The Archive

April 2008

Seedorf orders nine points
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Football Italia

Clarence Seedorf knows that Milan must win all their remaining games if they are to grab fourth place, starting with the derby against Inter.

The Rossoneri clawed their way back to two points behind Fiorentina in the battle for Champions League football, with last weekend’s emphatic 4-1 win over Livorno.

But time is running out for the world champions and they need to be flawless in their final three games, even if Sunday’s D-day against Inter is a daunting task.

“At the moment the Nerazzurri look very strong,” Seedorf admitted on the Milan Channel.

“They just have to stay in control and not take any great risks. We know that we will be up against a team who know exactly what they want.

“Inter can manage without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and they have been winning in his absence. They have five good strikers who can make the difference.

“But we are on good form and we just have to take nine points out of nine and see how Fiorentina do.

“The derby has come at a good time. The important thing is that we are calm and go about our work with belief and without constantly thinking about the game.

“We have to prepare just as we have over the last few weeks for the other matches.”

When asked for his best derby memory, the Dutch international opted for February 2004.

“My favourite derby has to be the comeback to win 3-2,” he grinned. “It meant so much because it took us to the Scudetto.”

This weekend’s titanic encounter sold out within hours of tickets going on sale with gate receipts totalling around £1.3m.

Ronaldo: I was the victim
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Football Italia

Milan striker Ronaldo has responded to allegations that he had a drug-fuelled rendezvous with a transvestite prostitute last Sunday night.

The Brazilian ace is currently recovering from severing a tendon in his knee back in February and has returned to his homeland for the next stage of his rehabilitation.

Ronnie’s name was splashed all over Brazil’s newspapers when transvestite Andre Albertini claimed in the Folhe de Sao Paulo that he took cocaine with the marksman in a hotel in Rio De Janeiro before receiving payment for sex acts.

However, Ronaldo claims he was the victim of an attempt at extortion and that he refused to pay Albertini £12,000 to stop him fabricating the story for the Press.

“There are no accusations for Ronaldo to answer,” a statement on El Fenomeno’s website reads.

“An active supporter of social causes, he has never used drugs and is an idol to youngsters all over the world. All the evidence points to a case of extortion with Ronaldo as the victim.”

Reports state that the gifted hitman spent Sunday night in a police station where he repeatedly stated, “This could end my career,” as he waited to give his statement to the authorities.

The police have indicated that there will be no investigation into the allegations against Ronaldo, but the episode may have left a lasting stain on his reputation.

Moratti baulks at Ronaldinho price
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Football Italia

Inter President Massimo Moratti looks to have pulled out of the race to sign Barcelona ace Ronaldinho.

Milan have looked most likely to lure the Brazilian international since it emerged that he was keen to leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

Inter had refused to rule out gazumping their neighbours, but it seems that Joan Laporta’s claim that Dinho is “worth than £30m” may have ended any hope of that.

“Ronaldinho’s price tag is a big high,” Moratti admitted.

“We have been following the situation and there’s an excellent relationship between our clubs, but we don’t seem to be the most interested side because other teams have officially declared their intentions.

“For now the only derby that matters is on the pitch this Sunday, not in the transfer market.”

Laporta's huge Ronaldinho demand
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Football Italia

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has warned Milan that he won’t let Ronaldinho leave cheaply. “He’s worth at least £30m.”

Having fallen out with Coach Frank Rijkaard, Ronaldinho’s love affair with Barça seems to have turned sour.

The Brazilian star has admitted that he is keen to leave this summer and Milan are in pole position for his signature, but they will need deep pockets.

“I would say that Ronaldinho is worth more than £30m,” Laporta insisted.

“Dinho is an excellent lad and has never created any problems. I am convinced that he will return to his best when he is fit again.

“He needs fresh motivation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he has to leave because he can find stimuli here and he is under contract until 2010.

“We have received lots of offers, including bids from England, but Milan have shown the greatest interest in him.”

The vast price tag could end the Diavolo’s chances of luring Dinho, unless his opts to use FIFA’s Article 17 to buy out the rest of his contract.

Ronaldo in sex scandal
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Football Italia

Brazilian striking star Ronaldo has become embroiled in a sex scandal in Rio De Janeiro.

El Fenomeno has returned to his homeland during his recovery from a severed knee tendon sustained while playing for Milan against Livorno in February.

While Ronnie has made headlines because his knee is healing ahead of schedule, it’s his personal life that’s now in the spotlight.

Reports in Globo state that Ronaldo spent Sunday night in a hotel in Rio with three transvestites.

Amongst them was Andre Albertino, who has accused the striking ace of drugging him and put video footage of the encounter on Youtube.

However, Ronaldo insists that he was the victim of extortion and claims that the three men tried to blackmail him by threatening to drag his name through the mud unless they received a sizeable payment.

The authorities are currently investigating the incident.

Ancelotti expects D-day epic
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Football Italia

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti looks ahead to Sunday’s derby against Inter and discusses summer transfer plans.

The Rossoneri’s season hangs in the balance as they prepare to face their city rivals in a San Siro showdown.

After last weekend’s 4-1 win over Livorno, Ancelotti’s side are just two points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina and are desperately in need of the victory, as are Inter, who are looking to secure the Scudetto.

“There are 23 points between Inter and Milan and that seems a lot over the course of a whole campaign, but there isn’t a chasm between the two sides at this minute,” Carletto insisted on Fuori Zona.

“Inter want to win the title as soon as possible because shocks are part and parcel of football. But I think the Rossoneri are used to this kind of game.

“It isn’t a Champions League Final but it is something very similar to a Final due to the pressure and tension.

“Lots of players are playing for their professional futures because playing in the Champions League is very different to playing in the UEFA Cup.”

Pippo Inzaghi could be Milan’s key man, as the resurgent hitman has bagged eight goals in the last four games.

“I expected Inzaghi’s renaissance,” Ancelotti claimed. “He needed to be in shape to score goals and now he is.

“He is a formidable player and when you know him well enough you can see when he is fit and when he isn’t.

“He started this season very well and helped us in the Champions League but he just suffered a tough middle period.”

The Diavolo’s thrashing of Livorno last weekend cost Amaranto boss Giancarlo Camolese his job and Carletto has sympathy for the former Vicenza man.

“They are clearly a team having some difficulties, but the Coach could be the least responsible,” Ancelotti said.

“The team haven’t shown good character and maybe that’s why the President opted to make a change.

“I think that changing Coach can be an ace up the sleeve for a President during the course of a season, but I find it strange that they can call back their former tactician.

“I believe that the Coaches’ Association should be able to intervene because sacking a boss means that the relationship of trust with the President has been severed.

“The top men act like this because they don’t want to pay multiple wage bills for Coaches and they are just looking for the immediate shake up of the squad.

“Of the new bosses, I like Walter Zenga because he is one of few Italian Coaches who has had the guts to go abroad and work in difficult countries. That shows his passion.”

Milan are expected to make sweeping changes to the squad in pre-season in order to refresh an ageing squad.

“A player has never arrived at Milan against my wishes and similarly I have never imposed my will to sign a player,” Ancelotti explained.

“The Coach needs to be on the same wavelength as the club. I deal with the tactical side, while the club deals with the administrative elements.

“I was happy to hear links with Ronaldinho. He is considered a mix between a trequartista and a striker and his role depends on the players available.

“I think that he could play very well in a Christmas Tree formation or with two wingers and a trequartista.”

Ronaldo plots early return
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Football Italia

Stricken star Ronaldo is eyeing a rapid return to action and hopes that he will be ready to play before the end of the year.

There were fears that El Fenomeno would never play again after he severed a tendon in his knee during Milan’s game against Livorno in February.

However, after a successful operation, the Brazilian striker’s recovery has been ahead of schedule and there is a feeling of optimism.

“I think that I will be ready to return to playing in six or seven,” Ronaldo claimed in Globo.

A number of players and ex-players have rallied around the 31-year-old and he thanked compatriot and idol Romario in particular for his help.

“I have learned a lot from him,” Ronaldo continued. “The time to quit comes for everyone and mine will come soon, but not now.”

Milan club doctor Jean Pierre Meersseman has also been impressed by the improvement in Ronaldo’s condition.

“At the start we were talking about nine months out of the game,” he told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“But we have always hoped and still do that he can cut that around seven. Of course it’s not a matter of two or three months because Ronnie’s body will need some time.”

Borriello gives AC Milan backing
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Football Italia

Serie A’s joint Capocannoniere Marco Borriello hopes Milan can upset Inter next weekend, but insists that he is dedicated to the Genoa cause.

It has been a revelatory season for the Neapolitan striker after joining Genoa from the Rossoneri in a co-ownership agreement last summer.

Against all expectations, Borriello is level with Juventus’ David Trezeguet at the top of the scoring chart with 19 goals to his name, but he doesn’t feel that he has outgrown the Grifone.

“I want to stay at Genoa because I have found my ideal environment here,” he told Tg2.

“But if a big offer from an important club arrived, I would have to discuss things with the President.”

Although he isn’t angling for a return to San Siro, Borriello admits that his eyes will be on this weekend’s epic D-day clash.

“As an ex-Milan player I hope that the Rossoneri can ruin Inter’s party,” he explained.

“Nonetheless I think that the Nerazzurri have the Scudetto in the bag because they have a six-point lead at this stage.”

The 25-year-old also stressed his hope that Milan can overhaul Genoas’ city rivals Sampdoria to claim fourth spot.

“I can only support Milan otherwise I wouldn’t be able to return to Genoa,” he grinned. “But I hope that the Diavolo finish fourth anyway.”

With Genoa’s chances of reaching the UEFA Cup all but extinguished by yesterday’s defeat against Empoli, Borriello’s main motivation now is finishing as Serie A’s top scorer.

“As there are three games left and I’m level with Trezeguet at the top of the scoring chart, it would be stupid to not think I can win the Capocannoniere crown,” he conceded.

