/2010

Just wanted to point out that Cassano is cup tied for anyone who doesn't know or was wondering. Anyway nice blog Matteo I've read you stuff for over a yr. plus now and I usually have mixed emotions with your blogs but I really enjoyed this one. I think we will play a 4-3-1-2 with the lineup being:

--------Abbiatti------
Abate-Nesta-Silva-LB(new)
Boateng-Ambrosini- Pirlo
------Cassano------
--Binho/Pato--Ibrahimovic

Now we would be rotating Flamini and Boateng within the system, and give Pato time to fully recover from injury and become match fit. We need to worry about a CB in the summer I think a world class CB should come in.

@flyingblues: Ambrosini hasn't been pathetic all year. He has been our captain at times can be slightly sluggish, but nobody wins the ball back like Ambro or Gattuso. Either that or it may be off with your legs. Nesta looking bad? Sorry but that isn't true not even .001 % he and T. Silva are reason we have the best defense in Italy still.

Posted by ACMFTW on 12/26/2010

Lols @ FlyingBlues
"Inzaghi, Seedorf, Ambrosini, Nesta, Oddo, Zambrotta, they are all above 33 and look really slow and amazingly pathetic on the pitch.."

Yeah....about what you said regarding the age factor thing, well Pippo wont be playing since he is injured thats probably new to you, Oh and Seedorf isnt in the starting roster, Then Ambro is usually replaced by Boa but still can hold his own against top teams lets say.....Inter (Aka. Chelsea Killer), Oddo And Zambro we got Abate and Anto for that, And as Israel C mentioned Nest & T.Silva are our power duo.

its funny because the old guys you mentioned in addition to older ones were champions 3 years ago Hahh !! Btw is Liverpool a PL Team......OMG for real ?

Lol Was Carried Away.....Great Post Matteo can't wait for your next one ^^

Forza Milanista !!

Posted by jabari bishop on 12/27/2010

The game they lost to roma allegri should have put dino in they had absolutely no creativity it was a joke. Seedorf provided nothing

Posted by Soto on 12/27/2010

@ FlyingBlues

Iam bored of hearing the same comments about milan every time someone refers to milan.. ( milan are old..slugish..pathetic..need to buy young players ecc....) Well as some other milanisti mentioned before these guys won the champions league 3 years ago..You know arsenal..the youngest team in europe,well they may be faster than milan but lets admit it when it comes to experience they are not the best.. they may win against small teams but when they face some big teams like man unt,chelsea,barca..
they have big problems... AND another thing that i can not understand is that.. why are everyone underestimating milan ?? even now that we are not in top top form the big names of europe are afraid of us..not to mention that when we are in form no one can beat us..!!
So please do me a favour and stop saying every time the same things..
I miss favalli !!! :P

Posted by Pagliuca on 12/27/2010

As for Milan being old; how old was United and Chelsea last year in comparison to Milan? And everybody dosen't write them off, but for Milan it was the opposite. Or, are they just jealous that this team is unbeatable when in form. Including Barca, don't get me wrong they are a machine, but if we ever go up to the level we're supposed to be at, not even Barca can stop us. As for Leo, another Milanista coach going to Inter. Typical that they need our staff to run that choas they call an organization. I like Leo, but I don't think he may deliver. Remember Oddo at CB?

Posted by Pagliuca on 12/27/2010

Matteo:

I told you about Ranocchia, now Inter have him. Well now what do we do? We should of acted on both Bonucci and Ranocchia but we didn't do anything. Now we have to find a way to con them out for Santon and do a player swap for Ranocchia. In the Seedorf/Coco and Canavarro/Cirini style. And lastly, Maldini going to Inter?? NEVER!! That's not treachery but blasphomy!!!

Posted by abdil van the man on 12/27/2010

Sadly to say that in my opinion Robinho or Pato should be on the bench if Cassano fit. I don't think replacing Boateng as a man behind two strikers is a good idea because he is a dynamic players with a great strength in robbing a ball in opponents devensive area.

why I choose Cassano instead of Pato or Robinho?because Cassano is by far less opportunist to distibute the ball, he will make a fantastic pair with Ibra.

as for defensive issue, I agree taht Milan strongly needs a world class wing back and CB.

