[Bluesummers]

The Audi Cup 2011

(IMG:http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/fleet-news/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/audi-cup2.jpg)

Football world stars get together

Top-caliber international football under the symbol of the Four Rings: At the invitation of AUDI AG the teams of FC Bayern München, FC Barcelona, AC Milan and SC Internacional Porto Alegre will meet during the last week of July for a final contest before the European football season kicks off. As in 2009, the new edition of the Audi Cup will be played on two days (July 26th/27th 2011) at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

The competition could hardly be fiercer: FC Barcelona, with superstars like Lionel Messi and Xavi, will travel to Munich as will AC Milan with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gennaro Gattuso. Like the Bavarians, the two clubs from Spain and Italy are members of Audi’s international football family. Their players, coaches and officials have been on the road with the Four Rings for years.

In addition, the team of SC Internacional Porto Alegre will provide a touch of South America to the tournament. The Brazilians last won the Copa Libertadores de América in 2010, a competition that is comparable to the European Champions League.

http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/show/133691



Bayern Munich
Barcelona
Milan
SC International (brazil)

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Jun 15 2011, 04:17 AM

[Bluesummers]

i hope we get barca (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[anano1214]

Milan play Bayern for the Audi Cup on July 26 before travelling to Beijing for the Italian Super Cup clash with Inter.

I don't think so.

Looking forward, very excited.

[Jack Bauer]

A good chance to steal Schweinsteiger from them (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by Jack Bauer: Jul 24 2011, 09:09 PM

[samira]

Im looking forward to the cup. But what time will the first game start?

[X-Offender]

Just check Livescore tomorrow morning.

[amancik]

AC Milan have announced the squad for the ' Audi Cup 2011 . Here is the complete list. Abbiati (32), Rome (30), Piscitelli (51), Abate (20), Antonini (77), Bonera (25), Nesta (13), Oddo (17), Taiwo (2), Thiago Silva (33) , Zambrotta (19), Yepes (76), De Sciglio (52), Ambrosini (23), Boateng (27), Emanuelson (28), Gattuso (8), Seedorf (10), Van Bommel (4), Valoti ( 57), Cassano (99), Ibrahimovic (11), Pato (7), Robinho (70), Paloschi (43).

This post has been edited by amancik: Jul 25 2011, 04:41 PM

[X-Offender]

Who's Abbot? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[amancik]

Who's Abbot? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Apparently, Abate is Italian for English's Abbot. Lol Google translation.

[d'Arc.LP]

Bayern - Milan, probable line-ups :


Bayern (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Rafinha, Van Buyten, Badstuber, P. Lahm; B. Schweinsteiger, A. Tymoshchuk; A. Robben, T. Müller, D. Alaba; M. Gomez

Milan (4-3-1-2): C. Abbiati; I. Abate,Nesta, Bonera, Taiwo; Gattuso, Bommel, Emanuelson; Boateng; Ibrahimovic, Cassano.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

Bayern - Milan, probable line-ups :


Bayern (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Rafinha, Van Buyten, Badstuber, P. Lahm; B. Schweinsteiger, A. Tymoshchuk; A. Robben, T. Müller, D. Alaba; M. Gomez

Milan (4-3-1-2): C. Abbiati; I. Abate,Nesta, Bonera*, Taiwo**; Gattuso, Bommel, Emanuelson***; Boateng; Ibrahimovic, Cassano.

*let's skip the foreplay and forfeit
**I thought he was injured
***if he has a good preseason i doubt we will sign anyone, alot of people have forgotten him but his final game last season was truly inspiring.

[acid911]

**I thought he was injured

Nope, Taiwo was suspended because of card accumulation in the last French league match. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) That's why he can't play in our official match in China. These friendlies are another matter entirely, so he is pretty much ready and available.

[d'Arc.LP]

(IMG:http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225698_245598758798622_142386325786533_870140_2191041_n.jpg)

This post has been edited by d'Arc.LP: Jul 26 2011, 06:41 PM

[han2503]

*let's skip the foreplay and forfeit
**I thought he was injured
***if he has a good preseason i doubt we will sign anyone, alot of people have forgotten him but his final game last season was truly inspiring.

