The Emirates Cup started in entertaining fashion as Arsenal and AC Milan shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, though the score line does not reflect what was an extremely entertaining match. With teams awarded an extra point for each goal in the competition, Celtic and Olympique Lyonnais lead the way with three points apiece after a 2-2 draw in the opening game. Thus, Arsenal and Milan are tucked in behind with two points each.
Arsenal started with Lukasz Fabianski in goal ahead of Manuel Almunia who didn’t even make the bench. New signings Laurent Koscielny and Marouane Chamakh both started at the Emirates alongside youngsters Jack Wilshire, Kieran Gibbs and Emmanuel Frimpong. Arsene Wenger sent out a very attacking side with no recognized holding midfield player.
AC Milan were the complete opposite in terms of starting players as a number of veterans started for the Rossoneri. Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Alessandro Nesta were all in the first eleven. Massimino Allegri also preferred new signings Mario Yepes, and Sokratis Papastathopoulos, though he did not pick new goalkeeper Marco Amelia instead choosing Christian Abbiati as his number one. Brazilian Pato also partnered Marco Borriello up front.
Arsenal were neat and tidy from the off with Nasri and Wilshere impressing. And both new boys earned early ripples of applause. Chamakh and Rosicky made inroads down the right in the opening exchanges but Kieran Gibbs’ early inroads down the left looked more likely to do damage.
With the Rossoneri were under pressure early on Pato sprinted into the area but was closed down as he tried to square the ball back along the six-yard area. The same player then dipped a header wide from a Seedorf corner. Flamini had an effort deflected off Koscielny and onto the woodwork after a long ball from Yepes was knocked down into his path.
Arsenal opened the scoring on 36 minutes when Marouane Chamakh slotted home from inside the area after collecting a through ball from Arshavin. Rosicky then shot straight at Abbiati but it was Milan who looked lively going forward in the closing stages of the first-half.
Milan kept Arsenal on their toes after the break but the home side looked more likely to extend their lead than relinquish it. They nearly had a second on the hour mark after Chamakh drove down the left and found Arshavin inside the box with an audacious drag-back. The Russian’s shot was blocked and the rebound just eluded the onrushing Wilshere.
But Milan levelled four minutes after he departed the scene. It was a soft goal from Arsenal’s perspective as Clarence Seedorf curled in a free-kick from the left, Pato was allowed to run free and he glanced a header into the corner. It hinted at defensive failings that will need to be addressed.
Milan then almost snatched victory with two minutes remaining when Gianluca Zambrotta curled an exquisite effort against the bar.
An entertaining match with both side looking to attack from the off and a draw was probably the correct result.
Arsenal (4-4-2): Fabiansky, Ebouè (46 Sagna), Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs (46 Clichy), Rosicky (46 Walcott), Frimpong (69 Djourou), Wilshere, Arshavin (63 Vela), Nasri, Chamakh (73 Randall). Subs not used: Szczesny, Emmanuel-Thomas, Nordtveit.
Milan (4-3-3): Abbiati, Papastathopoulos (65 Zambrotta), Nesta, Yepes, Antonini, Gattuso (62 Merkel), Seedorf, Flamini (77 Strasser), Abate (81 Verdi), Borriello (69), Pato (82 Oddo). Subs not used: Amelia, Roma, Bonera, Albertazzi, Novinic, Adiyah.
Showing posts with label Football/Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football/Soccer. Show all posts
Monday, 2 August 2010
Monday, 31 May 2010
World Cup 2010 Focus: Portugal
Portugal set out to South Africa in pursuit of World Cup glory in the knowledge that the Seleccao's so-called ‘golden generation’ has gone, in the last few tournaments they have come close to major championship glory with the likes of Luis Figo and Rui Costa but Carlos Queiroz will be in optimistic mood given the record of three semi-finals and one final in the last five major tournaments.
In qualifying the Portuguese made hard work of what should have been a straight forward task; Denmark and Sweden were their main rivals, but ones that should have been dispatched. It was Denmark who triumphed in the group, posting a 3-2 victory in Portugal and a 1-1 stalemate in Copenhagen, this meant Queiroz had to contest a play-off with his team. Portugal then dispatched an impressive Bosnia side 2-0 on aggregate to claim their place at the World Cup.
As you would expect Portugal’s main threat will come in the shape of Real Madrid forward and worlds most expensive player Cristiano Ronaldo. The £80 million man will carry the nation’s hopes in South Africa, though it must be noted the Portuguese played a lot better when he wasn’t in the side during the final games of qualifying and the playoff matches.
But can they do without him, he is confident though: "I will try to give the best of me, as I always do, both in Madrid and in the national team. I'm in a great form but I don't do miracles. The important thing is not me, if the team is fine, we can go far and that is the mentality we will have at the World Cup."
Other’s in the squad capable of the unexpected are Manchester United’s winger Nani, who is in explosive form for United, especially during the final months of the season. Simao can produce moments of magic and Danny is a midfield maestro who can unlock defences with inch perfect passes. Pepe of Real Madrid has been passed fit for the tournament despite not playing for six months.
Much rests on coach Carlos Queiroz who is under pressure to perform, lacklustre qualifying made him a prime candidate for the chop but he survived and will lead his team in South Africa, but as usual Portugal are without an out-and-out striker, Liedson is the likely starter but isn’t renowned for his accuracy in front of goal.
Portugal’s Provisional 24 Man World Cup Squad: Eduardo (Sporting de Braga), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis), Beto (FC Porto); Miguel (Valencia), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Rolando (FC Porto), Ze Castro (Deportivo), Pepe (Real Madrid); Fabio Coentrao (SL Benfica), Duda (Malaga), Pedro Mendes (Sporting CP), Tiago (Juventus), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Miguel Veloso (Sporting CP), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Danny (Zenit), Nani (Manchester United); Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Liedson (Sporting CP), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)
In qualifying the Portuguese made hard work of what should have been a straight forward task; Denmark and Sweden were their main rivals, but ones that should have been dispatched. It was Denmark who triumphed in the group, posting a 3-2 victory in Portugal and a 1-1 stalemate in Copenhagen, this meant Queiroz had to contest a play-off with his team. Portugal then dispatched an impressive Bosnia side 2-0 on aggregate to claim their place at the World Cup.
As you would expect Portugal’s main threat will come in the shape of Real Madrid forward and worlds most expensive player Cristiano Ronaldo. The £80 million man will carry the nation’s hopes in South Africa, though it must be noted the Portuguese played a lot better when he wasn’t in the side during the final games of qualifying and the playoff matches.
But can they do without him, he is confident though: "I will try to give the best of me, as I always do, both in Madrid and in the national team. I'm in a great form but I don't do miracles. The important thing is not me, if the team is fine, we can go far and that is the mentality we will have at the World Cup."
Other’s in the squad capable of the unexpected are Manchester United’s winger Nani, who is in explosive form for United, especially during the final months of the season. Simao can produce moments of magic and Danny is a midfield maestro who can unlock defences with inch perfect passes. Pepe of Real Madrid has been passed fit for the tournament despite not playing for six months.
Much rests on coach Carlos Queiroz who is under pressure to perform, lacklustre qualifying made him a prime candidate for the chop but he survived and will lead his team in South Africa, but as usual Portugal are without an out-and-out striker, Liedson is the likely starter but isn’t renowned for his accuracy in front of goal.
Portugal’s Provisional 24 Man World Cup Squad: Eduardo (Sporting de Braga), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis), Beto (FC Porto); Miguel (Valencia), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Rolando (FC Porto), Ze Castro (Deportivo), Pepe (Real Madrid); Fabio Coentrao (SL Benfica), Duda (Malaga), Pedro Mendes (Sporting CP), Tiago (Juventus), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Miguel Veloso (Sporting CP), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Danny (Zenit), Nani (Manchester United); Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Liedson (Sporting CP), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Legend of Calcio: Luigi Meroni
Luigi Meroni was born on February 24th 1943 in the sleepy town of Como just north of Milan. He was a magician with the ball, bandy legged, thin but incredibly fast and blessed with immense control of a football. He spent his formative footballing years with local side Como before being transferred to a Genoa side in decline.