I dream milan have a player like Sergio Ramos or Gareth Bale, But Santon would be a great addition to replace 'the tactically useless' Antonini. A great deputy to replace Sylva or Nesta because Milan always suffers in defence when one of them can't play. Bonera is not good enough, and I have no idea why Allegry doesn't trust Papasthopulous.

Posted by Astorino on 12/27/2010

"The executive committee has agreed that a player who appears for a club in any of the preliminary rounds of the Champions League or Europa League can play for another team in the competition proper, so long as his original team is eliminated in the preliminary competition."

i'snt that what happened to Cassano

Posted by kelon on 12/28/2010

on milan old,why bother my head,MALDINI WON AT WHAT AGE AGAIN .financially cassano is a great buy an its also obvious we need a md,cb and fb,im also in defence of ronnie he has more quality than even messi when fit an confident on the ball as a fan of beautiful football theres no-one better than king ronnie,he"s a brazilian u have to make him smile,support him but i understand alegri"s tactics but dont torture the most creative an elegant footballer u will ever see

Posted by Northwave on 12/28/2010

Matteo:

What about hamsik? I feel that hamsik would be a nice replacement for seedorf behind our strikers and let boateng be a more box-to-box midfielder.

I think milan should use the 4-3-1-2 with cassano and ibra up front with hamsik behind them and try to get montolivo for the midfield and get Ranocchia or Hummels for Dortmund for a Nesta replacement and Santon and Criscito for our fullbacks upgrade.

Not too expensive and would give Milan more depth and make them a solid team.

What

Posted by patcook on 12/28/2010

im happy for Cassano to come - he cant be a bigger problem than Ronnie surely.

Plus now that we have this wicked attack that is scoring goals and winning games regularly - perhaps we will be able to attract a better defense.

But like you said - Seedorf is shit, we need more midfielders to push him out.

At the end of last season we needed players across the field - I would have built from the back up, Galliani is doing it from the front down - as long as we're on top of the table in four months time it's fine with me

Posted by Israel C. on 12/28/2010

Why do we need Ranochhia??? We were never going to get him he's been co-owned by Inter for years. Why don't we wait and see if Davide Astori turns into something great with Cagliari?? He has been doing alright seeing what he has to work with him there.

I already stated Cassano is cup-tied so no Champions League for him. Anyway we need a LB and I know that is hard to find these days but if we want someone good Coentrao from Benfica, and few Italians should be thrown on the list.

For Midfield, we are keeping our eye on Chievo's Kevin Constant and I personally wouldn't mind seeing Andrea Poli or Hamsik don the Milan jersey. Also we could look at Mahamadou Sakho or Stephane M'Bia as possible replacement for CB. M'Bia can even play DM very very well.

So what do you think Matteo???

Posted by FlyingBlues on 01/03/2011

To Mr matteo.. My response about bale against maicon and young players, was to one of the replies which said that PL does not produce young and talented players and only buy them...
now Milan fans did you see them performing against real in the UCL, I mean conceding 4 goals (2 of them were at San Siro) is an indication of the performances given by them.. also They might win the serie a this season but the main reason to that,in my opinion would be the in convincing form of the clubs like inter, juve and roma who have the capacity of winning the title...

Posted by phil F on 01/03/2011

i have heared alot about how we need younger footballers, well since evry1 and there mothers giving advice i thought i should put my 2c in. iv been watchin milan full time 4 the last 2 years, now i dont now il admit i dnt know much about futbal. but i can tell when athlets give there best. with the case of CB, nesta, upinage and migh be gettin lil injurys, which i knw cantake a plyer outv his . so if we need a hand, they should look at david luiz of benfica, evry1 in europe wantshim, clubs are comparing him to puyol.nd wit the LB cituation,ANTON might not be the fastest, strngest, but when his motor gets going he can be force all day(AP),although that hasnt ocured much ths seasn.so if we need a top quality player,it would be fabio concertao(excuse my spellin) of benfica, soccernet ranked him the best LB in europe so thats gotta stand for somthing.snce im runin outa letrs,i will prt wit,ples keep dihno nd get kaka bak, thr the only reason why Iroot for them, ps 2mo good midflieder4 futr

