[misha]

Udinese vs AC Milan

Serie A 2007/08 - Week 19

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Stadio Friuli

Time : 14:00 (UK); 15:00 (IT)

___________________________________

The spotlight will be on Alexandre Pato once again when Milan take on Udinese at the Stadio Friuli. The young Brazilian sensation marked his competitive debut for the Rossoneri with a goal against Napoli in a 5-2 victory which was their first at San Siro since last April.

It still wasn’t enough to push them out of the bottom half of the table, although Carlo Ancelotti’s men do have three games in hand on most of the rest of Serie A so it seems only a matter of time before they start climbing the ladder. And the Diavolo will fancy their chances of leaving Friuli with the three points as their away form has been impressive this season.

However, if Milan’s Brazilian trident of Kaka, Pato and Ronaldo aren’t firing then breaking through the Zebrette’s rear guard could prove tough, given that Andrea Pirlo is sitting out a one-match suspension. The man to replace calcio’s equivalent of a quarter-back is Gennaro Gattuso, who has plenty of heart but is hardly the man to unlock a defence with a slide-rule pass. That is expected to be the only change to the starting XI which tore Napoli to pieces.

Udinese boss Pasquale Marino has worked wonders since arriving last summer from Catania, pushing the Friuli boys up into contention for a Champions League spot. Despite usually operating with a three-pronged attack, it is actually defence which has been their strong point this term. A solid backline was certainly needed against bottom side Cagliari at the weekend, seeing as the Friuliani had to play with 10 men for an hour after Diaz Felipe’s dismissal. Despite that, Fabio Quagliarella’s seventh goal of the campaign was enough to secure the victory.

Felipe, as you probably guessed, is now suspended so he will be unable to take on the side who have been linked with a move for him in the past – his indiscipline certainly isn’t doing him any favours, as he now has seven yellow cards and two dismissals to his name this term. Andrea Coda benefits from this and will make his 10th appearance of the season. Gokhan Inler, who had previously missed just one game, also sits out a ban so that hands Finnish ace Roman Eremenko an opportunity to stake his claim for a first-team place.

History doesn’t bode too well for Udinese in this fixture though. Milan’s last two trips to the Stadio Friuli have seen them emerge victorious on both occasions, with an aggregate score of 7-0! Add in a 5-1 home win for the Rossoneri in 2005 and the fact that the Zebrette have gone five years without a victory in front of their own fans against Milan and it doesn’t make good reading for Marino and Co. The neutrals, however, can take heart from this statistic – there has been only one goalless draw between the sides since the turn of the century.

Keep an eye on: Alexandre Pato (Milan) – Who else was it going to be? The kid is mustard and is looking more than capable of living up to the hype, so expect more fireworks this weekend.

Last season: Udinese 0-3 Milan

Form guide: Udinese (L W L D W) Milan (D W D L W)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Udinese (probable): Handanovic; Zapata, Coda, Lukovic; Mesto, D'Agostino, Eremenko, Dossena; Pepe, Di Natale, Quagliarella

Milan (probable): Dida; Bonera, Nesta, Kaladze, Maldini; Seedorf, Gattuso, Ambrosini; Kaka; Pato, Ronaldo

A must win game against our direct competitor for the 4th place. With Pa-Ka-Ro the sky is the limit.

This post has been edited by mishale: Jan 17 2008, 02:27 AM

[arivanjj]

hope to see another entertaining match (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

With Pa-Ka-Ro but without Andy. Cr@p...who are we supposed to depend on- Emerson??

[misha]

Seedorf can play well in Pirlo role, even though he doesn't like it.

[han2503]

Since Pirlo's out I would like to see Carlo go for something like this

Oddo--Nesta--Bonera--Favalli/Paolo
----Rino---Seedorf---Ambro----
--------------Kaka----------------
-----------Pato--Ronaldo---------

Yoann and Gila should come on at some point in the game

[dst]

With Pirlo absent I'm not so sure we'll see the Ka-Pa-Ro... in any case, I just hope we'll field 11 players this time! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Ooooh....the Seedorf jinx...I know what ur upto. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[dst]

Ooooh....the Seedorf jinx...I know what ur upto. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

No I was talking about the other being whose name I shall never speak again!

[Jack Sparrow]

You mean the greatest defender in Milan since Sandro Nesta. Tht piece of awesomeness from Georgia...with the class restaurant. The same dude you're gay for?

[dst]

You mean the greatest defender in Milan since Sandro Nesta. Tht piece of awesomeness from Georgia...with the class restaurant. The same dude you're gay for?

Yeah I'm gay for "it"... as much as you're gay for the thought of Milan selling Pirlo and Gila to Inter!

[Jack Sparrow]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)
Ok..ok I get the point...yeesh....I need to sleep at night man! What's with all the scary images being thrown at me.

[weeeow]

allow Pirlo being suspended (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Ka - Pa - Ro (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[Darunia]

I hope to see some Janku if possible.. this is a big game.. hopefully our away success continues.

