Massimiliano Allegri's squad resumed training this morning in preparation for the match away to Udinese on Sunday. For more details on the first training session of the week, click here.
Monthly Archives: May 2011
PRIMAVERA FINAL PHASE: THE PRESENTATION
On Friday 20th May the press conference will take place for the final round of the Primavera League where Giovanni Stroppa’s team will take part after having eliminated Empoli and Inter in the playoffs.At 12.00 the establishment of Terme Tettucio in the commune of Montecatini Terme, will host the press conference for the final round of the TIM Primavera League 2010/2011. The draw for the “Trofeo Giacinto Facchetti”, will determine who meets who in the quarter finals.The winning teams in the knock out groups and the top second placed team will be considered the first seeds and cannot meet each other in the quarter finals. Instead they will face the other teams who qualified; the draw will also decide which teams face each other in battle in the semi finals. The winning semi finalists will confront each other in the final to be champions of Italy Primavera TIM 2010/2011“Trofeo Giacinto Facchetti” which will take place on June 12th at 20.30.The calendar and locations for the final phases are as follows:
Quarter Finals4th June 2011QUARTER FINAL A 17.00 LuccaQUARTER FINAL B 20.30 Pistoia
5th June 2011QUARTER FINAL C 17.00 LuccaQUARTER FINAL D 20.30 Pistoia
Semifinals8th June 2011 SEMI FINAL A 20.30 Pistoia9TH June 2011 SEMI FINAL B 20.30 Pistoia
Final12th June 2011 FINAL 20.30 Pistoia The eight teams still contesting the title are: Milan, Genoa, Juventus, Fiorentina, Varese, Atalanta, Roma and Lazio.
MILAN MORNING TRAINING
Milan are holding the morning training session, the first of the week, ahead of the final league game of the season, against Udinese. A complete description of the training session will appear later.
2016: THIAGO EXTENDS CONTRACT, FANS CELEBRATE
The relationship between the Brazil international and the club, and between himself and the fans, continues to be idyllic. The contract extension until June 2016 by Thiago Silva is important news, along with the contract renewals of Flavio Roma and Mark Van Bommel, from yesterday. Click here.
PRIMAVERA, FINAL EIGHT: 20 MAY PRESENTATION AND DRAW
At midday on 20 May, there is the first major appointment on the way to Primavera Scudetto Finals: click here to catch up on the Youth Department News.
Van Bommel extends AC Milan stay
Netherlands midfielder Mark van
Bommel has extended his contract with AC Milan until June 2012
while Brazil defender Thiago Silva has signed a new deal until
2016, the Italian champions said on Wednesday.
AC Milan’s Antonio Cassano on Fiorentina radar – report
The Tuscans are keen to add a high-profile name to their squad this summer and they have reportedly set their sights on the San Siro forward, who has proven to be a misfit
AC Milan and I have not talked about Udinese’s Kwadwo Asamoah – agent
Claudio Vagheggi has denied that negotiations have begun with the Italian champions for the move of his Ghanaian client
Clarence Seedorf: I do not know if I will remain with AC Milan next season
Netherlands veteran admits that no contract extension has been signed yet with the Italian champions but says that he will always continue to love the club
Inter’s Massimo Moratti admits he would take AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic back
The forward, currently on loan at Milan, has an uncertain future ahead of him and his ex-chairman says he would jump at the chance to re-sign his former Swede
MILAN YOUTH TEAMS PROVE TO BE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE
MILAN - The Rossonero club has four teams in the running for the national championship titles of their respective categories.See below the details:YOUTH TEAM:Giovanni Stroppa’s team finished the regular season with the best record among third-placed sides.Final Eight: Milan qualified for the final stage of the chamapionship by beating Empoli and Inter in the preliminaries. In the one-legged quarterfinal of the Final Eight, which will be held in Montecatini Terme starting on Saturday, June 4, the young Rossoneri will be paired with one of Genoa, Varese, Roma and Atalanta.BERRETTI:Carmine Nunziata’s boys are one win away from the championship final.Championship semi-final: 1st leg, 14 May 2011, Napoli-Milan 0-0.2nd leg, Saturday, May 21, Milan-Napoli.NATIONAL ALLIEVI:Cesare Beggi’s side won its group with 67 points and are in a favourable position in their last 32 tie against Juventus.Championship, last 32: 1st leg, 15 May 2011, Juventus-Milan 0-1.2nd leg, Wednesday, May 18, Milan-Juventus.NATIONAL GIOVANISSIMI:Roberto Bertuzzo’s team, the title-holder of the category, has already progressed to the last 16 after beating Sampdoria in both legs of the teams’ last 32 tie: 1-0 away and 3-1 at home:Championship, last 16: 1st leg, Sunday, 22 May 2011, Milan-ParmaIt must be pointed out that Omar Danesi’s Regional Allievi won their group with 82 points, finishing ahead of Atalanta (81), Tritium (76) and Inter (75).