“I’m hoping to score in the last three weeks anyway so that I can earn a Euro 2008 call-up.

“Is it me against Alessandro Del Piero? Alex is having an excellent season and he deserves the Azzurri shirt for what he is doing and all that he has given for Italy.”

AC Milan set bumper Kaka price
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Football Italia

Milan are rumoured to have put an enormous price tag on star man Kaka in order to quell advances from Chelsea.

Earlier in the season, Kaka put pen to paper on a deal that ties him to the Rossoneri until 2013.

The Brazilian international has repeatedly pledged his future to the world champions and Real Madrid claim that they have given up on trying to prise him away from San Siro.

However, reports suggest that Chelsea are showing a greater determination, as they look to rebuild their squad this summer.

According to the Daily Mirror, Milan will demand a staggering £55m for Kaka in a cash deal – a figure designed to fend off Roman Abramovich.

But there are whispers that the Blues are willing to table an offer that dwarfs the £31m record fee they paid the Diavolo for Andriy Shevchenko.

Chelsea may use the unsettled Sheva as a bargaining chip in a part-exchange deal and are said to be unfazed by the high valuation.

Pippo keeps Azzurri faith
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Football Italia

Pippo Inzaghi is on sensational form for Milan and admits that he is dreaming of a place in Roberto Donadoni’s Euro 2008 squad.

The 34-year-old has been lethal since returning from injury and has found the net eight times in the last four games after yesterday’s hat-trick against Livorno.

Competition for places in Austria and Switzerland is fierce and Donadoni has a wealth of striking options, but Inzaghi is still in with a chance of a seat on the plane, despite his injury-plagued year.

“It was a very important game and I am happy for the win as well as the three goals I scored,” Inzaghi declared.

“I’m on incredible form personally and it’s hard to believe because I thought it would be tough.

“I must continue to do my part if I am to make it to Euro 2008. I’m available if I am needed, but if not I will stay at home without any quibbling.

“At the moment I am calm and just looking to keep going forward like this. It is a fantastic time and it is great to be playing here.

“Kaka, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf are such amazing players and keep setting me up in front of goal.”

Ancelotti hails hat-trick hero
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Football Italia

Carlo Ancelotti feels Pippo Inzaghi can lead Milan to the Champions League – and the derby victory – but can’t help wonder what might’ve been.

SuperPippo bagged a hat-trick in today’s 4-1 win away to Livorno, which thanks to Fiorentina’s 2-2 draw with Sampdoria leaves them just two points adrift of fourth place.

It sets up a tantalising Derby della Madonnina next Sunday afternoon with title-chasing Inter.

“All teams will want to get their objectives as soon as possible. It is only normal Inter want to get a result on Sunday, but we’ve got a lot to aim for as well,” said Ancelotti.

“Certainly Fiorentina’s result helps because getting into the Champions League doesn’t only depend on us anymore. It is important to close up the gap and let’s not forget if we finish level on points then we would qualify thanks to our superior record in head-to-heads.”

There is no doubting the difference made by Inzaghi’s return to full fitness, as the veteran has scored a staggering eight goals in his last four Serie A games.

“I don’t want to dwell on the past, but people often forget Inzaghi was out of action for three months. Once he started playing from the start again he scored 16 goals in as many matches. He is in great shape along with Kaka and they forge a very strong partnership.”

Ancelotti also wished to reiterate his view on Gennaro Gattuso’s possible move to Manchester United, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

“Rino will not leave here. I am sure he is still very motivated and you can see it in these tricky times when there are important objectives to achieve.”

Livorno’s humiliating home defeat leaves them propping up the Serie A table and staring relegation in the face.

“The biggest disappointment is the negative impression we have made on our fans,” sighed Coach Giancarlo Camolese.

“The team has to play with a different spirit. We need to give our best in every match and today, regardless of the fact we were playing a great squad, we did not fight to the end.

“Nonetheless, there are nine points up for grabs and we have the potential to make it.”

Livorno 1:4 AC Milan - match report
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Football Italia

Scorers: Inzaghi 23, 51, 59 (M), Seedorf 71 (M), Knezevic 73 (L)

Pippo Inzaghi grabbed a hat-trick for his eighth goal in the last four games, closing to within two points of Fiorentina in fourth!

Two important races crossed paths at the Stadio Picchi, as the Rossoneri were within four points of a Champions League spot and the Amaranto were propping up the table alongside Reggina and Empoli. Livorno held Milan to a 1-1 draw at San Siro in February, the game in which Ronaldo snapped the tendon in his knee.

Alessandro Diamanti got a starting spot after his brilliant free kick blocked Roma last week, but Luis Vigidal was still sidelined and Marco Amelia pulled out in the warm-up. Carlo Ancelotti missed Ronaldo, Paolo Maldini, Emerson, Marcos Cafu, Dario Simic, Nelson Dida and Serginho, but Marek Jankulovski was back on the bench.

Pippo Inzaghi just failed to get on the end of a Kaka cross from the left in the opening 60 seconds, while Clarence Seedorf flashed a right-foot shot across the face of goal.

Milan took the lead with a well-worked move, as Kaka sprung the offside trap and rolled across for Inzaghi to tap in from six yards. However, there was more than a suspicion of offside, as it is not clear whether he was behind the line of the ball.

Alfonso De Lucia parried a Massimo Ambrosini header and Kaka drilled well wide, but Livorno finally had their first chance on the stroke of half-time with Grandoni's cross-shot.

Inzaghi doubled the advantage with his seventh goal in four games, a precise glancing header from Daniele Bonera's cross from the right.

SuperPippo continued his incredible form with a hat-trick, a precise header from an Andrea Pirlo corner kick at the near post.

Inzaghi completed his man of the match performance with an assist for Seedorf to go past two defenders in the centre and blast it past De Lucia.

Livorno got one back with a Dario Knezevic diving header from a corner kick. Massimo Oddo made his comeback after surgery to replace Alessandro Nesta, ensuring the central defender did not get a booking that would rule him out of the derby.

Livorno: De Lucia; Melara, Grandoni, Knezevic, Galante, Pasquale; Pulzetti, A Filippini (De Vezze 55), Bergvold (Balleri 67); Diamanti; Tavano (Tristan 55)

Milan: Kalac; Bonera, Nesta (Oddo 69), Kaladze, Favalli (Jankulovski 73); Gattuso (Brocchi 61), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kaka, Seedorf; Inzaghi

Ref: Morganti

AC Milan set Ronaldinho ultimatum
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Football Italia

Spanish newspapers claim Milan have set an ultimatum to Barcelona – accept £10m for the player or abandon negotiations.

So far the Rossoneri have baulked at the demands for the Brazilian player, said to be in the region of £40m.

Although FIFA agent and Milan go-between Ernesto Bronzetti has publicly stated “Barca usually ask for at least double their real target,” even £20m is considered too steep after Dinho’s dismal campaign.

They have the will of the player on their side, as personal terms have already been agreed with Milan and Ronaldinho has made no secret of his desire to join the Club World Cup winners.

With this in mind, and Barca risking losing the Liga title to Real Madrid after last night’s 2-0 defeat to Deportivo La Coruna, the Rossoneri are backing them into a corner.

Catalan newspaper Sport today claims that a new and final offer of £10m for Ronaldinho has been tabled, along with the absolute assertion there will not be a penny more.

Although clubs such as Manchester City have offered considerably more for the Brazilian, his heart is set on Milan and attempting to force him into a move to the Premier League could spark a legal battle.

After all, Ronaldinho could in theory cite FIFA’s Article 17 and extricate himself from his contract for just over £10m and all involved want to avoid such drastic action.

Article 17 allows players to unilaterally break a contract after their “protected period” expires – after three years if they signed when under the age of 28 and two years if they put pen to paper when older.

The buy-out clause is calculated based on the original transfer fee and wages.

Ancelotti welcomes Flamini
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Football Italia

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti sees Mathieu Flamini as “an excellent signing” and gives his views on Gennaro Gattuso and Ronaldinho.

“He is an excellent player,” the Coach said of the Arsenal midfielder. “When he played against us, he showed great dynamism and ability. Someone like him would be of use to any side.

“And, seeing as he will be out of contract, that would be an excellent signing for us.”

Juventus are also interested in picking up the want-away Gunners star who looks set to reject the offer of a new contract at the Emirates.

There has been transfer talk around Gattuso, who could move on for a new challenge in England or Spain.

“We will talk about it at the end of the season. I continue to believe he will remain at Milan at the end of the day. He may have a few worries at the moment, but Gattuso is too important for Milan and is just as crucial as Kaka.

“Nobody puts in the heart and soul that Gattuso does and he is irreplaceable. There is absolutely no way we would let him go.”

The negotiations for Ronaldinho seem to have hit a brick wall this week, as Barcelona are requesting £40m for the package deal with Gianluca Zambrotta, whereas the Rossoneri are offering half that.

“Ronaldinho is a great champion and two years ago he was wanted by everyone because he was the European Player of the Year,” continued Ancelotti on Milan Channel.

“He has had a bad year, but that’s not the point. Ronaldinho is useful to us if he works hard and settles in to the squad.”

Meanwhile, Milan have a four-point gap to close up from fourth-placed Fiorentina to capture that Champions League spot and take on Livorno, the side that ruined Roma’s Scudetto dreams last week.

“We will be facing a team that cares a great deal about this game and Livorno have already shown what kind of an approach they have against Roma. They’ll try to make the most of Alessandro Diamanti and Francesco Tavano’s chances.

“We will field more or less the same line-up that beat Reggina with Daniele Bonera at right-back, while Marek Jankulovski is now fit for the bench. Pippo Inzaghi and Kaka will start, as they are fresh and dangerous.

“To carry on hoping we need to win all four games and hope for the best. We are in stand-by this season, as it seems excessive to call it a failure after taking home the European Super Cup and Club World Cup.”

