[I_Rossoneri]

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has announced that Gianluca Zambrotta will move in June, but left Ronaldinho to Chelsea.

“I definitely think Zambrotta will be joining us in June. He would love to come here and it shouldn’t be too difficult to reach an agreement with Barcelona,” he told Sky Italia television.

The Rossoneri had already been heavily linked with World Cup winner Zambrotta in 2006 and again last summer, but it seems as if the transfer will finally be completed before Euro 2008.

Former Juventus man Zambrotta is a key figure for Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, as he can play as a full-back on either flank or in a more advanced position.

Milan gave Alexandre Pato his Serie A debut in Sunday evening’s 5-2 victory over Napoli, where he played alongside fellow Brazilians Kaka and Ronaldo.

Berlusconi has always maintained his prime target on the transfer market is Ronaldinho, but there are reports from Spain that he is very close to Chelsea.

“In all honesty, I am not disappointed by this news,” insisted Berlusconi. “We never said we’d do anything for him.

“I believe a great champion can always find space in a squad, but with the stars we have now that could create some difficult situations in the locker room. He is not going through a good period of form and is even disappointing the Barca fans.

“Besides, we have Yoann Gourcuff who is like a new player and he’ll certainly have more space in the future.”

The patron was overjoyed at seeing the ‘Trio delle meraviglie’ of Kaka-Ronaldo-Pato together lighting up San Siro.

“We were waiting for this evening. Aside from Pato we also got the return of Ronaldo, who remains an extraordinary player who still has many years ahead of him.

“We wanted to create this Brazilian super trio and for the first time that dream came true before our very eyes. The result also proved it is a good system.

“In 20 years we have become the most successful club side of all time with 18 international trophies. I pledge to the fans we can continue that success for the next 20 years.”


Channel 4

[jbryant1]

Zambrotta is Italian and a hell of a full back.

Ronaldinho would be too expensive but would lead to big profits and further prestige for the club pulling him. If he could rediscover his form we would be top in Serie A again.

Overall I feel happy that we have Pato and Ronaldo in there. The key is whether Ronaldo can stay healthy. This hasn't happened in 4 years. Napoli is a 3rd rate team that any good club can brush aside. In the end the true test will come in the Champions League and the big clubs of Serie A.

In the next year or so without a fresh approach to this Milan team I see further deterioration. We have Pato and Kaka and thats it. The rest of our stars are breaking 30 and losing ground. I see Fiorentina, Roma, and Juventus maturing, and Inter maintaining their dominance with aggressive action to bring in the reinforcements.

Overall I see no real reason why Bertlusconi should be so optimistic. You can't brag when you hold the Club World Cup and are in 12th place in your domestic league and your second string can't even give Catania a run for their money.