TITLE CELEBRATION ALSO ON THE GREEN
Le Rovedine (MI), 16 May 2011 - A few days after winning the league title, Milan celebrated on the lawn - on the occasion of the second tournament of the Milan Golf Tour by Emirates, Milan Foundation’s traditional charity event organised on the most prestigious golf courses of Lombardy.Twenty-six teams and several famous former athletes grab golf clubs to support the Alice for Children project, which includes the construction of a new home for 24 orphans from the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, as well as bearing the medical-sanitary expenses of further 150 children hosted at Alice Village in the slum of Kariobangi.Sunshine, crisp air and a lawn in perfect conditions made it more than entertaining for the participants, including Roberto Donadoni, Mauro Tassotti, Stefano Nava, former Inter player Ivano Bordon, former Juventus man Michelangelo Rampulla and former cycling champion Claudio Chiappucci, besides Daniele Massaro, the creator and organiser of the tour.The tournament was won by the Birrificio di Gallarate team formed by Roberto Privitera, Pierangelo Masperi, Claudio Cozzi and Gerardo Magliocca. The Milan Foundation team, made up by Mauro Tassotti, Stefano Nava, Luigi Maragliano and Gigi Lasala, finished second. Agostino Bergomi, Giuseppe Triassi, Gianni Valveri and Andrea Masin helped Ricoh come in third and secure its place in the final as the best team among the sponsors of the Milan Golf Tour by Emirates.A team from Crema-based Albatros Disabled Golf School, whose main activity is directing mentally disabled children towards golf, also participated in the tournament. The team was accompanied by Laura Mantegazza, who has been following the children in training and tournaments for years. The children of Albatros GDS even played against Daniele Massaro on the putting green, with Guido Cisarri emerging as winner.Chuck Cook, the famous golf master from Texas, attended the prize-giving ceremony as special guest. Cook lauded Milan Foundation’s initiative before signing a Milan Golf bag, which was later won by Laura Poli, one of the girls from Albatros Disabled Golf School, in a draw.The regular season of the 2011 edition of the Milan Golf Tour will be held at four locations with a grand final taking place in September. After the tournaments at the Golf Club Carimate and at the Golf Club Le Rovedine, the tour will continue at the Circolo Golf Villa D’Este on May 30 before finishing at the Golf Club Bergamo L’Albenza on June 13. The four finalists and the winner of the Magic Golf Cup, in which also a Milan player will participate, will fight it out in the final with at a seaside location to be revealed at the end of the regular season.The following companies will take part in the 7th edition: Emirates, Atahotels, Banca Generali, Breitling, Erg, la Collina dei Ciliegi, Par 72, Parmacotto, Publitalia ‘80, Radio Italia, Ricoh, Sun Devices System. Il Giornale and Il Mondo del Golf will follow the event as media partners. Also, the Sports and Youth Department of the Region of Lombardy offered its support.
AC Milan confirm new deals for Mark Van Bommel, Thiago Silva & Flavio Roma
Three players sign extensions as Van Bommel commits to Milan
AC Milan & Valencia ponder swoop for Bayern Munich’s Miroslav Klose – reports
The experienced attacker is widely expected to leave his current club on a Bosman move and could be on his way to Italy or Spain.
GUIDOLIN: "MILAN ARE THE STRONGEST"
MILAN - Udinese’s official website has quoted Bianconeri coach Francesco Guidolin as saying: “We’re facing Milan, the team with the best results in the second half of the championship. They deserved to win the league title, because they’ve been the strongest. It’s going to be a difficult game for us, we couldn’t have a harder task. Everything is still possible, our destiny will be decided only at the end of the of the match. We must focus on ourselves and prepare well. I hope to have a full squad at my disposal. We know that we’ll need give our best on Sunday. Determination and concentration will be key.”
