[han2503]

Not the best game to start our season with and to add to that it will be a mere few days before the Barca match. But we'll need to do the most professional job we can to get those 3 points

[Danny]

Do we know who will be available for us. Well, who's fit now?

[I_Rossoneri]

I'd sooner a test like this before Barca rather than a Cesena or someone like that. Hopefully we can start with a win to get our season off to a good start.

[X-Offender]

Do we know who will be available for us. Well, who's fit now?

Only Mexes, Taiwo and Flamini shouldn't be available, I think.

[han2503]

Only Mexes, Taiwo and Flamini shouldn't be available, I think.

Do you know if Taiwo will be available for the Barca game? About a week ago it was reported that he might be ready for it... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[X-Offender]

Do you know if Taiwo will be available for the Barca game? About a week ago it was reported that he might be ready for it... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I don't know. His agent said he might recover in time, but we'll have to wait and see.

[nuh]

we should play with a abbiati,abate,nesta,silva,zambro,vb,kpb,seedorf,aquilani,ibra,pato
btw i heard robinho got hurt in training with brazil, do any of u know how serious it is? if its not play robinho
we should give seedorf a go so he could warm up for the barca game

This post has been edited by nuh: Sep 3 2011, 06:33 PM

[han2503]

The starting 11 that plays against Lazio should be the one that starts against Barca. These players need to get into the swing of things to get into the intensity of a match. Barca have had more official matches then us, so they'll be more in-tune then they already usually are. So we need the 11 on the pitch to be as ready as they can be.

The attack and defence are pretty obvious choices. The midfield is more of a question mark, I can easily see Allegri picking Ambro over Aquilani in the midfield 3. Boateng will play behind the strikers no matter what because allegri whole heartedly believes in that system

[X-Offender]

The most optimal choices in midfield would be Van Bommel, Aquilani, Nocerino and Boateng. If we play against Barcelona with three midfielders over 33 i.e. Van Bommel, Ambrosini and Seedorf, we'll be screwed.

[milanbuf88]

The most optimal choices in midfield would be Van Bommel, Aquilani, Nocerino and Boateng. If we play against Barcelona with three midfielders over 33 i.e. Van Bommel, Ambrosini and Seedorf, we'll be screwed.

I agree but my one worry is that Aquilani and Nocerino haven't had enough time to gel with the team. I'd still prefer they get the starts so that gelling process can begin but I'm not sure Max will see it the same way.

[han2503]

Seedorf will play, I'm 100% sure of this.

My only Allegri question mark is whether he'll play Ambro on the right, or move Boateng back there and play Aquilani behind the strikers

[CHU-LIP]

I think our midfield will exist of Boateng as our AM, with Seedorf, Van Bommel and Gattuso to complete midfield.

[RinoIlCapitano]

I know that is not gona happen but i would play with VB as DM, with AA as regista and KPB as box2box with robinho in front of them and ofc Pato Ibra in front, i think that this team can hurth any team in the world! My only question is if AA can do the job we all expect from him ??

This post has been edited by RinoIlCapitano: Sep 4 2011, 12:45 PM

[nuh]

i think seedorf is a must for barca

[han2503]

I think our midfield will exist of Boateng as our AM, with Seedorf, Van Bommel and Gattuso to complete midfield.

That will give us a good smacking against Barca imo. And as I said above, the 11 starting against Lazio should be the ones starting against Barca. Our players have had very little competitive matches, the Lazio game will be crucial in the preperations for that game.

So Rino should definately be out. Nocerino should be given the nod, even though I have a huge inkling that Ambro will be chosen for the right (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

Allgeri will most likely go for this midfield

Ambro--VB--Seedorf
Boateng

We'll most likely get crushed and I don't have any hope of him learning from his mistakes as he'll probably just replace Ambro with Rino for the return (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This is why I don't have much hope for the CL, Allegri just does not cut it there, his close minded tactics will once again prove to be our downfall.

[RinoIlCapitano]

That will give us a good smacking against Barca imo. And as I said above, the 11 starting against Lazio should be the ones starting against Barca. Our players have had very little competitive matches, the Lazio game will be crucial in the preperations for that game.

So Rino should definately be out. Nocerino should be given the nod, even though I have a huge inkling that Ambro will be chosen for the right (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

Allgeri will most likely go for this midfield

Ambro--VB--Seedorf
Boateng

We'll most likely get crushed and I don't have any hope of him learning from his mistakes as he'll probably just replace Ambro with Rino for the return (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This is why I don't have much hope for the CL, Allegri just does not cut it there, his close minded tactics will once again prove to be our downfall.

I think i dont need to wright down what will barca do to us with that slow midfield, and nocerino, cmon, you serious??

[han2503]

I think i dont need to wright down what will barca do to us with that slow midfield, and nocerino, cmon, you serious??

As a heart attack my friend (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

It's not like I would choose that midfield, but who here would bet against Allegri not picking that 4 to start?