At Genoa Meroni was to become an idol, scoring beautiful goals, entertaining the crowds with fantastic dribbling that dazzled defenders. Though in 1963 after only a year in Genoa he was at the centre of a doping case. He failed to attend a drugs test, claiming to forget. The three others who did attend were found to have taken amphetamines and Meroni was banned for five matches as a result.
Moving to Torino in 1964, he cemented his legendary status with some gripping displays. Playing on the right wing, Meroni would terrorise defenders, his pace was phenomenal and he was able to easily glide pass the opposition. He scored one memorable goal at the San Siro against Inter in 1967; he chipped the ball over the despairing keeper that helped Torino defeat Inter who had not been beaten at home for over three years.
His style earned him the nickname, the ‘Purple Butterfly’. He always wore his socks at his ankles and in the days before shin guards he took immense punishment, though not one to feign injury, he always got up and carried on.
Not only a notable presence on the field, his off field antics often got him onto the front and back pages. Interestingly his hair was often a point of note for the masses, fans would often shout at Meroni to cut his hair, he was also labelled a gypsy or tramp because of his long Che Guevara-esque locks.
There were a number of incidents involving his hair; it had become a national obsession. In 1963, he was selected for the Italian B team by manager Edmondo Fabbri, who asked him to cut his hair, he did, but was incensed for being asked to do so. He was again called up by Fabbri, this time for a World Cup qualifying match against Poland in 1965, and again he was asked to cut his hair, he refused, stating in a press conference: “I hope I might play well even with long hair.”
Meroni was flamboyant, he went against the grain, he dressed very odd for the time, he wore massive sunglasses pulled down on his nose, odd hats and garish suits, he even began to design his own clothes. He would also play up to his anarchic image as on one particular occasion he drove into the main square of his hometown with a chicken on a lead. He walked the chicken round the square a couple of times before going to the banks of Lake Como to unsuccessfully dress the innocent chicken in a bathing suit.
During the summer of 1967, Torino’s great rivals Juventus made a move for Meroni, offering 750 million lire, an astronomical sum. The bid was accepted. Torino fans were furious, demonstrating in the streets and outside the president of Torino’s mansion and also that of the Juve owner Gianni Angelli. It is even claimed that the FIAT factory would have gone on strike – The Angelli’s own FIAT – and thus the transfer bid was withdrawn.
The following season Meroni was back in the colours of Torino and in October 1967 the defeated Sampdoria 4-2 at home. While celebrating the victory over Samp, he and his Torino colleague Fabrizio Poletti went to find their respective girlfriends. Meroni was in a buoyant mood, as he just found out he could marry Cristiana Uderstadt, a woman he was deeply in love with and with whom he was in a relationship with for many years.
Both players were crossing the road and while waiting in the central reservation Meroni stepped back to avoid a fast car coming from the right, but as he did so another vehicle was coming from the left. Poletti was hit but only slightly, Meroni was thrown into the air and catapulted onto the other side of the road where he was hit by another onrushing car, dragging him along the ground for a full 50 metres.
The driver of the second vehicle was Attilio Romero, a nineteen-year-old student and Torino fan. He was at the match earlier that day, his favourite player was Meroni, and he had a huge poster of his idol in his bedroom plus a small photo of him in his car. Meroni had broken both his legs, his pelvis, cranium and suffered a collapsed chest.
Luigi Meroni died of his injuries he was only 24 years old.
The funeral was attended by 20,000 people, prisoners from a Turin jail clubbed together to send a wreath and the headline in next days paper read ‘all Turin cried’. Torino’s priest, Don Francesco Ferraudo told the crowd, ‘Gigi was not just a body, muscles and nerves… but also genius, kindness, courage, understanding and generosity.’
As with all Tornio’s tales there is an eerie twist. In 2000 the appointed a new president, his name Attilio Romero… the same Attilio Romero who ran over a club idol.
At Genoa Meroni was to become an idol, scoring beautiful goals, entertaining the crowds with fantastic dribbling that dazzled defenders. Though in 1963 after only a year in Genoa he was at the centre of a doping case. He failed to attend a drugs test, claiming to forget. The three others who did attend were found to have taken amphetamines and Meroni was banned for five matches as a result.
Moving to Torino in 1964, he cemented his legendary status with some gripping displays. Playing on the right wing, Meroni would terrorise defenders, his pace was phenomenal and he was able to easily glide pass the opposition. He scored one memorable goal at the San Siro against Inter in 1967; he chipped the ball over the despairing keeper that helped Torino defeat Inter who had not been beaten at home for over three years.
His style earned him the nickname, the ‘Purple Butterfly’. He always wore his socks at his ankles and in the days before shin guards he took immense punishment, though not one to feign injury, he always got up and carried on.
Not only a notable presence on the field, his off field antics often got him onto the front and back pages. Interestingly his hair was often a point of note for the masses, fans would often shout at Meroni to cut his hair, he was also labelled a gypsy or tramp because of his long Che Guevara-esque locks.
There were a number of incidents involving his hair; it had become a national obsession. In 1963, he was selected for the Italian B team by manager Edmondo Fabbri, who asked him to cut his hair, he did, but was incensed for being asked to do so. He was again called up by Fabbri, this time for a World Cup qualifying match against Poland in 1965, and again he was asked to cut his hair, he refused, stating in a press conference: “I hope I might play well even with long hair.”
Meroni was flamboyant, he went against the grain, he dressed very odd for the time, he wore massive sunglasses pulled down on his nose, odd hats and garish suits, he even began to design his own clothes. He would also play up to his anarchic image as on one particular occasion he drove into the main square of his hometown with a chicken on a lead. He walked the chicken round the square a couple of times before going to the banks of Lake Como to unsuccessfully dress the innocent chicken in a bathing suit.
During the summer of 1967, Torino’s great rivals Juventus made a move for Meroni, offering 750 million lire, an astronomical sum. The bid was accepted. Torino fans were furious, demonstrating in the streets and outside the president of Torino’s mansion and also that of the Juve owner Gianni Angelli. It is even claimed that the FIAT factory would have gone on strike – The Angelli’s own FIAT – and thus the transfer bid was withdrawn.
The following season Meroni was back in the colours of Torino and in October 1967 the defeated Sampdoria 4-2 at home. While celebrating the victory over Samp, he and his Torino colleague Fabrizio Poletti went to find their respective girlfriends. Meroni was in a buoyant mood, as he just found out he could marry Cristiana Uderstadt, a woman he was deeply in love with and with whom he was in a relationship with for many years.
Both players were crossing the road and while waiting in the central reservation Meroni stepped back to avoid a fast car coming from the right, but as he did so another vehicle was coming from the left. Poletti was hit but only slightly, Meroni was thrown into the air and catapulted onto the other side of the road where he was hit by another onrushing car, dragging him along the ground for a full 50 metres.
The driver of the second vehicle was Attilio Romero, a nineteen-year-old student and Torino fan. He was at the match earlier that day, his favourite player was Meroni, and he had a huge poster of his idol in his bedroom plus a small photo of him in his car. Meroni had broken both his legs, his pelvis, cranium and suffered a collapsed chest.
Luigi Meroni died of his injuries he was only 24 years old.
The funeral was attended by 20,000 people, prisoners from a Turin jail clubbed together to send a wreath and the headline in next days paper read ‘all Turin cried’. Torino’s priest, Don Francesco Ferraudo told the crowd, ‘Gigi was not just a body, muscles and nerves… but also genius, kindness, courage, understanding and generosity.’
As with all Tornio’s tales there is an eerie twist. In 2000 the appointed a new president, his name Attilio Romero… the same Attilio Romero who ran over a club idol.
Sampdoria Hire Domenico Di Carlo
Sampdoria were left reeling by the departure of Luigi Del Neri to Juventus, the coach who guided them to Champions League qualification. But the bluecerchaiti have moved quickly in the managerial transfer market and appointed former Chievo boss Domenico Di Carlo.
The deal had been mooted ever since the departure of Del Neri and Samp announced the deal install Di Carlo just one hour after Chievo announced his departure.
Clearly a step up for the tactician but one he could not refuse: "I know I have a lot to do to match the work of Del Neri, but I am not fazed by the challenge.
"I wanted to stay at Chievo but when someone offers you the chance to compete in the Champions League, you can't say no," Di Carlo stated.