Marcos Cafu and Dario Simic were not called up, while Nelson Dida, Emerson, Serginho, Paolo Maldini and Ronaldo are injured.

Milan squad: Fiori, Kalac, Offredi, Oddo, Bonera, Digao, Favalli, Kaladze, Nesta, Jankulovski, Brocchi, Ambrosini, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Pirlo, Seedorf, Gilardino, Inzaghi, Pato, Paloschi.

Capello: AC Milan don't need Ronaldinho
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Football Italia

England boss Fabio Capello warns Milan they “don’t need Ronaldinho,” while Barcelona find fault with the negotiation tactics.

The Rossoneri are focusing most of their transfer kitty on capturing the Brazilian, but Capello has a different view.

“Milan do not need a player like Ronaldinho,” the former Real Madrid and Milan Coach told Spanish newspaper Marca.

That is the not the only dissenting voice from Spain, as Barcelona’s directors are said to be furious with President Silvio Berlusconi and general manager Adriano Galliani for publicly announcing Ronaldinho wanted to join them.

“We know Milan reached an agreement with Ronaldinho, but they must not think that because of that our position has been weakened,” Vice-President Ferrano Soriano told Tuttosport.

“We will not be remembered as the administration that sold Ronaldinho for a cut-price fee.”

It is reported Barca have requested £30m for the Brazilian and teammate Gianluca Zambrotta, but Milan want to pay only £20m for the package deal.

“Berlusconi used a tactic from the last century, saying he had already bought him and then accusing us of asking for too much.

“But if it’s true that Milan want to sign Ronaldinho on their terms, then it is also true that we own his contract and will sell him on our terms.”

There is the threat Ronaldinho will invoke FIFA’s Article 17, effectively freeing him from his contract for just over £10m.

“Milan will not resort to such an extreme measure, as it would spark a dangerous chain reaction through Europe’s most important clubs.”

AC Milan in the red
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Football Italia

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has today spoken to shareholders, revealing the Via Turati club to be £24m in the red.

The 63-year old who, since Silvio Berlusconi stepped down earlier this week, has taken the role of President in all but name, moved to reassure the Rossoneri's worried investors.

“To get the books back in order it would be enough to sell Kaka to Real Madrid for £55m,” remarked Galliani to the consternation of Milan's money men.

Shareholders are believed to be angry at the club's recent form on the pitch and in the transfer market.

According to a report in Italian newspaper La Stampa, some investors are unwilling to contribute money to this summer's transfer budget.

Galliani refused to accept all the blame, insisting that they were just as responsible for the Diavolo's current troubles.

“Last year they begged me to renew Dida's contract and adhere to the requests of Emerson, Cafu, Serginho and Favalli.”

Milan have been labelled an old side of late and criticised for not investing enough in young talent, Alexandre Pato aside.

But Galliani defended the Rossoneri's policy, saying: “Footballers are like cars, their condition changes year on year.”

The Diavolo have recently been heavily linked with troubled Barcelona forward Ronaldinho. The 28-year-old has been in limbo this year, but Galliani believes he can get back to his best.

“At the moment he reminds me of when he was at Paris Saint-Germain in 2003. I don't think he'd have a problem playing in the UEFA Cup either. Luca Toni has for Bayern Munich.”

Bronzetti: Ronaldinho wants AC Milan
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Football Italia

Ernesto Bronzetti, transfer advisor to some of Europe's biggest clubs, believes Ronaldinho would like to play for Milan.

Bronzetti has become a point of reference between Barcelona and the Diavolo as the two clubs look to iron out a deal for the 28-year-old star.

“Ronaldinho would be the icing on the cake,” he said. “However, he is not the solution for the ills of Milan because, let's be honest, they are well-organised in attack. I wouldn't say that he has to arrive at all costs.”

Bronzetti is wary about the asking price touted for Ronaldinho, which has been reported to be in excess of £40m.

“There are some very high figures being thrown around,” he added.

There has also been speculation regarding the involvement of Nike and Inter in the transfer of the former Paris Saint-Germain attacker.

Nike sponsor both Inter and Ronaldinho, leading some to believe that they would prefer to see the Brazilian in Nerazzurri.

“If Ronaldinho changes teams, he would like to wear Rossonero - with or without Nike,” concluded Bronzetti.

Shevchenko loan to AC Milan?
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Football Italia

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will only return to Milan if the Blues are willing to let him go out on loan, according to his agent.

The 31-year-old Ukrainian has struggled since moving to London in 2006 and has made no secret of his desire to return to Italy with Milan, where he scored 127 goals in 208 appearances.

“Vice-President Adriano Galliani has always been clear,” explained Fabio Parisi. “The operation can only be done if Chelsea were to allow Milan to take him on a cost-free loan.

“If the Blues' owner Roman Abramovich gives it the ok then I believe that the move will go ahead.”

Shevchenko went to Stamford Bridge for a club record fee of £30m and is regarded as one of the biggest flops in Premiership history despite being a former European Footballer of the Year.

Milan have been linked with a string of forwards in recent weeks as the Via Turati club look to arrest their decline and prepare for next season.

Duo reject Super League
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Football Italia

Enrico Preziosi and Maurizio Zamparini have rejected Silvio Berlusconi's plan to create an Italian Super League.

The Rossoneri President and Italian Prime Minister claimed he would like to see a championship with only the best teams involved, without promotions and relegations.

“There is no way this proposal should go ahead,” claimed the Genoa patron. “I don't understand how this Super League would be created.

“We are talking about something which needs to be organised for the long term, at least from five to eight years.”

Palermo President Zamparini [pictured] has indicated that this is an old idea which is never going to work.

“I have always disagreed with it and I don't want to have a G-14 in Italian football,” he stated, referring to the now disbanded group of powerful European clubs.

“With this system you can do whatever you want - we could even have 14 dictators ruling Europe rather than 14 democracies.

“This proposal will never be taken into account because, fortunately, we do not live in the United States.”

The G-14 was a European organisation founded in 2000 which aimed to reinforce the power of the most important clubs.

Inter, Juventus and Milan were all members before the group was disbanded at the beginning of 2008.

Pirlo admits AC Milan failure
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Football Italia

Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo has expressed his dissatisfaction at the Rossoneri's lacklustre season in no uncertain terms.

Milan won the Club World Cup in January, but were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 in March and are currently four points from qualifying for next year's edition.

“We went out of Europe, then the Coppa Italia and we haven't even challenged for the Scudetto,” moaned the Italian international.

The Rossoneri currently lie fifth in Serie A, five points away from the top four and a massive 23 points behind city rivals Inter at the top of the table.

The 28-year-old is not too downhearted though, and wants his teammates to channel their disappointment into success in 2008-09.

“We will need all this hurt, it will stand us in good stead for the next campaign,” said the former Inter man, who also gave his view on the future of his midfield partner Gennaro Gattuso.

“Rino is the talisman of this team. I don't think that he has the desire to leave, also because next year we will return to winning ways,” he insisted.

Looking ahead to this summer's European Championship, Pirlo felt inclined to put his weight behind the campaign to get Alessandro Del Piero into the Italy squad.

“Del Piero has always been a part of the Azzurri and it is normal that we would like to see him there for this occasion,” he finished.

Berlusconi Jr rejects Ronaldinho
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Football Italia

Piersilvio Berlusconi disagrees with his father's intention to bring Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho to San Siro.

The former World Player of the Year has been heavily linked with a move to the Rossoneri after falling out with the Catalan giants.

“I wouldn't take Ronaldinho. Speaking as a fan, Milan do not need a player like him at the moment,” said the Mediaset Vice-President.

Berlusconi Jr has been touted as a future President of the Diavolo and has his own ideas on how the club should be managed, balking at the price of the World Cup winner.

Negotiations have stalled between Barcelona and Milan after the Blaugrana demanded a fee believed to be in excess of £18m for the 28-year-old.

“It's rather a lot to spend on one player, perhaps it would be better to invest in different departments. But if a player of his calibre were to arrive, he would still be welcome,” he ended.

Milan are rumoured to have made an offer of a combined £20m bid for both Ronaldinho and his Italian teammate Gianluca Zambrotta.

Zamparini eyes Amauri - Gattuso swap
24.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini has sensationally proposed an Amauri-Gennaro Gattuso exchange with Milan.

The Rosanero have had confirmed negotiations with Juventus over Amauri, but their patron thinks he’d be better elsewhere.

“I don’t want to judge Milan’s transfer policy, but with Kaka and Alexandre Pato, I don’t think Ronaldinho can be a useful signing,” he told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“We are talking about a player of undoubted value whose name excites the fans, but when you focus only on making the supporters happy then you don’t work for the good of the team.

“Perhaps a hitman like Luca Toni, Didier Drogba or Amauri should be a priority for the Rossoneri.”

Zamparini said this week that the only offer he had received was from Juventus, so this was a clear public invite for Milan to join the race.

His interest in the Rossoneri does not limit itself to strikers, as the patron also commented on reports Gattuso is ready to move on.

“We must keep our transfer targets hidden so they do not escape, but I dream of Gattuso in the Rosanero jersey.”

The World Cup winner has been linked with a new challenge at Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Manchester United, but could be tempted into a surprise switch.

Cafu: I'm too young to quit
24.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan veteran Marcos Cafu is 37 years old, but has absolutely no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.

“I still haven’t decided what I will do and there is still a month to go before the end of the season, but I do not think I will retire,” revealed the Brazilian.

“I am still motivated. When I am on the bench or in the stands, I feel bad. I still have the desire to prove I can do a great deal for football, even if I am 37 years old.”

Cafu has been at Milan since a free transfer from Roma in 2003 and even back then was considering seeing out the final years of his career in Japan.

“I am feeling good at the moment after having a few fitness problems. The important thing is that when the Coach calls, I am ready to give my contribution.

“It always makes a player happy knowing he can contribute to the success of the squad.”