[X-Offender]

I think i dont need to wright down what will barca do to us with that slow midfield, and nocerino, cmon, you serious??

Are you serious? Nocerino is our best DM after Van Bommel. Forget about Boateng being deployed as a box-to-box midfielder. He's a trequartista in Allegri's eyes, especially since we didn't sign Ganso or Kaka' this summer. I believe Seedorf will be chosen over Aquilani, even though I'd prefer the latter. But anyways, I'm quite positive Allegri will go with the old line-up han posted, we'll get crushed by Barça, once again making fools out of ourselves. And that's simply because Allegri hasn't yet grasped the concept of modern football.

[Rossoneri7]

oh the headache

[Danny]

Confused as to why this one isn't on in the UK on ESPN.

[X-Offender]

Probable line-up according to Gazzetta and Mediaset.

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - T. Silva - Zambrotta
Gattuso - Ambrosini - Seedorf
Boateng
Pato - Ibrahimovic

That midfield... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[Dracoris]

Probable line-up according to Gazzetta and Mediaset.

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - T. Silva - Zambrotta
Gattuso - Ambrosini - Seedorf
Boateng
Pato - Ibrahimovic

That midfield... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Makes me puke. Aquilani or Nocerino for Gattuso and I could live with it.

[Jack Bauer]

Nocerino will begin training with the team on around Wednesday for the first time. You can't expect him to start on Friday, it's not football manager.

This post has been edited by Jack Bauer: Sep 5 2011, 04:04 PM

[CHU-LIP]

Makes me puke. Aquilani or Nocerino for Gattuso and I could live with it.

Seedorf is preforming very well for a long time now. He should play, and unlike Van Bommel didn't play for NT, so he can easily play both vs Lazio and vs Barça. Nocerino arrived just recently, so it's expected Gattuso will start over him, at least for this match.

[Dracoris]

I did say Aquilani OR Nocerino. Doubt having Aqui in there over Gattuso could actually hurt the team despite playing two offensive mids

Sneijder played against us the same day he arrived from Real, and killed it.

This post has been edited by Dracoris: Sep 5 2011, 04:23 PM

[han2503]

Probable line-up according to Gazzetta and Mediaset.

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - T. Silva - Zambrotta
Gattuso - Ambrosini - Seedorf
Boateng
Pato - Ibrahimovic

That midfield... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ chu, there are other options, Ambro and Rino are not the be all and end all of this team. Far from it.

We could easily go for a Boateng--Ambro--Seedorf midfield with Cassano or Aquilani behind the strikers.

Rino and Ambro togther in that midfield along with a slow Seedorf will be a problem for us.

[X-Offender]

Playing Barça so early is really a blow for us. If we'd played them in the 3rd and 4th matchdays, the new arrivals would have had all the time necessary to gel with the rest of the team, Taiwo and Mexes would have fully recovered, and Gattuso would have been unavailable for both games. So unlucky...

[Fillipo Simone]

Nocerino is our best DM after Van Bommel.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) makes you sound like he's been playing for Milan for a while. As pathetic as it sounds, our best DM is van Bommel followed by Ambrosini. If Nocerino proves himself, which I think he will, then he can be considered second best.

[X-Offender]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) makes you sound like he's been playing for Milan for a while. As pathetic as it sounds, our best DM is van Bommel followed by Ambrosini. If Nocerino proves himself, which I think he will, then he can be considered second best.

Haha, that's true. But I've seen Nocerino many times in the past few seasons, the guy surely has improved a lot since Juventus dumped him. I think he will become a great asset to depend on.

[han2503]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) makes you sound like he's been playing for Milan for a while. As pathetic as it sounds, our best DM is van Bommel followed by Ambrosini. If Nocerino proves himself, which I think he will, then he can be considered second best.

Have you seen Ambro playing this pre-season?

His only solution seems to be to hack down players. He's still better then Rino these days, but even without watching Nocerino playing for us, I'm pretty sure that he's behind VB on the scale.

[Fillipo Simone]

Have you seen Ambro playing this pre-season?

Well, aren't you always telling that pre-season matches don't mean much?

[X-Offender]

Either way, Ambro should only be used as Van Bommel's sub, just like Gattuso should only be used as Nocerino's sub.

[han2503]

Well, aren't you always telling that pre-season matches don't mean much?

Sure, but him hacking down players without a thought has nothing to do with match fitness or the lack-there-of at that point.

But we'll see hopefully neither him nor Rino have much time on the pitch this season

[Fillipo Simone]

Sure, but him hacking down players without a thought has nothing to do with match fitness or the lack-there-of at that point.

But we'll see hopefully neither him nor Rino have much time on the pitch this season

One name: Flamini.

You criticize Ambro for what's been Flam's trademark so far. But yes, X-O's right; Nocerino should start, along with Aquilani, Boateng/Seedorf and VB.

[han2503]

One name: Flamini.