ALL FOR STEFANO BORGONOVO
MILAN - In the presence of Roberto Formigoni, the president of the Region of Lombardy, Adriano Galliani and Chantal Borgonovo, Milan Foundation and the Region of Lombardy are going to present the Tutti per Stefano Borgonovo (All for Stefano Borgonovo) over 35 football tournament Thursday morning. The group stage games will be played at the San Siro, at the Rigamonti Stadium in Brescia and at Sinigaglia, Como, on May 24, 26 and 31. The knock-out stage will take place at the Civic Arena of Milan on June 9. The objective of the tournament is to support the Hospital in your home project to provide extended medical assistance to people suffering from ALS.
MILAN RECEIVE RECOGNITION FROM THE REGION OF LOMBARDY
MILAN - This morning, Milan CEO Adriano Galliani took an award celebrating Milan's Scudetto success from Roberto Formigoni, the president of the Region of Lombardy, and from Davide Boni, the president of the regional Council in the headquarters of the Region of Lombardy. Click here to view the photos!
AC Milan’s Adriano Galliani plays down Javier Pastore reports
Rossoneri chief suggests reports linking the team with midfielder Javier Pastore are mere speculation and suggests that contract renewals are the priority for the champions
UDINESE’S WEEKLY SCHEDULE
MILAN - As reported by Udinese’s official website, the Bianconeri are set to get back to training today. Here’s the weekly training schedule of coach Guidolin’s team:Tuesday, May 17: afternoon training session (15.30 CET)Wednesday, May 18: double training session (10.00 and 15.30 CET).Thursday, May 19: afternoon training session (15.30 CET).Friday, May 20: afternoon training session (15.30 CET).Saturday, May 21: afternoon training session (15.30 CET).
I joined AC Milan to win the Champions League – Philippe Mexes
The France international feels honoured to have signed for the Italian champions and has set his sights on European glory
20,000 VISITORS AT MILAN MEGASTORE DURING SCUDETTO PARTY
MILAN - Milan Megastore had a record number of customers at the weekend, as around 20,000 fans visited the official Rossoneri shop on the occasion of title celebrations!
ABATE: "WE COULD DO WELL IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE"
MILAN - Today’s Corriere dello Sport has quoted Milan full-back Ignazio Abate as saying: “I’ll tell my son, who will be born in November, that I won a league title. With a little bit more experience this Milan side could win the Champions League. Zlatan? He’s a perfectionist. When I miss a pass I become one of his preferred targets, but he likes me”.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM COACH PRANDELLI ON ABBIATI AND ABATE
MILAN - Today’s La Gazzetta dello Sport has quoted Italy boss Cesare Prandelli as saying: “I’ve made a clear decision regarding the goalkeepers: I want Buffon and two youngsters such as Viviano and Sirigu in the team. Then if in a year, at the time of European Championship, Buffon will be injured and Abbiati will play as well as he has this season, I’ll consider calling him up. Abate has had a great season, but also Cassano and Maggio have done well. For now, I plan to work more or less with the same players that I’ve called up recently, but I’ll keep an eye on Abate and if he keeps it up, sooner or later he could be part of my group“.
Seedorf, Nesta, Pirlo & the nine out of contract stars who could leave AC Milan this summer
With so many players waiting for new deals it’s a tricky scenario at Via Turati. Goal.com looks at who will stay and who will leave
AC Milan are at the same level as Manchester United & Chelsea – Taye Taiwo
The Nigeria international is pleased to have signed with the Italian champions and has compared them to England’s finest
Inter’s Dejan Stankovic: I will remain at the club for life
Stankovic has pledged his allegiance to the world champions for the remainder of his career, despite a disappointing season in which their rivals collected the Scudetto
Milan 4 Cagliari 1, Part II
I watched the celebrations again, watched part of the match again. The goals, the applause, the standing ovations, it is almost as though I know in my heart that if I stop watching it I face the reality of what comes after it. It is no secret changes are in order, and I keep subconsciously delaying a real post and discussion about them, and frankly today won’t be that day either. There will be ample time in the dog days of summer to discuss every potential resigning and transfer, to discuss the merits of Pirlo, Seedorf, and Amborsini. To discuss simply with whom this team should move forward. I won’t say much on the topic now, I am still in celebration mode, but I will say something that I will contain to believe and adamantly argue in favor of. Certain members of this team are indispensable, the same way in the late nineties the fixtures of Maldini, Albertini, and Costacurta were imperative to our present and future. It was those players who passed the torch to the likes of Ambrosini, Gattuso, and Abbiati. Now we stand with those players poised to continue the Milan tradition, and to see some willing to give that away is shameful. Call them old, call them senators, I don’t care, but they truly represent AC Milan and with them we move forward, and without we simply we won’t. But enough on that, a few things to recap on the Victory Lap Match!
