[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

[Jack Sparrow]

^^^
There are benefits to getting Zambrotta and R20.

But in Zambrotta's case, there are next to no drawbacks. Unless you consider having to loan Grimi for one more season a drawback. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

R20 comes with a lot of excess baggage, that we might or might not be able to handle. The only advantage that R20 has over Zambrotta is that he could pay his own wages, with his merchandise.

With Zambrotta, we could even play a genuine 4-4-2, instead of having Brocchi as a winger.

I don't agree with calling Napoli a third rate team. They did beat Juve 3-1. And if you saw the match, it was no fluke. They're the proverbial case of 'size of the fight in the dog and not the size of the dog in the fight'. A good team, who at the moment I would rate higher than Lazio. But that match was not important for it's opponents. We are playing a new system for the first time...a genuine 4-3-3, not that cr@p with Seedorf as forward. A formation, not even used in friendlies before. So that was the test, not how good Napoli are. My only glitch, is Napoli played right into our hands with their open game. I'd have preferred them to play a bit more constipated, see how we deal with it.

As for the fresh approach, we are left with no choice. For instance Paolo leaves, and you simply have NO option, but to get a new first rate for his place. Fans might tolerate getting an Oliveira for Sheva for the time being, but trying to get someone second rate for Maldini would be bloody murder.

I think there's stuff happening, in the primavera too. We have some decent defenders in there....(don't forget a whole lot of them are on loan in Serie A), Paloschi looks promising. And our striking line, is pretty ok at present. Maybe in 2 years when Pippo and R99 are done, but we can't buy top quality strikers to use 2 years down the line.

What does worry me though is the huge hole in mid-field.

Yes, I know I wear my Pirlo's b!tch badge on my sleeve, but if you think about it, our gameplay is so revolving around him. 60% of our plays come through Andy. With the rest being Seedorf and Kaka. In my mind, that is a scary thought, especially when we don't have a plan B.

So I'd say if we are looking to rebuild, we should start by taking a look at the mid-field for the future. Hinging everything on Yoann, as much as I like him, is a bit risky.

But I'm not worried. I have no doubts, that the Milan new generation is on it's way.

It would mostly revolve around Pa-Ka, Andy,Rino and Nesta.

This post has been edited by Jack Sparrow: Jan 17 2008, 05:03 AM