Posted by atif on 01/05/2011

the more seedorf play the more my hatred increase is as if he has 100Kg placed in his groins pleas milan play merkel or strasser its better. and ambrosini is also worn out he is unable to even control the ball bench him more often

milan have too many strikers if one of them could fit in midfield it will be great

Posted by D on 01/06/2011

Scouring the rosters of the 5 clubs top of the PL table reveals a very discernable absence of English players. You don't get past three maybe four english players per team that have double digit appearances for those 5 clubs.

A similar analysis of the 6 clubs top of the Serie A table reveals rosters littered with Italians that play significant minutes. Milan? ... 6 Italians with double digit starts (and two more with double digit appearances)
To be fair there are some extremely good english players (Gerrard, Ferdinand, ... Gerrard?) in the PL.
The last 10 years it's Serie A 3 PL 2 for CL titles.
Going back to 1990 the score is Serie A 6 PL 3.

Taking a ding at Milan's competition for the Serie A title this season doesn't make sense. Going back to 1995 only 3 clubs have won the PL title. That's worst than La Liga which is typically a 2 horse race. They've had 5 winners since '95.
Serie A also has 5 winners since '95.

Posted by Israel on 01/06/2011

@flying blues:
When we played Real, Allegri had just began his process at Milan. He has gotten us more organized and following a system. He's introduced youth has gone against Berlusconi's wishes and kept us top of the table. Tottenham have just an open defense as we do with the like of Assou Ekotto as their LB. IMO this is the game to watch. The most level game of the CL so far and too think we are going to lose is fine, thats your opinion, but I beg to differ I believe we have a stronger attack and defense. Our midfield is coming into form and Boateng and Flamini should be back for those games as well.

Now Matteo, what do you think of us possibly signing Lazzari, versatile yes, but Milan calibre no. I think we should go for a LB but all signs point to a CM if so I choose Keisuke Honda.

Posted by Milan 1963 on 01/07/2011

Happy New Year to all Milan fans!!!
Binho Cassano STRASSER......GOL!!! A tough but good win to restart the year with a young and promising line up, what else can we ask for? Maybe hoping that Seedorf will see more of the bench after another indescribable performance? Maybe that Pato and Binho will start scoring more their one on one goal chances?
Anyway it looks like "Il Diavolo" is getting points where they would have lost them in the past and this is a clear indication of things changing at Milanello.....I think that with Strasser and Merkel getting more playing time, all we need for the January transfer window is a solid CB (hopefuly Mexes) and maybe a good FB, but what rejoices me is that Allegri is not shy on trying the young guns and Cassano looks like a great coup from uncle Fester. Rejoice Milan fans the tide is turning.....Forza Rossoneri.

Posted by D on 01/08/2011

@Israel: absolutely on Honda
@'63: While I normally agree with your comments I'd steer clear of Mexes. Will cost too much and commits too many foolish fouls. With the future italian national side CB partnership taken (B&R) I'd probably just bring Astori back at this point. He looked good this past weekend and should have a promising future ahead of him. Kompany is one I'd consider taking a swipe for. I'd really like a crack at Hummels if we're aiming for the sky!

Posted by iwc24 on 01/10/2011

Matteo!
just wanted to drop by and say congrats on the podcast! love the insights on milan and i have to say i agree with most of them too

Posted by Chris on 01/10/2011

Champions League Rules.

Article 18.07
"18.07 As a rule, a player may not play in a UEFA club competition (i.e. UEFA
Champions League and UEFA Europa League, but not UEFA Super Cup) for
more than one club in the course of the same season. Exceptionally,
however, a player who has been fielded in the first, second or third qualifying
round of the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League is entitled to
play in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League for another
club as from the group stage, provided that his former club did not qualify for
the group phase of either the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa
League..."

This means Cassano is definitely eligible.