"It is a painful choice, but for me also a very important professional choice.
“Personally this is a significant reward as the team will play in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League." He continued.
After two very successful seasons in Verona, he has been tempted away. But his legacy will remain at Chievo just as the man he is replacing in Genoa’s did.
Luigi Del Neri is a legend at Chievo and Di Carlo did a phenomenal job at the helm. It must not be forgotten that in his two years there Chievo were tipped by almost every media pundit, newspaper and expert as relegation certainties, however they remain in Serie A with a relatively poor squad.
The organization of the Flying Donkey’s defence was exemplary; they only conceded 42 goals all season, the best defence in Serie A other than the top four. A feat not to be shirked at.
Taking an unfancied side and overachieving is one thing but how will the tactician fare in the Champions League and in Serie A with a pool of players that are, with all due respect, more talented than those he had to work with at Chievo?
Can he tame Antonio Cassano as Del Neri has? Will he get the best out of a team that has overachieved this season? One thing is for certain, he will need a strong start to the Serie A campaign to keep the doubters from his back.
Lets hope he lasts and may his good work continue.
The deal had been mooted ever since the departure of Del Neri and Samp announced the deal install Di Carlo just one hour after Chievo announced his departure.
Clearly a step up for the tactician but one he could not refuse: "I know I have a lot to do to match the work of Del Neri, but I am not fazed by the challenge.
"I wanted to stay at Chievo but when someone offers you the chance to compete in the Champions League, you can't say no," Di Carlo stated.
"It is a painful choice, but for me also a very important professional choice.
“Personally this is a significant reward as the team will play in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League." He continued.
After two very successful seasons in Verona, he has been tempted away. But his legacy will remain at Chievo just as the man he is replacing in Genoa’s did.
Luigi Del Neri is a legend at Chievo and Di Carlo did a phenomenal job at the helm. It must not be forgotten that in his two years there Chievo were tipped by almost every media pundit, newspaper and expert as relegation certainties, however they remain in Serie A with a relatively poor squad.
The organization of the Flying Donkey’s defence was exemplary; they only conceded 42 goals all season, the best defence in Serie A other than the top four. A feat not to be shirked at.
Taking an unfancied side and overachieving is one thing but how will the tactician fare in the Champions League and in Serie A with a pool of players that are, with all due respect, more talented than those he had to work with at Chievo?
Can he tame Antonio Cassano as Del Neri has? Will he get the best out of a team that has overachieved this season? One thing is for certain, he will need a strong start to the Serie A campaign to keep the doubters from his back.
Lets hope he lasts and may his good work continue.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Diego Alberto Milito: El Principe
Diego Alberto Milito has written himself into the history books of Italian football, the cool, calm and collected Argentinean bagged a brace in the Champions League Final to sink Bayern Munich and take Inter to their first European Cup success for 45 years. Added to the winner he scored in the Coppa Italia Final and his Scudetto clinching goal, it is almost unanimous that Milito is the most dependable and clinical striker anywhere in Europe.
He began his goal scoring exploits with Racing Club in Argentina, where he one the Apertura title in 2001, he then attracted the interest of Genoa, then playing in Serie B. Fifty nine games and Thirty three goals later he was on the move once more, as Genoa were relegated to Serie C1 after an alleged match-fixing scandal. He joined his brother Gabriel at Real Zaragoza in Spain.
The goals never dried up and he ended his first year as Real Zaragoza's top scorer with 16 goals in La Liga. Not long after he was made club captain when Gabriel departed for Barcelona.
Milito was one of the top scorers in the La Liga 2006–07 season. He scored 23 goals, two less than the top goalscorer Ruud van Nistelrooy and three behind European Golden Boot winner Francesco Totti. His goals helped Zaragoza to a sixth place finish in the league.
When Zaragoza were relegated at the end of the 2008 season, Milito chose to move back to Genoa, on 1st September. He even rejected a number of major European clubs and more lucrative contracts to return to il Grifone.
His return sparked an upturn for the oldest club team in Italy, his goals propelled them to the upper echelons of Serie A, he was averaging over one goal every two games. A phenomenal strike rate and in the end came second to Capocannonieri, Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2009.
Internazionale were watching ‘El Principe’ closely and swooped for the hitman last summer in a deal valued at €22 million, but he did leave Genoa with a heavy heart as he wrote an open letter to the fans, and in it said, “Now we leave each other, I hope with a smile and affection that has become love, at least that's what I feel.” A humble and honorable man, but he had one last crack at the big time and rightly took it.
A break out season at the age of 30 is almost unheard of, but Milito has proved he can score goals at every level. He not only tallied 32 goals in all competitions, it was the importance of these goals that is so special.
An 85th minute winner against Fiorentina in November; scoring in both Milan Derbies, but his contribution in the final furlong was immense. Not to mention the tremendous work-rate and effort he exudes, his performances against Barcelona in the Champions League were immense, scoring what turned out to be the winner, he collapsed with cramp after 60 minutes of the first leg such was his application and willingness to give everything for this side.
He may not be mesmerising like Messi, but if presented with a chance to score he almost always does. Vision, technique timing but most importantly he possesses that rarest of traits only top strikers enjoy, that is composure in front of goal.
A provincial hero has well and truly entered the realms of Calcio royalty.
He began his goal scoring exploits with Racing Club in Argentina, where he one the Apertura title in 2001, he then attracted the interest of Genoa, then playing in Serie B. Fifty nine games and Thirty three goals later he was on the move once more, as Genoa were relegated to Serie C1 after an alleged match-fixing scandal. He joined his brother Gabriel at Real Zaragoza in Spain.
The goals never dried up and he ended his first year as Real Zaragoza's top scorer with 16 goals in La Liga. Not long after he was made club captain when Gabriel departed for Barcelona.
Milito was one of the top scorers in the La Liga 2006–07 season. He scored 23 goals, two less than the top goalscorer Ruud van Nistelrooy and three behind European Golden Boot winner Francesco Totti. His goals helped Zaragoza to a sixth place finish in the league.
When Zaragoza were relegated at the end of the 2008 season, Milito chose to move back to Genoa, on 1st September. He even rejected a number of major European clubs and more lucrative contracts to return to il Grifone.
His return sparked an upturn for the oldest club team in Italy, his goals propelled them to the upper echelons of Serie A, he was averaging over one goal every two games. A phenomenal strike rate and in the end came second to Capocannonieri, Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2009.
Internazionale were watching ‘El Principe’ closely and swooped for the hitman last summer in a deal valued at €22 million, but he did leave Genoa with a heavy heart as he wrote an open letter to the fans, and in it said, “Now we leave each other, I hope with a smile and affection that has become love, at least that's what I feel.” A humble and honorable man, but he had one last crack at the big time and rightly took it.
A break out season at the age of 30 is almost unheard of, but Milito has proved he can score goals at every level. He not only tallied 32 goals in all competitions, it was the importance of these goals that is so special.
An 85th minute winner against Fiorentina in November; scoring in both Milan Derbies, but his contribution in the final furlong was immense. Not to mention the tremendous work-rate and effort he exudes, his performances against Barcelona in the Champions League were immense, scoring what turned out to be the winner, he collapsed with cramp after 60 minutes of the first leg such was his application and willingness to give everything for this side.
He may not be mesmerising like Messi, but if presented with a chance to score he almost always does. Vision, technique timing but most importantly he possesses that rarest of traits only top strikers enjoy, that is composure in front of goal.
A provincial hero has well and truly entered the realms of Calcio royalty.
Friday, 21 May 2010
Inter vs Bayern Munich: Champions League Final Preview
Jose Mourinho is on the verge of writing himself into Internazionale legend, the Portuguese coach has already captured the Serie A title and Coppa Italia this season, with plans to add the Champions League on Saturday, an unprecedented treble is indeed on the cards and the chance to end 45 years of heartache for the Inter faithful.
Not since Helenio Herrera took Inter to the final of the European Cup in 1967 have Inter graced the penultimate game of Europe’s premier club competition. Il Mago – The Wizard – won back-to-back titles in the 60’s and is regarded as their best ever coach, but if Jose can triumph over Bayern Munich in Madrid, he too will go down in Beneamata folklore.
