A mega clash is in store in Italy this week, and the midfielder hopes his side turn up the heat and emerge victorious against their rivals coached by Massimiliano Allegri
Monthly Archives: September 2011
Former Italy boss Marcello Lippi sees balanced Serie A
Having analysed the top Italian sides, the former national team coach feels they are all more or less the same and also spoke of potential job offers
‘Juventus can stop AC Milan & Zlatan Ibrahimovic,’ says Giorgio Chiellini
The Italy international is eager to show the champions his qualities when they lock horns at the weekend and says the fight for the title is on this season
Visiting an Old Friend
Every year as Milan fans we get treated to two matches against the Old Lady, Juventus, and yes I said treated. Over the years Juventus has been a fixture in my mind as one of the Premier teams in Serie A. Sure they have never really made it big in Europe and even had a little problem with match fixing, but like it or not Juventus is one of the big guns. Seeing them in Serie B, and then watching them flounder last season, has left them battered and bruised, and a spending spree this summer didn’t seem to really address the needs of a team with a lot of players, a new Coach, and a bit of inconsistency. No matter how you look at it, this is still Juventus, we are still traveling, and when we get there an old friend will be waiting to say hello.
Nice thing about meeting old friends is that nobody quite knows them better than you do. So if Pirlo is what is making Juventus tick from the midfield at the moment, then what better way to stifle Juventus then by stifling Pirlo. Conte has been using Marchisio as Pirlo’s body guard, as Carletto did with Rino and Ambro, so if Milan can apply pressure on one or both Juventus should struggle to get the ball into wide areas and be dangerous. Another issue that concerns me is unlike most teams in Italy, Juventus does play with true wingers, and this can shock some narrow minded teams like Milan. It will most likely pin the fullbacks back, but can also create acres of space for a guy like Abate working on Krasic. It simply becomes a turf war of who can get forward and back faster than the other, an intriguing battle for the weekend.
So the game plan, stuff Pirlo, and take space wide when you can get it. Always so easy when you write it down, the lineup on the other hand still has some injuries and some tired legs but here is what I think:
Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Silva, Zambro; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Urby; Aquilani; Cassano and Zlatan
So let me explain, Taiwo may get exposed by Pepe on the flank so better Zambro who may lack pace, but should be wily enough to dispose of Pepe. I also gave Seedorf a rest because he can come in if needed in this match, but more importantly he has logged a ton of minutes and it isn’t even November yet. He was crawling on Wednesday and I think should be rested, but Allegri most likely won’t agree. That’s why I threw Urby in with Aquilani. What better way for Aquilani to prove a point then showing Juventus what they are missing? Urby’s work rate may be just what Zambro needs to help with Pepe and pester Pirlo/Marchisio along with Nocerino. Cassano and Zlatan’s choice speak for themselves.
So come Sunday, we stop Pirlo and we come home from Torino with three points. Always easier said than done and with Juventus at the top of table this early in the season these three points put us level, if we can earn them!
Quick Points:
-Anyone else wish Pirlo could feel a Rino tackle? While I have no hard feelings towards Pirlo for what he did and his leaving the Club, I just think he should feel what Rino can do…
-After four games no team in Serie A has max points, you thought last year was close, this year may be that much closer.
AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Pass me the ball and I will be more dangerous
The Swedish ace said he can play better if his team-mates pass him the ball more often, while saying he is anticipating a tough match at Juventus
A.C. MILAN OFFICIAL STATEMENT
A.C. Milan wishs to communicate that Ignazio Abate has a groin strain which prevented him from taking part in training both yesterday and today. His condition will be more fully evaluated in the near future.
MILANELLO – TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE
MILANELLO - On the eve of Juventus-Milan, coach Massimiliano Allegri will hold his press conference tomorrow at 13.15. Shortly afterwards, the final training session will start at 15.00.
CHIELLINI: WE’RE PLAYING AGAINST THE ITALIAN CHAMPIONS
MILAN - Ahead of this weekend's Superclassic between Juventus and Milan, Bianconeri defender Giorgio Chiellini had this to say to the Juventus Channel: "We're playing against the Italian champions so there's extra motivation in that. You need more than one player to mark someone like Ibrahimovic. The whole team needs to get everything right and I have to say we're preparing very well for the match."
MILANELLO: THE PHOTOS
Click here for the photos from this morning's traing session
MILAN-PALERMO: TICKETS ON SALE FROM MONDAY
MILAN - Tickest for Milan-Palermo, scheduled for Saturday 15 October, will be available on-line from next Monday 3rd October
THIS WEEKEND’S GAMES
Saturday 1 October 2011
GIOV.REG. 98
MILAN/RENATE, Match Day 4, at 15.30, CS VISMARA CAMPO E, Via Dei Missaglia 117, MILAN
ESORD.2000
INTER/MILAN, Match day 1, at 16.25, CAMPO 1 VIA CILEA 51 MILAN
ESORD.2001
MILAN/CALVAIRATE, Match day 1, at 15.45, CS VISMARA Via dei Missaglia 117 MILAN CAMPO D
PULCINI 2002
MILAN/ALDINI BARIVIERA, Match Day 1, at 14.45, CS VISMARA Via dei Missaglia 117 MILAN CAMPO B
Sunday 2 October 2011
ALL.NAZ ‘95
BOLOGNA/MILAN, match Day 2, at 11.00, CS A.BENASSI V.LE DELLA PACE 4 MONTEVEGIO (BO)
All.B ‘96
INTER/MILAN, Match Day 3, at 15.00, GS LOMBARDINA VIA SBARBARO 1 MILAN
GIOV.NAZ. ‘97
ALBINOLEFFE/MILAN, Match Day 3, at 11.00, CAMPO FALCO ALBINO
GIOV.REG.B ‘99
MILAN/ALBINOLEFFE, MATCH POSTPONED, DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
PULCINI 2002
MILAN/SAVORELLI, friendly, at 14.30, CS VISMARA Via dei Missaglia 117 MILAN
ESORDIENTI 2001
MILAN/DINDELLI, friendly, at 15.00, CS VISMARA Via dei Missaglia 117 MILAN
MILANELLO – TRAINING FINISHES
MILANELLO - Training for the Rossoneri has come to a close. Click here for a breakdown of what the players did.
