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Full Version: 04/3/08 - CL - Ac Milan Vs. Arsenal
AC Milan - Milanfan.com > AC Milan > Matches > Archive 07/08
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Tennie
QUOTE (Tennie @ Mar 3 2008, 10:27 AM)
Acmilan.com's breaking news in italian tossed up an interesting tidbit: Arsenal are flying into Milan late this afternoon and will go straight to the hotel. They will NOT do any training/practice at the San Siro before the game. This...surprises me a bit.
*


I went back and took a look at the newsbit again and need to qualify the above just a touch. They won't do any training TODAY at the San Siro. The article doesn't say a word about what they'll do tomorrow.
acid911
QUOTE (Tennie @ Mar 3 2008, 07:27 PM)
Acmilan.com's breaking news in italian tossed up an interesting tidbit: Arsenal are flying into Milan late this afternoon and will go straight to the hotel. They will NOT do any training/practice at the San Siro before the game. This...surprises me a bit.

Charming. I myself am a tad surprised. Wegner is a very wise man, he's not doing this without a reason. This could be a good strategy, or turn out to be a very bad one. The last thing the Arsenal players want is to be in awe of the San Siro at the time of the game. alien.gif
Locke Lamora
Here's some info from Arsenal.com:

Pace and patience will be the key qualities for Arsenal in Milan, according to Arsène Wenger.

The Frenchman flew out to Italy on Monday afternoon for a crucial Champions League Knockout Round second leg. The first game was billed as Italian guile and experience against English youth and pace.

The Anglo-Saxons had the edge at Emirates Stadium and should have profited from their second-half dominance. However Wenger feels that 0-0 is psychologically a good position for his side - as long as they heed the lessons of the first game.

"I do not like to go away from home thinking my team just has to defend," he said. "With a 0-0 result, we know that we have to attack as well as defend.

"From the first game, we have the belief we can beat them because we dominated the game - that always has an impact on the second game.

"We will need patience against them in Milan but our pace can be a good asset as well."

However the Rossoneri are the masters of brinkmanship in Europe. In the last five years they have been to three Finals, winning the trophy twice. Wenger expects a tactical affair in which the control of the tempo will mean control of the game.

"Milan have shown in Europe that they can deal with all sorts of opposition, they can slow the game down," said the Frenchman.

"What Milan do well is put you to their pace, and when Kaka gets the ball they can have sudden acceleration which can kill you.

"We will have to adapt to that because we like to play always at a high pace. In the end we should have won the first game because we were able to keep the game at a consistent high pace. We like to play at a consistent high pace, they like to play slow-quick.

"We have to be tight defensively out there because they tore Man United apart in the first 20 minutes of the second leg at the San Siro last season.

"It is important for us to start strongly in defence, but also not to hide every time we win the ball.

"What is good from the first result is we know every time we get the ball we are incited to go for a goal. When you win 2-0 away from home sometimes subconsciously you think you only have to defend. On that basis 0-0 is not a bad result because you know defence is not good enough. You know will have to attack as well."
Locke Lamora
Arsène Wenger will not send his side out to kick Kaka on Tuesday night. The Arsenal manager considers the Brazilian playmaker to be one of football's artists.

Wenger takes his side to Milan on Monday for a crucial Champions League Knockout Round second leg. The tie is locked at 0-0 and so goals will be at a premium. Kaka has all the attributes to unlock the Arsenal defence but Wenger, who has recently been critical of over-zealous tackles against his players, would never send out his side with malice a forethought.

"No chance, no chance," he said before the weekend game with Villa. "If you kick the great players out of games then why should people watch football? Great players make football a bit special - an art. If you kick them it is not acceptable.

"In Italy, what do the teams when they play against Milan? Take Kaka, get him out of the game. And you know how they will deal with that.

"But we will be faithful to what we do, we will try to deal with him by cutting the connections to him. We will play zonal and will not mark him man-to-man."
Tennie
from acmilan.com (link)

Call ups:

PORTIERI: Kalac, Fiori, Offredi
DIFENSORI: Bonera, Favalli, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic
CENTROCAMPISTI: Ambrosini, Gattuso, Emerson, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf
ATTACCANTI: Gilardino, Inzaghi, Paloschi, Pato, Kakà.