Posted by Pagliuca on 01/10/2011

Matteo/Fra,

Yesterday's game just showed me that:
a)We need qaulity FB's. Antonini is not what he was last year and we are way to dependent on Zambrotta.
b)Bonera is only good for one game and he should be shelved. Why was Yepes not even considered????
c)Two sides of Seedorf-millionare and puaper. Yesterday he was the pauper.
d)Ameilia?? He's had better games so...leave it there. But if Abiatti was in???
e)Only one "incontrsita" playing is what really messed us up. We can play with 3 attackers but we need; Flamini, Rino, and Ambro to do it.
f)Milan giving up 4 goals?? We got lucky but 4 beyond to many, hate or not, Moggi was right about Juve and it can be applied to us. If we buy 3 or 4 champion players for each position. Scudetto is ours.
g)Inter is winning....Leo is in charge...makes me nervous.

Posted by Pars on 01/11/2011

Hey guys!
Great piece. While I agree with almost all of your comments, I do have a few pointers.
1. Concerning Ronnie: Allegri was, in my opinion, right to put him in at the dying moments of the Ajax game (he clearly lacked the motivation - why should Allegri care if he's won 2 BdO?? We are team that needs to win week in, week out). My only disappointment would be the Roma game: I would've liked to see Ronnie in for the injured Pirlo, instead of Seedorf.
2. Concerning Seedorf and Pirlo: After yesterday's game against Udinese, I am absolutely confident that Seedorf's time at Milan has come to an end. As for Pirlo, I still think he can change games...we can (and need) have his class. Perhaps he can mentor a certain Andrea POLI? The problem is when Ambro and Gattusso play with #21 at the same time. We should have Flamini and Boateng on the field at all times (injury and suspension permitting).
3. Concerning Pato and Robino: Pato, in my pinion, needs to, in addition to his injury-issue, be less, much less, wasteful. Robinho, I think, needs more time...he is, at least, doing something neither Ronnie or Pato do: track back!
4. Concerning Balotelli (and G. Rossi): It would be stupid not to buy any (or both) of these players!
5. Concerning Defense: Please, please, oh please tell Allegri NOT to play Bonera and Oddo (and Jankluvski) again! Unless we are playing a charity match!! I have been impressed with Udinese's back four. They, and most other Serie A teams' defenders', offer a cheap, but reliable, option.
6. Concerning Silvio: In the day and age where City, Madrid, and Barca broke football, he needs to spend more...enough said!
7. Concerning Allegri: He is a great Coach (who is, truth be said, learning)...but give him time
8. Concerning Scudetto and CL: Our main threat is not Juve...it is, in fact, Inter. I have my doubts regarding Leo, but he has them playing like a team again...and our difference isn't that much either! Only 5 pnt, counting their 2 games in hand. As for the CL, I don't think Spurs are a walk in the park. Although I think we can reach the Semis, I really can't see us in the Final - it will be a dream final against Barca, but I can't see it!

Posted by Prataf3st on 01/11/2011

I suppose it's decent enough with what ya have on the rossoneri team, maybe a scudetto ain't too far, rather adequately-within-grasp this season for the team.

I'd agree that defense, and their holding mids need so much improvements. I mean Nesta, Jankulovski, Zambrotaa, etc are out of their leagues. Players like Coentrao, Sakho should fit the bill perfectly tho, and push sokratis to the right.

On midfield, Seedorf, or Slowdorf, as most acclaimed him to be, is really past his age indeed. Poli sounds menacing, but what about Eden Hazard (who's just aggravatingly exciting), Javier Pastore (in my opinion is the next Kaka/Zizou), Moussa Sissoko (which I think will grow ten times better than our current Frenchman), Hamsik (which I read somewhere is a big fan of Milan actually, and oh he's awesome) or even Pjanic (another Fantasista in progress).

Oh, an even if Zlatan is THAT good, he's aging. Why can't we invest in our youths and bring people back like Paloschi?

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 01/12/2011

Thanks for all the feedback/comments guys. I'm starting a new article right now which will be released either later tonight or tomorrow morning.

Posted by belly fat on 11/11/2011

Wonderful writing!!!

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