*love that (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I wonder why he doesn't let Yepes play, no need to give Bayern the upper hand here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Taiwo is definately not injured, as acid said, just suspended for some ridiculous reason for the Super Cup

***He's still not what we need, I think he'll be a great asset to have in terms of squad depth and the quality of that depth, but we still need creative players for that midfield because at this point in time it's Urby/Boateng and a bunch of utility players with only VB being top class. Flamini is good but not enough if we really want to go somewhere this season while Rino and Ambro imo are just not good enough to be anything more then rotation players at this point

[acid911]

no need to give Bayern the upper hand here

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) True, true.

[CHU-LIP]

Even though I find Bonera an awful central defender; he is better than Van Buyten. And Nesta is better than Badstuber obviously. If one needs to worry about their defense, it's Bayern.

[han2503]

Even though I find Bonera an awful central defender; he is better than Van Buyten. And Nesta is better than Badstuber obviously. If one needs to worry about their defense, it's Bayern.

Better then Van Buyten? How awful has he become??

[CHU-LIP]

Better then Van Buyten? How awful has he become??

Van Buyten? He has been awful all the time. It's no coincidence Van Buyten started to completely fail at Bayern after Lúcio's departure. Lúcio made it possible for Van Buyten to play for Bayern, because Lúcio kept saving his ***.

[han2503]

This is getting very elaborate for a friendly...

[samira]

Barcelona * 2 - 2 Internacional

[acid911]

Barcelona * 2 - 2 Internacional

Me likey. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) I've always liked Internacional.

[han2503]

Ibra scores (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[acid911]

Yeah, it is something like this: Bayern dominating, while we have had two of the best chances in the match. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Ibra scored on one of them, of course. Interesting game, nevertheless. Here's a link if anyone's interested:

Bayern Munchen vs. AC Milan

[han2503]

Looking at tis, it's so glaringly obvious what our problems are. Rino looks like he's moving in slow motion next to the other players, while our midfield has no craft, thus we cannot keep the ball for longer then a couple of seconds

[acid911]

Gomez. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) Whadda player! Cleaned up two of our defenders, but the shot just over the top!

[han2503]

1-1

Deserved

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Cassano (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Play Merkel up front.

[han2503]

I have to say, we're looking terrible...

Only people looking anywhere near up to speed are Zlatan, Abate and Abbiati

[acid911]

while our midfield has no craft, thus we cannot keep the ball for longer then a couple of seconds

Agreed. Deserved 1-1. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) It's been all Bayern, pretty much all half. We are on the pitch to absorb the pressure it seems. No link between defense, midfield and attack. This is what I fear could be the story in the league (unless the players step it up). Get a lucky lead with some Ibra magic, and then self destruct. If not the league, then the CL at least.

Hopefully the subs do come up in the 2nd half and put up a better show. They better.

[acid911]

Boateng with the most stupidest of back passes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Almost resulted in a goal in the 45th minute. Stupid.

[han2503]

Agreed. Deserved 1-1. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) It's been all Bayern, pretty much all half. We are on the pitch to absorb the pressure it seems. No link between defense, midfield and attack. This is what I fear could be the story in the league (unless the players step it up). Get a lucky lead with some Ibra magic, and then self destruct. If not the league, then the CL at least.

Hopefully the subs do come up in the 2nd half and put up a better show. They better.

It was starting to look like the beginning of last season again, whenever we have the ball they launch it at Ibra hoping for something. The rest was just terrible. I mean I know they're still getting back into the swing of things but this is just horrible. Rino nearly assisted Muller there on the last play FFS (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Even if we're still very early into the pre-season, we don't have much time due to the Super Cup. So the players need to step it up, while I cannot fathom how Allegri would ever say that the squad is good as is. We seriously need someone in there who can keep the ball moving and control the tempo.

[acid911]

Agreed, Han. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Though it was Boateng with the reverse through ball assist to Muller on the last play, LOL.

[han2503]

Agreed, Han. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Though it was Boateng with the reverse through ball assist to Muller on the last play, LOL.

Really? It looked like Rino to me, I'll have to watch that again, because it wasn't a backheel, it was a slide tackle that sent the ball into Muller's path

[Milan Are Brilli...]

