ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - AC MILAN

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 02/07/2011

Two points in the last two games has seen Milan allow the rest of Serie A to creep closer. After an unfortunate string of mediocre results, CavaNapoli are within three points and Intergentina threaten to go within two, assuming they achieve a positive result in the game they have to make up against Fiorentina.

UPDATE: Milan Insider Podcast #2: LISTEN HERE

Who is to blame for these meagre results? Can we simply point the figure at our laundry list of injured players, or take the valiant & unbiased route and admit that Milan have simply been underperforming and playing poorly considering the plethora of talent upfront.

The injuries have piled up faster than Chelsea's debts, and at one point Milan could have fielded an entire Champions League squad using only the injury list. Our defence is ravaged, and dependant on three defenders with the combined age of 283. (All numbers approximate). Mario Yepes has become a fan favourite at the San Siro, although someone needs to alert him that he's playing football and not rugby. But his imposing physical presence is admirable and also entertaining to watch when he collides with 95 pound wingers in the air.

Ibrahimovic has singlehandedly kept Milan afloat. ©AP

Random Notes:

- The attack runs through Ibrahimovic. If he doesn't playing well, then Milan don't either. Unfortunately, the rossoneri cannot rely on the Swedish hitman to conjure a moment of magic each and every game. Although his little curly haired counterpart Pato has had an excellent scoring rate this year, it still feels as if something is sorely missing. The chemistry up front between the two begs for a drastic improvement. It's not rare to see Ibrahimovic shaking his head in disgust multiple times at Pato during the course of a game. (Although against Genoa the goal came from an Ibra assist to Pato, so perhaps we have reason for a newfound optimism.) Make sure to listen to my podcast as me and other Milanista's heavily debate this issue and many others.

- A few days ago was national Nutella day, meaning Cassano had to be strapped to his bed Hannibal Lecter style so he wouldn't overindulge in the chocolaty spread. The fantasista still cannot play 90 minutes in a game, although he has integrated himself nicely upfront, especially with Ibrahimovic. Robinho on the other hand, has been too wasteful of the opportunities presented to him. Whether it's a poor first touch, or a near miss, Robinho needs to start being more clinical in front of goal.

- As we all eagerly anticipate the match against Tottenham Hotspur feat. Gareth Bale, the question on everyone's mind is: what defence will we field? If the defence comes in the less than appetizing form of: Oddo, Bonera, Yepes, Antonini, then make sure to seek blessing and engage in prayer with your religious gods. Thiago Silva is almost expected now to play as a defensive midfielder, where he has been exceptional. If Massimo Oddo's job description is: make sure to send in as many crosses from awkward angles to the opposition as possible during the course of the game, resulting in back breaking counterattacks, then in the words of George W. Bush - mission accomplished.

- In other news, the FIGC has mandated a new rule forcing all referees to abandon their yellow cards and start using a high definition picture of Massimo Moratti's smile. According to numerous sources the rule will go into effect immediately this weekend.

Question of the day: What is the missing link to Milan's play. Why can't the attack play as seamlessly and impressive as Udinese? Is it simply a question of Pirlo not being in the midfield, or does it have to do with chemistry? Leave your thoughts & comments below.

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Comments

Posted by David on 02/07/2011

Good article Matteo! PS - If you don't follow him on twitter, you're seriously missing out.

Anyway, I agree with what you pointed out. One thing that you brought up was Oddo's crosses from many angles. At least last match (Lazio) they weren't the typical "Oddo the impaler" crosses which we have grown accustomed to.... But they just seemed like desperate and ultimately helpless attempts to get a goal. Really didn't like that approach to goal, the ground passing build-up play has been a much more effective approach for us.

The other point I wanted to highlight is, even though we saw a tad bit towards the end of the Lazio match, I'd like to see more of Ibra-Pato in front of goal with Cassano sitting behind them as a "trequartista." If you asked anyone a year or so ago, what position does Cassano play most often; people would respond "trequartista." I know we signed him as a second striker but let's field our most quality players ... as you said Robinho's just wasted too many chances.