You criticize Ambro for what's been Flam's trademark so far. But yes, X-O's right; Nocerino should start, along with Aquilani, Boateng/Seedorf and VB.

Yes Flamini is reckless, I never said anything to contradict that. But it's not as bad as I've seen with Ambro lately, where he can't catch up so he simply goes through the player.

Flamini usually does it in spurts where he's having a really good game and suddenly for no apparent reason decides to throw in a few crunching tackles

[Fillipo Simone]

Naah, Ambro is simply better. It may be just a pre-season unfitness. But we'll see soon enough.

[X-Offender]

Honestly, I don't remember Ambro being so reckless and hacking people down.

[Fillipo Simone]

Han's a fan, he knows better for sure (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[il_diavolo_mtl]

Have you seen Ambro playing this pre-season?

His only solution seems to be to hack down players. He's still better then Rino these days, but even without watching Nocerino playing for us, I'm pretty sure that he's behind VB on the scale.

Amen brother,
Some people chose to look only at players' careers like that means they won't get severely outclassed on matchday.
Nocerino IS our second best DM without a doubt, that isn't a complement to someone who probably doesn't know what number he's wearing yet, just an observation of the people competing for his minutes.

Nocerino > Ambro + Rino
It is what it is...

[il_diavolo_mtl]

Naah, Ambro is simply better.

(IMG:http://images.memegenerator.net/instances/500x/7864646.jpg)

[X-Offender]

I think Ambro has, is and will always be better than Flamini. However, at 34, I would like to see him only played as anchor, the position Van Bommel currently occupies. He doesn't have what it takes anymore to be used as box-to-box mid. That's why I said he should only be used as Van Bommel's substitute.

[han2503]

Naah, Ambro is simply better. It may be just a pre-season unfitness. But we'll see soon enough.

Better then Flamini? Maybe 5 years ago, but definately not now, no matter how many fouls Flamini commits.

Ambro atm, is better then Rino, yes, but really. Does that say a lot at this point when Rino is dropping to the Bonera, Oddo list of our worst players?

Imo, both should have retired last season as winners.

Honestly, I don't remember Ambro being so reckless and hacking people down.

There were 2 friendlies where I clearly remember even his biggest backers saying, "OMG, get him off!! What is he doing!!!?"

I'll go through the pre-season match thread to see which friendlies they were

Han's a fan, he knows better for sure (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

You know it!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I think Ambro has, is and will always be better than Flamini. However, at 34, I would like to see him only played as anchor, the position Van Bommel currently occupies. He doesn't have what it takes anymore to be used as box-to-box mid. That's why I said he should only be used as Van Bommel's substitute.

Not currently, and imo they're completely different players, I'd catagorize Flamini as a Rino type DM more then Ambro. They really have nothing to do with each other as Ambro should only play the holding role when VB is injured or rested while Flamini should contest for the right side with Nocerino and Rino

And did he ever really have what it takes to play as box-to-box? I remember the head slap moments he used to have when he played that under Carlo (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

And did he ever really have what it takes to play as box-to-box? I remember the head slap moments he used to have when he played that under Carlo rolleyes.gif

He did. You're being biased here, because when Flamini makes a mistake you tend to look the other way and put it under the carpet, while at the same time bringing up things that Ambro did once years ago. Nowadays, yes, as X-O said, Ambro isn't that good any more, but years ago, he was undesputable IMO.

[Fillipo Simone]

(IMG:http://images.memegenerator.net/instances/500x/7864646.jpg)

What's you problem pal?

Amen brother,
Some people chose to look only at players' careers like that means they won't get severely outclassed on matchday.
Nocerino IS our second best DM without a doubt, that isn't a complement to someone who probably doesn't know what number he's wearing yet, just an observation of the people competing for his minutes.

Nocerino > Ambro + Rino
It is what it is...

Your logic has flaws comparable to a tasty swiss cheese. Yes, past records, achievements and career stats, even past highs aren't important or the crucial indicator. But age sure isn't as well the crucial indicator. Because how can you rate Nocerino whe he didn't even play for Milan yet? Don't tell me every Italian or Palermo midfieder avaible is better then Ambrosini, because this simply isn't true. We must test Nocerino first. Your own opinion on Nocerino is as based on history and past achievements, as you criticized mine regarding to Ambro. Think about it.

[han2503]

He did. You're being biased here, because when Flamini makes a mistake you tend to look the other way and put it under the carpet, while at the same time bringing up things that Ambro did once years ago. Nowadays, yes, as X-O said, Ambro isn't that good any more, but years ago, he was undesputable IMO.

Come on man, Ambro wasn't even a starter for the majority of Carlo's reign. And when I talk about that, I mean Carlo's best years, when we had arguably the best team in Europe. Ambro was a rotation player. I never said he was bad or anything of the sort, but he wasn't even our best DM during his peak years.

Ambro imo, had his best moments under Leo when he was allowed to play in his actual position, but then he got burned out because our squad was paper thin and was played basically every 3 days and he never really recovered that form last season, especially after VB came along and made the position his own.

