[Zed.D]

That wasn’t the only spectacular gesture, as Ibra also performed a sort of overhead kick in midfield to redirect a pass towards Sulley Muntari with his heel!

That was... artistic.

It's so easy to forget we actually beat them 1-0 earlier in the season.

Shows how badly we have messed up since. The fact that the victory is now wasted.

If we had lost against Inter but didn't mess up our easier games we would have undoubtedly been in the 1st now. it's just that everyone made a big deal out of our derby win. it was as important as our Siena win as far as the standings is concerned.

We have this problem of being OK in big games, but dreadful in less important games. that's why I've already lost my hope in the Scudetto. the majority of our league games are against smaller sides...

[TriniKing_CE]

Who Can Stop Inter? Milan Have! – Ancelotti
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti talked about the 1-0 victory against Catania, also discussing Kaká's position on the pitch and the Scudetto race with Inter.
Even though Kaká scored the winning goal for Milan against Catania today, coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that he has to get used to playing in a more withdrawn role when Ronaldinho makes his return from injury.

"Kaká isn't a hitman, he is an extraordinary player and it's ridiculous to say he doesn't score enough," Ancelotti said. "He played very well today, and he needs to play in a slightly deeper role with just one striker up front.

"The team did well and created many chances, and the only reason we won by just one goal was because of their goalkeeper."

Milan still have a number of players out injured, including Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini, Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta, and Pippo Inzaghi, and will also miss Gennaro Gattuso, who will be suspended for next week's big match against Juventus.

"We have many players out in midfield, we need to get them back to be competitive," the coach continued.

"At the moment Inter are the most consistent team and play good football. Who can stop them? Well, we have done it..."

Milan indeed won the derby against Inter on the fifth matchday, inflicting the only defeat of the season so far on Jose Mourinho's side, but they are six points behind the Nerazzurri.

Danilo Pochini

Who Can Stop Inter? - We Can! -- Goal.Com

[TriniKing_CE]

Nike To Push Ronaldo Towards Inter?
The sportswear giants, who sponsor the player, want him to join Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Inter as they attempt a marketing coup...

Inter may find it easier to make a move for Cristiano Ronaldo after one of the club's sponsors, American sportswear giant Nike, backed the plans.

The Nerazzurri have been linked with the Manchester United ace and 2008 Ballon d'Or winner as Jose Mourinho looks to bring in his fellow countryman.

Ronaldo failed to move to Real Madrid in the summer, despite mega offers coming his way. Perhaps the reason behind the Primera Division side's failure is that their shirt makers are Adidas. Ronaldo wears Nike football boots and so there was a problem.

Nevertheless, Il Corriere Dello Sport claims that Nike are trying to push Ronaldo to sign for Inter and a mega sponsorship deal for both club and player is on the cards.

The sports company want to pair Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the Portugal international in an attempt to create a dream pairing at the club as both players are sponsored by them.

Nike are looking at the potential benefits in terms of a marketing strategy as they sponsor the Nerazzurri and it would be a major coup if the company had two Nike-sponsored players playing for a team who also carry the famous swoosh logo.

The Italian club's main sponsors, Pirelli, have pumped more money in to help with their plans for Ronnie and, if Nike begin to push, the United star could soon be wearing the black and blue jersey.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

Nike to push Cr7 towards Inter? - Goal.Com

[TriniKing_CE]

Galliani Looking To Sign Two Defenders For Milan In June

Milan transfer guru Adriano Galliani has admitted that the loss of Maldini at the end of the season will prompt him to acquire one or two new defenders.

Speaking after Milan’s triumph over Catania at the San Siro, vice president Adriano Galliani commented on his Milan squad, and the fact that there will need to be a few changes at the back for the Rossoneri at the end of the season.

There have been rumours that the likes of Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos and Philippe Mexes may make the move too the San Siro club, but none have been confirmed by the Milan giants.

Retiring captain Paolo Maldini will not only leave a gap in the hearts of many calcio fans, but also a gaping hole in the Milan back line, which despite his 40 years of age, he still manages to cover.

After the Milan match Galliani revealed, “The defence is probably the position where age is an issue. Maldini will retire at the end of the season, and we will look to add one, or maybe two centre backs to the team.”

Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com

Gallani on defenders - Goal.Com

[whoarethepatriot...]