Posted by Julian on 02/07/2011

Its chemistry...i feel like Ibrahimovic, Pato, and Cassano all require different sorts of set up and score differently. The way things are now the assists aren't really coming from the midfield (no Pirlo) and there having trouble syncing with one another. Like I said in the past, I love having Ibra, Cassano, Pato and Robihno but sometimes its just too much of a good thing

Posted by Curtis Zuend on 02/07/2011

Excellent article! ALWAYS, ALWAYS a damn funny read!

To me, Pato would be more effect as a poacher. Yeah he has speed and great dribbling but his reading of the game is terrible at times. He loses the ball 4 out of every 5 times he tries to dribble past anyone. His positioning is bad the majority of the time. He has EXCELLENT finishing. That is one trait that never falls through. Every time he has been on the field this year, it just looks like he doesn't know whats going on...like he doesn't fit. Granted he has been injured but the years before he seemed more of a fit to the Milan squad.

Posted by Josh Caranci on 02/07/2011

Seems to me that the words "Andrea Pirlo makes a difference" run through the minds of everyone at the San Siro these days. We see his importance for the Italian National team and now we see how important he is for the Rossoneri. Even the hard working play of Boateng looks missed in our starting 11.

We need our injuries to disappear.

Posted by aristides on 02/08/2011

The Oddo part I classic. I'm just praying Abate returns to fitness as soon as possible. More than chemistry I think the problem is tactical intelligence while building the play, lately our attacks are simply bursts of individual talent. I think Pirlo will shake things up a bit, but we can't expect him to magicaly solve all our problems. In addition I can't stand to see Bonera on that left flank, if Vilá doesn't get minutes now then when will he? When zambrotta and antonini return?

Posted by aditya on 02/08/2011

Am I the only one who is left flat-faced by this guy's humor?

Posted by TedF on 02/08/2011

Offside - offside - offside!!! Ibra just can't seem to time his runs. He finds himself all by himself too often, and then he jumps the gun too quickly. Of course, it's not as simple as that, but it really is frustrating to see it over and over again. Much like Pippo used to be ("Inzaghi was born offside"). The rest of the strikers seem to lack much speed as well (taking injuries into account), which doesn't help with coordinated attacks.

Love the articles, and the podcasts are great. I have so much to learn (a fan for only three years).

Posted by Anthony on 02/08/2011

I think the system/formation should be questioned. Sure it suits Ibra well, but not the other attackers. Pato's two best runs with Milan have come as a lone striker (supported by Kaka) and as a winger (with Dinho launching perfect long-balls). Being paired with a pure striker doesn't suit him well, unless he can play wide.
Honestly though the biggest problems seem to come from trying to play 3 of the 4. Ibra-Cass, Pato-Binho, and Ibra-Binho have all had decent success (haven't seen Pato-Cass yet). Maybe Cassano can play behind Ibra-Pato and make the strike pair functional, but Allegri seems insistent on Cassano being a 2nd striker. Unfortunately the lack of a healthy creative midfielder has made it difficult to see other possibilities in the playmaker role (maybe Thiago Silva should try that role next).
However if Allegri wants 3 of the 4 out there why not go for all 4! You would think he would've tried a 4-2-3-1 with our midfield crisis. Putting Binho-Pato out wide could work.

Posted by RobStyles on 02/08/2011

Pirlo should make a big difference in improving our build up when he returns, I think we are really seeing what type of effect he has on this team and what we are missing without him. Our back line is going to be a major concern against the Spurs if we cannot get healthy. We at least need Abate back to help contain Bale.

@Curtis, I have to disagree with your opinion on Pato, while he may lack chemistry with Ibra you can't say the guy doesn't know whats going on? He has scored in 82% of his appearances, that doesn't strike me (no pun intended) as someone he doesn't know what is going on.