But come on Ambro is no box-to-box, have we forgotten him trying to bomb forward from the left and then getting stuck so he either shoots the ball at the stands or crosses to the other side of the pitch.

As for Flamini, I know what his flaws are, and he's by no means a favourite of mine, I just think he gets slagged a lot here, and it's mostly down to the money he earns, so I feel compelled to defend him. It's not like I'm going to cry if he leaves next season, I just think he'd be a good squad player to keep at a much lower wage of course. Certainly better then giving either Rino or Ambro another extension

[Fillipo Simone]

But come on Ambro is no box-to-box, have we forgotten him trying to bomb forward from the left and then getting stuck so he either shoots the ball at the stands or crosses to the other side of the pitch.

Haha, you are right, but look:

But come on Flamini is no box-to-box, have we forgotten him trying to bomb forward from the left and then getting stuck so he either shoots the ball at the stands or crosses to the other side of the pitch.

You see? I think it suits perfectly as well. Or do you wanna tell me Flamini's shot and cross are deadlier?

As for Flamini, I know what his flaws are, and he's by no means a favourite of mine, I just think he gets slagged a lot here, and it's mostly down to the money he earns, so I feel compelled to defend him. It's not like I'm going to cry if he leaves next season, I just think he'd be a good squad player to keep at a much lower wage of course. Certainly better then giving either Rino or Ambro another extension

Honestly, I don't think it's because of the payrolls. Why should we care so much, it isn't our money? It's you and me and a few others that know how much he earns. But many people dislike him pecause of his poor footballing skills, his inconisistency and his limitations. He simply put isn't up to it; Ambro at his best tops Flamini without any question.

[han2503]

Haha, you are right, but look:


You see? I think it suits perfectly as well. Or do you wanna tell me Flamini's shot and cross are deadlier?

Nope, but I never said otherwise. Neither one of them should be doing such a task imo. They're DMs, win the ball, pass it to someone who can actually do something with it. That's the policy they should live by. Rino imo used to do this perfectly and imo what made him and Pirlo so great for both us and the NT.

Honestly, I don't think it's because of the payrolls. Why should we care so much, it isn't our money? It's you and me and a few others that know how much he earns. But many people dislike him pecause of his poor footballing skills, his inconisistency and his limitations. He simply put isn't up to it; Ambro at his best tops Flamini without any question.

Most are aware of what he earns because it was widely reported that we gave him a huge contract due to the interest from a lot of other clubs. And I think most are put off by it because the club usually makes a big deal of the money issue. So player like Flamini, Rino, Ambro, Dida back in the day; these players are all making huge income and yet offer very little to the club. Dida for example was on something like 4m for his last 5 years where he spent at least 2 full seasons of those on the bench. I think this irks most fans. They know we're not Man City or Real, we can't afford to pay these kinds of players such big wages because everyone knows that it will jeopardize a potential signing of a new and better player.

So for me, Flamini should have had his contract reviewed at least 2 seasons ago, offer him a longer deal bvut for much less, and come this summer that is what should be done, if he doesn't accept it, then good luck to him but don't let the door hit you on the way out

[Fillipo Simone]

Naah, I can't agree with you on that. Maybe the contract thing rings in their background, but I really think people don't rate his footballing skills. Dida, Ambro and some others at least had one or two great seasons with us, but this guy never showed anything remotely special.

[han2503]

Naah, I can't agree with you on that. Maybe the contract thing rings in their background, but I really think people don't rate his footballing skills. Dida, Ambro and some others at least had one or two great seasons with us, but this guy never showed anything remotely special.

A player shoul only be rewarded for those years though. Dida was given a long extension when he'd already started to make blunder after blunder.

Ambro has always been a loyal servant to this club and whatever he earned before was deserved, but atm, he shouldn't earn anymore then 2m. For now, no one knows exactly how much he got in his new deal. But I'm inklined to believe that it's around 3, and imo, given the current financial situation, we shouldn't be giving rotation players, no matter their history, that kind of money.

As for Flamini, most fans I know still rate him above the current Rino or Ambro, no matter how limited his footballing skills are, they just get peeved that he's earning the kind of money he is, especially when the club cheaps out of offering a good sum for players like Montolivo this summer.

[X-Offender]

Naah, I can't agree with you on that. Maybe the contract thing rings in their background, but I really think people don't rate his footballing skills. Dida, Ambro and some others at least had one or two great seasons with us, but this guy never showed anything remotely special.

That's true. However, I must say that last season he was quite good. Definitely his best season since he joined us.

Ambro has always been a loyal servant to this club and whatever he earned before was deserved, but atm, he shouldn't earn anymore then 2m. For now, no one knows exactly how much he got in his new deal. But I'm inklined to believe that it's around 3, and imo, given the current financial situation, we shouldn't be giving rotation players, no matter their history, that kind of money.

Nah, I don't think it's higher than €2 million.