The right-back has had to play more regularly of late because Massimo Oddo underwent surgery and hopes he can help Milan finish in the top four.

“We will try to get there at all costs. There are four rounds left in which we must achieve everything we possibly can and then, if the other sides also do well and end up ahead, all we can do is take our hats off to them.

“The important thing is that we do well so there can be no regrets. If the other teams want to give us a hand by slipping up, then that is even better.”

Oddo: It's our fault
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan defender Massimo Oddo has admitted that the Rossoneri have only themselves to blame for their disappointing season.

The Club World Cup holders were knocked out of Europe in March and are struggling to qualify for next year's edition of the Champions League.

“It's our fault,” confessed Oddo, pointing out the Diavolo's disastrous home form as a reason why they are four points adrift of fourth place Fiorentina with four games to go.

“We have only won six times at San Siro - that's relegation form. This makes me think that we have not been able to exploit home advantage.”

Milan have the second best away record in the League, winning on three more occasions than fourth-place Fiorentina, but the Viola have notched up five more victories than the Rossoneri in front of their own fans.

“The teams we face tend to close us down and we have not been successful in finding a way to unhinge their defences,” mused the right-back.

Oddo also refused to blame referees for the Rossoneri's current position, acknowledging that players are not above reproach themselves.

“They haven't killed us, but they have played their part,” he moaned. “They have made mistakes, as have we.”

Milan face Livorno in Tuscany on Sunday and still have to take on Inter, Napoli and Udinese to complete the campaign.

Berlusconi wants 'super' League
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi would like Serie A to become a League for big clubs only.

The 71-year-old, who today stepped down as Milan President, believes a smaller championship would make Italian teams more competitive in Europe.

“The great sides should make their own championship. When you invest a lot in a team it's unthinkable to make them play against a team from the provinces whose stadium, usually with a capacity for 20,000 people, is inevitably half-empty.”

Speaking to Radio Radio, Il Cavaliere explained that teams with fewer spectators should have their own Division, separate from those with large grounds and huge fan bases.

Attendances at Italian football matches have been dropping, despite a recent resurgence, over the last 10 years. Violence, irregular kick-off times and ticket prices have all contributed to the decline.

“When there are great teams playing the stadiums are always full and TV audiences are massive. Only with great teams can we become protagonists in Europe again.”

Aside from owning the Rossoneri, Berlusconi presides over Mediaset, a private television company which has the rights to show Milan, Juventus, Roma and Inter.

Juventus and AC Milan trade insults
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Juventus' general manager Jean-Claude Blanc has become embroiled in an argument with Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani.

The Frenchman, who joined La Vecchia Signora in June 2006, reacted to competition from the Diavolo for Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini in a cheeky fashion.

Asked why Flamini would choose the Bianconeri ahead of the Rossoneri, Blanc said: “Juve are in the Champions League and Milan aren't.”

Galliani [pictured] didn't waste any time coming up with a response, sniping: “The Club World Cup champions cannot possibly reply to the newly-promoted Juventus.”

Relations between the two clubs have been cordial since 2006 when the Turin giants were relegated and Milan were penalised for their part in the Calciopoli scandal.

However, Juventus' competitiveness this term has marked the return of a historic antipathy which could spoil the Bianconeri's efforts to sign another of their targets, Genoa striker Marco Borriello, who is currently on loan from Milan.

Pato reveals Olympic dream
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan's teenage sensation Alexandre Pato is intent on going to the Olympics in China this summer with Brazil.

A string of Rossoneri players, including Kaka and Clarence Seedorf, have expressed their wish to compete in Beijing only to be discouraged from doing so by the club.

“I want to go to the Olympics,” revealed Pato. “I dream of winning a gold medal for Brazil, but it depends on Milan.”

The 18-year-old, who has scored eight goals in 15 appearances since January, has moved to reassure the Diavolo that he is still committed to their cause.

“In the future I am counting on winning lots of trophies in Rossonero and a World Cup with the Selecao. I also want to become the best player in the world.”

The Via Turati club are believed to want all of their players to be available, should they finish in fourth place, in preparation for Champions League qualifiers in August.

The Beijing Olympics are scheduled to be held from August 8 to August 24, 2008.

Berlusconi steps down
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi is to give up his official role at the club after becoming Prime Minister of Italy for a third time.

Il Cavaliere has been under pressure to step down from the helm at Via Turati to guard against any potential conflicts of interest.

“My new role is incompatible with the Milan presidency,” explained Berlusconi in an interview with Radio Radio.

The 71-year-old media mogul has been criticised in the past for abusing his power to protect his own interests.

Owner of Milan since 1986, Berlusconi also categorically denied he is opposed to George Soro's bid to buy Roma.

“I am not against the arrival of foreign investors. This is a practice by now well developed in Europe - just look at what has happened in England with Chelsea and Liverpool.

“If someone comes in who is willing to bring happiness to the fans and reinforce the squad, I'll more than welcome them.”

Kaka seeks derby gift
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

As Kaka celebrates his 26th birthday, he asks for two special presents – victory in the Milan derby and the captain’s armband.

“Winning the derby has a very special taste to it,” smiled the Brazilian ahead of the intercity clash on May 4.

“When I first arrived we used to win it all the time, but now for the past two or three years things have changed. We’ve got to turn that trend around, as a great deal of our future is tied up in beating Inter.”

The Nerazzurri have triumphed in the last three derbies on the trot and won four of the last five Serie A meetings, including a 2-1 back on December 23.

This is Kaka’s fifth year at the club and, with Paolo Maldini considering retirement and Gennaro Gattuso reportedly leaving the country, he is next in line for the captain’s armband.

“One day I would love to wear it. I am currently learning from Maldini and if one day it does happen, it would be wonderful for me,” he told Milan Channel.

“The team is very close to Milan and when you have played together a long time you know everything about each other. That is the secret of a winning side – we all learn from one another.

“For example, I try to treat Alexandre Pato the same way the others treated me when I arrived, I try to protect and coddle him a little bit. He will learn too.”

If Kaka has one complaint about the life of a Milan star, it is the packed fixture list and he blames this for the spate of fitness concerns.

“There are too many games. Players get tired physically and in terms of motivation, as isn’t easy to be constantly focused. The injuries reflect this schedule.”

AC Milan plan Zapata raid
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan have reportedly renewed their interest in launching a bid for Udinese defender Cristian Zapata this summer.

The Rossoneri watched the 21-year-old stopper on numerous occasions last year, only to divert their resources towards the transfer of Alexandre Pato.

The Colombian, who has made 23 appearances for the Zebrette this season, is thought to be wanted by a string of clubs including Fiorentina, Inter, Roma and Arsenal.

Udinese sporting director Giampaolo Pozzo is believed to be willing to let the youngster go for a fee of around £12m.

Milan transfer guru Ariedo Braida is said to be presiding over the deal by virtue of his healthy relationship with Udinese, where he spent three years as a player.

The Diavolo are clearly looking to reinforce their defence for next season after a disappointing campaign in both Serie A and the Champions League.

French internationals Philippe Mexes and Sebastien Frey have already been linked with a move to Milanello as has Sevilla's Brazilian right-back Daniel Alves.

Juventus consider Zambrotta return
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Barcelona defender Gianluca Zambrotta could be set for a sensational return to Juventus according to the Spanish Press.

The 31-year-old left the Bianconeri for £9m in the summer of 2006 after the Turin giants were relegated for their part in the Calciopoli scandal.

The Catalan daily newspaper Sport has revealed that Juventus have, along with Milan, registered their interest in taking the World Cup winner back to Italy.

The former Bari star has made 75 appearances for Barcelona in two seasons and has only a Spanish Super Cup medal to show for it.

Zambrotta, who was made honorary President of hometown club Como in December 2006, has been itching for a move all season.

Milan are still favourites to sign the two-time Scudetto winner given that many Juve fans still feel betrayed by Zambrotta's hasty departure two years ago.

Kaka wants Ronaldinho at AC Milan
23.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan star Ricky Kaka has spoken of his desire to see compatriot Ronaldinho join him in Rossonero.

The Barcelona ace has been heavily linked with a move to San Siro after falling out with players and directors at the Camp Nou.

“I have always had the opportunity to play with him in the national team,” explained Kaka. “We have always got on well.

“To be able to play together also at club level would be truly beautiful.”

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani had reportedly come to an agreement with the former Paris Saint-Germain player’s representative, but admitted yesterday that any deal would be difficult.

Kaka, meanwhile, is enjoying life at Milanello and is particularly happy after scoring his third hat-trick for Milan against Reggina at the weekend in the Diavolo’s 5-1 victory.

“It’s always a great feeling to score three,” admitted Kaka. “What makes me even happier is being useful to my team and my mates again.

“I like to be decisive, it pleases me. A victory of this style has given us a boost to finish each of our remaining four games in the same way.”

The Brazilian, 26 today, is optimistic Milan can make fourth place and qualify for the Champions League.

“We have to think about ourselves, conquer the 12 points available and then look at what Fiorentina are doing.

“The Viola are having a great season but are still in the UEFA Cup... But, first of all, we have to think about Milan and Milan only.”

Kaka is quickly becoming a legend among the Milanisti faithful and would like to win the Scudetto next season.

The former Sao Paulo player, who signed a contract extension until 2013 worth £7.5m per season last month, also has a personal objective.

“I have scored 78 goals with Milan and I am very content. I hope to reach 100 as soon as possible.”

Galliani crunches Ronaldinho numbers
21.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Adriano Galliani confirms a conference call with Barcelona, but “some numbers don’t add up” in the Ronaldinho negotiations.

It is well known that yesterday FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti flew out to Spain for talks over the former European and World Player of the Year, acting as an emissary for the Rossoneri.

“Yesterday there was a conference call with Barcelona, but there are some numbers that don’t add up,” general manager Galliani told Sky Italia television.