Posted by Jay Vagh on 02/08/2011

Good Read!

I think the problem with the team starts with the midfield and their inability to create anything postive. Oddo has been absolutely terrible, Van Bommel plays... well at times it seems like he doesn't play, and Flamini just can't keep up with the pace of the game. Gattuso has been pretty effective, but I think the team falls apart in the middle of the pitch.

The team had a pretty good record until the injuries started piling up. Boateng was one of the strongest and hardest working midfielders in the entire league and Pirlo was excellent with the link-up play.

Another issue is with Cassano, he has been extremly ineffective as a striker, his original position as goal creater was the position he has born to play. He is chasing the ball rather then controling it might, this might just be because of his inability to be at full match fitness, but how long does that really take?

Perhaps, the problem is with Allegri, maybe he just isn't a good enough motivator...

Posted by pagliuca on 02/08/2011

I think injuries are doing us in for sure but at the same time the bench players are good but depends on who Allegri put's in. Bonera is still a liability at CB. If Legro can come back I think him and Yepes could hold the defense till Nesta recovers. Also Oddo is really good defensivly but you can't ask him to cross the MF because his crosses are lousy its just a waste for him to be up there. We got Didac-Vila for LB and now I think he could be another viuduz etc. Allegri should test him and put him in. But most of all after the Genoa game we were good as a team over all but we don't have that playmaker in the MF(like Kaka/Pirlo)that would create chances. Instead of shooting the ball in we want to walk it in the goal. Can't do that in Serie A especially with those tight Mf's. Basically, we are too dependent on Ibra and need Pato and Robinho to step up more. Robinho works hard and runs but his finishing is suspect. I think once Boateng comes things will be better. Cassano is great

Posted by vikram on 02/08/2011

I think its a training ground issue...with so many 1st choice key players missing, the current players arent performing as well because they are waiting for the injured players to be fit again...they are aiming for perfection..and the free flowing football is stuttering...we need another couple of seasons with the players we have to be a well oiled machine..

its a all or nothing attitude...i see milan missing out on the scudetto. i hope as hell not but thats how it looks.

Posted by pagliuca on 02/08/2011

(cont)....Milan needs Cassano to get back into match shape once that happens things will be easier for Ibra, Robinho, or Pato. Also, I think with the game against Tottenheim we should use Abate in RB, and Silva in defense with Yepes. If we have incontrista's with a playmaker I think we should be beat them.

Posted by PP44JB on 02/08/2011

Matteo, to answer your question of the day (For the future). I feel like a player like Ganso is missing link to Milan's play. I know there has been some rumors about Milan signing him in June, has being 99% certain. He would be the perfect Seedorf replacement and instantly link Milan's attack and midfield.

As for this year, I don't think its chemistry. Pirlo and Boateng, I think, is the missing link that could create more the attacking trident. If you remember in the Lazio game, T.Silva won the ball in the midfield and had alot of space to run into and play a through ball or a lob pass over the top to the forwards. Even though TS is good on the ball and skillful, he isn't Pirlo, and he got the pass wrong that would have possibly put us on top.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 02/08/2011

Great added analysis as always from you guys.

@Pagliuca

The possibility of a Legro/Yepes pairing does not exactly water the mouth although you're right, probably better than Bonera now. (who is playing without any confidence)

@PP44JB

Ganso is actually the main player we talked about in our podcast about summer acquisitions. Chirps from Brazil have shown some links to the player. We could only dream - he'd be perfect.

Posted by North-face on 02/08/2011

Matteo nice article to start with. The other day i was watching milan genoa match, and i was wondering why were we playing a long ball game. Van Bommel or gattuso would win the ball, then they would pass the ball to the back-four, who would pass the ball from bonera to oddo and then he would send one of those useless crosses over. I felt we were playing like a bottom level premiere league team.

we were holding the ball so good for the first 20 minutes, when we were playing the ball on the ground and then all of a sudden everyone started to send those awful long balls, starting with van bommel and gattuso. they pass the ball the same way they clear ball. I never though we would miss pirlo this much. sad. apart from that i got really upset that Allegri let this go on for the next 60 minutes.