This post has been edited by X-Offender: Sep 6 2011, 05:46 PM

[KillerMax]

tasty Swiss cheese have flaws? DAMN IT!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/angry.gif)

[han2503]

That's true. However, I must say that last season he was quite good. Definitely his best season since he joined us.



Nah, I don't think it's higher than €2 million.

We'll see, Rino is on 3m so....

[CrazyMilanFan]

the game is on bet365 schedule along with other seire A games (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[d'Arc.LP]

AC Milan have scored in their first league game of the season in every campaign since 1986/87, when they lost 1-0 to Ascoli.

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

It ll be intresting to see what frame of mind the squad is psychologically after this game. If Milan win, no doubt its a great way to start the season and it ll raise confidence but that could easily turn into 'sluggishness' at the nou camp. I hope we win this game but play with real urgency in the nou camp (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[arivanjj]

AC Milan have scored in their first league game of the season in every campaign since 1986/87, when they lost 1-0 to Ascoli.

that is a very interesting stat (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Hmm...Milan have never beaten Lazio with Ibra in the team.

I think this will be a draw or a loss.

[d'Arc.LP]

AC Milan are unbeaten in the last 26 league games vs Lazio; the Biancocelesti’s last win came back in 1998 (2-1).

[Jack Sparrow]

F@Ck you....try and be a little pessimistic for a change! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)




(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Naah, this is a much much more competitive Lazio. It won't be that easy.

[Jack Sparrow]

^^

Thank you! At last some proper perspective. We're f@cked people!! Wake up! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[d'Arc.LP]

I don't see us not winning this one. Lazio is stronger now, but Allegri is not that kind of managers who could slip in first round.

[CrazyMilanFan]

I don't see us not winning this one. Lazio is stronger now, but Allegri is not that kind of managers who could slip in first round.

i hope u didnt curse anything (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[arivanjj]

Lazio started very well last season and they have more reason to start better this season. No doubt they will come into this game aiming to win.

[d'Arc.LP]

Here’s what coach Massimiliano Allegri had to say on the eve of Milan-Lazio.

MILANELLO – In the press room today here’s what the coach told the gathered journalists: We just have to focus on tomorrow’s game. From Saturday on, we can think of Barcelona. Tomorrow’s game will be tough as it’s the opening game and we haven’t played for a while. The difficult thing will be to have the right mental approach. Luckily some of our players were away with their national sides and this is a good thing. Tomorrow will be a tough game and a very important one. We’ll have to play it as best we can mentally and physically. I believe that when you start your preparations, there are certain dates that you work on. It would have been easier to start with Cagliari bacause that was what we worked on. But you have to adapt and we’re ready. Lazio will be fighting for the title, there a strong side and like us they’ve been playing together for a year. Klose and Cisse will bring something new to the team. They’ll come here tomorrow and I expect an open game. I don’t think they’ll play mainly in their own half as they did last season and so I expect a good game. Milan? The club has bought in important players where they were needed. Mexes will be ready to play soon. Taiwo is doing well, El Shaarawy has talent and then there are also Aquilani and Nocerino. I’m happy with the signings, especially in these economically difficult times when the president could easily have thought about selling some big players. Instead, he brought players in and this is important. Tomorrow’s game is the most important game from here to December. Even if it’s the first game, it’ll condition our games against Barcelona and Napoli. We’re favorites on paper, there’s no getting around that. But on paper is one thing and on the pitch is another. The team is more motivated than last year. The players want to show that everything that happened last year was down to hard work and a desire to win. Aquilani and Nocerino are both available and one of them could play from the start. Nocerino comes from a team that plays in a certain way so putting him in the team will be easy.


Still Allegri: The game against Spain was good for Cassano’s morale. Everyone comes to training here to prove themselves every day. I’m happy that he’s in good shape. Inzaghi? I talked to him again the day after he was left out of the team list and I repeated what I had told him over the phone. I was more dissapointed than anyone but I had to make certain valutations and I believe the choices I make are for the good of the team. His place in the history of the club is assured and I’m sure that come Janury he’ll have his chance to get back on the Champions League list. Robinho? He’s had a setback and didn’t join up with the national side. I’ll make my decision this evening but I don’t think he’ll be available tomorrow. After Lazio we’ll have an extra day to think about Barcelona. The club? They’ve worked well by bringing in two internationals. El Shaarawy will be on the bench Tomorrow, he’s still learning and I’m very happy with him. Ibra will play. Aquilani? He and Pirlo have different characteristics. Pirlo was 10 years at Milan and he won a lot. Aquilani just got here and wants to show that he’s a Milan level player. The formation? Two or three players will change between tomorrow and Barcelona. Antonini and Zambrotta are doubtful. I’ll have to decide on Zambrotta’s knee later and Antonini pulled up in training the other day. The team has worked well up until today, we’ll have to be ready mentally tomorrow. It won’t be easy but we’ll have to do it. It’s a really important game for the rest of the championship. I’m underlining this because we haven’t played for a while and also because there’s Barcelona coming up. Tomorrow there’s Lazio and that’s what we have to think about. We won’t fly to Spain until Monday. If we don’t beat Lazio then that’ll be on our minds when we should be focusing on Barcelona.