[bigmacmtl]

ah we'll pull off the win we always get the better of udi.

[Rossoneri7]

Without Pirlo, it wont be the usual game. But I think Carlo can muster something up for this tie.

I don't think Pato will start though .. And my best guess is this lineup :



...............Dida

Oddo...Nesta..Maldini...Sergio

Ringo...Ambrosini.,.Seedorf

...........Kaka'

.....Gilardino
.................Ronaldo


Though I would like to see Pato and Emerson in this one too.

[Zed.D]

Personally I don't care how Carlo's gonna handle Pirlo's absence or who he's gonna line up in attack... I just want to see Pato play a part, and since this is a rather easy game, I think he will be a starter [probably along with Gilardino - Ronaldo should be rested/saved for important games] and hopefully he scores another goal.

This post has been edited by zdrossoneri: Jan 17 2008, 10:41 PM

[dst]

and since this is a rather easy game...

where does this come from?

[Zed.D]

where does this come from?

I don't know... it's Udinese and we're playing away from home... it isn't? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[dst]

I don't know... it's Udinese and we're playing away from home... it isn't?  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I don't know, it could become easy... but Udinese are a strong team that should not be underestimated and the fact that we're playing away from home means nothing on it's own. We have done well in away games so far this season but only so far...

I don't think it's easy to be honest. But if Ronaldo and Gila link up as well as they usually do or if the Ka-Pa-Ro is fired up like against Napoli then it might prove to be a walk in the park...

[m1ke]

This is a massive game! Udinese are currently fighting for our 4th spot - we have to win, nothing less will do.

[dst]

This is a massive game! Udinese are currently fighting for our 4th spot - we have to win, nothing less will do.

Actually, we are fighting for their 4th spot... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[Ry4n]

1 - 3 Ronaldo, Seedorf , Kaka goal scorers

[han2503]

Personally I don't care how Carlo's gonna handle Pirlo's absence or who he's gonna line up in attack... I just want to see Pato play a part, and since this is a rather easy game, I think he will be a starter [probably along with Gilardino - Ronaldo should be rested/saved for important games] and hopefully he scores another goal.

Imo, this is one of our most important games of the season, forget about our past history with Udine, this season they are doing amazingly well. We will fight against our direct competitor for 4th spot in this game. Can't see how you could take it so lightly imo.

As for the formation, I like the one R7 posted. And imo, R9 HAS to play in this one, now whether it's Pato or Gila playing next to him doesn;t really matter, but Ronaldo is essential to us. And he'll probably play better then he did against Napoli since he's getting back into the swing of things more

[Ry4n]

i also think that just like we showed at home to Napoli when we do fire on all cylinders , meaning great attacks , our defence has to cope with theres comming how ever big or small. what im saying is that if now our attack is sorted we cant let our defence slip

This post has been edited by rhy_A4: Jan 18 2008, 08:02 AM

[han2503]

i also think that just like we showed at home to Napoli when we do fire on all cylinders , meaning great attacks , our defence has to cope with theres comming how ever big or small. what im saying is that if now our attack is sorted we cant let our defence slip

Yeah, but you can't expect them to score 5 goals in every game. Napoli are much more attack minded and you have to admit that they gave us a lot of space, where as Udine are much more defence oriented this season and we will find it tougher to break them down, especially without Pirlo.

Im the defence needs a lot of work put on it. Nesta is the only defender that we have that is in form, the others are not, Bonera maybe, but is Carlo will continue playing him on the flank he is of no use there. He needs to play in the center where I think he will be a big boost if we take Kala off the pitch, because let's face it, he's the culprit for more then probably 35% of the goals we conceed.

[Ry4n]

Yeah, but you can't expect them to score 5 goals in every game. Napoli are much more attack minded and you have to admit that they gave us a lot of space, where as Udine are much more defence oriented this season and we will find it tougher to break them down, especially without Pirlo.

Im the defence needs a lot of work put on it. Nesta is the only defender that we have that is in form, the others are not, Bonera maybe, but is Carlo will continue playing him on the flank he is of no use there. He needs to play in the center where I think he will be a big boost if we take Kala off the pitch, because let's face it, he's the culprit for more then probably 35% of the goals we conceed.

i totally agree with you m8 Kala out for or at least switched position with Bonera so that Bonera plays centre and Kala on the left

[redbabies]

Yeah, but you can't expect them to score 5 goals in every game. Napoli are much more attack minded and you have to admit that they gave us a lot of space, where as Udine are much more defence oriented this season and we will find it tougher to break them down, especially without Pirlo.

Im the defence needs a lot of work put on it. Nesta is the only defender that we have that is in form, the others are not, Bonera maybe, but is Carlo will continue playing him on the flank he is of no use there. He needs to play in the center where I think he will be a big boost if we take Kala off the pitch, because let's face it, he's the culprit for more then probably 35% of the goals we conceed.

I dont think Udine are playing that defensively, at least not at home!

[dst]

I dont think Udine are playing that defensively, at least not at home!

They're certainly not going to play with 3 at the back...