In Madrid, Jose will go up against his former boss, Louis van Gaal, the Dutch master was in charge of Barcelona and took Mourinho under his wing before he flew the nest to go on and become the worlds most sought after coach.
With victories over CSKA, Chelsea and Barcelona on their way to the final, it can be said they have had a tougher route to Madrid given Bayern faced Fiorentina, Manchester United and Lyon, and have been somewhat fortunate in the decisions they have had in their favour from referees, something even van Gaal has admitted:
"I don't think we are among the best teams in Europe. Inter, Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester United are the best teams around in Europe, not Bayern," Van Gaal was quoted as saying.
"We are kind of lucky to have made it to the Champions League final. We have reached the final because of some refereeing mistakes that were in our favour. That's why we really should be using cameras to support referees.” He continued.
Inter will likely start with three forwards on the pitch in Goran Pandev, Samuel Eto’o and the goal machine Diego Milito with former Real Madrid starlet Wesley Sneijder linking the play from midfield.
If Javier Zanetti starts, of which there is no question, he will make his 700th appearance for Inter, a great achievement from a magnificent professional and thoroughly nice chap. He will thus move up into midfield as Thiago Motta is suspended and Cristian Chivu slotting in at left-back.
If he scores, Samuel Eto'o would become only the second player in the history of the competition to score in three different European Cup finals after Alfredo Di Stefano.
Bayern Munich are also on course for a treble but will have to do without the suspended Franck Ribery. Though Mark van Bommel has tipped former Real Madrid man, Arjen Robben, to shine:
"The team knows how to play for him and he knows how to play for us. We compliment each other very well, everyone knows what to do in his position and Arjen is working very well. I love having him here,” van Bommel stated.
Aside from Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger has came into his own this season, dictating the play from the centre of midfield, he is central to the way Bayern play, finally fulfilling the promise of his early years.
One difficulty Inter will have if they decide to ‘park the bus’ is the ability of Bayern’s players to shoot from distance. Robben has already shown earlier in the tournament that he can smash a ball from 30 yards, Hamit Altintop, Mark van Bommel, and Schweinsteiger are no strangers to a long shot either.
One weak spot for Inter to exploit is the Bayern centre-back pairing. Both Manchester United and Fiorentina found plenty of gaps and this is something Mourinho will surely have noticed. Plus they have a solid foundation to build from.
Many are predicting a close encounter with Inter slight favorites, though there are many duels on the pitch and off it that will decide the outcome.
Possible Line-ups
Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Cambiasso, Zanetti, Sneijder; Pandev, Eto'o, Milito.
Bayern Munich: Butt, Lahm, Badstuber, Van Buyten, Contento, Altintop, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Olic, Muller.
Not since Helenio Herrera took Inter to the final of the European Cup in 1967 have Inter graced the penultimate game of Europe’s premier club competition. Il Mago – The Wizard – won back-to-back titles in the 60’s and is regarded as their best ever coach, but if Jose can triumph over Bayern Munich in Madrid, he too will go down in Beneamata folklore.
In Madrid, Jose will go up against his former boss, Louis van Gaal, the Dutch master was in charge of Barcelona and took Mourinho under his wing before he flew the nest to go on and become the worlds most sought after coach.
With victories over CSKA, Chelsea and Barcelona on their way to the final, it can be said they have had a tougher route to Madrid given Bayern faced Fiorentina, Manchester United and Lyon, and have been somewhat fortunate in the decisions they have had in their favour from referees, something even van Gaal has admitted:
"I don't think we are among the best teams in Europe. Inter, Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester United are the best teams around in Europe, not Bayern," Van Gaal was quoted as saying.
"We are kind of lucky to have made it to the Champions League final. We have reached the final because of some refereeing mistakes that were in our favour. That's why we really should be using cameras to support referees.” He continued.
Inter will likely start with three forwards on the pitch in Goran Pandev, Samuel Eto’o and the goal machine Diego Milito with former Real Madrid starlet Wesley Sneijder linking the play from midfield.
If Javier Zanetti starts, of which there is no question, he will make his 700th appearance for Inter, a great achievement from a magnificent professional and thoroughly nice chap. He will thus move up into midfield as Thiago Motta is suspended and Cristian Chivu slotting in at left-back.
If he scores, Samuel Eto'o would become only the second player in the history of the competition to score in three different European Cup finals after Alfredo Di Stefano.
Bayern Munich are also on course for a treble but will have to do without the suspended Franck Ribery. Though Mark van Bommel has tipped former Real Madrid man, Arjen Robben, to shine:
"The team knows how to play for him and he knows how to play for us. We compliment each other very well, everyone knows what to do in his position and Arjen is working very well. I love having him here,” van Bommel stated.
Aside from Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger has came into his own this season, dictating the play from the centre of midfield, he is central to the way Bayern play, finally fulfilling the promise of his early years.
One difficulty Inter will have if they decide to ‘park the bus’ is the ability of Bayern’s players to shoot from distance. Robben has already shown earlier in the tournament that he can smash a ball from 30 yards, Hamit Altintop, Mark van Bommel, and Schweinsteiger are no strangers to a long shot either.
One weak spot for Inter to exploit is the Bayern centre-back pairing. Both Manchester United and Fiorentina found plenty of gaps and this is something Mourinho will surely have noticed. Plus they have a solid foundation to build from.
Many are predicting a close encounter with Inter slight favorites, though there are many duels on the pitch and off it that will decide the outcome.
Possible Line-ups
Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Cambiasso, Zanetti, Sneijder; Pandev, Eto'o, Milito.
Bayern Munich: Butt, Lahm, Badstuber, Van Buyten, Contento, Altintop, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Olic, Muller.
The Azzurrini... One Year On
The World Cup is ever closer and Azzurri fans are downbeat and disenchanted by Marcelo Lippi for leaving out such talents as Antonio Cassano and Fabrizio Miccoli. There is also concern about the age of some of the squad; many have past their best and the tifosi feel Lippi needs to look to the future instead of 2006.
That said, Italy had a generation of talent on show last year in Sweden at the U21 European Championships. Many of these players would become ineligible for U21 play after last summers tournament, but what has become of this latest crop of Azzurrini?
Goalkeepers
Andrea Consigli, Salvatore Sirigu, Andrea Seculin
Consigli has made the Atalanta jersey his own and despite some good performances he has made a number of errors and will find himself in Serie B next year.
Sirigu on the other hand has excelled this season. He deposed Rubinho in the Palermo goal and has never looked back; he is even in contention for a spot in the Azzurri squad. Has an excellent future ahead of him. Seculin is third choice at Fiorentina.
Defenders
Marco Motta, Marco Andreolli, Domenico Criscito, Lino Marzorati, Andrea Ranocchia, Francesco Pisano, Salvatore Bocchetti
Of these talents, Motta was team captain and standout performer, but he has failed to get regular football at Roma, but when brought on has performed well.
Bocchetti and Criscito have done well at Genoa and are both in the mind of Marcelo Lippi. Criscito in particular may find he is handed the left back slot in South Africa. Ranocchia would be on the plane if he had not been injured.
Pisano has had a season blighted by injury and managed just 7 starts all season.
Marzorati and Andreolli have only been but part players at Cagliari and Roma respectively, with the formers most notable contribution coming as a last minute equalizer against Fulham in the Europa League.
Midfielders
Paolo De Ceglie, Piermario Morosini, Ignazio Abate, Claudio Marchisio, Antonio Candreva, Andrea Poli, Alessio Cerci, Luca Cigarini, Daniele Dessena
The Juventus trio of De Ceglie, Marchisio and Candreva have had a difficult season. But both Marchisio and Candreva can be proud of their efforts and both look to be key players for the future for club and country.
Abate is another who has had a difficult season, played mostly at right-back. Not for lack of effort it seems a future for Italy is not to be had.
Andrea Poli has been a revelation for Sampdoria and was key in their run towards Champions League qualification. His teammate Dessena has endured more of a substitutes role for Samp, but has done well when given the chance.
Cigarini on the other hand has not been a regular starter for Napoli, but has made telling contributions when given the chance. A last minute goal against Milan springs to mind.
Cerci and Morosini have not made an impact at their respective clubs, with the latter not even making a league appearance.