Seedorf had individual training, so even though he's called up I don't think he'll start.

This week Kaka is a striker. Yay for Paloschi being named to the squad!
dst
I hope to see Maldini in the center. Kaladze or Bonera at the flank.
Darunia
You know Maldini will start at LB like he did last time. It's too bad, Kaladze would work better there. Maybe Carlo will get some sense?
Darunia
Wish they would translate the press conference, some help Tennie? biggrin.gif EDIT: Nvm it's up there finally

Plus what do you guys think Arsenal will start with?

4-4-2 or 4-5-1.

Almunia
Sagna Gallas Senderos Clichy
Eboue Fabregas Flamini Hleb
Walcott Adebayor

or

Almunia
Sagna Gallas Senderos Clichy
Gilberto
Walcott Fabregas Flamini Hleb
Adebayor
mkenya
Plus what do you guys think Arsenal will start with?

4-4-2 or 4-5-1.

I dont care how they start, I just want to see a hungry Milan devour the young gunners!!! so that Wenger never dares to say again "i think we can win there, we dominated at home":devil: devilsmiley.gif
FORZA MILAN!
Zed.D
QUOTE (Darunia @ Mar 3 2008, 09:17 PM)
Plus what do you guys think Arsenal will start with?

4-4-2 or 4-5-1.

Almunia
Sagna Gallas Senderos Clichy
Eboue Fabregas Flamini Hleb
Walcott Adebayor

or

Almunia
Sagna Gallas Senderos Clichy
Gilberto
Walcott Fabregas Flamini Hleb
Adebayor
*


I think 4-5-1 would make more sense. they just can't come to San Siro and mindlessly attack. I hope they do, but they probably won't.
aLbErTo
QUOTE (Tennie @ Mar 3 2008, 04:27 PM)
Kalac
Oddo Nesta Kaladze Maldini
Gattuso Pirlo Ambrosini
Kaka
Inzaghi Pato
*


I'm definite this is going to be starting 11...

only maybe in 4-3-2-1 formation, with inzaghi as a lone striker...
m1ke
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ Mar 3 2008, 11:28 PM)
only maybe in 4-3-2-1 formation, with inzaghi as a lone striker...
*

With Seedorf out, I can't see us playing 4-3-2-1 (unless you count Pato in the '2'). Pippo and Pato to start for sure, with Kaka behind.

Infact, I'd be very surprised to see any variation on the formation Tennie posted.
dst
Prediction: Pato will score the only goal of the game in the 78th OR the game will end 5-2 for Milan, Arsenal will score the first two goals of the game!! biggrin.gif

...

Maldini willing!

... devil.gif
Besfort
Seedorf's absence may be a big blow for us tomorrow.
But, we are a strong team with great experience in football and especially in CL.
Experience is the most important thing in tough matches like this one were in.
Arsenal are strong, but not capable of winning against us. I'm sure they know that, entering San Siro, is worse than entering in Devil's hell.

Kaka and Pirlo are available and ready to humiliate young kids, and teach them a very sweet and nice lesson.

Forza Milan
Tennie
I'm still amazed that the Gooners aren't taking any training at the San Siro tonight. Walking into a place like that cold is bound to affect them. It really is going to be an inferno there tomorrow - the game's sold out and even though the FdL is a thing of the past, I imagine Brigate Rossonere and the other groups will come up with a respectable coreo or two for the occasion. Maybe Arsenal will go over early tomorrow or something, but...
m1ke
I think the bigger positive for us is the fact that Toure hasn't made the trip. I personally don't think Senderos will be able to play 90min without making a mistake in a packed out San Siro.
arivanjj
QUOTE (dst @ Mar 4 2008, 10:35 AM)
Maldini willing!

classic devilsmiley.gif devilsmiley.gif devilsmiley.gif
Darunia
This match needs to get over so I can get on with my life tongue.gif
Bluesummers
QUOTE (m1ke @ Mar 3 2008, 06:32 PM)
I think the bigger positive for us is the fact that Toure hasn't made the trip. I personally don't think Senderos will be able to play 90min without making a mistake in a packed out San Siro.
*