Posted by shyamalotti on 02/08/2011

There is nothing much to worry about Milan's recent poor performances. Against lazio, it was evident that they came to san siro just to grab a point and demonstrated "see, this is how you play negative football"!! a single shot on target and not a difficult one for abbiati, now you know what I'm talking about. And for the Genoa game, Milan in truth looked solid. In the first half, Genoa looked to be struggling to break into the Milan backline with the robust midfield we had. And Genoa's equaliser came from a fortunate, or rather unfortunate, misplaced pass from Van Bommel. True as much Genoa found it hard to deal with Milan's midfield, Milan struggled to get any sort of creativity from the 3 hard tackling midfield. And in the second half, when Milan had to create something from the midfield it would have been wise to introduce Merkel on the left as he generally combines well with robinho, pato and injects that dynamism to midfield. his one-twos with Binho is always fascinating to see.

Posted by Greg on 02/08/2011

I pray to god abate will be back for tottenham and that Vila will play at lb. Also it's imperative gattusso and seedorf DON'T play

Posted by flash on 02/08/2011

great analyses 4rm u guys
@jay vagh i totally disagree wit u on the idea that abate will be the better player to hold down bale . dating back to the the inter game we all saw the speed at which bale outclassed two of the best DF(maicon and lucio) in the world so undeniably abate as a player is not the type wit much speed so basically the only tactic i believe will be good enough to hold down totteham stricker's will be placing at the back(vila antonini zambrotta and yepes) players who have strength as our Cb and those wit speed at the flanks

Posted by Nellis on 02/08/2011

Hay guys,yes we are under performing but i really think our chemistry wil improve,we are looking solid but were missing that touch of briliance in the midfield if we get that then it would be so much easer for our forwards to perform like they should.i think if our imjured players come back then things should look better but what we really need is for berlusconi to wake up one morning feeling like perez and buy us a high priced magical midfielder like ganzo or fabregas and one solid defender to put our team at eas and not worriyng about bonera and those not so skilled guys...what do u guys think??

Posted by MBM on 02/08/2011

Boateng is the missing link. He's the one who gave our midfield some much needed dynamism and combined so brilliantly with Ibrahimovic. Pirlo has barely played, he's no longer important.

Posted by Danilo on 02/08/2011

I think the missing piece is the playmaker. Robinho has been playing as a trequartista, but he simply can't carry the midfield creativity alone. Pirlo is by far the most creative Milan player, and the team's poor form started since he got injured against Roma. With Seedorf being a shadow of his former self, we MUST have Pirlo in center midfield, or maybe even as a trequartista. If he keeps getting injured, I seriously doubt Milan will win the Scudetto.

Posted by UMP-Forever on 02/08/2011

I agree with Robinho being too wasteful. Injuries are playing a major role in Milan struggling at the moment. Bale will be difficult to stop but then again so will Ibra...

Posted by PP44JB on 02/08/2011

@Flash

To say Abate is a player with not much speed is just plain wrong. He is one of the fastest Italian players out there. He should be able to keep up with Bale.

When Bale played against Inter and outclassed Maicon, that doesn't mean that Bale is faster then Abate.. Not sure if anyone else has noticed, but Maicon looks about half a step slower now after the injury he had earlier in the year.

Posted by triftan on 02/08/2011

my ideal formation vs tottenham would be:

----------abiate--------
abate--thiago--yepes--vila or zambrota
Boateng--pirlo--flamini
--------Robinho-------
-----Pato-------Ibra-----

Posted by diego on 02/08/2011

i totally agree with you PP44JB, i mean don't you guys remember how he man handled cristiano ronaldo in the champions league. For me he is definitley the best right back.