We're as good as a month behind Bayern in terms of pre-season, I really wouldn't be worried about this. Though I'd be worried about Cassano, he looks terrible, too slow, too weak, and can't finish. Get rid of him.

[han2503]

Cassano is as sluggish as the rest imo.

No matter how early into pre-season we are compared to Bayern, the general tactics are ridiculous, all I'm seeing is the defenders pinging the ball to Zlatan, and the midfield running around like headless chickens.

Also, like I said, we need to get into shape as quickly as possible, so playing like this is surely not helping

[samira]

Milan should not let Kroos take his shoots!
And it's like Milan is just plaing with defenders and forwards.
Bad pass by Boateng and a great save from Abbiati

[kurtsimonw]

Not sure what's worse, the way the Americans pronouce Milan or Cassano's performance!

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jul 26 2011, 08:48 PM

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Cassano is as sluggish as the rest imo.

No chance. If Allegri was playing he'd do a better job. The guy is purely awful, unless he gets himself into fitness we have a pointless strain on wages.

I gave him the benefit of the doubt at the end of last season, but it seems the off season has made him worse.

[acid911]

No matter how early into pre-season we are compared to Bayern, the general tactics are ridiculous, all I'm seeing is the defenders pinging the ball to Zlatan, and the midfield running around like headless chickens.

This. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) I know we are behind on fitness and practice levels, but this is what worries me.

Not sure what's worse, the way the Americans pronouce Milan or Cassano's performance!

Both. But both combined are not as bad as two American commentators commenting on the play. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif) What is it, NBA? WWE, maybe? Pure torture for the ears.

This post has been edited by acid911: Jul 26 2011, 08:53 PM

[Jack Bauer]

Ambro and Paloschi are in for Ibra & Rino

[acid911]

19 shots on goal for Bayern, and 2 for us. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Tells pretty much all the story.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Commentators laughing at us being linked with Cesc (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Welcome to heartbreak.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Not sure what's worse, the way the Americans pronouce Milan or Cassano's performance!

What are you watching it on?! If you have access it's on ITV4!

[samira]

I guess it's Al jazeera sports 3 something, at Atdhenet.tv
Please Ambro, wake up our midfield!

[han2503]

I guess it's Al jazeera sports 3 something, at Atdhenet.tv
Please Ambro, wake up our midfield!

Ambro's on?

Haven't even noticed him (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[samira]

I know, he isn't awake just like the midfield..
Milans first corner and Abate's freekick made one ac milan player move

[kurtsimonw]

If this is a draw, does it go to ET or straight to a shoot out?

[Fillipo Simone]

Unbelievable how awful our second kit looks.

[CHU-LIP]

No chance. If Allegri was playing he'd do a better job. The guy is purely awful, unless he gets himself into fitness we have a pointless strain on wages.

I gave him the benefit of the doubt at the end of last season, but it seems the off season has made him worse.

wow, you're fast with your conclusions

[han2503]

If this is a draw, does it go to ET or straight to a shoot out?

Penalties

[han2503]

lol, nearly a huge comical moment there between Ambro and Oddo, which could have resulted in an own goal

[samira]

Why didn't Pato come in earlier?

[kurtsimonw]

I don't think they wanted him to play, just bought him on to take a penalty.

[han2503]

meh Palo misses it kick

Bayern through

[kurtsimonw]

That was an awful miss. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Abbiati MotM for me.

[samira]

He didn't even take a penalty but Paloschi did.. I don't blame him really, it was a good shoot but a great goalie, he was pretty close to save almost everbody's shots in Milan

[Fillipo Simone]

Abbiati seemed without any motive.

Dreadful play by Milan, we have to get better, physically and in footballing terms.

[Fillipo Simone]

He didn't even take a penalty but Paloschi did.. I don't blame him really, it was a good shoot but a great goalie, he was pretty close to save almost everbody's shots in Milan

Neuer didn't touch the ball, it was a complete miss.

[kurtsimonw]

He didn't even take a penalty but Paloschi did.. I don't blame him really, it was a good shoot but a great goalie, he was pretty close to save almost everbody's shots in Milan

He was probably going to take the 5th one, we just never got that far.

