[Zed.D]

The big fan of Pato you are, zd, I'm very much inclined to give you the best defender of his idol award in the Milanfan Forum Awards. In fact, I may. Though technically you should be Pato's idol, since he's a good half-decade or so younger than you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Bet you really love seeing him play and win us games.

You go, zd, keep it up! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) Having said that, almost everyone's aware the kid's got talent. It's his time, now!

Best post ever!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[acid911]

Best post ever!!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Seriously, I've never seen so much enthusiasm shown by a fan since the days of dst with Maldini! (please don't kill me dst, I know you still practice Maldinism, I do too). Which can never be a bad thing, the kid is immense, and sometimes I think of it, it was a pretty good move by the club to snap him up. +1 to both Leonardo and Galliani.

Hopefully Carlo shows a bit more faith in him in the near future. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) And let Pato gain the needed experience!

[Tennie]

Because of Borriello training separately (no idea WHY he trained separately as I can't find any mention of injury or illness), the projected lineups have moved him out and moved Pippo in.

[Darunia]

Gazzetta has Pato projected over Borriello.. and Favalli starting AND on the bench, think they mean Maldini (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Tennie]

Haha. Maybe the Gazzetta lineup guy was drunk. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I was looking at the Mediaset lineup, which I think is a tad bit more reliable at least for Milan.

[Ry4n]

Cant wait for this one !!!!!!!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

@zd: The only striker who can be judged purely on goals in our team is Pippo,because he's so awesomely one-dimensional. Everyone else is different.

I don't think Carlo's undermining Pato. As the interview posted by 10ie from soccernet shows. He's being asked to play wide, in an effort to stretch the defence. Esp with Pirlo not present to switch play as much.Also he seems happy, which would not be the case if he were being purposely ignored.

This post has been edited by Jack Sparrow: Nov 1 2008, 08:25 AM

[acid911]

I don't think Carlo's undermining Pato. As the interview posted by 10ie from soccernet shows. He's being asked to play wide, in an effort to stretch the defence. Esp with Pirlo not present to switch play as much.Also he seems happy, which would not be the case if he were being purposely ignored.

How do you know he's happy? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) Don't tell me it's that 'Cosmo Scale' of yours that allows you to measure anything and everything? Or is it? Oh, dear dear!

Anyway, you're right I guess. Besides, this is the first-team experience everyone keeps talking about that Pato's learning first hand. The ins and outs, ups and downs, playing in or out of position. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) This is what will make him a better player in the coming future.

[dst]

How come we play at home again?

[Zed.D]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Seriously, I've never seen so much enthusiasm shown by a fan since the days of dst with Maldini! (please don't kill me dst, I know you still practice Maldinism, I do too). Which can never be a bad thing, the kid is immense, and sometimes I think of it, it was a pretty good move by the club to snap him up. +1 to both Leonardo and Galliani.

Hopefully Carlo shows a bit more faith in him in the near future. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) And let Pato gain the needed experience!

It all started with youtube clips... [God bless youtube!]. months before he signed for us. I thought I saw huge potential in him. his moves and goals were WAY ahead of what an 16-17yo would normally do. I dreamed of Milan signing him, but I NEVER expected it to actually happen [that's why he's become a big favorite of mine].
It was a nice feeling when I saw his name being mentioned in press conferenes and Galliani denying any interest in him (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) the day we signed him I knew for sure I wasn't mistaken about his talent as Milan rarely makes mistakes in picking talents thanks to guys like Leonardo and others (our problem is we don't really know how to develop those who can't stand on their feet / need more help, like Gourcuff). I think Pato is progressing at a normal rate now. he could've been better right now if he'd played in a smaller team with more opportunities [like Aguero] but I guess it's alright like this.

@zd: The only striker who can be judged purely on goals in our team is Pippo,because he's so awesomely one-dimensional. Everyone else is different.

I don't think Carlo's undermining Pato. As the interview posted by 10ie from soccernet shows. He's being asked to play wide, in an effort to stretch the defence. Esp with Pirlo not present to switch play as much.Also he seems happy, which would not be the case if he were being purposely ignored.

You're right. not to take anything from Pippo as one cannot help but admire what he is [still] doing at this age. but like you said he is a one-dimensional player, a poacher (or to be a little harsh, a glorified cherry picker as maldini03 said some time ago)

Carlo (rightfully) thinks Pato can be more useful for the team than just being a finisher. as long as he can always play like this who's to complain...

This post has been edited by zdrossoneri: Nov 1 2008, 04:35 PM

[Tennie]

Carletto gave his prematch press conference.

Highlights:
* Belated birthday wishes to MVB
* Kaladze might be in condition to play.(quick, someone tie down dst before he explodes)
* Maldini might not be, it'll be a game day decision.
* Borriello will also be a game day decision; apparently he's got a pulled muscle.
* Nesta (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif) and Senderos will be available to play next week
* Pirlo will be available in 2 or so weeks.
* The only question Careltto has about the lineup (not counting the gameday decisions) is on the two attackers. [Fishdoll is pretty sure this is an accurate translation. Here's the original if someone wants to doublecheck: 'Il dubbio nella formazione di domani è legato ai due attaccanti.]

[Il Diavolo]

How come we play at home again?

We play 2 consecutive away games 3 weeks from now /Torino, Palermo/ . That's the schedule.