Posted by Jerrod on 02/08/2011

I don't think this is the entire issure but we can't provide balls too the forwards an Oddo sends in his sh** crosses instead of playing small ball and trying to pass the ball around better. we have no height too whic is why thats even more wasteful. I think Pato in particular though needs to start taking on defenders 1 on 1. he can beat almost any defender in the world with his twinkle toes and pace. He needs to start utilizing it. That's what separates him from a player like messi or ronaldo or even an in prime ronaldinho, in my opinion

Posted by Pache on 02/08/2011

I sort of agree with PP44JB on Abate, he's pretty fast, he could keep up with Bale and hopefully he will somehow be able to stop him most of the time.
Whats missing in Milan right now is a Playmaker. Thats when the name 'Pirlo' comes to mind, we really need him in that role and it's going to be a while till he comes back, and hopefully he wont get injured again. But there has to be a good replacement for him because we can't just keep looking forward to his return every time.
I think Robinho is awesome,he's a fantastic dribbler and passer, but he sometimes lacks the creativity and his finishings are the worst. But he's still a thousand times better than SEEDORF...
I also think that Allegri should try some kind of new formation since there are so many people injured right now.
Certainly Bonera is a disaster,like Seedorf. Both of them really need to sit down and watch how they played in this seasons' games.

Posted by Rochk on 02/08/2011

I think the curse of the injuries is exactly whats destroying Milan at the moment.
Cassano is extremely creative, and i dont think it's really working for him in that SS position. He's more of a guy playing on sides where he can utilize his amazing dribbling skills and good crosses and lobs better.
If Ibra and Pato find that chemistry, i think they would play so well u wouldn't need a midfield since theyre both pretty fast and good dribblers.
Seedorf needs to quit football, he cant just keep being a liability throughout this season and as i've heard he wants to play next season as well.(SERIOUSLY WHAT!?!?!?)
Oddo was good in his games defensively, but his crosses were $***.
In desperate times, Milan out of instinct go for long crosses, you surely remember how many goals were scored thanks to pirlo's long crosses right out of nowhere to the attack. While Oddo seems to have a crossing attribute of 2.5/100.

Posted by Shawn0iTBO on 02/08/2011

I believe the 4-3-3 formation with 2 forward wingers would somehow do the trick here. Much like Leonardo's formation which seemed to work out.
With Ibra as a CF and cassano/robinho and pato on the wings, Cassano,robinho and pato all share this awesome talent of skillful dribbling and its most effective right there on the sides. Past Example: Ronaldinho. With that they could even try emmanuelson on the left wing if things get too rusty for cassano or robinho.
In midfield 3 Central Midfielders would do it.
Defense is so reliable on Nesta and Thiago silva. Yepes has proved to be quite useful in the back as well.
Allegri should try out vila on LB, while Abate seems to be the best RB here at Milan, too bad he's injured.
If Milan don't put their act together, they will lose so easily against totengham, which hopefully will not happen.

Posted by Joe on 02/09/2011

Without Pirlo and Boateng, we have no link up play through the midfield. Seedorf is well past it and Merkel isn't ready yet. The rest of the midfielders are defensive players. Flamini is the only one with the dynamism to step in and he's just back from injury. Hopefully, the injury situation ends soon enough for the team to gel ahead of the derby and Tottenham matches.

Posted by marc on 02/09/2011

@matteo
This doesn't pertain to the article at all but which goal made you jump out of your seat more? Ibra's vs Lecce or Pirlo's vs Parma?
Just a little food for thought haha

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 02/09/2011

@Marc

Good question, both were extraordinary goals but I'd have to go with Ibra's left footed volley. The degree of difficulty on that shot is incredible. And if you remember, Pirlo has had a similar strike, back against Real Madrid in the CL a year ago.

Posted by Milan 1963 on 02/09/2011

Ha Ha Ha another good laugh, thank you Matteo.