Forwards
Robert Acquafresca, Sebastian Giovinco, Alberto Paloschi, Mario Balotelli
What is left to say about Balotelli? He is mecurial, bad tempered, stroppy but ultimately hugely talented. An Azzurri legend…
Giovinco was touted as the star of this side but the Atomic Ant has endured a stop start campaign. Not receiving enough first team action has and could hamper his development further.
Paloschi is another who has endured an irregular season, he started well at Parma but injury has hampered what promised to be a break out year for the youngster.
He was the focal point in the U21 attack, but failed to impress in Sweden and this season has failed to impress at both Atalanta and Genoa. Unable to step up to the rigours of Serie A.
You need not be worried about the future of La Nazionale, I fully expect many of them to become regular starters in the coming years, maybe a crack at the 2014 World Cup isn’t that unrealistic?
That said, Italy had a generation of talent on show last year in Sweden at the U21 European Championships. Many of these players would become ineligible for U21 play after last summers tournament, but what has become of this latest crop of Azzurrini?
Goalkeepers
Andrea Consigli, Salvatore Sirigu, Andrea Seculin
Consigli has made the Atalanta jersey his own and despite some good performances he has made a number of errors and will find himself in Serie B next year.
Sirigu on the other hand has excelled this season. He deposed Rubinho in the Palermo goal and has never looked back; he is even in contention for a spot in the Azzurri squad. Has an excellent future ahead of him. Seculin is third choice at Fiorentina.
Defenders
Marco Motta, Marco Andreolli, Domenico Criscito, Lino Marzorati, Andrea Ranocchia, Francesco Pisano, Salvatore Bocchetti
Of these talents, Motta was team captain and standout performer, but he has failed to get regular football at Roma, but when brought on has performed well.
Bocchetti and Criscito have done well at Genoa and are both in the mind of Marcelo Lippi. Criscito in particular may find he is handed the left back slot in South Africa. Ranocchia would be on the plane if he had not been injured.
Pisano has had a season blighted by injury and managed just 7 starts all season.
Marzorati and Andreolli have only been but part players at Cagliari and Roma respectively, with the formers most notable contribution coming as a last minute equalizer against Fulham in the Europa League.
Midfielders
Paolo De Ceglie, Piermario Morosini, Ignazio Abate, Claudio Marchisio, Antonio Candreva, Andrea Poli, Alessio Cerci, Luca Cigarini, Daniele Dessena
The Juventus trio of De Ceglie, Marchisio and Candreva have had a difficult season. But both Marchisio and Candreva can be proud of their efforts and both look to be key players for the future for club and country.
Abate is another who has had a difficult season, played mostly at right-back. Not for lack of effort it seems a future for Italy is not to be had.
Andrea Poli has been a revelation for Sampdoria and was key in their run towards Champions League qualification. His teammate Dessena has endured more of a substitutes role for Samp, but has done well when given the chance.
Cigarini on the other hand has not been a regular starter for Napoli, but has made telling contributions when given the chance. A last minute goal against Milan springs to mind.
Cerci and Morosini have not made an impact at their respective clubs, with the latter not even making a league appearance.
Forwards
Robert Acquafresca, Sebastian Giovinco, Alberto Paloschi, Mario Balotelli
What is left to say about Balotelli? He is mecurial, bad tempered, stroppy but ultimately hugely talented. An Azzurri legend…
Giovinco was touted as the star of this side but the Atomic Ant has endured a stop start campaign. Not receiving enough first team action has and could hamper his development further.
Paloschi is another who has endured an irregular season, he started well at Parma but injury has hampered what promised to be a break out year for the youngster.
He was the focal point in the U21 attack, but failed to impress in Sweden and this season has failed to impress at both Atalanta and Genoa. Unable to step up to the rigours of Serie A.
You need not be worried about the future of La Nazionale, I fully expect many of them to become regular starters in the coming years, maybe a crack at the 2014 World Cup isn’t that unrealistic?
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Leonardo Can Be Proud Of His Achievements With AC Milan
AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinho recently said of coach Leonardo, “It has been beautiful to work with him. He is my friend and I want to see him happy wherever he is.”
As we all know he was not happy and he will not be working with his fellow countryman following their final match against Juventus, a 3-0 victory incidentally in which Ronaldinho bagged a brace. A fitting end to Leonardo’s reign at the San Siro.
The Brazilian leaves behind a side that performed over and above its ability, to which a lot of credit must go to the coach. He leaves with his head held high and his reputation enhanced despite a somewhat imagined Scudetto challenge, Champions League humiliation and disappointing Coppa Italia exit.
Leonardo was a new beginning after the departure of long serving Carlo Ancelotti and the sale of star man Kaka, not to mention the retirement of club icon and legend Paolo Maldini. Leonardo was charged with the colossal task of ushering in this new era at Milanello, he did have his issues during a turbulent few weeks in charge of the AC Milan side.
The rookie had no experience as a coach, no notable signings were made and expectations were low, the Rossoneri faithful had very little hope for the season.
But after putting together a magnificent run of 13 matches unbeaten between October and December, which included a 3-2 win at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu against the Nuevo Galácticos. Milan were playing some of the best attacking football on the continent.
This resurgence was led by a tactical switch from playing a trequartista to an attacking tridente of Ronaldinho, Marco Borriello and Pato, coupled with the return to form of Alessandro Nesta and the superlative partnership he formed with Thiago Silva.
It can be said the injuries to Nesta and Pato derailed the Rossoneri challenge on all fronts but even still Leo can be very proud of what he has achieved this season.
Third place in Serie A while playing Giuseppe Favalli at centre-back deserves a knighthood. Most of his squad were the wrong side of thirty yet he managed to instill a never say die attitude and demonstrated a very canny tactical brain.
As the season wore on it become clear he was going to leave, rumblings of discontent from the hierarchy and an emanating tension, together with a desire to be close to his family in Brazil may have hastened his decision, but it could be one Silvio Berlusconi regrets.
Leonardo said at a press conference: "We are here to announce that we are parting ways through mutual consent, in a calm and serene manner, just as it has always been in our relationship throughout the years.
"There's nothing surprising. Everything is very clear today, as always. We have arrived at the end. The Champions League aim, which I desired so much, has been achieved and this morning we have decided to make it official. The time to end this adventure has come."
I for one will be sad to see him depart Calcio; he has proved himself to be an intelligent, thoughtful man and not to mention a pretty handy tactician.
Grazie Leo!
As we all know he was not happy and he will not be working with his fellow countryman following their final match against Juventus, a 3-0 victory incidentally in which Ronaldinho bagged a brace. A fitting end to Leonardo’s reign at the San Siro.
The Brazilian leaves behind a side that performed over and above its ability, to which a lot of credit must go to the coach. He leaves with his head held high and his reputation enhanced despite a somewhat imagined Scudetto challenge, Champions League humiliation and disappointing Coppa Italia exit.
Leonardo was a new beginning after the departure of long serving Carlo Ancelotti and the sale of star man Kaka, not to mention the retirement of club icon and legend Paolo Maldini. Leonardo was charged with the colossal task of ushering in this new era at Milanello, he did have his issues during a turbulent few weeks in charge of the AC Milan side.
The rookie had no experience as a coach, no notable signings were made and expectations were low, the Rossoneri faithful had very little hope for the season.
But after putting together a magnificent run of 13 matches unbeaten between October and December, which included a 3-2 win at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu against the Nuevo Galácticos. Milan were playing some of the best attacking football on the continent.
This resurgence was led by a tactical switch from playing a trequartista to an attacking tridente of Ronaldinho, Marco Borriello and Pato, coupled with the return to form of Alessandro Nesta and the superlative partnership he formed with Thiago Silva.
It can be said the injuries to Nesta and Pato derailed the Rossoneri challenge on all fronts but even still Leo can be very proud of what he has achieved this season.
Third place in Serie A while playing Giuseppe Favalli at centre-back deserves a knighthood. Most of his squad were the wrong side of thirty yet he managed to instill a never say die attitude and demonstrated a very canny tactical brain.
As the season wore on it become clear he was going to leave, rumblings of discontent from the hierarchy and an emanating tension, together with a desire to be close to his family in Brazil may have hastened his decision, but it could be one Silvio Berlusconi regrets.