Was a bit surprised to see the lineup rolled out by Allegri, pre match I felt the players who merited a start and minutes were those that were lynchpins on the road to the title. I can’t argue with his choices but not seeing Van Bommel, Zlatan, Nesta and Prince play a part was bit odd. Injuries, fatigue, preparation for a moon walk are all very valid excuses, and I am sure all players were rewarded with their celebrations. The game itself was over by the 35th minute with a second Rino goal of the season sandwiched by a Robinho double. Odd to see Robinho finish in nice fashion, yes in a pressure less match, but if he can find this form throughout a season his potential to score 20-25 goals is almost certain. Seedorf rounded out the scoring, deservedly so on an incisive pretty run, which summed up much of Milan’s play. Sharp, fast, and with good movement. Cagliari but up little to no fight, but Milan showed class in all areas and never once dogged it around the pitch.
The match took a turn for the emotional as the substitutions began with Pirlo stepping onto the pitch for the final 45 minutes, what could be the final 45 minutes of his Milan career at the San Siro. Again, I won’t discuss much if he should stay or go, but I am having no shame in reiterating his importance to the game, the team and the National team. To see some fans attempt to use “stats” to quantify Andrea Pirlo goes to show just how truly misunderstood and under appreciated a player he truly is. Soon after Rino was subbed to a rousing ovation in favor a Flamini, not Van Bommel or Cassano, but again I can’t argue with Allegri who had his reasons. But the largest cheer was reserved for Pippo’s return to the pitch, like thunder he entered, but he couldn’t find the lightning though he looked poised to score. It didn’t matter; in the end the goal was already achieved.
There is still another match to play, a trip to Udinese, who are fighting for CL football and much to talk about in the coming weeks and months, but I want to reserve this week to honor the season. Enjoy the last post, the videos and celebrations, and post your own below as well. Take a minute to remember a part of the season you enjoyed, was it the Derby, the dominance of Napoli, the nail biter with Juventus, or the run of wins to end 2010. Whatever it is it was special to you, in a season to remember. We didn’t win the double, but we can’t complain, simply something for next season’s to do list. I leave with you the voice of AC Milan…
PHOTOS FROM THE MILAN GOLF TOUR
MILAN - Click here to view the photos taken at the second tournament of the Milan Golf Tour!
GIANLUCA ZAMBROTTA FOR THE CHILDREN OF NAPLES
Here’s an excerpt of the Milan star’s interview published in Avvenire on 10 May 2011. Gianluca Zambrotta will attend the inauguration ceremony of the new sports centre.Q: After having won the league title, but instead of thinking about the Champions League, a cup you’ve never won, you're about to fly to Naples…A: I’m going to visit children at the Polisportiva Europa on Milan Foundation’s behalf. We’re going to organise football schools and implement the culture of fair play through football in these particular districts in a town I know very well. My wife, Valentina, comes from Naples and I started my career in Bari, another Southern town where life is not easy and where football can give you the chance to emerge instead of finishing in the streets as proved by Cassano’s example.In the photo: Gianluca Zambrotta with the cheque received from Nutrilite, Milan Foundation’s charity partner. The American company offered to donate €2,500 for the construction of a sports centre with the annexed dressing rooms in the Sanità and Poggioreale districts of Naples. The sum raised up to now has reached $150,000.Click here to read the whole interview in Italian!
QUOTES FROM PRESIDENT PETRUCCI
MILAN - “Congratulations to Milan and to the other teams that have secured their place in next year’s Champions League [Inter and Napoli]. At the same time, I’m sorry for Sampdoria’s relegation”, said CONI president Gianni Petrucci the day after Napoli had qualified for the elite European club competition and Napoli had officially been relegated to Serie B.