[whoarethepatriot...]

Udine are an attack minded squad. We should be able to use our forwards and exploit the gaps in the team. Counter should prove effective here

[han2503]

I dont think Udine are playing that defensively, at least not at home!

They are much better then Napoli in defence that's for sure. I'm praying that R9 is fit for the game, because he thrives on tight spaces and if Udine play a closed match we will find it easier to break them down with him.

And I can't see them going full out attack against us, no matter what their usual style is

[Ry4n]

They are much better then Napoli in defence that's for sure. I'm praying that R9 is fit for the game, because he thrives on tight spaces and if Udine play a closed match we will find it easier to break them down with him.

And I can't see them going full out attack against us, no matter what their usual style is

im just glad gattuso is playing this match he can shutdown Di natale (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Zed.D]

im just glad gattuso is playing this match he can shutdown Di natale  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I hope so, but Gattuso has not been in a great form this season...

[Ry4n]

I hope so, but Gattuso has not been in a great form this season...

true but i really just think he needed a rest , let hope hes rested now and he can regane his form back starting with Udi

[weeeow]

lets hope our Ivan 'the Great' doesnt get sent off...

[han2503]

I hope so, but Gattuso has not been in a great form this season...

One of the big reasons we've been having problems this season imo

[Rossoneri7]

true but i really just think he needed a rest , let hope hes rested now and he can regane his form back starting with Udi

Gennaro had been one of our best players, year after year pushing the team and giving a helping hand.

I don't think it's a matter of form, I think he just needs to recharge his batteries.

[Ry4n]

Gennaro had been one of our best players, year after year pushing the team and giving a helping hand.

I don't think it's a matter of form, I think he just needs to recharge his batteries.

thats what i said lol in a way

[arivanjj]

Serie A Preview: Udinese-Milan -- goal.com preview

Sitting Pretty, For Now At Least

Udinese, amazingly, are currently sitting in fourth place in the Serie A table. After a respectable tenth place finish last season, they nearly lost their top two strikers over the summer, with both Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella coming close to exiting for bigger clubs (names such as AS Roma, Milan and Manchester United were frequently mentioned). However, neither striker left, with the club doing everything they could to hold onto two of the hottest properties in Italian football.

This term, the two strikers have prospered in Udinese’s fearsome three-pronged attack (usually alongside either Asamoah Gyan or Simone Pepe), with each having scored seven goals so far.

Regarding their standing, how long can they keep it up? With Fiorentina right on their heels and Milan sure to start gaining ground on everyone due to the backlog of fixtures they have, Udinese will be hard-pressed to hang onto this lofty position.

All hope is not lost, however. A stingy defense, which has only given up three goals or more on two occasions this season, has been the most-reliable part of the squad. With the attack not always firing on all cylinders, the backline is what has kept them in many of their matches.

Out With the Old, In With the New

This Sunday marks the twenty-third anniversary of Paolo Maldini’s debut in the Milan first team. All the way back on January 20, 1985, then sixteen year old Maldini came on for the second half away to Udinese (the match finished at one goal apiece), in what would be the beginning of one of the most-successful careers in football history. And this Sunday, in front of the entire world, Paolo Maldini returns for the last time as a player to the place where he began his career.

While Milan captain Paolo Maldini winds down the last few months of his career, Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato made his own debut just last Sunday, and what a debut it was! He had told the press he was going to score, and he made good on that prediction by getting his first Milan goal in the 74th minute, in Milan’s 5-2 win over Napoli (although, he did initially predict he would score twice).

Milan’s attack has been laboring all season long, and this young, energetic striker is just what they needed. The way he combined with Kakà (who scored in the very same match) and Ronaldo (he scored twice on his return from a long injury layoff) bodes well for the Milan as they try to climb up the Serie A table and defend their Champions League crown.

FORM GUIDE (last five fixtures)



Udinese

12/15 Catania 2-0 Udinese Serie A

12/19 Udinese 0-0 Palermo Coppa Italia

12/23 Udinese 2-2 Empoli Serie A

1/13 Cagliari 0-1 Udinese Serie A

1/16 Palermo 0-1 Udinese Coppa Italia



Milan

12/16 Milan 4-2 Boca Juniors World Club Cup

12/20 Milan 1-2 Catania Coppa Italia

12/23 Inter 2-1 Milan Serie A

1/13 Milan 5-2 Napoli Serie A

1/16 Catania 1-1 Milan Coppa Italia

TEAM NEWS

Udinese have two absentees, both through suspension. Felipe was sent off in the first half of last Sunday’s away victory against Cagliari. The other player missing out is Swiss midfielder Gokhan Inler, for yellow card accumulation.

Milan will be missing Andrea Pirlo, due to the amount of yellow cards he has received. As far as the fitness of the squad is concerned, manager Carlo Ancelotti should have plenty of choices for the lineup with nearly everyone fully-fit.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Antonio Di Natale (Udinese) – He is joint top-scorer for his club this season, with seven goals. He has now cemented a place for himself in the Azzurri setup, and could shine this Sunday in Udinese’s trident attack against a Milan defense which can lack focus from time to time.