[mishie]

Tiawo looked awful...so did Urby, oh well another game tomorrow!

[Zed.D]

Only watched the penalties. I knew Paloschi would miss it. someone should tell these kids not to take their shots that high.

The strange thing is, Pato is yet to take his first ever penalty for us! but it's cool that he gets to play against his beloved Internacional.

[han2503]

Tiawo looked awful...so did Urby, oh well another game tomorrow!

I thought he did ok. He was up against Robben and did fairly well and I finally saw a decent cross coming from 1 of our FBs, that hasn't happened since the days of Serginho and Cafu

[samira]

Neuar seem closer to save the penalties then Abbiati, he was a great goalie during the game but when it came to the penalties, he did even move on Mullers penalty kick, I think.

Zeddie, I was just thinking the same thing, I was hoping on a penalty shoot from him today but I guess we never came that faar

[CrazyMilanFan]

why didnt Stephan El Shaarawy play??

Edit: he is not even in the squad probably injured

This post has been edited by CrazyMilanFan: Jul 26 2011, 10:41 PM

[X-Offender]

I was out, and managed to see only the last 9-10 minutes + penalties. From what I read, we were demolished in the first half by Bayern but managed to hold well in the second half. Now, we must consider that Bayern are well ahead of us in terms of preparation and it's only natural they'd outplay us. Still a bit annoyed that we lost on penalties. I wanted us to face Barça.

Commentators laughing at us being linked with Cesc (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Come again?

[Dracoris]

I thought Taiwo was alright. He still needs to get his form back as well as anyone else in the squad. Nesta was poor, surprisingly. We need a new CAM and Boateng needs to come back to the midfield.

Montolivo + Pastore/Ganso and we will contend for the CL.

[CHU-LIP]

Montolivo + Pastore/Ganso and we will contend for the CL.

I highly doubt we can get Pastore. Isn't he rumoured to join Chelsea for like A LOT of money?

We don't need a super expensive signing imo. It would be awesome obviously. But just two right signings, because we need two new mids (LCM + AM), and I will be delighted. Montolivo + Honda for example. Not a fan of Montolivo at all, but Montolivo + Seedorf as LCM should do the job.

Looking forward. And can't wait to enjoy it! Must be very exciting and grand1

[Jack Bauer]

Bayern played their 7th game and started training about 3 weeks ahead of us so of course they will be in a better sahpe. We didn't need this game to tell us a bout the midfield creativity problem - we all know that, and I'm sure at least one creative player will arrive. For now we just need to get to improve our shape as much as possible before the derby, and tough games like this is a good thing.

[TriniKing_CE]

Agreed. ^

[acid911]

I thought he did ok. He was up against Robben and did fairly well and I finally saw a decent cross coming from 1 of our FBs, that hasn't happened since the days of Serginho and Cafu

Agreed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Still a bit raw at this highest of levels, but he will get there. Was on Robben like a glue.

Neuar seem closer to save the penalties then Abbiati, he was a great goalie during the game but when it came to the penalties, he did even move on Mullers penalty kick, I think.

True. Abbiati never struck me as a penalty specialist. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) For spot kicks you have to gauge, not guess, which is what a lot of keepers do. Well almost all keepers do. Dida used to stay on late, keep his eyes on the ball and then move, and he saved a fair few in his career. Other keepers just take a gracious guess.

why didnt Stephan El Shaarawy play??

Yup, injured from what I've heard. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) Don't ask how a Pharaoh can get injured, because I don't know.

I wanted us to face Barça.

Ditto. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I was hoping for the same thing. It's been a while!

Looking forward. And can't wait to enjoy it! Must be very exciting and grand1

Of course you are. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Grand1 to you too.

[kdman]

I thought he did ok. He was up against Robben and did fairly well and I finally saw a decent cross coming from 1 of our FBs, that hasn't happened since the days of Serginho and Cafu

Bless you han. He might not have done excellently, but he was okay. His first real game and all.

[Danny]

Watched this match in the background - soon as it went to pens there was only one winner. German teams are pretty unbeatable on pens. Did feel sorry for poor Paloschi who made a mess of his kick.

[han2503]

Watched this match in the background - soon as it went to pens there was only one winner. German teams are pretty unbeatable on pens. Did feel sorry for poor Paloschi who made a mess of his kick.