Yeah i'm really glad toure isn't there. He'll shut pato and inzaghi down pretty good. Senderos will make "a" mistake. When in the game is the question and whether we'll captitalize or not in the situation.
arivanjj
QUOTE (Darunia @ Mar 4 2008, 05:02 PM)
This match needs to get over so I can get on with my life tongue.gif
*

hahahaha same! laugh.gif
acid911
Here is an article an Arsenal fan wrote on a - wait for it - Arsenal forum. Nothing that we already know, but still nice to find out what our opponent fans think of us. smile.gif

QUOTE
outlaw_member
03-03-2008, 10:19


The Arsenal squad will be preparing for arguably their most important game, so far this season. San Siro, which is the venue for the 2nd leg, is one of the most intimidating stadiums in Western Europe. Displaying some of the best choreography, that you could witness anywhere in the World. The tifosi are not only loud but a colourful bunch, like we witnessed at the Emirates. The Milanistas, pride themselves on their immense support to guide them through the Champions League campaign, similar to how Liverpool do with Anfield. A huge support can prove to be decisive in a tight game, and this tie, is as tight as it gets.

Clarence Seedorf picked up a hamstring injury, in Milan's recent league game, making him a major doubt for Tuesday. The Dutchman is an important component of Ancelotti’s midfield, which is vital in maintaining the tempo and counter-attacking tactic that Milan deploy. He was instrumental in the 3-0 destruction of United at the Semi-final stage, last season and losing him will definitely affect the Rossoneri. On the Arsenal front, Tomas Rosicky has been ruled out of the CL tie. The Czech playmaker was supposed to be back for the Blackburn game, several weeks ago, but is still yet to return. His injury problems seemed to be a thing of the past, when he managed to stay fit for a couple of months, only for it to return. The two club’s best defenders, Touré and Nesta, picked up injuries in the 1st leg at the Emirates. The Italian was past fit earlier today, whereas Kolo Touré will not be traveling with the Arsenal squad. Long term injuries to Ronaldo and Eduardo, has ruled them out of tie, the duo are out for 9 months. World Player of the year, Kaka and Andrea Pirlo have both been declared fit by Milan Lab coordinator Jean Meersseman, after taking part in training today. There’s also good news for Arsenal, as Robin Van Persie will be landing in Milan with the squad. The Dutchman has been making steady progress and his long awaited arrival is a boost for the Gunners.

On the weekend Arsenal continued their poor run of form, after just drawing against Aston Villa. A late strike by Bendtner ensured Arsenal stayed on top of the Premier League. Without a win in 4 games, Arsenal’s bad patch could not have come at a worse time. The United defeat two weeks ago, has affected the teams momentum, more than others had anticipated. AC Milan maintained their inconsistent form as they drew 1-1 with Lazio. With 5 draws in there last 6, the Italians will put there focus on winning the CL, as they struggle to capture 4th spot in Serie A.

With only a day left, all focus will be on how Arsenal can overcome the Italians. Will the players be able to repeat the same ferocious pace, they showed at the Emirates or will they crumble under the crowd, like Man Utd did last season. Milan could not possibly play as bad as they did in England. Their attacking players were non-existent and had to thank Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal, and superb defending by their defenders to hold on for the draw. With an 80,000 crowd behind them, there will certainly be a big improvement from the Milan players. Can Arsenal do it? There’s only one way to find out. Bring on Tuesday.
acid911


Saw this video at another forum. It's made by Kaka_Nesta from ACMilanClub, and a very decent effort to say the least. Great way to get pumped up for the game, though I'd be surprised to see anyone that is not. devil.gif

ACMilanClub Milan Vs Arsenal Preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaDa83-gjVQ
acid911


Another interesting read. Oh dear, Inzaghi has only a one-goal buffer between him and Raul. His 63 goals to the Spaniards 62. Extra motivation for him to score today? Plus all the rest he's had. Let's hope he comes good tonight, along with Kaka, Pirlo and Pato. cool.gif

UEFA Match Press Kit
http://www.uefa.com/printoutfiles/competit...e_301896_pk.pdf
m1ke
QUOTE (acid911 @ Mar 4 2008, 08:27 AM)
ACMilanClub Milan Vs Arsenal Preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaDa83-gjVQ
*

Nice video! Cheers for the link buddy.
dst
Man, what a shambolic night it was! I had dozens of dreams about the game... lovely night!! biggrin.gif

I just can't wait!! Thanks for the link acid!