Alexandre Pato (Milan) – Following his debut last Sunday, he will again be expected to dazzle by showing ability beyond his tender years. The goal he scored last weekend in his debut only added more pressure.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s

Udinese (3-4-3): Handanovic; Zapata, Coda, Lukovic; Mesto, D’Agostino, Eremenko, Dossena; Pepe Di Natale, Quagliarella

Milan (4-3-1-2): Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Maldini; Seedorf, Gattuso, Ambrosini; Kakà; Pato, Ronaldo

PREDICTION

Milan have fared well against Udinese in recent seasons, winning this particular fixture last season by a score of 3-0. Although this year’s version of Udinese is quite a bit better, the new-look Milan frontline could very well become the most-feared in all of Italy, if not the world.

This match will not be as open as Milan's 5-2 win over Napoli last Sunday, so don't expect quite as many fireworks.

Udinese 0-2 Milan

[Rossoneri7]

thats what i said lol in a way

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) And i was of the same opinion

[Ry4n]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) And i was of the same opinion

so we are on the same page wicked (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

what do you think the score will be tomrow as everyones saying it going to be a tight match and presuming Ronaldo is fit to play most of the game

[KillerMax]

1:2 Milan. Both Kaka goals, one from a penalty kick.

[kurtsimonw]

0:2. Kaka' and... Kaladze! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[Zed.D]

Am I the only one who feels Pato will score again?!...

[Darunia]

Ronaldo Kaka, Di Natale (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Ry4n]

all three that scored against Napoli except Pato but Pato to set up all three goals

This post has been edited by rhy_A4: Jan 19 2008, 01:09 AM

[arivanjj]

is there any reason why Pato and Roni shouldn't start this match? besides Carlo's hardheadedness((IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) apparently that's a word) to "keep faith" in Gila. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

gila will pop a goal in if he starts with pato.

[han2503]

is there any reason why Pato and Roni shouldn't start this match? besides Carlo's hardheadedness((IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) apparently that's a word) to "keep faith" in Gila. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Either way, I think no matter who plays in the attack the strikers will score.

Whether it's Pato-Ronnie, Pato-Gila or Ronnie-Gila, I think either of those 3 combinations will work.

As for who Carlo starts, I think he might go for Ronaldo, but take him off at some point in the second half if we are doing well and replace him with Gila. Or he will use him as a sub if we need a goal. For all we know Gila and Ronnie could start and Pato could be a sub. I'm not worried with which Carlo will choose to go. Personally I'm more worried about the defence

[Zed.D]

I don't see any reason why Pato should sit on the bench. I think Carlo will play him.

[arivanjj]

since Pirlo is suspended how about we play with 3: Roni - Gila - Pato (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[han2503]

I don't see any reason why Pato should sit on the bench. I think Carlo will play him.

I agree, but we can't push him too hard, no matter how good he is, he's still basically a kid. Easing him into things would be better for him imo.

And as I said, I don't really care whp Carlo starts in attack, what I'm worried about is our defence. Kala should not get the start, either Paolo or Bonera should play in the center next to Nesta, we can't afford to let 2 goals in because of idiotic mistakes because Udine will not let us play the way Napoli did

[arivanjj]

btw any word on Janku (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ?

[han2503]

btw any word on Janku (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ?

Nope, there isn't anything on the official site either. We'll know more when they announced the called up players for the game.

[Zed.D]

since Pirlo is suspended how about we play with 3: Roni - Gila - Pato (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

That could work (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Pato beside Kaka, as attacking midfielder, and Seedorf in Pirlo's place!

I agree, but we can't push him too hard, no matter how good he is, he's still basically a kid. Easing him into things would be better for him imo.

And as I said, I don't really care whp Carlo starts in attack, what I'm worried about is our defence. Kala should not get the start, either Paolo or Bonera should play in the center next to Nesta, we can't afford to let 2 goals in because of idiotic mistakes because Udine will not let us play the way Napoli did

This kid is different from other kids, believe me. pressure means not much to him, it was only the first 30 minutes of Napoli game. he managed to handle it and find himself quicker than anyone thought. and this is an away game, with much less pressure and expectation.

As for defense, hopefully with Janku's return Kaladze will be back to where he right now deserves, the bench, and Maldini moves to CB, where he probably feels more comfortable at this age. Di Natale and Quagliarella are really dangerous, they can easily use Kala's stupidity in giving away penalties...

[redbabies]

Am I the only one who feels Pato will score again?!...

NO!

[han2503]

That could work  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Pato beside Kaka, as attacking midfielder, and Seedorf in Pirlo's place!
This kid is different from other kids, believe me. pressure means not much to him, it was only the first 30 minutes of Napoli game. he managed to handle it and find himself quicker than anyone thought. and this is an away game, with much less pressure and expectation.

Still you have to be carefull when they are that age, I just don't think we should push him as hard. We have plenty og games this month, he will have plenty of minutes to get adjusted.