[han2503]

I'm hoping that Barca isn't the only thing on their minds. I know it must be pre-occupying since that game is a only a mere few days away, but they will need to give their all against Lazio as well, they're not going to come to the San Siro and bend over for us.

Where they the only team last season to take points from us in both rounds?

Oh wait, there was Udine as well, but we had already won the league when we played them in the second round

[kurtsimonw]

I don't think we beat Roma either.

[han2503]

I don't think we beat Roma either.

Oh yeah, but the 2nd match we only needed a draw against them as well. So that factors into it. Both the Lazio games where very important for us but we couldn't break through

[Boban10]

Coach Massimiliano Allegri then picked the following squad to face Lazio:
Abbiati, Amelia, Roma, Abate, Antonini, Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Yepes, Ambrosini, Aquilani, Kevin Prince Boateng, Emanuelson, Gattuso, Nocerino, Van Bommel, Cassano, El Shaarawy, Ibrahimovic and Pato.

http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/show/135864

Looks pretty strong to me! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Excited to get underway tomorrow night, looking forward to it, and i believe we can win. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[han2503]

I really fear that we'll see a Rino, Ambro, Seedorf, Boateng midfield...

[d'Arc.LP]

I really fear that we'll see a Rino, Ambro, Seedorf, Boateng midfield...

Read his press conference interview. He said that either Aquilani or Nocerino will start.

[han2503]

Read his press conference interview. He said that either Aquilani or Nocerino will start.

He said that they could start (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Jack Bauer]

I really fear that we'll see a Rino, Ambro, Seedorf, Boateng midfield...

Am I the only one who noticed that Seedorf is not in the squad for this game? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Zambro and Robs are also out, all not 100% fit.

So we probably gonna see:

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - Silva - Antonini
Rino - Ambro - Aquilani
Boateng
Zlatan - Pato

Also, wouldn't surprise me if Cassano starts as he's in a better shape lately.

[William405]

Ambrosini instead of Van Bommel?

Otherwise,this is the formation I expect Allegri will play.

[Jack Bauer]

Van Bommel returned with some small problem after the international break and wasn't expected to be in the squad in the beginning. I think we gonna save him for Barca.

[Jack Sparrow]

Who is gonna be our left back?? :-/

[han2503]

Maybe VB will start and get subbed off if we're somehow winning by the 60th. I'm really not looking forward to seeing a Rino-Ambro combo...

@ Jack, I think we might see Bonera on the left since every LB we have is injured (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Great. Ok...and thus we shall begin our campaign on a not so good note!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Now it's funny, but in a few hours this place will be full of "****** Bonera" etc.

[han2503]

Now it's funny, but in a few hours this place will be full of "****** Bonera" etc.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) So true

Well this is mediaset's lineup

Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, T. Silva, Antonini; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Aquilani; K. P. Boateng; Cassano, Ibrahimovic

Still insisting on the Rino Ambro duo. Oh my. Allegri will obviously go with this... Why not push Boateng back and let Cassano play behind Ibra and Pato? His fixation with the 2DM system, especially 2 DMs that have been poorer then poor in the last few years, has gotten to the point of ridiculous

[CrazyMilanFan]

antonini defintely ahead of bonera (bonera at LB makes me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif) )... nocerino-ambro-aqualani/KPB (both can play behind stiker or at CM) ..

[CHU-LIP]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) So true

Well this is mediaset's lineup

Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, T. Silva, Antonini; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Aquilani; K. P. Boateng; Cassano, Ibrahimovic

Still insisting on the Rino Ambro duo. Oh my. Allegri will obviously go with this... Why not push Boateng back and let Cassano play behind Ibra and Pato? His fixation with the 2DM system, especially 2 DMs that have been poorer then poor in the last few years, has gotten to the point of ridiculous

What makes you think Cassano is a good fit at AM? Cassano plays excellent for both Milan and Azzurri as forward (along Rossi or a Milan striker like Ibrahimovic). Unlike players like Kevin-Prince, Cassano is not a midfielder and Cassano lacks the immense energy plus workrate Robinho has to make up for that. When exactly has Cassano played as AM behind two forwards anyway?

[han2503]

What makes you think Cassano is a good fit at AM? Cassano plays excellent for both Milan and Azzurri as forward (along Rossi or a Milan striker like Ibrahimovic). Unlike players like Kevin-Prince, Cassano is not a midfielder and Cassano lacks the immense energy plus workrate Robinho has to make up for that. When exactly has Cassano played as AM behind two forwards anyway?