Leonardo said at a press conference: "We are here to announce that we are parting ways through mutual consent, in a calm and serene manner, just as it has always been in our relationship throughout the years.
"There's nothing surprising. Everything is very clear today, as always. We have arrived at the end. The Champions League aim, which I desired so much, has been achieved and this morning we have decided to make it official. The time to end this adventure has come."
I for one will be sad to see him depart Calcio; he has proved himself to be an intelligent, thoughtful man and not to mention a pretty handy tactician.
Grazie Leo!
The Search For Leonardo's Successor At AC Milan Begins
The search for Leonardo’s successor in the AC Milan hot seat will be one of the summer’s hottest topics in and around the peninsula after the Brazilian left the club by mutual consent following the clash with Juventus at the weekend.
But of the many big name mangers who is most likely to get the Rossoneri hot seat? We weigh up the leading candidates for the role.
Marco van Basten
Former player and legend at Milan, he is a favourite of Silvio Berlusconi and someone with experience of managing at the highest level. He coached the Dutch national side at Euro 2008 where they played some mesmerising football.
He has strong footballing principles and has had a number of spats with players most notably Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Coach at Ajax after the 2008 European Championship, he lasted one season and resigned after failing to gain Champions League qualification.
When asked about the link, he admitted, “Me at Milan? I've read it too and it surely would be a good idea, I'm really close with Milan, with the management and supporters." Though he has since ruled himself out the running, citing an injured ankle.
Mauro Tassotti
Another former player linked with the post. He was the number two, to both Leonardo and Carlo Ancelotti. Having spent 17 years at Milan as a player and having been part of the coaching team since 1997, Tassotti certainly has the experience.
He already has a relationship with the players and will know them well, he will also come relatively cheap, something that will no doubt be a factor in the decision making process.
When asked about his intentions, Tassotti said: “Who wouldn't like to train Milan? Trainers who don't have their coaching badges dream about it, as do those who have it and have been at this club for 30 years. I have been here for 30 years and my relationship with this club will not change.”
Fillippo Galli
We seem to have a recurring theme as yet another former Milan player is in contention for the top job. Not only is Galli a former player, he is the current director of the youth academy and technical assistant to the first team.
A favorite of Adriano Galliani he may not have the coaching experience but he is Milanista and like Tassotti, he will come cheap. A mooted duel role with Tassotti has also been mooted.
His response to the recent speculation is, “I am a professional and a Milanista,” Galli said,
“I live within the Milan environment every single day and I am at the club’s disposal. But this choice is down to the President or the Chief Executive Adriano Galliani.” He continued.
Massimiliano Allegri
The first candidate with no prior links to the club, Allegri worked wonders at provincial Cagliari, led them to a 9th place finish in his first season in charge, despite having limited funds and no truly top-class players.
Despite an indifferent campaign he was eventually given the boot due to ‘distractions’ off the field. Maybe he knew of Leo’s departure before we did.
The Serie A Coach of the Year was expected to leave the Sardinians this summer to further his career, Galliani hinted that Allegri has links with Milan: “He is a Milanista, because he went on tour with us.”
Galliani said, referring to when Allegri was invited to go on a tour of the United States with Milan while playing for Cagliari in the 1990s.
Who gets the job, you decide.
But of the many big name mangers who is most likely to get the Rossoneri hot seat? We weigh up the leading candidates for the role.
Marco van Basten
Former player and legend at Milan, he is a favourite of Silvio Berlusconi and someone with experience of managing at the highest level. He coached the Dutch national side at Euro 2008 where they played some mesmerising football.
He has strong footballing principles and has had a number of spats with players most notably Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Coach at Ajax after the 2008 European Championship, he lasted one season and resigned after failing to gain Champions League qualification.
When asked about the link, he admitted, “Me at Milan? I've read it too and it surely would be a good idea, I'm really close with Milan, with the management and supporters." Though he has since ruled himself out the running, citing an injured ankle.
Mauro Tassotti
Another former player linked with the post. He was the number two, to both Leonardo and Carlo Ancelotti. Having spent 17 years at Milan as a player and having been part of the coaching team since 1997, Tassotti certainly has the experience.
He already has a relationship with the players and will know them well, he will also come relatively cheap, something that will no doubt be a factor in the decision making process.
When asked about his intentions, Tassotti said: “Who wouldn't like to train Milan? Trainers who don't have their coaching badges dream about it, as do those who have it and have been at this club for 30 years. I have been here for 30 years and my relationship with this club will not change.”
Fillippo Galli
We seem to have a recurring theme as yet another former Milan player is in contention for the top job. Not only is Galli a former player, he is the current director of the youth academy and technical assistant to the first team.
A favorite of Adriano Galliani he may not have the coaching experience but he is Milanista and like Tassotti, he will come cheap. A mooted duel role with Tassotti has also been mooted.
His response to the recent speculation is, “I am a professional and a Milanista,” Galli said,
“I live within the Milan environment every single day and I am at the club’s disposal. But this choice is down to the President or the Chief Executive Adriano Galliani.” He continued.
Massimiliano Allegri
The first candidate with no prior links to the club, Allegri worked wonders at provincial Cagliari, led them to a 9th place finish in his first season in charge, despite having limited funds and no truly top-class players.
Despite an indifferent campaign he was eventually given the boot due to ‘distractions’ off the field. Maybe he knew of Leo’s departure before we did.
The Serie A Coach of the Year was expected to leave the Sardinians this summer to further his career, Galliani hinted that Allegri has links with Milan: “He is a Milanista, because he went on tour with us.”
Galliani said, referring to when Allegri was invited to go on a tour of the United States with Milan while playing for Cagliari in the 1990s.
Who gets the job, you decide.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Manchester United vs Stoke City: Preview
Here we go, it’s crunch time in the Premier League as Manchester United face Stoke City at Old Trafford on the final day of the season. Once last chance to clinch a record breaking 19th League title and 4th in a row, but two teams stand in the way… Chelsea and Stoke.
The Blues lie one point clear of United at the summit of the table and if they win their match at home to Wigan then they will be crowned champions, but if they draw or lose and we overcome our opponents at Old Trafford then United will be crowned champions… Simple.
The Blues lie one point clear of United at the summit of the table and if they win their match at home to Wigan then they will be crowned champions, but if they draw or lose and we overcome our opponents at Old Trafford then United will be crowned champions… Simple.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Sunderland vs Manchester United: Preview
By the time Manchester United’s visit to Sunderland comes around, the Red Devils will know the task in hand as Liverpool will already have beaten Chelsea – fingers crossed.
The Stadium of Light will prove to be a tough fixture, the talk of Liverpool ‘rolling over’ and Sunderland boss Steve Bruce giving his former club a ‘free ride’ should be put to be straight away as these are professional players who would not throw a game. Both United and Chelsea will be made to work by their respective opponents.
The Stadium of Light will prove to be a tough fixture, the talk of Liverpool ‘rolling over’ and Sunderland boss Steve Bruce giving his former club a ‘free ride’ should be put to be straight away as these are professional players who would not throw a game. Both United and Chelsea will be made to work by their respective opponents.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
AC Milan Plummet To New Lows After Loss To Palermo
Finish the season with honour’ AC Milan boss Leonardo has proclaimed, but the Serie A season cannot finish soon enough for the Rossoneri as the 3-1 defeat inflicted by Palermo brought home some stark realisations for AC Milan and their supporters.
The third place side travelled to Sicily to face Delio Rossi’s Palermo team who are in the fight for fourth place and in some scintillating form, whilst also showing magnificent team spirit the weekend previous by coming back from two goals down against Cagliari.
As the Aquile go from strength to the Diavolo seem to have run out of steam during the final furlong. Leonardo’s team selection on Saturday again brought home the distinct lack of depth and quality in the Milan set-up. There were four full-backs in the first eleven, Marek Jankulovski, Massimo Oddo, Luca Antonini and Gianluca Zambrotta. Two of which were played out of position – Oddo at centre back and Jankulovski in midfield.
Defensively Milan are awash with old, unreliable players, Giuseppe Favalli being a case in point and miss the injured Alessandro Nesta more than a fat cop misses a donut. Delving further into the squad, four of the six outfield players on the substitutes bench were from the primavera side, thus supplementing the argument for more squad depth.