I guess we'll see how Carlo will choose to start using the attackers

[Il Capitano]

GOALKEEPERS: Kalac, Fiori, Offredi
DEFENDERS: Bonera, Digao, Favalli, Kaladze, Nesta, Oddo, Simic
MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Seedorf
ATTACKERS: Gilardino, Pato, Ronaldo

Maldini did not make the trip too Udine.

[whoarethepatriot...]

Maldini has the flu so he will not make the trip

[aLbErTo]

dida?

in my opinion x11:

kalac
bonera,nesta,kaladze,favalli
gattuso,gourcuff(ambrosini),seedorf
kaka
gila-ronaldo (i think pato will start on the bench, but i'm really 50-50% sure)

we'll see...

[han2503]

Why isn't Dida called up?

[dst]

This could be the line-up

Oddo-Nesta-Kaladze-Bonera
Ambrosini-Gattuso-Emerson
Seedorf-Kaka
Ronaldo

but I think it won't! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I expect Carletto to opt for one forward since Pirlo is gonna be missing.

[Jack Sparrow]

This is what I'd like us to play

Oddo---Nesta--Bonera---Kaladze
--------Rino-------Emerson---------
------Kaka-----------Seedorf/Yoann
------------Pato/R99---------------
-----------------------Gila------------

However we might see our usual back line with Maldini as LB. Favalli or Sergio to come on at some time.

Carlo will probably play both Ambro and Rino.

I really doubt he'll go in with a sole striker though. Just don't think he will.

[han2503]

This could be the line-up

Oddo-Nesta-Kaladze-Bonera
Ambrosini-Gattuso-Emerson
Seedorf-Kaka
Ronaldo

but I think it won't! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I expect Carletto to opt for one forward since Pirlo is gonna be missing.

Hopefully this would be the line up

Oddo-Nesta-Bonera-Kaladze
Gattuso-Seedorf-Ambrosini
Kaka
Gila/Pato-Ronaldo

[dst]

Hopefully this would be the line up

Oddo-Nesta-Bonera-Kaladze
Gattuso-Seedorf-Ambrosini
              Kaka
    Gila/Pato-Ronaldo

Ancelotti said in the press conference that Ambro will play in Pirlo's position and Favalli at left back so we are both wrong! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

I wasn't. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I have a telepathic understanding with Carletto. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[han2503]

Ancelotti said in the press conference that Ambro will play in Pirlo's position and Favalli at left back so we are both wrong! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

So maybe it will look like this

Oddo-Nesta-Bonera-Favalli
Gattuso-Ambrosini-Seedorf
Kaka
Gila/Pato-Ronaldo

Anything but the xmas tree fromation

This post has been edited by han2503: Jan 19 2008, 06:30 PM

[dst]

I think Bonera will play at RB and Kaladze at CB. I hope we won't see the tree also...

[aLbErTo]

no chance of ambrosini-gattuso-emerson playing together...do u want to see football or what...

[Jack Sparrow]

^^^^

If I can sit through a Chelsea-Bolton match...I can sit through anything (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Zed.D]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Ronaldo ahead of Udinese match!

(IMG:http://media2.acmilan.com/200801/9291_big.jpg)


(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

arrriiiii??!?!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[han2503]

^^^^

If I can sit through a Chelsea-Bolton match...I can sit through anything (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Ronaldo ahead of Udinese match!

(IMG:http://media2.acmilan.com/200801/9291_big.jpg)
(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Oh my..................................................

[dst]

Ha-ha!! He looks like a bad-@ss now! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Where is Rhino to give him another smack!??

[Jack Sparrow]

R99 is the new trippin gansta.

Wassup dawg....

[Rossoneri7]

He wants to be a Rastafarian (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Darunia]

Yeah most likely it will be

Kalac
Bonera Nesta Kaladze Favalli
Gattuso Ambrosini Seedorf
Kaka
Pato Ronaldo


Dida is out =/ .. Bonera and Favalli doesn't contribute much to the attack, and without Pirlo we lose creativity.. hopefully Ka-Pa-Ro is enough.

This post has been edited by Darunia: Jan 19 2008, 08:10 PM

[Zed.D]

Keep Gila away from the starting XI, KaPaRo will do the job like they did it against Napoli... or... play Gila and risk losing another three points...

[Il Capitano]

Yeah most likely it will be

Kalac
Bonera Nesta Kaladze Favalli
Gattuso Ambrosini Seedorf
Kaka
Pato Ronaldo
Dida is out =/  .. Bonera and Favalli doesn't contribute much to the attack, and without Pirlo we lose creativity.. hopefully Ka-Pa-Ro is enough.

I think Carlo will start with them. If I remember right Carlo said that the eleven that will play against Udinese wouldn't play against Catania. It will be some changes because of Maldinis flu and Dida but the other parts should be unchanged.