He's more of a creative outlet then Boateng ever is. Cassano has played that position multiple times for the Azzuri in the past, Samp, etc. Also Boateng is not an AM, and I'd rather have Cassano who might not track back, then a ghost on that right side (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[CHU-LIP]

He's more of a creative outlet then Boateng ever is. Cassano has played that position multiple times for the Azzuri in the past, Samp, etc. Also Boateng is not an AM, and I'd rather have Cassano who might not track back, then a ghost on that right side (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I believe our AM tracking back is one of the key things in Allegri's formation. An AM should not only be just creative. With Aquilani we got creativity elsewhere in midfield, and in attack there's also creativity.

[Fillipo Simone]

But I don't think his creativity, Boatengs that is, will suffice. Long term speaking. And also, to me it's a complete nonsense. The AM has to track back because you have two invalid DM's fielded; that's Allegri's system. If it were two proper DM's, the AM would naturally be more free, but since it's Ambro and Rino together, yes, it's the Allegri system.

[CHU-LIP]

I don't think it's a matter of how many DMs and how good, but having four mids playing being an advantage.

[Jack Bauer]

Boateng as AM worked well for us last season, much better than Cassano/Robinho there. We won't play them there unless we have an injury crisis or are are behind during the match. Anyway, it will be less of an issue after Aquilani and Nocerino will settle in.

[han2503]

I believe our AM tracking back is one of the key things in Allegri's formation. An AM should not only be just creative. With Aquilani we got creativity elsewhere in midfield, and in attack there's also creativity.

We need Boateng working his @ss off because we've got an almost-man on the right, also note that things started going well for us, regardless of where Boateng played, when VB was brought in. Boateng has nothing to do with stability. Had we continued to play with Ambro and Rino there we wouldn't have done so well in the second part of the season. Boateng will still do a top notch job of covering the midfield from a deeper position, him playing behind the strikers is unnecassary, and imo, he does not provide the creative support that our strikers need.

But I don't think his creativity, Boatengs that is, will suffice. Long term speaking. And also, to me it's a complete nonsense. The AM has to track back because you have two invalid DM's fielded; that's Allegri's system. If it were two proper DM's, the AM would naturally be more free, but since it's Ambro and Rino together, yes, it's the Allegri system.

Completely agreed with you

I don't think it's a matter of how many DMs and how good, but having four mids playing being an advantage.

It's a huge issue. The right sided DM shouldn't be there, and Allegri tops it off by playing a combative player behind the strikers instead of a creative player. VB is more then enough, play Boateng in his natural position and a proper AM and we'll see some really good things this season, but Allegri seems dead set on it. In Serie A we might be able to bulldoze over some sides, mostly thanks to Zlatan. But in Europe we need more, we need too keep possesion, control the tempo, etc. And we won't be able to do this with Rino in that midfield and a player like Boateng supporting the strikers.

Imo, this is Allegri's real test, Serie A has gotten stronger after last season, and he has to do better then the humiliation of last season in Europe. I don't care about last season, that is done. Like Filippo says, this will be the season that determines whether he's a Zaccheroni or Ancelotti

Boateng as AM worked well for us last season, much better than Cassano/Robinho there. We won't play them there unless we have an injury crisis or are are behind during the match. Anyway, it will be less of an issue after Aquilani and Nocerino will settle in.

The most significant aspect of last season was VB, not where Boateng played. We were lucky to get out of jams such as the Chievo games thanks to individual brilliance from our strikers. Boateng does not provide the support our strikers should have. And playing Rino on the right is useless, especially when there is a much better player in Boateng who can play there and we have different options for the AM position.

Robinho, Cassano, Aquilani or Seedorf can all play that position and support Pato and Zlatan better, while Boateng is sill putting a lot of hard work from deeper

[CHU-LIP]

we need too keep possesion, control the tempo, etc.

That is exactly why 4 mids is better than 3 mids. So I don't get why you then prefer Cassano over Kevin.

[han2503]

That is exactly why 4 mids is better than 3 mids. So I don't get why you then prefer Cassano over Kevin.

Cassano is probably 1 of the top 5 passers in our team, and I don't specifcally prefer him, it could be Robinho or Aquilani there. I don't prefer them over Kevin, I prefer them over Rino. And that is the biggest issue in our midfield. Rino.

[kurtsimonw]

Only just realised the game's today. Any reason why it's a Friday game?

[CHU-LIP]

Cassano is probably 1 of the top 5 passers in our team, and I don't specifcally prefer him, it could be Robinho or Aquilani there. I don't prefer them over Kevin, I prefer them over Rino. And that is the biggest issue in our midfield. Rino.

You confuse a good passer with a good AM. If we play with Cassano at AM, we play with 3 fwd's, a 4-3-3 it will turn out to be on the pitch. It will make our midfield only weaker, and our midfield is already our weakest area.

at kurt: cuz of CL / Barça

This post has been edited by CHU-LIP: Sep 9 2011, 03:04 PM

[acid911]

Only just realised the game's today. Any reason why it's a Friday game?