Not that I want to demean any of the youngsters as they are a quality bunch of players shown by the fact they have reached the Coppa Italia Final and are second in the Primavera Championship, but I would expect these young players to be blooded in slowly and having to earn their place in one of the most prestigious in the peninsula.
But having made the point about investment needed in the club time and time again, it looks as if Milan will be having a quiet summer as vice-president of the club Adriano Galliani has said, “I wanted to reinforce the structure of the youth sector to get it back to a very high level. We can confirm that a new era began for the Rossoneri's academy in the summer of 2009. We'll keep investing a lot in the youth sector.”
So it looks likely a complete first team squad overhaul that is well overdue will be put off for another season, this backed up by Galliani’s statement after the AC Milan annual general meeting where he said, "We will not be selling any stars. Certainly not Pato, certainly not Thiago Silva, Certainly not Ronaldinho, Huntelaar and Borriello.”
He continued, "Silvio Berlusconi loves Milan, but he will not spend €810m in five years like Inter did."
No ins and no outs according to Galliani, the same man who proclaimed Kaka would not be sold last summer.
Having said that some minor points of speculation regarding the Milan strikers has been doing the rounds recently. First Pato is rumoured to be leaving for either Real Madrid or Chelsea and Huntelaar, who has constantly been liked with the Premier League since his arrival at the San Siro, is once again being linked with a move away, this time to Manchester United in part-exchange for Dimitar Berbatov.
If Milan let Pato go, it would be a clear signal from the hierarchy Milan are now a selling club as the €50 million he would bring in, would not be spent on reinforcing the team, more likely used to balance the books at Via Turati.
Finally we come to the future of Leonardo. Unhappy at the numerous jibes from Silvio Berlusconi about his tactics, the Brazilian looks increasingly likely to be out of the Milan hot seat this summer.
Unhappy with lack of funds to strengthen, coupled with his family being in Brazil, the end of the road seems neigh.
Some tifosi cannot wait for the summer but it may prove to be another summer of disappointment for the long-suffering Rossoneri fans.
The third place side travelled to Sicily to face Delio Rossi’s Palermo team who are in the fight for fourth place and in some scintillating form, whilst also showing magnificent team spirit the weekend previous by coming back from two goals down against Cagliari.
As the Aquile go from strength to the Diavolo seem to have run out of steam during the final furlong. Leonardo’s team selection on Saturday again brought home the distinct lack of depth and quality in the Milan set-up. There were four full-backs in the first eleven, Marek Jankulovski, Massimo Oddo, Luca Antonini and Gianluca Zambrotta. Two of which were played out of position – Oddo at centre back and Jankulovski in midfield.
Defensively Milan are awash with old, unreliable players, Giuseppe Favalli being a case in point and miss the injured Alessandro Nesta more than a fat cop misses a donut. Delving further into the squad, four of the six outfield players on the substitutes bench were from the primavera side, thus supplementing the argument for more squad depth.
Not that I want to demean any of the youngsters as they are a quality bunch of players shown by the fact they have reached the Coppa Italia Final and are second in the Primavera Championship, but I would expect these young players to be blooded in slowly and having to earn their place in one of the most prestigious in the peninsula.
But having made the point about investment needed in the club time and time again, it looks as if Milan will be having a quiet summer as vice-president of the club Adriano Galliani has said, “I wanted to reinforce the structure of the youth sector to get it back to a very high level. We can confirm that a new era began for the Rossoneri's academy in the summer of 2009. We'll keep investing a lot in the youth sector.”
So it looks likely a complete first team squad overhaul that is well overdue will be put off for another season, this backed up by Galliani’s statement after the AC Milan annual general meeting where he said, "We will not be selling any stars. Certainly not Pato, certainly not Thiago Silva, Certainly not Ronaldinho, Huntelaar and Borriello.”
He continued, "Silvio Berlusconi loves Milan, but he will not spend €810m in five years like Inter did."
No ins and no outs according to Galliani, the same man who proclaimed Kaka would not be sold last summer.
Having said that some minor points of speculation regarding the Milan strikers has been doing the rounds recently. First Pato is rumoured to be leaving for either Real Madrid or Chelsea and Huntelaar, who has constantly been liked with the Premier League since his arrival at the San Siro, is once again being linked with a move away, this time to Manchester United in part-exchange for Dimitar Berbatov.
If Milan let Pato go, it would be a clear signal from the hierarchy Milan are now a selling club as the €50 million he would bring in, would not be spent on reinforcing the team, more likely used to balance the books at Via Turati.
Finally we come to the future of Leonardo. Unhappy at the numerous jibes from Silvio Berlusconi about his tactics, the Brazilian looks increasingly likely to be out of the Milan hot seat this summer.
Unhappy with lack of funds to strengthen, coupled with his family being in Brazil, the end of the road seems neigh.
Some tifosi cannot wait for the summer but it may prove to be another summer of disappointment for the long-suffering Rossoneri fans.
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview
The twists and turns of the Premier League continue and thanks to the ‘Ginger Ninja’ Paul Scholes Manchester United are still in the title hunt, but credit must also go to this weeks visitors Tottenham Hotspur, who travel to Old Trafford as conquerors of Chelsea, thus reigniting the title race.
This game is of monumental importance to both clubs, United have to win to keep pace with Chelsea and Spurs need to win to make sure Manchester City don’t overtake them in the race for fourth. It promises to be an effervescent affair.
This game is of monumental importance to both clubs, United have to win to keep pace with Chelsea and Spurs need to win to make sure Manchester City don’t overtake them in the race for fourth. It promises to be an effervescent affair.
Serie A Week 35 Preview: Roma Look to Extend Lead at the Top of Serie A
Serie A is certainly hotting up and Gironata 35 is here!
AS Roma will be buoyed by Derby victory and safe passage through to the Coppa Italia final after a 2-1 aggregate win over Udinese. Not many of the first team regulars started the midweek match as the tinkerman; Claudio Ranieri worked his magic in anticipation of Sampdoria’s visit to the Olimpico on Sunday evening.
Unbeaten in 23 league matches, Roma will face the toughest of their remaining four games. Will Ranieri leave out Francesco Totti? With Claudio you never know, it may prove to be another masterstroke reminiscent of his substitutions during the derby.
The Blucerchiati are in great form after victories over Genoa and AC Milan respectively, which propelled them to fourth position in the league table. To add spice to the match, former Romanista, Antonio Cassano will be hoping to dent Roma’s Scudetto challenge while further enhancing his own team’s claim for a Champions League berth.
Challenging Samp for fourth spot are Palermo, the Sicilians have laid claim to the coveted position since late February, but had to relinquish control last weekend, so the visit of Milan will likely prove a stern test for the Rosanero. Milan though are in terrible form, and have only won once in the last five. Notably, Palermo have only lost once at home to Milan in six years.
Change is on the horizon for Milan, third place is all but secure and there are rumours of unhappiness with players and manager. Leonardo is apparently sick and tired of Owner, Silvio Berlusconi’s constant tactical jibes, plus Ronaldinho has been asked to take a pay cut; all is not well with the Rossoneri.
Couple this with a defensive crisis which could mean Massimo Oddo playing in central defence, there is little reason for the Diavolo to be optimistic.
Meanwhile, Inter play host to Atalanta on Saturday evening. The Nerazzurri will no doubt have half an eye on the Champions League second leg and could well be feeling the after effects of Tuesdays match considering the effort they had to put in against Barcelona. Atalanta on the other hand will be fighting for their lives as relegation looms large.
The shadow of Balotelli will be cast over Inter, as Super Mario had another tantrum on Tuesday resulting in exclusion from this match squad. His future uncertain, his talent undoubted, but harnessing this appears difficult. Jose Mourinho may look to rest a few of his players as well, which will certainly favour Atalanta, who themselves are playing wonderfully.
Defeats to Juventus and Roma were harsh, but the Orobici have remained defiant and are one of the form teams in Serie A, so expect a tough game for Inter, who may well drop more points as they continue to prioritise Europe.