The problem is yes we are missing a play maker, but especially against Genoa we were playing with 3 "scarponi" in midfield, so not the best way to get good balls for the strikers. Even though I have not seen the game, I would imagine Gattuso and Van Bommel silky feet distributing delightfull balls for Ibra's chin.

Maybe Allegri should have balanced his midfield with Merkel instead of Gattuso or Van Bommel.

Posted by Tarikio on 02/09/2011

Considering the amount of new players in the squad I think it is a matter of building the chemistry. It hasn't been helped by the injuries though and there are two areas where we are particularly struggling: 1. the fullbacks are below par and 2. playing three defensive midfielders means that the build up play is predictable and sloppy. Pirlo and Boateng will solve the latter and that will take the pressure off Ibra.

Robinho does miss a lot of chances but his work rate and creative play has been outstanding. I'm not sure who I would play out our 4 forwards.

Posted by Pr4t4f3st on 02/10/2011

Seriously, when I saw bonera in that left back position against Genoa was like, imagining my 80-yrs-old grandma trying to drive thru the highway. Obviously the scare was premature, but holy, you can't expect to relive that sort of things weekly.

I think, as well as everyone else had said, Rossoneri was missing Pirlo in that Genoa game, I mean there was a chemistry missing like that of Kaka's early days in Milan, when Pirlo would distribute to a universe of magic, and Kaka or the-then-much-faster-and-fitter-Seedorf would connect to our forwards. Sigh, if only injuries are to blame. Allegri should really find a way to tic-tac-toe his midfields, perhaps using Cassano as a playmaker as everyone's suggested.

And defense, my god, defense. Please pull Thiaquinho back, we need him more at the back, effective as he is in DM. And please give chances to sokratis, and that new youngling, Vila was it? Abate might help, I'm still highly skeptical of him tho.

Posted by punditguy on 02/10/2011

I think the problem comes from the midfield. We dont have that creative force in Mid who can allow the strikers to do what they do best. Instead the forwards have to drop back and try to create something. That was the class of Pirlo and this right here is how much we miss him and his younger days. He allowed the forwards to play their game and link the back to the play up front.

We really really REALLY NEED to invest in a player of that type. I think Ganso would be great considering we have Boateng, Emanuelson and Flamini who can win balls back and feed it to him.

I think this lack of chemistry is not up front but steams from the middle. Thats the missing link.

Posted by kelon on 02/10/2011

i must say ur funny
i do think abate will do a great job on bale ,bonera is sickening as too slowdorf an also if robmissho keeps up i would dock his salary .i like the ganso idea an sense they let buysea...srry chelsea get d luiz they could take a look at hummels of dortmund,an sense i see he isnt ready to trust vila the lb from marseille taiwo will b free an a perfect fit

Posted by Jose P on 02/10/2011

@matteo
what was the agreement for ibra between barcelona and milan? did they offer milan a chance to buy, or not? i only ask becuase it's obvious that milan wouldn't be the same w/o him. plus, i cannot imagine seeing ibracadbra in blue and red stripes after all that trash he spoke about pep.

Posted by Longo on 02/11/2011

Once Pirlo is back we should try a 4-2-3-1
4= Abate, thiago silva, nesta, zambrotta

2= Van bommel and gattuso/boateng

3= Robinho, pirlo, cassano

1= Ibra UP TOP

pato comes in for either cassano or robinho 75th min. thats it.. if pato plays with ibrahimovic nothing gets accomplished. pato never looks for the pass and only for the goal. As soon as he touches the ball his head goes down. Ibra is a CF In my opinion one of the best ever. he can cover the whole front end of the field Passing and moving and positioning so he can body defenders and finish! once pirlo is back in motion he can play a trequartista position and we can have two strong defensive midfielders playing in front of two strong CB that should be our championship team. With that form we may consider a Scudetto, coppa italia and champions trophy and pull a repeat only with the real milan team.. FORZA ROSSONERI!!