[kurtsimonw]

Play Pato up front on his own for the next 4 games, watch how ineffective and useless he is, blame him for us not winning games or scoring lots of goals. Then sell him along with Gila as neither can play up top on their own. Then it's sorted. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jan 19 2008, 09:42 PM

[Zed.D]

Play Pato up front on his own for the next 4 games, watch how ineffective and useless he is, blame him for us not winning games or scoring lots of goals. Then sell him along with Gila as neither can play up top on their own. Then it's sorted. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

You're wrong. Gila is an inbox striker. Pato is both an inbox+outbox striker. Gila is the kind of striker who can only tap or shot the ball into the net, Pato can start a move from outside the penalty area, all by himself, get into the area by dribbling past one or two defender and create a scoring chance. [Milan - Napoli / second half / 77' for example] Gila would never be able to that in a thousand years. not because he is useless, but because that's not what he's supposed to do. he's not able to dribble or even run with the ball.

Pato CAN play as a lone striker. but it's definitely too early for that.

[kurtsimonw]

Pato CAN play as a lone striker. but it's definitely too early for that.

Exactly, at this point of his career, I really don't think he could cope as a lone striker. So it's basically asking him to do something he can't do just yet. Just like we've done with Gila.

I think Gila will be off at the end of the season.

[Zed.D]

Exactly, at this point of his career, I really don't think he could cope as a lone striker. So it's basically asking him to do something he can't do just yet. Just like we've done with Gila.

I think Gila will be off at the end of the season.

Gila's style of play is very similar to Pippo's. I don't think he will leave/we will sell him, because he could be Pippo's successor after Pippo retires. we definitely need that type of striker.

[Rossoneri7]

Exactly, at this point of his career, I really don't think he could cope as a lone striker. So it's basically asking him to do something he can't do just yet. Just like we've done with Gila.

I think Gila will be off at the end of the season.

Gila was top scorer in Serie A while playing as a lone striker ... He just isn't a Milan grade player, that is all.

Put Hernan Crespo up front alone, and watch him knock them in.

[kurtsimonw]

Gila was top scorer in Serie A while playing as a lone striker ... He just isn't a Milan grade player, that is all.

Put Hernan Crespo up front alone, and watch him knock them in.

He had wingers at Parma, he doesn't at Milan.

Anyways, didn't Crespo only get 9 goals in his season here? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jan 20 2008, 12:22 AM

[gal_kenny]

hey guys who was the left back that we bought that was sent on loan to another club?

[Rossoneri7]

He had wingers at Parma, he doesn't at Milan.

Anyways, didn't Crespo only get 9 goals in his season here?  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Hernan scored 10. But, that said he scored the crucial goals against united and 2 goals in the final. Plus, he didn't play as often as Gilardino during his spell here (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)


Oh yeah, Gila had wingers at Parma (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) He only had Morfeo !! And at Milan, he has something better than Morfeo, he has Kaka', Seedorf and Pirlo.

[kurtsimonw]

Well, it's obviously the system and not the player.. that same player scored 20+ goals in a season at Parma.

[Rossoneri7]

As u wish ... But I was just underlining that he played as a lone striker at Parma. And was isolated, but still made cappacionare for 2 consecutive seasons.

The system ? What's wrong with the system Kurt ?! This system won us the CL. I strongly believe it is the player that is not Milan quality. Maybe at Fiorentina or Parma, he'll start scoring by the dozens, but the pressure of playing for Milan I doubt he can handle. Especially now that it has been 3 yrs since he joined.

[dst]

hey guys who was the left back that we bought that was sent on loan to another club?

Leandro Grimi. He's loaned to Siena.

Hernan scored 10. But, that said he scored the crucial goals against united and 2 goals in the final. Plus, he didn't play as often as Gilardino during his spell here (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Oh yeah, Gila had wingers at Parma (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) He only had Morfeo !! And at Milan, he has something better than Morfeo, he has Kaka', Seedorf and Pirlo.

Gila scored 17 when he played alongside Shevchenko. After that it's the worst Milan of the last decade but only Gila gets the blame "because the others have been here before and should be given some credit for that".

The system ? What's wrong with the system Kurt ?! This system won us the CL.

Kaka won us the CL. All on his own.

[bigmacmtl]

As u wish ... But I was just underlining that he played as a lone striker at Parma. And was isolated, but still made cappacionare for 2 consecutive seasons.

The system ? What's wrong with the system Kurt ?! This system won us the CL. I strongly believe it is the player that is not Milan quality.

and this same system has us mid table in the league. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

2 years ago when he played with sheva, the system allowed for the team and gila to play well

since then the with this new system we've underperformed as well as gila.

notice the corrolation (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This post has been edited by bigmacmtl: Jan 20 2008, 07:15 AM

[bigmacmtl]

Kaka won us the CL. All on his own.

come on kaka only scored crucial goals in the group stage that allowed us to advance, scored the only goal vs. celtic in extra time, won us a penalty vs. bayern and dismantled man u on his own... it was dida who won it with his amazing performance in the final.

*edit oh and assisted on the winning goal in the final.

hardly the system, it was pure individual skill demonstrated game after game.