I never understood why players choose to go for an elevated shot. Chances are that you'll blaze it

[Fillipo Simone]

I never understood why players choose to go for an elevated shot. Chances are that you'll blaze it

But if not, it's pretty much a sure goal. That's why.

[X-Offender]

Taiwo vs Robben

Not bad, not bad at all.

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

Taiwo vs Robben

Not bad, not bad at all.

thanks for that, strength seems to be his main asset however theres a real question mark about his positioning (please dont say hes another urby)

[Jack Bauer]

Abbiati; Zambrotta, T. Silva, Yepes, Antonini; Seedorf, Gattuso, Ambrosini; Robinho; Pato, Ibrahimovic.

Ibra scored after only 3 minutes from a nice Robinho assist.

[han2503]

Oh my, what is Rino doing?? Already nearly took 2 legs off and trying to flick the ball around (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[X-Offender]

I keep saying this, but Gattuso is soooooooo bad.

[CHU-LIP]

Oh my, what is Rino doing?? Already nearly took 2 legs off and trying to flick the ball around (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

He learned from Flamini.

[acid911]

10 minutes left to the first half, score stays at 1-1. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I so not want to finish 4th. Again.

[acid911]

He learned from Flamini.

Aye. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) Changing topics, I do love the atmosphere at the stadium. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Pretty much a full-house once again!

[han2503]

He learned from Flamini.

Oh please (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

I can't understand why you would defend him, he's clearly just not up to the task anymore, all him and Ambro have been doing is fouling people, they are 2 steps back behind the rest and it really shows.

Brining up Flamini to try and deflect is just low and unnecassary.

[CHU-LIP]

han, you are taking my post way too seriously. I'm not defending Gattuso here. It was a bad tackle obviously.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

wow, you're fast with your conclusions

If you actually read the last sentence it said I gave him the benefit of the doubt last season IF he got fit, so no, no I'm not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Come again?

I think it's known as reality, Cesc to us is not going to happen I'm 99.9% sure.

[samira]

gash! any link ?

[Milan Are Brilli...]

http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[CHU-LIP]

If you actually read the last sentence it said I gave him the benefit of the doubt last season IF he got fit, so no, no I'm not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I read your last sentence. What the hell with that? The whole team isn't fit yet.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

I read your last sentence. What the hell with that? The whole team isn't fit yet.

No, they are. They just aren't match fit, that's the main difference.

[CHU-LIP]

No, they are. They just aren't match fit, that's the main difference.

That's what I meant. I don't agree with Cassano not being fit like you suggest.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

That's what I meant. I don't agree with Cassano not being fit like you suggest.

He was yards off the pace last night, I'm not talking a bit slow he was awful, and I'm not putting it just down to his miss. He got pushed off the ball so easily, he couldn't keep up with the game etc. I saw all of this last season too that's why I'm coming down on him harsh now.

He used to come on for 10 minutes and look knackered, it seems not much has changed.

[han2503]

han, you are taking my post way too seriously. I'm not defending Gattuso here. It was a bad tackle obviously.

I don't think so since it's always the same thing with you. Yes it's obviously bad so why bring Flamini into this? The fact that we'll probably see Rino more then Flamini next season due to seniority just makes this that much more ridiculous.

I think people are being a bit harsh on Cassano, we're just a few weeks into pre-season, give him time to get back into his stride, as for his general physique, we're not going to see a svelte Cassano anytime soon, but as long as he contributes I don't care how he looks

[CHU-LIP]

I don't think so since it's always the same thing with you. Yes it's obviously bad so why bring Flamini into this?

Because Flamini is known for two legged tackles.

Get the joke, han.

[X-Offender]

We really don't know how to kick them penalties.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Not one penalty (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Things can only get better

[kurtsimonw]

Embarassing.

Should have finishd it in 90 minutes bit ametuer finishing cost us. Couldn't do any better from penalties. It's only a friendly, but that's annoyingly pathetic.

[Jack Bauer]

We did a 'Brazil'. Missed all 4 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[CHU-LIP]

All penalty kicks saved by their GK went to left-middle.. Pato should have known better