It has been reported that Milan have offered £20m for both Dinho and teammate Gianluca Zambrotta, although it’s likely the final price tag will be a little higher.

Galliani also moved to quash rumours the transfers would fall through if they failed to finish in the top four.

“We absolutely want to enter the Champions League, but let us not forget that Ronaldinho joined Barcelona when they were playing the UEFA Cup.

“It can happen to all the great European clubs to miss out on qualification one season. Of course I hope it won’t happen to Milan, but it would not be a tsunami.”

The Rossoneri general manager also commented on reports Gennaro Gattuso is seeking a fresh challenge next term at Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Rangers or Real Madrid.

“Absolutely not, he will not leave.”

Ancelotti: Win and hope
21.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Carlo Ancelotti insists Milan must play with the same aggression as their 5-1 thumping of Reggina in all four remaining matches.

“We had a good start with impressive play and determination, quickly breaking the deadlock so we could hit them on the counter,” explained the Coach.

A victory was needed to stay within four points of Fiorentina in that final Champions League berth.

“The gap is still there, but we must continue along this path right to the end. Our objective is to prepare one game at a time and try to win them all.”

Kaka has been struggling with injury for the past few months, but proved he is back in top shape with a hat-trick.

“Kaka’s absence really weighed on us in decisive games that proved crucial to falling behind in the Champions League race. It’s only natural and now he is finding his best form.

“Clarence Seedorf sacrificed himself for the team today with characteristics that are not his own. Great champions are always able to put the squad first and it is inevitable in any League in Europe now.”

The Rossoneri strike force had been disappointing of late, but this 5-1 thrashing with goals from Pippo Inzaghi and Alexandre Pato revived them.

“At the moment our centre-forward is Inzaghi, even if Pato is a different type of player. There’s no such thing as pure centre-forwards anymore, now there are complete forwards.”

AC Milan 5:1 Reggina - match report
20.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Scorers: Kaka pens 8 and 33, 68 (M), Barreto 40 (R), Inzaghi 73 (M), Pato 89 (M)

Kaka proved he is fully recovered with a magnificent performance and hat-trick in this drubbing of Reggina.

There was no room for error as the Rossoneri needed a win to avoid falling seven points behind Fiorentina. Last week's 3-2 defeat at Juventus was a blow, but even worse was their dismal home form, winning just five times at San Siro. Reggina were on a high after beating Sampdoria 1-0, though they remained in the bottom three and had scored just once in their previous six away games. Curiously, this fixture hadn't ended in a draw for nine editions, since the 2-2 in December 1999.

Alexandre Pato returned from a mysterious muscular injury to sit on the bench, though Daniele Bonera and Massimo Ambrosini were banned with Paolo Maldini, Ronaldo, Marek Jankulovski and Emerson sidelined. Reggina made the trip without Emanuele Cascione, Maurizio Lanzaro and Montiel.

In the opening minute Salvatore Aronica and Francesco Modesto collided, allowing Cristian Brocchi to fire a right-foot shot on the bounce on to the side-netting.

The referee pointed to the spot when Modesto tackled Kaka in the box as he was lining up the shot. The Brazilian got back up to send Andrea Campagnolo the wrong way and bury the powerful penalty.

Reggina fought back with a Valdez header testing Zeljko Kalac, but Campagnolo palmed Kaka's cross-shot out from under the bar and parried a Kakha Kaladze angled drive with his feet.

Kaka has now recovered from his injury problems and it showed, as he was swarming around the Amaranto defence. Pippo Inzaghi's backheel set up Kaka for a fierce strike that Campagnolo parried.

The referee awarded a second penalty for a Luca Vigiani trip on Clarence Seedorf and this time Kaka took a different approach, rolling it gently into the other angle.

However, Reggina got back into it with an absolute screamer from Barreto. He controlled a clearance just outside the D and smashed the rocket into the top corner past a helpless Kalac.

A Seedorf rocket skimmed the bar, but after the restart Barreto went off in agony after an accidental clash of knees with Seedorf.

Inzaghi's diving header whistled wide and Campagnolo pushed an Andrea Pirlo piledriver out from under the crossbar.

Kaka's acrobatic backheel sent Inzaghi clear on goal, but the Italian was closed down as he was lining up the shot by some desperate defending. However, some chaotic play at the back almost gifted Reggina an equaliser, as Kaladze had to come sliding in to stop a tap-in from six yards.

Kaka was comfortably man of the match and completed his hat-trick. Brocchi's cross was chested down for a precise low first time finish into the far bottom corner.

There were penalty appeals from Reggina for a Kaladze handling offence on Franco Brienza's cross, but the referee waved play on.

Alexandre Pato made his comeback and created the fourth goal almost immediately. His shot was deflected on to the upright by Campagnolo and Inzaghi was ready to pounce on the loose ball.

Pato got his name on the scoresheet eventually with a powerful header on Yoan Gourcuff's cross from the right.

Milan: Kalac; Cafu (Simic 76), Nesta, Kaladze, Favalli; Gattuso (Gourcuff 80), Pirlo, Brocchi; Kaka, Seedorf (Pato 69); Inzaghi

Reggina: Campagnolo; Valdez (Alvarez 69), Cirillo, Aronica; Vigiani, Barreto (Misiroli 48), Tognozzi, Modesto (Costa 82); Cozza, Brienza; Amoruso

Ref: Farina

Sponsors aid Inter's Ronaldinho bid
20.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Inter are reportedly using Nike to intercept Milan’s negotiations for Ronaldinho, but the Rossoneri will meet with Barcelona today.

Nerazzurri patron Massimo Moratti had said the Spaniards “wouldn’t move a muscle before hearing our proposal.”

It is claimed on Sky Sport Italia that the offer has now come in, as his son Angelo Mario Moratti flew out to Barcelona for talks.

As Barca, Ronaldinho and Inter are all sponsored by Nike, they hope to use the kit giant to help steer him towards Moratti’s side of San Siro.

However, Milan have also sent emissary Ernesto Bronzetti out to Barcelona for initial talks on taking both Ronaldinho and Gianluca Zambrotta.

These went well, especially as the Rossoneri have already agreed personal terms with Dinho’s agent for a four-year contract worth £6.7m per season plus image rights.

Official negotiations will get down to details today at Barca’s offices in the Nou Camp and it is reported Milan could snatch both players for a bargain £20m.

General manager Adriano Galliani will only fly out for the final meeting in which contracts are signed and exchanged, but Sky Sport Italia thinks that could be as early as the middle of next week.

There is of course the Premier League option, as both Chelsea and Manchester City maintain their interest in the Brazilian.

“Few can afford Ronaldinho, so Milan and Chelsea are the clubs who have sought him out most insistently,” revealed FIFA agent Bronzetti on RAI programme Dribbling.

“Ronaldinho doesn’t really like English football though, he much prefers Milan.”

Manchester United move for Gattuso
20.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Reports in Italy suggest Gennaro Gattuso is heading from the Diavolo to the Red Devils at Old Trafford this summer.

Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti denied the midfielder was ready to walk out on his team, insisting he was “100 per cent” sure to remain.

Yet rumours of Gattuso’s imminent departure continue to circulate and so far the candidates have included Glasgow Rangers, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

The latest newspaper reports in Italy have found a new and more likely destination – Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson has never disguised his admiration for the World Cup winner and is ready to over a four-year contract worth £3m per season net.

Milan had previously turned down an approach for the midfielder in the wake of the Champions League Final debacle in Istanbul.

It is claimed that Gattuso has already agreed basic personal terms with United and Milan would be willing to release him after nine years of service.

However, the Rossoneri are not ready to let him go for the proposed £10m and want a higher offer for the 30-year-old.

Clarence Seedorf is also considering moving on with interest from Bayern Munich and Valencia.

Upfront Alberto Gilardino is almost certain to leave in the summer with offers from Sampdoria, Fiorentina and Roma.

Orlandi takes fight to AC Milan
20.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Considering Milan’s dismal home record and Reggina’s attitude, Nevio Orlandi insists his team won’t raise the drawbridge at San Siro.

“We must go there aware of Milan’s strength, but with the intention of attacking them and playing a positive match,” said the Coach who defeated Sampdoria last week.

“To put up the barricades against a team like that would be counter-productive. We should be careful in defence, of course, but also dedicated to pushing forward quickly and sharply.”

The Rossoneri need a victory to get back into the race for the Champions League, while Reggina are desperate to climb out of the bottom three.

“Milan went through a tough time, but although they lost away to Juventus last week, they seemed to be on the way back up.

“They will be missing some important players, such as Massimo Ambrosini, but the substitutes are all up to scratch.”

Perhaps crucially, Reggina boss Orlandi knows they have nothing to lose at San Siro.

“In the worst case scenario, we lose at Milan and will play for our safety in the final four rounds. If we get a positive result, then it is a huge boost for the table and psychologically going into the final sprint.”

Orlandi will be pleased to shake Carlo Ancelotti’s hand on the touchline at San Siro this afternoon in a game you can see live on Five.

“I met Ancelotti for the first time when he was at Reggiana, then we were in the same class for the Coaching course at Coverciano. He is a wonderful person, a great Coach and professional. It will be a pleasure to see him again.”

Reggina squad: Campagnolo, Novakovic; Aronica, Costa, Modesto, Alvarez, Cirillo, Valdez; Barreto, Cozza, Missiroli, Tognozzi, Vigiani; Ceravolo, Amoruso, Brienza, Joelson, Stuani

Ronaldo progress impresses
20.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Ronaldo is champing at the bit after his medic gave a promising update on recovery from knee tendon surgery.

“From the day of the injury the progress has been evident and the fact it has all happened without problems is extraordinary,” explained physiotherapist Bruno Mazziotti.

“The latest tests and x-rays have confirmed the good news.”

There were fears Ronaldo’s career would be over when he snapped the tendon in his knee back in February, but he is working for a comeback.