This post has been edited by bigmacmtl: Jan 20 2008, 07:21 AM

[han2503]

You're wrong. Gila is an inbox striker. Pato is both an inbox+outbox striker. Gila is the kind of striker who can only tap or shot the ball into the net, Pato can start a move from outside the penalty area, all by himself, get into the area by dribbling past one or two defender and create a scoring chance. [Milan - Napoli / second half / 77' for example] Gila would never be able to that in a thousand years. not because he is useless, but because that's not what he's supposed to do. he's not able to dribble or even run with the ball.

Pato CAN play as a lone striker. but it's definitely too early for that.

You're saying it yourself here, Gila has always been disadvantaged with the system he's constantly given to play with because he's not the type of striker that can play in that system. Let Gila play alongside Pato or Ronaldo and you'll see his true worth, otherwise he'll continue to underperform.

Gila was top scorer in Serie A while playing as a lone striker ... He just isn't a Milan grade player, that is all.

Put Hernan Crespo up front alone, and watch him knock them in.

I agree with you on this bit, I don't think Gila can handle the type of pressure to shoulder Milan on his own. But have him play next to some one that can support him and split the responsability of the goal scoring with him and he will be back to his best. Look at how he played next to Sheva and how he plays now Next to Ronaldo.

And Crespo is a different type of box striker to Gila and Pippo, he's more in the Drogba mold, meaning he can score from outside the box as well and he can dribble with the ball.

Hernan scored 10. But, that said he scored the crucial goals against united and 2 goals in the final. Plus, he didn't play as often as Gilardino during his spell here (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Oh yeah, Gila had wingers at Parma (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) He only had Morfeo !! And at Milan, he has something better than Morfeo, he has Kaka', Seedorf and Pirlo.

Parma played a totally different system, yes he had Morfeo but they also had wingers and you can't forget that their entire system was based around Gila. Look at how Sheva struggles at Chelsea now that the system isn't centered around him, the same happened to Gila. And not only that we play a system that doesn't suite him at all. A system where 95% of the time he's isolated on his own against 3 or 4 defenders.
And what good are Pirlo, Kaka and Seedorf when most of the time the mids and Gila are 20 meters apart for most of the game? Notice that Gila scores the most goals when Sergio is playing at his best, meaning constantly feeding him crosses from the left.

As u wish ... But I was just underlining that he played as a lone striker at Parma. And was isolated, but still made cappacionare for 2 consecutive seasons.

The system ? What's wrong with the system Kurt ?! This system won us the CL. I strongly believe it is the player that is not Milan quality. Maybe at Fiorentina or Parma, he'll start scoring by the dozens, but the pressure of playing for Milan I doubt he can handle. Especially now that it has been 3 yrs since he joined.

That's the point he wasn't isolated at Parma. You always say yourself that football isn't that simple, and now you're contradicting yourself by saying that because at Milan and at Parma he played as a lone striker then he shouldn't have any problems because it's the same thing. When in reality Milan with the xmas tree play a totally different system to the one Parma played with Gila, even though both played with one striker, it's still a totally different sytem

Gila scored 17 when he played alongside Shevchenko. After that it's the worst Milan of the last decade but only Gila gets the blame "because the others have been here before and should be given some credit for that".
Kaka won us the CL. All on his own.

EXACTLY!!!!! THANKYOU!!!!

and this same system has us mid table in the league. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

2 years ago when he played with sheva, the system allowed for the team and gila to play well

since then the with this new system we've underperformed as well as gila.

notice the corrolation  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!

[Zed.D]

I agree with those who say Gila would be better with the support of another striker, he surely would. but how much better? I still doubt if he has enough class to be our 1st and 2nd choice striker [he's surely not as good as Ronaldo. and imo, Pato is better than him] if he accepts bench role, and some playing time in front of mid table or lower Serie A teams, he can stay with us. otherwise for the sake of HIS career [and nothing else], he should join another team, maybe Fiorentina. personally it doesn't make any difference to me if he stays or leaves, I'm neither on his haters side nor his lovers...

This post has been edited by zdrossoneri: Jan 20 2008, 09:47 AM

[han2503]

I agree with those who say Gila would be better with the support of another striker, he surely would. but how much better? I still doubt if he has enough class to be our 1st and 2nd choice striker [he's surely not as good as Ronaldo. and imo, Pato is better than him] if he accepts bench role, and some playing time in front of mid table or lower Serie A teams, he can stay with us. otherwise for the sake of HIS career [and nothing else], he should join another team, maybe Fiorentina. personally it doesn't make any difference to me if he stays or leaves, I'm neither on his haters side nor his lovers...

Agreed. I can't understand people who have hate for him that just want him to leave or stay on the bench all the time.

If you don't like him, fine. But don't blame him for everything that goes wrong when it's clearly not his fault that the team is struggling.

And I do agree that Gila won't be first choice, atleast not until he gets back on track. But given the chances to play in the 4-3-1-2 formation next to either Pato or Ronaldo I think he will become a vital part of the team. No mattet how much you hate him, we need him atm, Ronaldo if and that's a big if he stays fit, still won't be able to play in every game. So Gila needs to be given the chance also. There is no reason to create this big thing when we need all of our strikers right now because of the schedule we have ahead of us.