QUOTE (Darunia @ Mar 4 2008, 08:02 AM)
This match needs to get over so I can get on with my life tongue.gif
*

Same here! laugh.gif
Zed.D
ٌWill we be there?!...

dst
QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ Mar 4 2008, 02:00 PM)
ٌWill we be there?!...
*

Like Silvio said, I'd love a Milan vs Real final! It would be a classic!! smile.gif
m1ke
QUOTE
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti cut a relaxed figure before the make-or-break first knockout round visit of Arsenal FC as he revealed that the return of his leading lights offered plenty of cause for optimism.

Split personality
By their standards the Rossoneri have struggled in Serie A this term. On Saturday, Massimo Oddo's equaliser against S.S. Lazio gave Milan a fifth draw in six matches, leaving them 18 points behind leaders FC Internazionale Milano and four adrift of fourth-placed ACF Fiorentina – with qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League in the balance. However, if Carlo Ancelotti's side have a split personality, the pros outweigh the cons. Last year, for example, a disappointing league campaign was more than tempered by a seventh European Champion Clubs' Cup success.

'Extra special'
"It is difficult to explain why we play better in the Champions League other than to say that this competition has always meant something extra special to this club," said Ancelotti. "We've been through a sticky patch over recent games. We've had to get by without a number of players, but the fact most of them are back and have worked really well in training gives me the belief that they'll give another great performance."

Home form
Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo, Kaká and Filippo Inzaghi are all expected to start after being rested against Lazio, although Clarence Seedorf, who strained a hamstring in the first half of that match, may join Emerson (shin), Marek Jankulovski (knee), Dida (back) and Ronaldo (knee) on the sidelines. Milan won all three group-stage games at the Giuseppe Meazza in the autumn, and knockout-stage victories here against Celtic FC, FC Bayern München and Manchester United FC last term have heartened Ancelotti.

'Patience'
"It is not by chance that we've always done well at home when we've had to," he said. "We always manage to play with the right attitude in these knockout situations. Nil-nil is a result which needs to be managed intelligently – we must call on all our skill and experience, we mustn't rush anything. In all our previous successes we managed to control the match. Patience is the key."

Uefa's summary of Carlo's pre-match conference
Zed.D
QUOTE (dst @ Mar 4 2008, 03:58 PM)
Like Silvio said, I'd love a Milan vs Real final! It would be a classic!! smile.gif
*

I'd want that too, but Real will not make it to the final imo...
misha
6 hours to go. Can't wait freak.gif We are going to win and Pippo will score.
m1ke
Weather.com has predicted rain in Milan tonight (Cloudy with occasional light rain . Low 33F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%).



devilsmiley.gif
Zed.D
QUOTE (m1ke @ Mar 4 2008, 06:07 PM)
Weather.com has predicted rain in Milan tonight (Cloudy with occasional light rain . Low 33F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%).



devilsmiley.gif
*

blink.gif Is the history repeating itself?! freak.gif
dst
Rain?? Hee. biggrin.gif
Tennie
(Oh dear. Tuttomercatoweb is reporting that 4 of the visiting support have been arrested for trashing their hotel room. Apparently pictures were torn off walls, plants were overturned, fire extinguishers emptied, etc etc etc.)
Warchant
i'm not sure how i feel about this game.

on one hand, i would love for them to win this game

on the other hand...i kind of want them to lose. i still believe that winning the CL last year hurt our team more than helped us. we need to focus on serie a and our owners need a reality check with our team.

i don't know...i'm confused...forza milan! king.gif
kurtsimonw
Like Warchant said. This club needs a reality check.
Nova
Actually wanting Milan not to win is kinda sad. Thinking if we lost that it would change the management way of thinking is stupid , cause they wont and they shouldnt.