“He deserves 10 out of 10 for effort. He is doing everything possible to be back as early as he can.

“In fact, he keeps asking me to set a date for his comeback, but I think it’s too early to be so precise.”

The initial diagnosis suggested Ronaldo would be out of action for at least seven to nine months.

Ancelotti's double objective
20.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Carlo Ancelotti urges Milan to win all five remaining games to reach the Champions League and ruin Inter’s title dream.

“It is a tricky time for us and we are going into a very important match,” he said before tomorrow afternoon’s encounter with Reggina.

The four-point deficit to Fiorentina remains intact despite the Tuscans losing their last four away games on the trot.

“The whole Milan environment is shaken by the fact we can’t seem to close up this gap. We have thrown away a great deal despite good performances, such as against Roma and Juventus. But with five victories I think we’ll reach the Champions League.”

This could be a positive round for the Rossoneri, who take on relegation strugglers Reggina while Fiorentina face a reinvigorated Palermo.

“If tonight they failed to beat Palermo, that would be a remarkable opportunity for us,” conceded Ancelotti.

His team has a difficult run-in, specifically with the Milan derby on May 4.

“With five victories we would be able to achieve another objective – ensuring Inter don’t win the Scudetto…”

The Coach has other problems to contend with, as Paolo Maldini is out for the rest of the season with a left thigh strain.

“It is not a simple lesion, but let us not get carried away with talk of his campaign or even career being over.”

Alexandre Pato and Massimo Oddo should be back in action after long-term setbacks.

AC Milan vs Juve battle for Torres
20.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Liverpool could be forced to sell Fernando Torres – alerting Milan and Juventus – but the Rossoneri are already targeting Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Anfield Road in-fighting between owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks is just one of their problems, as ‘The Times’ claims there is a serious financial short-fall.

“Liverpool entered into an 18-month loan agreement with interest of 9 per cent - £2.8 million a year - with a letter of credit to pay back the £31.5 million at the end of the period,” says the newspaper.

”Should Liverpool be unable to pay back or refinance the loan, banks could force the sale of Torres and Ryan Babel, who was also included in the smaller refinancing package.”

If hitman Torres becomes available for around £27.5m, he will be a prime target for both Juventus and Milan, who are on the lookout for a striker.

Rossoneri President Silvio Berlusconi has already stated his club will sign Ronaldinho, Andriy Shevchenko “plus an old-style centre-forward.”

Up until now it was thought to be Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, but new reports around Europe today suggest it is Real Madrid’s van Nistelrooy.

He is relatively cheap compared to Drogba and Real would be happy to release him because they are looking to sign the Ivory Coast international as a replacement.

Milan and Juve are also said to be at loggerheads over another Premier League player, as the San Siro giants assumed they had a deal for out of contract Mathieu Flamini.

They have offered the midfielder a five-year contract worth £3.5m per season, but Juve director of sport Alessio Secco has reportedly flown out to England to table a bid of his own and, while he’s there, seek news on the Liverpool situation.

Arrivederci Maldini?
19.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan’s Paolo Maldini has picked up an injury in training, which may end the veteran stopper’s season and bring the curtain down on his career.

The Rossoneri need all the experience they can get with just five games left to turn their season around.

However, it seems that 39-year-old stopper Maldini could be watching the remainder of the campaign from the stands.

The Diavolo legend damaged his left thigh during yesterday’s training session and early tests show that the damage could be reasonably extensive.

There are fears that the problem could be enough to rule Maldini out of any of Milan’s remaining matches.

Should Maldini stand by his previous decision to hang up his boots at the end of the season, he may have played his final game in a glorious career.

A homegrown talent, Maldini came through the Milan youth ranks and made his Serie A debut at just 16 back in January 1985.

He has since made 617 appearances for the club and has played more games in the top flight than any other active player.

AC Milan and Inter commit to San Siro
19.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan and Inter will continue to play at San Siro for another five years after agreeing a new lease with the local council.

There have been suggestions that one of the two sides may relocate to another site and build their own venue.

These whispers increased in intensity when Italy emerged as possible replacements for Ukraine to host Euro 2012, which would require the construction of new stadiums, but that possibility is now remote.

“Inter and Milan will stay at San Siro until 2013,” a statement from official Giovanni Terzi read.

“The clubs will work with the council to undergo work to make the Stadio Meazza a five star facility.”

The 83,000-capacity stadium opened in 1926 with Inter moving in to share the ground with Milan after World War II.

Pato return lifts AC Milan
19.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan’s young gun Alexandre Pato has finally returned to training after a lingering injury and he may even make the squad to face Reggina.

The man nicknamed “The Duck” has been out of action since the start of the month with a pain in his adductor muscle.

The problem confused Milan’s medical team, who were unable to explain why Pato was still in pain when the injury appeared to have healed.

However, the former Internacional man was able to return to training yesterday and seemed to be at 100 per cent.

The news is a huge boost to Carlo Ancelotti, whose men cannot afford any slip-ups if they are to secure Champions League qualification.

Massimo Ambrosini is suspended for the weekend’s game against Reggina, as is defender Daniele Bonera after his horror tackle on Juventus’ Momo Sissoko last weekend.

Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze could return at the back and Marcos Cafu is ready to fill in on the right.

Pippo Inzaghi, who has scored four goals in two games, is expected to start as a lone striker with Alberto Gilardino warming the San Siro bench.

Oddo makes rapid recovery
19.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Massimo Oddo has returned to training ahead of schedule just two weeks after knee surgery and knows that it's do or die for Milan.

It had appeared that Oddo’s season was over when he underwent knee meniscus surgery at the start of the month.

But just over two weeks later, the former Lazio man is back in training and closing in on a return.

“I am feeling good,” he insisted. “I feel like I am fully recovered after the operation and I have already had several personal training sessions.

“Now I am ready to train with the rest of the group and we will see how I go in the next few days.”

Milan are close to missing out on next season’s Champions League as they trail Fiorentina by four points with just five games remaining.

The Diavolo were left reeling after their 3-2 reverse against Juventus in Turin last weekend, but Oddo was impressed with the way his teammates played.

“I have watched the lads train and I have seen us play well in the last few games, but we have been unlucky as can happen from time to time,” he stressed.

“We deserved more against Juventus from the way we played, but we came away from Turin empty-handed.

“Now we have to win every game in order to reach our objective.

“We have to take each game as it comes, starting with Reggina on Sunday, and then we just have to hope that other teams in the race for the Champions League slip up.

“I don’t think I will be ready to play on Sunday, but I am at the Coach’s disposal and we will keep a close eye on when I am able to play.”

Maldini's against summer clearout
19.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Contrary to popular opinion, Paolo Maldini doesn’t believe that Milan need to make sweeping changes this summer.

The world champions have had a miserable campaign and are in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League.

It has widely been suggested that the Diavolo will revamp the squad at the end of the season, but Maldini has kept his faith in the current personnel.

“I don’t think that this Milan side needs to be rebuilt,” he claimed on the Milan Channel.

“This team won a prestigious competition - the Club World Cup - as recently as December – it wasn’t 20 years ago.

“There should be some continuity with this group and not a rebirth.”

One of the old guard who has been tipped to leave San Siro is Azzurri midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.

“I have read in the newspapers that there’s lots of interest for Gattuso, but I think that there have always been clubs watching him,” said Maldini.

“However, I have no doubt that the club wants to keep him and I don’t think that Rino wants to go.”

Pippo Inzaghi has made a spectacular return from injury, prompting some suggestions that he could be called up for Euro 2008.

“Lots of players are in contention for a place in Austria and Switzerland – Alessandro Del Piero, Marco Borriello, Pippo and many more,” Maldini stressed.

“They aren’t easy choices and I wouldn’t want to be the Coach.

“Generally, I think that Donadoni should go with the players who have made up the group during the two years of qualification.

“Then you take last minute physical condition into consideration and you can make a selection.”

Every game is must-win for Milan now if they are to claw back Fiorentina’s four-point advantage in fourth place and Maldini knows his side can’t afford to drop any more points.

“It doesn’t matter which games are home and which are away, we just have to give everything in these final five games,” he insisted.

“All there is for us to do is go out on the pitch and do everything we can and then we have to hope for Fiorentina to slip up. We just have to do our duty and win our games.”

Ronaldinho deal will have to wait
19.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Barcelona star Ronaldinho won’t agree a deal with Milan before the end of the season, according to a Blaugranes board member.

The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year is likely to leave the Nou Camp in the summer after falling out with Coach Frank Rijkaard.

Milan have emerged as favourites to secure Dinho’s signature and there had been suggestions that a deal could be agreed immediately, but it seems the negotiations have been put on hold.

“At the moment we are concentrating on the competitions we are involved in,” Albert Perrin insisted.

“We are not interested in listening to offers – we are just interested in winning.

“The reality is that at the moment Ronaldinho is a Barcelona player and I hope that he will be playing for us in the Champions League Final.”

Barça currently trail Real Madrid by nine points in La Liga and are awaiting a Champions League semi-final showdown with Manchester United.

Pato problem baffles doctors
19.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Alexandre Pato continues to be plagued by a mysterious muscular injury that has left the Milan doctors stumped.

The teen sensation has made a huge impact since arriving in January and has become Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice hitman after seven goals in 14 appearances.

However, Pato has been out of action since the start of the month and, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the medics have been unable to find the exact nature of the problem.

The former Internacional man has been complaining of a pain in his adductor muscle and the doctors are puzzled as they have been unable to find any damage in tests.

With Pato still unable to train, the Rossoneri will rely on Pippo Inzaghi at Reggina this weekend and will hope he can continue his recent scoring form.

Silvio: Ronaldinho and a hitman
19.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

“Ronaldinho wants to come to Milan and another top centre-forward is on his way too,” announced President Silvio Berlusconi.

The patron – this week elected Prime Minister of Italy – made the statements on Sky Sport Italia.