Because we have a CL game (that too against one of the "giants" Barcelona) coming up on the 13th. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Simple!

[Jack Bauer]

The most significant aspect of last season was VB, not where Boateng played. We were lucky to get out of jams such as the Chievo games thanks to individual brilliance from our strikers. Boateng does not provide the support our strikers should have. And playing Rino on the right is useless, especially when there is a much better player in Boateng who can play there and we have different options for the AM position.

Robinho, Cassano, Aquilani or Seedorf can all play that position and support Pato and Zlatan better, while Boateng is sill putting a lot of hard work from deeper

We started playing with Boateng as AM before VB arrived and it worked better than Robingo there. The 4-3-3 wasn't a good fit at the beginning of last season. Aquilani and Seedorf are better in the left side.

I don't mind playing Boateng on the right but we gotta get a real AM first. Now that we have aslo Nocerino, I think Allegri will player either him or Rino at the right almost all the time. He won't bench both of them for Boateng and go back to Cassano/Robinho as AM. Next season it might be different if Rino leaves and a real AM arrives.

I'm curious to see how we would play with Nocerino in the lene up. He should push Rino out of the starting 11.

This post has been edited by Jack Bauer: Sep 9 2011, 03:20 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Because we have a CL game (that too against one of the "giants" Barcelona) coming up on the 13th. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Simple!

Surprising. I could see them pushing it to a Saturday, but Friday seems a bit much. Let's hope it works..


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[acid911]

Surprising. I could see them pushing it to a Saturday, but Friday seems a bit much. Let's hope it works..

Yeah, well I couldn't have asked for a much tougher opening schedule, really. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Lazio, Barcelona and then Napoli, holy mamma of all things good in this world. We can potentially lose all three matches.

[Fillipo Simone]

Well, few Serie A matches used to be played Friday evenings, a long time ago (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[han2503]

You confuse a good passer with a good AM. If we play with Cassano at AM, we play with 3 fwd's, a 4-3-3 it will turn out to be on the pitch. It will make our midfield only weaker, and our midfield is already our weakest area.

We weren't comparing an AM to a good passer, we were talking about keeping posession, and to do that you need someone who will know what to do with the ball once he gets it. Boateng is not the smartest midfielder we have, sure he does well at making the insertions, but he can do that from a deeper spot.

The main point was possession, and having a midfield containing all 3 of VB, Rino and Boateng won't help that.

Like I said, the AM could be anyone from Cassano, Aqui or Robinho. It really doesn't matter to me. Our right side is basically being wasted by playing that runner. And we'll see the true result of this not this weekend, or even in Serie A, but in the CL, and that could be as soon as next Tuesday when we face Barca. That could be one loooooooooooooooooooong @ss night

We started playing with Boateng as AM before VB arrived and it worked better than Robingo there. The 4-3-3 wasn't a good fit at the beginning of last season. Aquilani and Seedorf are better in the left side.

I don't mind playing Boateng on the right but we gotta get a real AM first. Now that we have aslo Nocerino, I think Allegri will player either him or Rino at the right almost all the time. He won't bench both of them for Boateng and go back to Cassano/Robinho as AM. Next season it might be different if Rino leaves and a real AM arrives.

I'm curious to see how we would play with Nocerino in the lene up. He should push Rino out of the starting 11.

We were doing badly at the beginning of the season because Allegri had to somehow fit in all of Seedorf, Pirlo, Dinho, Zlatan and Pato into a starting 11 and then make room for Robs as well. Boateng only started playing there around the xmas break IIRC, maybe a couple of weeks before that.

My point is that we really started to find our true identity on the pitch once we had VB. Because we didn't have to depend on a useless Rino running aimlessly or Ambro anymore. He brought stability to the midfield and covered the defence amazingly well. Boateng could have still done all that he did from where Rino played and helped out the midfield 3 more then Rino ever did.

Yes we don't have a pure AM, and that should have been addressed this summer, I agree. But Aquilani played that position, Cassano as well, Seedorf also, and then there is Robinho. All of these 4 would support the 2 upfront better imo. Boateng does not provide the incisive pass to the strikers and that's why we sometimes struggle. Have you watched Cassano for Italy lately? He's amazing at supporting the frontman, some of the balls he feeds Rossi or the runners from midfield are amazing.

Anyways, you have a point about Nocerino, the thing that mostly irritates me is having a shadow on the right, and we tend to get vulnerable on that side, which is ironic really considering that the right side should be our stronest since we play a pure creative player on the left...

[kdman]

All said and done, my problem is Allegri's fixation with playing Gattuso. fOr God's sake, even a basketball fan can see that Rino and Ambro is about the worst midfield pairing in Europe's top football. It is lethargic, dead and dull.

[han2503]

All said and done, my problem is Allegri's fixation with playing Gattuso. fOr God's sake, even a basketball fan can see that Rino and Ambro is about the worst midfield pairing in Europe's top football. It is lethargic, dead and dull.

Thank you!!