Posted by Rafa on 02/12/2011

I had to deal with injuries while at Inter too.

I would like to manage AC Milan.

Juventus is better than AC Milan and greater than them too.

Posted by Forza on 02/12/2011

I believe it will be more like this:
"In other news, the FIGC has mandated a new rule forcing all referees to abandon their yellow cards and start forcing players to sign "Berlusconi doesn't like under-age girl" petition. According to numerous sources the rule will go into effect immediately this weekend"

Posted by Barak on 02/12/2011

I think we most sorely lacks wingbacks. A critical part of a good defense to midfield bridge is them, and we are pathetic. If I see Oddo make ONE more ATROCIOUS "through ball" (gift to the other team), I will buy a ticket to Milan and break his leg myself.

I also like the earlier strategy of a 4-2-3-1, but Id prefer to see a 4-2-2-1, that is, have a 4 man back line, then have a combination of Pirlo, Boateng, or Merkel, with Cassano and Robinho, then Ibrahimovich. He can run wild on the top. I also think that we could swing Robinho out wide, then have Pato or Cassano as a second striker.

I agree we have too much of a good thing, though. We have to let either Cassano or Robinho go, keep Ibra, and develop Pato further. I truly think he, Merkel, and Vila could compose the core of a great future Milan team.

Posted by Milan 1963 on 02/13/2011

@Barak,
Are you sure a 4-2-2-1 is a good solution? I mean are we so strong that we can give the opponents one man? Just kidding but you may want to revise your arithmetic mate;-)
Jokes a part it is good to see the boys back to emphatic winning ways and with his majesty Slowdorf man of the match. I guess he will disappear for the next ten games now. I hope not as he still is a class person and great when in form, but also mighty irritating when not which is most of the time in recent years. Great to see Cassano scoring and giving great assists for Robinho. Well at least this shows that we can win without Ibra even though he is still very important. Good to see Merkel getting more and more confident waiting for the return of the Boa and Strasser and Pirlo God knows when.
Now let's try to get the Italian job done in the tough double encounter versus Hotspurs, but if Inter at their worst period could score 4 (before receiving 3) why can't we?

Posted by Diego on 02/14/2011

Well i just heared that pirlo reinjured himself after he was just getting fit and boateng is still injured, now who are we going to put in the mid field. Matteo?

Posted by Milan 1963 on 02/15/2011

I would start with this formation:
Abbiati
Abate(Oddo) - Yepes - Nesta - Antonini(Zambro)
Gattuso/Merkel - Silva - Flamini
Robinho
Ibrahimovic - Pato

some steel and flair in midfield with the combination of the 3. I would not start Seedorf as it would mean either no Robinho or no more steel in the middle. He could come at a later stage for Robinho, but I would not put him in the 3 midfielders. Since Bale will not play we could stick to Oddo if Abate is not fully ready. Lennon on the right could cause problems for Antonini, so maybe Zambro would be a better option. Hopefuly they will play an open football so we can find more openings for our attacking options.
FORZA ROSSONERI!!!

Posted by Pagliuca on 02/16/2011

Matteo:

After the Spurs game? I'm speechless! I don't even know what to think?? It used to be that any team from Barca to Braga would fear and tremble coming to the Siro. Now we're a joke! It's like "Ah you're going to Milan...it'll be a home game" EHH!! But from what I dont' get? It was near the end of time, why the heck didn't Yepes just foul the guy before he got into the box, took the red, and we'd still have a chance. For the next leg we still have legro and Silva to cover back! Now we have to go to London and figure out how we can muster 2 goals to advance. Hopefully Boateng and Ambro will be back for that. As for Gattuso, he fought hard but at the same time it was an emotional night and I think it happens to every player. Forza Milan!

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 02/16/2011

New article later today

Posted by saadaq on 03/15/2011

i want win to cub ac milan

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