“Ronaldinho wants to come to Milan, that is clear. First of all because this club is the world champion, secondly as there are so many Brazilians and third everyone knows how well we treat our athletes.

“Perhaps we pay a little less than other sides, but we give them a lot more glory.”

The dig was at the other teams vying for Ronaldinho’s signature, as the Barcelona star is also a target for Inter, Chelsea and Manchester City.

The negotiations for the former World and European Player of the Year are confirmed and well known, but Berlusconi hinted at another transfer well on the way to completion.

“Another very important player is on the way. He is a powerful centre-forward who I shall not name.

“We are ready to sign two world class players for next season and there will be world class players in defence, too.”

The description of this centre-forward does not fit Andriy Shevchenko, who has also been tipped for a return to San Siro after his disappointing Chelsea spell.

“He had to bow down to a decision that his wife considered indispensable for the good of their children and so I supported him,” revealed Berlusconi.

“Among the fans there is a confrontation between those who believe he was a traitor and those who want him back. He did not cheat on Milan, he had to put his family first and I understood his decision.

“Now I believe that if he came back, we would welcome him with open arms. I am the first to support a return and hope he does.”

This week transfer guru Adriano Galliani also stated that Shevchenko’s arrival was “possible.”

Milan President Berlusconi concluded by leaving the door open for another comeback – former Rossoneri player and current Italy Coach Roberto Donadoni.

“I think he has done very well for the Nazionale and can see his future going in that direction. But if Milan needed a change of management, then he would be a great option, someone who was a key player for us and gave this side many victories.”

It is bound to spark further rumours over Carlo Ancelotti’s future should the Rossoneri not qualify for the Champions League.

Pippo sets sights on Scudetto
16.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Pippo Inzaghi is firing on all cylinders after returning from injury and has set his sights on winning the Scudetto with Milan next term.

The Diavolo’s season is hanging by a thread after last weekend’s 3-2 defeat against Juventus.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are four points away from Champions League qualification and have failed in this season’s Cup competitions, but Inzaghi is staying upbeat.

“I was sad when we were eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal, but I have been lucky enough to lift that trophy twice,” he said on Studio Sport.

"I really want to win the League title the same number of times.

“Is it over for this Milan side? We did well in the first half against Juventus and things could have been different. This team has given so much and there is a legacy to safeguard.”

After firing braces against Cagliari and Juve, Inzaghi is on red-hot form and there have even been tentative suggestions that he should go to Euro 2008.

“Roberto Donadoni knows me well,” Inzaghi said. “He knows what I can do and my feelings about the Azzurri shirt.

“I played in lots of the qualification games. If I am needed then good, but the important thing is that I train without any problems and keep playing for a great team.”

The Piacenza native concluded by discussing the possibility of Barcelona star Ronaldinho arriving in the summer.

“He is a great champion and champions are very welcome,” Inzaghi declared. “We will be happy if he arrives.”

AC Milan to return to Russia
16.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan will again enter the Russian Railways tournament this August as part of their pre-season preparations.

The Rossoneri will be joined in the competition on August 3 by hosts Lokomotiv Moscow, Chelsea and Sevilla.

In last summer’s inaugural tournament, Milan were beaten on penalties by PSV in their opener before seeing off Lokomotiv Moscow – also on spot-kicks – to secure third place.

The Diavolo may have a busy summer if they are forced to enter the Intertoto Cup or if they find themselves in the Champions League preliminary round, both of which take place in July.

However, should Carlo Ancelotti’s men end up competing in the UEFA Cup, they won’t be in action until the end of August.

Kalac's fourth faith
16.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac knows that every game is must-win for the Rossoneri from now on, but he still believes his side can finish fourth.

The world champions are facing the grim prospect of missing out on the Champions League as they trail fourth-placed Fiorentina by four points.

Last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Milan was a crushing blow to the Diavolo and it’s still a sore subject for Kalac.

“We conceded three goals and that’s a shame because we generally played well and deserved at least a point,” the 35-year-old told the Milan Channel.

“I won’t deny that it has left a bitter taste, but that’s the way it goes – that’s football.

“We have to look forward even if these kind of defeats have happened to us a lot this year.”

Milan must now take all three points against Reggina at San Siro this weekend in order to put the pressure on Fiorentina, who host Palermo.

“After the loss against Juventus we have to have a normal week,” Kalac stressed.

“It's essential that we don't think about what happened last week because we need to move on to preparing for the Reggina game.

“We haven’t discussed the game yet, but I think that we will tomorrow when we have double training.

“Mathematically, we are still in the race for the Champions League.

“We are four points behind, but lots of things can happen in five games.”

Real to go for Gattuso?
16.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

There are reports in Italy that Real Madrid are preparing a summer bid for Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.

The former Rangers man hasn’t been on top form recently and has been one of the main disappointments in the Rossoneri’s season of underachievement.

Press reports have suggested that the world champions are ready to ring the changes in pre-season and could replace many of the old guard, including Gattuso.

According to Tuttosport, Real Madrid are watching the situation with interest and could be willing to part with as much as £10m to bring Rino to the Bernabeu.

With Mahamadou Diarra looking to quit the Merengues, the Spanish champions are searching for a new defensive midfielder and could benefit from the addition of a pugnacious ball-winner.

While Gattuso has stressed his desire to lead Milan back to glory, the 30-year-old is also reportedly keen to ply his trade abroad once more after enjoying his adventure with Rangers in 1997-98.

There have been suggestions that Gattuso may prefer to relocate to England, with whispers that Tottenham and Newcastle are in the frame.

Nonetheless, it may be hard to persuade the Diavolo to part with a man who has become an integral figure at San Siro after playing over 250 games since joining from Salernitana in 1999.

Berlusconi expects Ronaldinho deal
16.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Silvio Berlusconi is confident that Barcelona star Ronaldinho will be playing for Milan next term.

Despite interest from city rivals Inter, the Rossoneri are in pole position to sign the Brazilian ace, according to agent and brother Roberto De Assis.

Milan President Berlusconi, who became Italy’s prime minister yesterday by winning a third general election, met De Assis late on Monday night and has revealed that the deal is progressing.

“Will Ronaldinho arrive? For the time being his brother has arrived,” Berlusconi said on Radio Monte Carlo.

“At dinner, De Assis brought me Ronaldinho’s shirt with a very affectionate message written on it. I have very high hopes.”

Ronaldinho is under contract at Barca until 2010, but he is reportedly keen to quit the club after falling out with Coach Frank Rijkaard this season.

Although Dinho has stressed his admiration for the Diavolo, it has been suggested that he is waiting to see whether they secure Champions League qualification before he commits his future to San Siro.

Agent refutes Mexes' AC Milan link
16.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Rumours linking Roma stopper Philippe Mexes with a summer switch to Milan are complete fabrication, according to the player’s agent.

After a shaky spell, the French international has re-emerged as a steadying presence at the heart of the Giallorossi defence in recent times.

As Milan look to freshen up their ageing defence ahead of next season, there have been whispers that the Rossoneri will approach the 26-year-old, but his representative denies there’s any concrete interest.

“I deny everything,” Olivier Jeanneaux told Laromasiamonoi. “I don’t know anything about this move because Philippe and I have had no contact with Milan.

“The rumours are the usual voices about Philippe and they are heard every time Roma close on Inter. It’s possibly people trying to destabilise the Lupi.

“Philippe is happy and wants to stay at Roma. We received an offer from Liverpool during his first year when he was fourth choice even behind Sammy Kuffour, but he didn’t even want to leave then.

“There was a period in this campaign when Philippe wasn’t brilliant and Matteo Ferrari and Juan were playing better than him, but that can happen in a season.

“The important thing is that he continues to play at a high level and has the chance to win the Scudetto and go to Euro 2008.”

Kaka shows Olympic spirit
16.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan ace Kaka has admitted his desire to play for Brazil at the Olympics and hasn’t given up on the race for Champions League qualification.

The Rossoneri are expected to try and prevent Kaka from travelling to Beijing to be one of Brazil’s overage players at the Olympics this summer because the extra engagement could jeopardise the FIFA World Player of the Year’s preparations for next season.

Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to be enamoured with the idea of one of his star men being on the other side of the world while the rest of his players rest and such an adventure would rule Kaka out of the Intertoto Cup, but the lure of the Games is evident.

“Playing in the Olympics would be a stimulating challenge because Brazil have never won the gold medal in football,” Kaka explained.

“But for now there are some problems between Milan and the Seleção, which I don’t want to get involved in.

“Playing at the Games and winning a title which has never been won by Brazil is a big motivation and it would be a chance to enter the record books.”

Because the Olympic Games is outside the jurisdiction of FIFA, Milan cannot be forced to release Kaka for the tournament.

A lot depends on whether Ancelotti’s side are preparing for the Champions League preliminary round, the UEFA Cup or the Intertoto Cup this summer.

Despite last weekend’s defeat against Juventus, the Diavolo remain four points away from Fiorentina’s fourth spot after the Viola lost to Fiorentina and Roma sank Udinese.

“It’s very hard to imagine Milan not playing in the Champions League,” Kaka stressed.

“Things haven’t been going so well, but we are not out of it yet and there’s time to recover.

“There are still some games left and I think that this team, with its experience and everything it has won, can still reach fourth place.”

Seedorf in referee rant
15.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf would be happy to welcome Ronaldinho to San Siro and has partly blamed this term’s troubles on referees.

After a season of disappointment, the Rossoneri are already looking to next term and are fighting Inter for the signature of Ronaldinho.

Dinho’s agent has revealed that the world champions are in the box seat to lure the Brazilian ace, but Seedorf doesn’t fear the competition.

“I will be happy if he comes to Milan because he is another great champion,” the Dutch international said. “I would welcome him. His arrival would give us all a boost.”

However, it seems that the Suriname-born star wouldn’t want the newcomer to take his No 10 shirt.