If winning the CL had the effect of winning it again , i wont complain. cool.gif
dst
QUOTE (Tennie @ Mar 4 2008, 05:36 PM)
(Oh dear. Tuttomercatoweb is reporting that 4 of the visiting support have been arrested for trashing their hotel room. Apparently pictures were torn off walls, plants were overturned, fire extinguishers emptied, etc etc etc.)
*

laugh.gif Hope they will feel equally frustrated after the game too.

QUOTE (Warchant @ Mar 4 2008, 05:37 PM)
on the other hand...i kind of want them to lose. i still believe that winning the CL last year hurt our team more than helped us. we need to focus on serie a and our owners need a reality check with our team.
*

Our owners know the situation better than us... the thing is, for some reason they just don't want to do something in order to change it. They are content with seeing the team only fighting for the CL. Win or lose, if the want Milan to be a CL-only team they won't need to change much...
Tennie
Gazzetta is reporting that Seedorf is definitely out for the game. I think that news guarantees the 4-3-1-2 lineup.

Gazzetta also notes that a section of the Arsenal support are having a grand time in Piazza Duomo. According to the article, they've consumed roughly 500 litres of beer from the Autogrill sidewalk cafe alone. smile.gif Having eaten at said Autogrill, I can affirm that they probably made the wise choice in sticking with the beer -- the food there's awful. The only thing that makes the place worthwhile is the awesome view of the Duomo.
redbabies
QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ Mar 4 2008, 03:57 PM)
blink.gif Is the history repeating itself?! freak.gif
*


yeppp
redbabies
the last time I was scared, was last year against L'pool.... and the same feeling again (hope it ends up the same)
Tennie
Weather update: currently in Milan, there's a hailstorm (in italian: grandinata). Gazzetta seems to think it'll pass before the game starts.
m1ke
A storm is brewing devil.gif
Zed.D
QUOTE (Tennie @ Mar 4 2008, 08:52 PM)
Weather update: currently in Milan, there's a hailstorm (in italian: grandinata). Gazzetta seems to think it'll pass before the game starts.
*

I would be worried about the weather if I were an Arsenal fan!
dst
Hailstorm?? Then the condition of the pitch might worsen... I hope Wenger won't blame the weather if his team lose tonight!! tongue.gif

QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ Mar 4 2008, 07:27 PM)
I would be worried about the weather if I were an Arsenal fan!
*

I think they have enough experience to deal with rain and wind!! laugh.gif
Zed.D
QUOTE (dst @ Mar 4 2008, 09:04 PM)
Hailstorm?? Then the condition of the pitch might worsen... I hope Wenger won't blame the weather if his team lose tonight!! tongue.gif
I think they have enough experience to deal with rain and wind!! laugh.gif
*

biggrin.gif Not the wind and rain, but the boost they give to our players. Italians seem to have superstitions about rain and its effects (?!) blink.gif . I don't know... they're very superstitious...
omahawi
All I have to say is they had better be ready to come out with more fire in their bellies then the last couple of days. It's going to take skill and passion to win this game tonight.
Portman
Let's go ragazzi! Let's tw4t those cynic french fockers!

Pato to score the winner.
Bluesummers
QUOTE (Tennie @ Mar 4 2008, 10:29 AM)
Gazzetta is reporting that Seedorf is definitely out for the game. I think that news guarantees the 4-3-1-2 lineup.

Gazzetta also notes that a section of the Arsenal support are having a grand time in Piazza Duomo. According to the article, they've consumed roughly 500 litres of beer from the Autogrill sidewalk cafe alone. smile.gif Having eaten at said Autogrill, I can affirm that they probably made the wise choice in sticking with the beer -- the food there's awful. The only thing that makes the place worthwhile is the awesome view of the Duomo.
*


LOL i had a stomache ache when i ate thefood there this summer.
bigmacmtl
QUOTE (Warchant @ Mar 4 2008, 10:37 AM)
i'm not sure how i feel about this game.

on one hand, i would love for them to win this game

on the other hand...i kind of want them to lose. i still believe that winning the CL last year hurt our team more than helped us. we need to focus on serie a and our owners need a reality check with our team.

i don't know...i'm confused...forza milan!  king.gif
*

ya i pretty much have the same opinion. if sum how by fate we're destined to win it again then so be it, but if were not going all the way i hope they lose tonight.
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