Juventus’ Paolo De Ceglie resumes training ahead of AC Milan clash
The full-back has returned to fitness after a brief injury lay-off and could be available for this weekend’s Serie A match against last season’s champions
Juventus versus AC Milan will definitely not finish a draw, says Aldo Serena
The former Italy international has a feeling Sunday’s Serie A clash will result in a win for either the home side or the guests, stating: “I don’t think we’ll see a draw.”
DEL PIERO: "MILAN OUR MOST INTENSE RIVAL"
MILAN - "Against Milan, we'll get back the Big Match atmosphere". Alessandro Del Piero stated in his personal website. "Of all our rivalries, Milan is easily the most intense because we played for top spot in Italy and Europe. They've also been the most important games in my 18 years as a Bianconeri."
JUVENTUS: DE CEGLIE IN TRAINING
MILAN - The official Juventus website reports that after the team's double training session on Wednesday, Thursday saw the team focusing on tactics and a practice match behind closed doors. Paolo De Celgie's condition is improving. He trained with the team but didn't take part in the practice match.
AC Milan’s Clarence Seedorf wins Goal of the Week for his curler against Cesena
The Dutch ace grabbed the only goal for the Rossoneri with a superb effort, and viewers of the Goal Show made him their overwhelming choice as this week’s winner
The 15 highs and 15 lows of Arsene Wenger’s 15-year reign at Arsenal
The Frenchman has reached a milestone in his tenure as the Gunners’ longest-serving – and most successful – boss and we recall some of his peaks and troughs in an eventful era
Alessandro Del Piero: Juventus v AC Milan clash is not decisive
The legendary Italian playmaker is eager to face the champions as he prepares for the marquee match-up of the weekend in Italy by claiming there is a long road to the title
Alessandro Del Piero: Juventus – AC Milan clash is not decisive
The legendary Italian playmaker is eager to face the champions as he prepares for the marquee match-up of the weekend in Italy
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: REAL FIRST, MILAN SECOND. L’EQUIPE CONFIRMS
MILAN – A prestigious double page feature in French Daily L’Equipe. With a criteria of 30 points per trophy won, 15 points per final played in, 10 per semi final and 5 for quarter finals, L'Equipe have made a league table for the European Cup/Champions league since 1995.
Here’s the list:
1. Real Madrid 483 points2. Milan 330 points3. Bayern 288 points4. Barcellona 2505. Liverpool 2376. Manchester United 2297. Ajax 2208. Benfica 2179. Juventus 21510. Inter 184
2000 GOALS ON BERLUSCONI AND SHEVCHENKO’S BIRTHDAY
MILAN - By happy coincidence, today is not only Berlusconi's brithday but also Andriy Shevchenko's. Sheva the great, with a total of 175 goals has been the top scorer of the Berlusconi era. Best wishes from all the Rossoneri faithful.
Amauri’s agent suggests January departure from Juventus is likely
The out of favour player’s representative believes his client will move on from the Turin-based giants in the new year
Silvio Berlusconi believes AC Milan are better than Barcelona
A message of hope has arrived from the top as the team leader insists winning everything is on the agenda this season
2011-2012: THE SEASON SO FAR
Click here for a breakdown of Milan's games so far this season. Click here for a breakdown of each player's persences.
JUVENTUS-MILAN: TICKET SALES
Click here for information on how to get tickets for Milan's trip to the new Juventus stadium on Sunday
Italy’s Cesare Prandelli: Juventus are second to no-one
The 54-year-old is expecting some first-class entertainment when the Turin outfit collide with Milan at the weekend
RIZZOLI’S RECORD
MILAN - Nicola Rizzoli, referee for Juventus - Milan was born on 10 October 1971 in Mirandola in Modena. His debut in Serie A came on 14 April 2002 when Perugia beat Venezia 2-0. He has been in charge of 131 games and has refereed Milan 25 times with a record of 14 wins, 3 draws and 8 losses. His record with the Bianconeri is 5 wins, 8 draws and 5 losses.
JUVE – MILAN: RIZZOLI TO REFEREE
MILAN - Nicola Rizzoli will referee Sunday's Big Match between Juventus and Milan to kick off at 20.45. He'll be assisted by Giorgio Niccolai and Cristiano Copelli. Paolo Tagliavento will be the fourth man.
MILANO - Sarà Nicola Rizzoli a dirigere domenica 2 Ottobre alle ore 20.45 a Torino il big-match Juventus-Milan. Per assistere Rizzoli sono stati designati gli assistenti Giorgio Niccolai e Cristiano Copelli. Il quarto uomo sarà Paolo Tagliavento.
JUVENTUS: DOUBLE SESSION YESTERDAY, TRAINING AT 15.00 TODAY
MILAN - According to their website, Juventus, Milan's next opponent in Serie A, spent yesterday morning in the gym before a second session in the afternoon on the pitch. Barzagli is back training and finished the session with his teammates. Paolo De Ceglie trained apart while Quagliarella scored twice in the youth team game against Grosseto. Today's single training session is scheduled for 15.00.