Derby Della Lanterna is a heated affair, 10 yellows (5 each) and about a million free kicks given. 1-0 to Genoa so far (Milito) so he the capocannoniere with 12 goals, with Gilagol on 11. Gila hasnt scored a penalty yet while i think Milito has hit about 4 PK

Make that 11 yellow cards. Not quite as heated as Holland-Portugal with 16 yellow cards and 4 reds. That match is beyond legendary now

This post has been edited by whoarethepatriots: Dec 7 2008, 10:20 PM

[TriniKing_CE]

I feel sorry for Sampdoria... Cassano in particular (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Zed.D]

Did anyone see Milito's goal? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

He is simply the most underrated striker in history!

[Tennie]

I dunno if I'd go quite THAT far, zd, but it was a lovely goal.

Milito might be the Argie I like of this generation. Been trying to find one since Batigol retired.

[TriniKing_CE]

Antonini Hails Crucial Milan Win
The Rossoneri dispatched the Elefanti and the left-back believes the three points were imperative before next Sunday’s clash with Juve.

Milan struggled to break down Catania at the Stadio San Siro, but eventually sealed the win thanks to Brazilian ace Kakà.

“The Sicilians undeniably played good football, but we absolutely needed to pick up these three vital points,” Luca Antonini told the Diavoli’s official website.

“We wasted a few scoring chances and their goalkeeper made great saves on several occasions, but this success was crucial and we managed to obtain it in the end.”

The former Empoli man made a substitute appearance ten minutes from time, as he replaced Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko.

“I’m glad the coach put faith in me and gave me this chance to step on to the pitch,” he mused. “I always try to make the most of every opportunity.”

The Milanesi will come face-to-face with Juventus next weekend in a match that could ultimately decide who will really challenge leaders Inter for the Scudetto.

“We are aware of our strength and will go to Turin to win,” he continued. “It will be a great game, we will unfortunately miss [Gennaro] Gattuso, but we have several players who are capable of taking his place.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

Antonini hails crucial Milan win - Goal.com


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Catania Director Fuming At Milan Defeat
Lo Monaco insists that the Elefanti should have been awarded a spot-kick at San Siro and has no doubts what the ref’s decision would have been in the opposing penalty area…

Milan edged past Catania 1-0, but the Sicilians protested heavily as Georgian stopper Kakha Kaladze seemed to handle the ball inside the Rossoneri box toward the end of the encounter.

“I am still angry, because in spite of what TV shows have been saying and their colourful explanations, that was a crystal-clear foul,” Pietro Lo Monaco told GRT.

“I wonder whether the ref would have awarded a penalty to Milan in Sicily, but I have no doubts…”

The Etnei director was also stunned at Gennaro Gattuso’s reaction when he received a booking that will force him to sit out the crunch clash with Juventus.

“He simply acted out when he was booked, and the referee was forced to chase him down in order to show him the yellow card,” he mused.

“Again, I wonder what could have happened to one of our players, Chievo’s or Cagliari’s… There should be more equity in football.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

Catania Director fuming at Milan win - Goal.Com

[acid911]

I dunno if I'd go quite THAT far, zd, but it was a lovely goal.

My thoughts exactly. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[Zed.D]

Yeah I was exaggerating a bit but he's undoubtedly one of the most underrated strikers atm. I mean. Saviola is in Madrid and Milito is in Genoa. that says a lot...

[kurtsimonw]

Yeah I was exaggerating a bit but he's undoubtedly one of the most underrated strikers atm. I mean. Saviola is in Madrid and Milito is in Genoa. that says a lot...

Saviola seems to be living on his reputation from River, much alike Tevez with Boca. Both souldn't be playing for a top team, not even close.

[dst]

I thought Saviola was amazing at the '06 WC and he was never given a good chance to prove his worth after that, it's pretty inexplicable this to me.
As for Tevez, I've said it before, I think he's a great player.

[kurtsimonw]

I thought Saviola was amazing at the '06 WC and he was never given a good chance to prove his worth after that, it's pretty inexplicable this to me.

Milan Baros was outstanding in Euro2004, he's not been given much chance since. Bit part player at Liverpool, rotation player at Villa, sub at Lyon.

As for Tevez, I've said it before, I think he's a great player.

We must be talking about a different Tevez.

[acid911]

Yeah I was exaggerating a lot but he's undoubtedly one of the most underrated strikers atm. I mean. Saviola is in Madrid and Milito is in Genoa. that says a bit...

Corrected. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleepysmiley03.gif) He's very good, but I've seen him rated well before. Certainly not the level that he deserves, but he's getting there. I just hope he doesn't end up the top scorer this season: Gila does.