[Rossoneri7]

I agree with you on this bit, I don't think Gila can handle the type of pressure to shoulder Milan on his own. But have him play next to some one that can support him and split the responsability of the goal scoring with him and he will be back to his best. Look at how he played next to Sheva and how he plays now Next to Ronaldo.

And Crespo is a different type of box striker to Gila and Pippo, he's more in the Drogba mold, meaning he can score from outside the box as well and he can dribble with the ball.

My point is that Gilardino isn't Milan quality. At his best, he'd be a bench warmer for a Milan quality forward.

Hernan Crespo is an inbox striker, I don't want to make comparisons with Drogba or Inzaghi, but bottom line is he is cold blooded and is a BIG player.

Parma played a totally different system, yes he had Morfeo but they also had wingers and you can't forget that their entire system was based around Gila. Look at how Sheva struggles at Chelsea now that the system isn't centered around him, the same happened to Gila. And not only that we play a system that doesn't suite him at all. A system where 95% of the time he's isolated on his own against 3 or 4 defenders.

And what good are Pirlo, Kaka and Seedorf when most of the time the mids and Gila are 20 meters apart for most of the game? Notice that Gila scores the most goals when Sergio is playing at his best, meaning constantly feeding him crosses from the left.

Of course Shevchenko struggled due to a different system (he even said it's a whole different ball game just yesterday, check Football Italia).

Gilardino had wingers at Parma ? Yes he did, were they any good ? Not at all. Morfeo was the one with the most assists when he played behind Gilardino.

20 meters between Pirlo, Kaka', Seedorf and Gilardino ?! Gilardino even with Kaka' playing as a second punta didn't do much (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

That's the point he wasn't isolated at Parma. You always say yourself that football isn't that simple, and now you're contradicting yourself by saying that because at Milan and at Parma he played as a lone striker then he shouldn't have any problems because it's the same thing. When in reality Milan with the xmas tree play a totally different system to the one Parma played with Gila, even though both played with one striker, it's still a totally different sytem

No, football isn't simple. It is more complicating than 11 vs 11. But Gilardino is not Milan quality. For three years now, he played with Sheva and didn't do much, he played on his own and was crap, he played with Ronaldo and barely scored. Football isn't simple, but Gilardino is definitely not Milan quality.

Parma's team played for Adriano (yes the Brazilian) till he was sold to Inter. Gilardino was a nobody. He was brought in by Prandelli and pushed into the same formation that Adriano used to strive off, and he was a success. Gilardino stormed to the top scorers charts (he even scored two against Juve, when Milan was really close to winning the title) .. I was convinced he had a brilliant future head of him.

He made the headlines and moved to the San Siro ... He played for two years and a half, and I have yet to see that Gilardino of Parma. Different system, different wingers, different playmakers, different striker parners, etc .. whatever the excuse may be, I have no doubt in my mind that he is no Milan quality player.



EDIT: If I may add ... I am not telling you to agree with me. And I am not trying to convince you to agree. I have made my mind up a long time ago, and he is just giving me even more reason to loose faith in him.

This post has been edited by Rossoneri7: Jan 20 2008, 12:03 PM

[dst]

I can't wait for the game to kick off!!

And... why are we talking about Gila anyway?? I mean, it was another pathetic Milan in the first round of Serie A and Gila was among the few that showed something... I didn't see Seedorf and I did not see Kaka either...

[arivanjj]

UDINESE-MILAN: FORMAZIONI UFFICIALI
20/01/2008

UDINESE: Handanovic; Zapata, Coda, Lukovic; Mesto, D'Agostino, Eremenko, Dossena; Pepe, Quagliarella, Di Natale.

MILAN: Kalac; Bonera, Nesta, Kaladze, Favalli; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf; Kakà; Pato, Ronaldo.

[han2503]

EDIT: If I may add ... I am not telling you to agree with me. And I am not trying to convince you to agree. I have made my mind up a long time ago, and he is just giving me even more reason to loose faith in him.

Fair enough, I'm not asking you to agree with me either. I think we've decided many times to agree to disagree, but something always leads us back to here. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

It's difference of oppinion, that's all (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I can't wait for the game to kick off!!

And... why are we talking about Gila anyway?? I mean, it was another pathetic Milan in the first round of Serie A and Gila was among the few that showed something... I didn't see Seedorf and I did not see Kaka either...

Exactly

[han2503]

UDINESE-MILAN: FORMAZIONI UFFICIALI
20/01/2008
UDINESE: Handanovic; Zapata, Coda, Lukovic; Mesto, D'Agostino, Eremenko, Dossena; Pepe, Quagliarella, Di Natale.
MILAN: Kalac; Bonera, Nesta, Kaladze, Favalli; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf; Kakà; Pato, Ronaldo.

[arivanjj]

oh man Ronaldo... wat a badass!


game about to start... FORZA MILAN!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)