“When I arrived at Milan from Inter, where I had the No 10 shirt, I didn’t get it because I was behind Manuel Rui Costa,” he recalled.

“Then, when Manuel left, I asked if I could have that number, as it has always been my favourite and I think that goes for everyone.

“But I’m not involved in these discussions and I just hope that the club does what is necessary.

“The Coach and the directors know what is needed and will find players who can make the difference.”

Milan’s 3-2 defeat against Juventus last Saturday left a bitter taste in the mouth for the Diavolo and Seedorf believes the officials have done his team no favours in this campaign.

“I don’t like to talk about referees. It’s even difficult to talk to them because they just say that they call things as they see them,” he said.

“But on Saturday again there were certain episodes that changed the game. The referees have to apply the rules, but they can interpret them as they wish.

“This year Milan have been on the receiving end of too many refereeing errors and it has had a big influence on the season.

“Three or four mistakes is one thing, but there have been almost 10 games with quite serious errors.”

Milan need a strong conclusion to the season to secure Champions League qualification as they failed to take advantage of Fiorentina’s defeat at Inter and remain four points behind.

“We didn’t do our bit, but we can still do it, given yesterday’s results,” Seedorf stressed.

“Against Juventus, the first half was totally Milan, but we still conceded two goals and we have to reflect on that.

“The scores gave us hope, but also angered us at the same time. We got hope because the other results went our way, but we were frustrated as it was a missed chance to close in on fourth place and that’s the fourth time in a month and a half.”

Gattuso to receive AC Milan axe?
15.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Press reports in Italy suggest that Milan could begin their summer clearout by sensationally selling Gennaro Gattuso.

The world champions have just five games left to save their season and secure Champions League football by clawing back fourth-placed Fiorentina’s four-point lead.

With the Rossoneri’s squad ageing, they are expected to make sweeping changes at the end of the campaign wherever they finish in the table and Gattuso, who has disappointed this term, could make way for new blood.

There have been suggestions that Bayern Munich could step in to sign the 30-year-old, who would link up with Azzurri teammate Luca Toni.

It has been reported that Premier League sides Tottenham and Newcastle and Scottish giants Rangers are keeping an eye on the Gattuso situation.

A move across the Channel doesn’t seem out of the question given that Rino spent the 1997-98 season with Rangers and has a Scottish wife.

Agent: AC Milan close to Dinho
15.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Ronaldinho’s agent Roberto De Assis has stressed that Milan are in pole position to sign the Brazilian ace, but no deal has been done yet.

Dinho’s brother has been in Milan for a week and has been negotiating solely with the Rossoneri, who claim to have a “basic agreement”.

However, Inter President Massimo Moratti confused matters when he declared that Ronaldinho’s future depended on the Nerazzurri’s decisions.

In an effort to silence the relentless Press speculation and clarify the situation, De Assis has insisted that Milan are closing in on securing the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year’s services.

“Milan are enthusiastically involved in negotiations with Ronaldinho,” he told French TV channel Canal Plus.

“We have made lots of steps forward, even though that doesn’t mean that the deal is done.

“As long as Dinho is under contract with Barcelona, we cannot say anything for certain. But Milan are in the strongest position to sign him.”

While De Assis’ statement will have put smiles on Milan faces, it remains to be seen whether Ronaldinho would be willing to join the Diavolo should they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Ronaldinho's AC Milan mystery
15.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Ronaldinho seems destined for San Siro this summer, but while Milan announce “it’s all but official,” Inter’s Massimo Moratti insists “it all depends on us.”

Agent Roberto de Assis has been in Milan all week for negotiations with the Rossoneri and confirmed late last night that he had only been talking to Carlo Ancelotti’s club.

Today transfer guru Adriano Galliani made it clear what the situation was. “We have a basic agreement with the player.

“Now we will try to complete an economic deal with Barcelona. They have given us permission to negotiate directly with Ronaldinho.

“Andriy Shevchenko could come along too, we have to talk to Chelsea and see what the situation is.”

However, this evening Inter patron Moratti continued to put a spanner in the works for his ‘cugini’ across the city.

“Next week we will evaluate this possibility. We have an excellent rapport with Barcelona and the player’s management.

“We will see if we too have decided to go all the way in this transfer.”

When told of Milan’s statements assuring only details separated them from an official announcement, Moratti was not fazed.

“It depends on our attitude towards this deal,” insisted the Nerazzurri President.

“Milan are doing well in their negotiations, but the matter is open to us too.”

Bonera: I'm so sorry
14.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Daniele Bonera has publicly apologised to Momo Sissoko – and his Milan teammates – for the horror tackle that ruined last night’s game.

The scoreline was 2-2 in Turin before Bonera’s shocking leg-breaker challenge earned him a straight red card on 66 minutes and Juventus went on to win 3-2.

“I went by the locker room earlier to apologise to Sissoko, because I realised I had made an awful tackle,” confessed the defender.

“I wanted to get the ball and was already powering in. I should have stopped, but I was going at some speed and looking back at the footage it was a horrible challenge.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Sissoko was extremely fortunate to avoid injury, as he was able to continue the game after several minutes of treatment.

Bonera is well aware his dismissal also proved disastrous for Milan, whose 3-2 defeat puts a huge dent in their Champions League chances.

“I apologised to my teammates too, but we should not have conceded on a set piece. We only suffered under a little bit of pressure after going down to 10 men.

“Clearly now we are forced to chase fourth place and hope other results go our way. We have to believe right up until the end, but time is running out.”

AC Milan: Ronaldinho deal is done
14.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Inter may claim Ronaldinho won’t move without consulting them, but Adriano Galliani and agent Roberto de Assis insist: “The deal is done.”

Milan have stated for some time that the Brazilian would only leave Barcelona for them and this week they intensified the process in negotiations with his agent.

“Yesterday there was a basic agreement in principle,” explained general manager Galliani. “Now there is a real deal.”

An official move has not yet been announced, but this is as close as the club can get to making that statement.

The problem lies with Barcelona, who do not want to lose the former World and European Player of the Year through FIFA’s new rule for just £13m.

In a bid to get preferential treatment in negotiations, it is reported that Inter have offered £20m and Manchester City up to £32m.

However, agent – and Ronaldinho’s brother – de Assis was in Turin for last night’s Juventus-Milan match and made his position clear.

“Ronaldinho would very much like to play for a team like Milan and he acted entirely professionally, asking Barcelona for permission to negotiate,” he told Italian television.

“Inter? At this moment we are talking to Milan.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Nerazzurri won’t try to intercept with a proposal of their own, but at this moment in time the Rossoneri are in Pole Position.

President Massimo Moratti may well be waiting for Milan to mathematically miss out on a Champions League place before launching his assault on Ronaldinho.

“The player and Barcelona will not move a muscle before hearing our proposal. By ‘ours’, I mean that of Inter,” said Moratti on Saturday.

“What will we do? We have taken some time out to evaluate various situations. In the meantime, though, we are receiving unequivocal signs of interest.”

Ancelotti: Now we're in trouble
14.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Carlo Ancelotti has regrets over Milan’s defeat in Turin and admits this puts a spanner in the works for the rest of the season.

“It certainly complicates our plans, as we were counting on a different result. We tried to get a win, but come away empty-handed and that makes it tougher for the next few games,” said the Rossoneri Coach.

They are four points adrift of Fiorentina in fourth place and if the Viola get a result against Inter tomorrow evening, it will make it extremely difficult for Milan to reach the Champions League.

“We played a great first half, put Juve under pressure and scored two goals. It’s a shame we were unable to go into the break 2-1 up.”

The match changed after Daniele Bonera’s straight dismissal for a horrific tackle on Momo Sissoko.

“The second half was trickier, especially after the red card. We tried to bring home a point that would have been, all things considered, an important result.”

There was controversy for the winning goal, though, as Paolo Maldini was harshly penalised for a challenge on Zdenek Grygera and from that free kick Hasan Salihamidzic secured the 3-2 result.

“Let us say the free kick that decided the match was a ‘gift’ to Juventus, as unless the rules have changed then a shoulder to shoulder challenge is allowed,” complained Ancelotti.

“Tonight we had a ‘short’ team, considering Juve had so many very tall players who are good in the air. We only had Massimo Ambrosini and Maldini who could counter them and that ensured Juventus were more effective on set pieces.”

It is another example of Milan putting in a good performance, but not bringing home the points.

“The fact we are able to train regularly for a week has certainly improved our condition and quality of play. The worrying thing is that the results haven’t improved!”

Juventus 3:2 AC Milan - match report
13.4 || webmaster

Football Italia

Scorers: Del Piero 12 (J), Inzaghi 14, 31 (M), Salihamidzic 45, 80 (J)

Juventus fought back to defeat Milan 3-2 with Hasan Salihamidzic's brace, but Daniele Bonera's red card for a horror tackle proved decisive.

These two clubs dominated Serie A for two decades and it remained a battle of pride as well as a key game. The Bianconeri needed a victory to make up for last week's 3-2 loss at Palermo, while the Rossoneri knew only a win would keep their Champions League hopes intact. Carlo Ancelotti had to completely revolutionise his defence as Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze were banned, while Marek Jankulovski, Massimo Oddo, Ronaldo and Alexandre Pato had injuries. Pavel Nedved was suspended and Cristiano Zanetti sidelined.

Juve last won this fixture in November 2002 and curiously, Milan had not shared the spoils on their travels since a 1-1 at Catania on February 27, the same weekend as Juve’s last home draw in the goalless Turin derby.

Alessandro Del Piero flashed an angled drive off target, but he opened the scoring on 12 minutes. Mauro Camoranesi beat Giuseppe Favalli and threaded through for Del Piero's right-foot angled drive that trickled past Zeljko Kalac's outstretched leg and into the far corner of the net.

Moments later Inzaghi nearly equalised, as he sprung the offside trap on Favalli's cross and hit the side-netting.