[Fillipo Simone]

This is a must win match. I see no possible problems for us,..

[dst]

Ancelotti's Ronaldo apology
Saturday 15 September, 2007

Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Ronaldo and insists Milan are looking to win at Siena this afternoon despite leaving behind several top stars.

The Ronaldo saga has undoubtedly dominated the last week at Milanello, as he is now back in Italy after a trip to Brazil for a second opinion on his injury from Selecao medic Jose Luiz Runco.

“Ronnie is recovering and he looks relaxed, but I will not make predictions over the date of his return. There has already been far too much confusion,” warned the Coach.

“Perhaps our evaluation of his injury was mistaken and we are sorry. He wants to play and will play. It was a slower recovery process than expected, but there is nothing more to it.”

“There will be a few players missing, but this is tied to their international commitments and the long journeys they had to make,” assured Ancelotti after excluding Kaka, Massimo Oddo, Andrea Pirlo and Ronaldo from this trip.

“On Tuesday we will have another important game against Benfica, so in these cases it is best not to run the risk. Oddo has a calf problem and that is why he was not called up.”

Just three weeks into the campaign, Ancelotti already has to face the tricky balancing act of Scudetto challengers and Champions League holders.

“This is a big game for us, as after a long time we have the opportunity to return to the top of the Serie A table, even if for only a few hours, and that is a great motivational tool.

“Andrea Mandorlini’s Siena are vivacious and they played well against Roma. They have a good tempo and are particularly pacy, although they do lack something in terms of maturity.”

Pippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino are the only real choices left upfront, but Ancelotti is not concerned.

“We are not scared by problems in attack, as we do not think that we have any. Gila and Inzaghi are reliable and we have other options, as we can move the Trequartisti in a more advanced role. Kaka won’t be there, but that is not a problem. This is our chance to show we have other strengths.”

Midfield maestro Pirlo is also absent, so former Juventus, Roma and Real Madrid man Emerson has his first start for the Rossoneri.

“With Andrea we have greater ease in the cross-field pass and spreading the play. With Emerson we can have more protection in front of the defence. The Brazilian will play from the first minute and has already settled in well to the squad.”


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Grimi hopes Milan regret him
Saturday 15 September, 2007

Today Leandro Grimi will get the chance to impress Milan – the club that owns his contract – when they come to Siena.

“It is a little strange for me to face Milan, but I am with Siena now and want to win this match,” said the 22-year-old on-loan defender.

“They are a strong side, but we will have to play everyone over the course of the season, so it is better to take on the top sides at the start rather than near the end. The big clubs’ fitness preparation is more of a long-term plan, so they take time to get into gear.”

The Rossoneri are without Ronaldo, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Oddo, so does Grimi think this will make his life easier?

“Milan have many top players upfront, like Alberto Gilardino and Pippo Inzaghi,” assured the Argentine.

He only made three Serie A appearances throughout last season with the club, but has already had two starts for Siena.

“The Coach has put faith in me and that is very important. I had not played two games on the trot in a long time and hope we can win this match.”

Siena are struggling badly, though, with two consecutive defeats in which they scored one goal and conceded five.

“We deserved more from the Roma match, as when we were 1-0 down we could have equalised with quite a few chances. We lost, but the fact we played good football gives everyone extra confidence,” he told the official club website.

“We knew it was going to be tough and started the season with an uphill struggle, but there is time to turn it around and improve many little things.”


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This post has been edited by dst: Sep 15 2007, 03:29 AM