Kaladze?! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) ....And no Nesta of course. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[CrazyMilanFan]

thanks for the highlights of the conference like always

[Darunia]

Back To List
MILAN-NAPOLI: CALLED UP ROSSONERI
11/1/2008
MILANELLO - Here are the 20 called up players of Carlo Ancelotti for Milan-Napoli:
Abbiati, Dida, Antonini, Bonera, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Senderos, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Emerson, Flamini, Gattuso, Borriello, Inzaghi, Kakà, Pato, Seedorf, Shevchenko, Ronaldinho.
Unavailable: Maldini, Nesta, Pirlo.
Not called up: Darmian, Cardacio.

“I wish Van Basten a happy birthday. Those of our days against Napoli were other games. They’re still nice, but today it’s a different story, there are different teams. This Napoli side is a team which has grown rapidly, now it’s a competitive team which managed to return to the top positions.

“This year we are more competitive than last year, the squad is bigger, we have the opportunity to change players and for this reason we manage to do better also in the big games. Milan and Napoli are teams who have a different way of attacking, they are quicker and we pass the ball around. Napoli is a strong team, and can hold on until the end.

“We have not yet arrived at the top, it’s an important objective, we are following it with tenacity. We must overtake this obstacle, which is very difficult, and we want to do so as quickly as possible.

“I didn’t see Mourinho being nervous, I saw him determined and sure on his ideas. It’s normal that there is curiosity around him. We are not running after Inter, the season this year is more balanced, when teams like Napoli and Genoa have improved a lot, it’s more difficult; Milan is taking its path. I don’t believe that the fact we are above matters right now, I spoke about the top spot because for us it is motivating after a long time. If Inter would draw for the third time? It wouldn’t change anything, the games are difficult for everyone.

“I didn’t hear what the Siena president said, but I think it’s exagerated.

“It’s not true that this is not my Milan. This is my Milan, it’s everyone’s Milan, it's a team which has proven other characteristics, following the initial defeats we understood that we had other weapons. The nice game remains our scope, but in some cases there are characteristics of the players which impose to follow other paths.

“Differently from the Milan side of the last Scudetto, this Milan is not ready yet. It still does not have the continuity we had in 2004, from that point of view we must improve. There were some practical difficulties in this sense: a player like Pirlo is fundamental and from September onwards he hasn’t played. How long must we wait for him? Still 15 days.

“Yesterday three players trained: Senderos, Nesta and Kaladze, who had not trained with the team for a bit. Kaladze is the one who is most advanced. We must still evaluate Maldini, who did not train yesterday, and Borriello. I don’t know if Kaladze is able to play, we shall see, but he could. For the use of Nesta and Senderos we must wait until next week.

“The doubt of the formation for tomorrow is tied to the two attackers. The attacking department of Milan this year is well-equipped, we can adopt various solutions.

“The match against Napoli which I remember best was surely the 4-1 of January 1988. It was the game where Milan showed its cards.

“Pato? I’m sorry if a player cannot be used. For him just like for any other. Last time he played a game trying to remove those limits he had shown in the previous games. He was more determined and tried with more vigour to shoot towards goal. It’s what he must do. Having Inzaghi with him means everything and nothing. If he manages to learn his secrets he will learn a lot.

“Lavezzi is not dangerous for the characteristics of our defenders. He’s a danger, period. He created a lot of problems to everyone. Actually, the attention that the Milan defenders have in this type of games can create problems to Lavezzi. Hamsik is a young player who can play in any team.

“The 5-2 of last January brings nice sensations, it was the team that had started well following the break and the thought goes to Ronaldo who had done nice things and then got injured. For the 3-1 of the second leg, there will be no revenge. We know that this is another game and we want to play at our best.

“I’m sorry for Roma, they are going through a difficult moment. I think that they have the ability to come out of it.

“Many would like to coach Milan, Beckham or no Beckham. He already has a position, I said it before, in the middle or on the centre-might. Or on the bench or in the stands, there isn't much choice (he laughs). For me it's exciting to coach Milan, if he's here or not it doesn’t matter, coaching a team I feel inside me.

“Even if we beat Napoli, doubts on our supremacy are still there, we must improve, the games like the one of tomorrow can give us confidence and we need that. It’s true that we have always won in the last games, but we want to give a further proof of strength and Napoli is the right team to do so.

“Not the defence improved, but the squad defensive concept, otherwise it would have been unthinkable to suffer so many few goals with the four central defenders out; there was the sacrifice of everyone, like Favalli, who had to take care of a new role for him.

“Flamini played a good game, maybe not exceptional, but he is one of the midfielders who is playing for a place with the others. Gourcuff was not a starter, whereas he is so.

“Yesterday Ronaldinho trained regularly. Everything alright.”

Maldini is out. Senderos and Kaladze are in the squad... even though Carlo said Senderos wouldn't be ready. Whether Favalli or Kaladze starts, I'm worried either way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Kaladze Jankuvlovski
Gattuso Seedorf Flamini
Kaka Ronaldinho
Borriello

This post has been edited by Darunia: Nov 1 2008, 07:07 PM

[KillerMax]

Thanks.

I think Bonera and Favalli will start in the center despite Kaladze and Senderos being called up.

I think it will be like this:

Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Favalli Jankulovski
Gattuso Emerson Seedorf
Kaka Ronaldinho
Inzaghi

I think it's highly unlikely that Carlo will go with a more attacking line up.

I'm not the coach, but if it was up to me,

I would go with:

Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Favalli Jankulovski
Gattuso Seedorf Flamini
Kaka
Pato Inzaghi

With Borriello or Ronaldinho subbing Inzaghi sometime in the 2nd half. And Darmian is not even called up, so Favalli must start (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) in the center as Kaladze and Senderos are not 100%.