Other fixtures:
Bologna - Parma
Fiorentina - Chievo
Genoa - Lazio
Juventus - Bari
Livorno - Catania
Napoli - Cagliari
Udinese - Siena
AS Roma will be buoyed by Derby victory and safe passage through to the Coppa Italia final after a 2-1 aggregate win over Udinese. Not many of the first team regulars started the midweek match as the tinkerman; Claudio Ranieri worked his magic in anticipation of Sampdoria’s visit to the Olimpico on Sunday evening.
Unbeaten in 23 league matches, Roma will face the toughest of their remaining four games. Will Ranieri leave out Francesco Totti? With Claudio you never know, it may prove to be another masterstroke reminiscent of his substitutions during the derby.
The Blucerchiati are in great form after victories over Genoa and AC Milan respectively, which propelled them to fourth position in the league table. To add spice to the match, former Romanista, Antonio Cassano will be hoping to dent Roma’s Scudetto challenge while further enhancing his own team’s claim for a Champions League berth.
Challenging Samp for fourth spot are Palermo, the Sicilians have laid claim to the coveted position since late February, but had to relinquish control last weekend, so the visit of Milan will likely prove a stern test for the Rosanero. Milan though are in terrible form, and have only won once in the last five. Notably, Palermo have only lost once at home to Milan in six years.
Change is on the horizon for Milan, third place is all but secure and there are rumours of unhappiness with players and manager. Leonardo is apparently sick and tired of Owner, Silvio Berlusconi’s constant tactical jibes, plus Ronaldinho has been asked to take a pay cut; all is not well with the Rossoneri.
Couple this with a defensive crisis which could mean Massimo Oddo playing in central defence, there is little reason for the Diavolo to be optimistic.
Meanwhile, Inter play host to Atalanta on Saturday evening. The Nerazzurri will no doubt have half an eye on the Champions League second leg and could well be feeling the after effects of Tuesdays match considering the effort they had to put in against Barcelona. Atalanta on the other hand will be fighting for their lives as relegation looms large.
The shadow of Balotelli will be cast over Inter, as Super Mario had another tantrum on Tuesday resulting in exclusion from this match squad. His future uncertain, his talent undoubted, but harnessing this appears difficult. Jose Mourinho may look to rest a few of his players as well, which will certainly favour Atalanta, who themselves are playing wonderfully.
Defeats to Juventus and Roma were harsh, but the Orobici have remained defiant and are one of the form teams in Serie A, so expect a tough game for Inter, who may well drop more points as they continue to prioritise Europe.
Other fixtures:
Bologna - Parma
Fiorentina - Chievo
Genoa - Lazio
Juventus - Bari
Livorno - Catania
Napoli - Cagliari
Udinese - Siena
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Manchester City vs Manchester United: Preview
Prior to the Blackburn match last weekend few of us would have thought things could have gotten any worse, but they did. A disappointing draw at Ewood Park matched by a lacklustre performance, the title now seems like a distant, fading dream.
Next up are our neighbours from across town, Manchester City who are in their own battle, that for fourth place. We managed a 4-3 victory in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, but Eastlands will be a tough place to go, especially considering the form Roberto Mancini has his charges in.
Next up are our neighbours from across town, Manchester City who are in their own battle, that for fourth place. We managed a 4-3 victory in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, but Eastlands will be a tough place to go, especially considering the form Roberto Mancini has his charges in.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Sampdoria Pip Genoa in the Derby della Lanterna
As week 33 in Serie A drew to a close we were treated to a magnificent Derby della Lanterna between Genoa and Sampdoria. Both teams have European ambitions, the Rossoblu are looking to gain Europa League qualification, while the Blucerchiati are in the running to claim a Champions League spot. The game at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris kicked off just over fifteen minutes late due to traffic delaying the arrival of both side, but it was certainly a match worth waiting for.
Sampdoria took the earlier initiative and were in complete control from the off, and had early chances through a Daniele Gastaldello header and a Stefano Guberti volley from the edge of the 18-yard box which forced Genoa’s stand in goalkeeper, Alessio Scarpi into a magnificent save.
The deadlock was broken soon after and to be fair it had been on the cards as Samp were putting sustained pressure on the Genoa defence, and it was Antonio Cassano who got the goal as he nodded in a Stefano Lucchini cross-box header.
Tensions threatened to spillover as a number of reckless challenges began to fly in.
Genoa did score though as Giuseppe Sculli fired in a thunderous volley but he was correctly deemed offside.
Following the half-time interval, it was Genoa who were taking control of the tie, wave after wave of Grifone attacks were thwarted by a stubborn Sampdoria defence with Marco Storari making a number of saves.
In the final minute of the match Genoa had the chance to rescue a point as Salvatore Bocchetti rose unchallenged in the Samp penalty area, but could only put his header wide.
Sampdoria coach Gigi Del Neri was in buoyant mood following the final whistle: “It was a great victory in front of a wonderful crowd,” stated Del Neri.
“We learned from the mistakes of the past and didn’t allow Genoa any space to hurt us.” He continued
“Now we want to keep hold of fourth place. We are the favourites for that Champions League spot and I hope we can maintain it until the end of the season.”
But the Genoa boss Gian Piero Gasperini was not so complimentary:“Genoa overall had a good game, perhaps they were even the better side compared to Sampdoria, who made the most of the goal and built their performance on that.
“To be perfectly honest, I am struggling to remember any other scoring opportunities Samp had.” He continued.
“We did our best and were the only ones to create chances, especially in the second half. An equaliser could’ve transformed the game, but at the end of the day the result does not reflect the whole match.”
Genoa now lie tenth, six points behind Juventus in the race for a Europa League spot, so it will take a minor miracle for the Rossoblu to reach Europe once more and facing some tough teams in the coming weeks, a top half finish may be the best Gasperini can hope for.
Sampdoria on the other hand are still in the hunt for fourth spot, level on point with Palermo the current occupiers of fourth place, but Samp do have a difficult run-in. AC Milan and AS Roma are next up for Del Neri, then a potential Champions League decider in week 37 with Palermo.
Sampdoria took the earlier initiative and were in complete control from the off, and had early chances through a Daniele Gastaldello header and a Stefano Guberti volley from the edge of the 18-yard box which forced Genoa’s stand in goalkeeper, Alessio Scarpi into a magnificent save.
The deadlock was broken soon after and to be fair it had been on the cards as Samp were putting sustained pressure on the Genoa defence, and it was Antonio Cassano who got the goal as he nodded in a Stefano Lucchini cross-box header.
Tensions threatened to spillover as a number of reckless challenges began to fly in.
Genoa did score though as Giuseppe Sculli fired in a thunderous volley but he was correctly deemed offside.
Following the half-time interval, it was Genoa who were taking control of the tie, wave after wave of Grifone attacks were thwarted by a stubborn Sampdoria defence with Marco Storari making a number of saves.
In the final minute of the match Genoa had the chance to rescue a point as Salvatore Bocchetti rose unchallenged in the Samp penalty area, but could only put his header wide.
Sampdoria coach Gigi Del Neri was in buoyant mood following the final whistle: “It was a great victory in front of a wonderful crowd,” stated Del Neri.
“We learned from the mistakes of the past and didn’t allow Genoa any space to hurt us.” He continued
“Now we want to keep hold of fourth place. We are the favourites for that Champions League spot and I hope we can maintain it until the end of the season.”
But the Genoa boss Gian Piero Gasperini was not so complimentary:“Genoa overall had a good game, perhaps they were even the better side compared to Sampdoria, who made the most of the goal and built their performance on that.
“To be perfectly honest, I am struggling to remember any other scoring opportunities Samp had.” He continued.
“We did our best and were the only ones to create chances, especially in the second half. An equaliser could’ve transformed the game, but at the end of the day the result does not reflect the whole match.”
Genoa now lie tenth, six points behind Juventus in the race for a Europa League spot, so it will take a minor miracle for the Rossoblu to reach Europe once more and facing some tough teams in the coming weeks, a top half finish may be the best Gasperini can hope for.
Sampdoria on the other hand are still in the hunt for fourth spot, level on point with Palermo the current occupiers of fourth place, but Samp do have a difficult run-in. AC Milan and AS Roma are next up for Del Neri, then a potential Champions League decider in week 37 with Palermo.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United: Preview
The last week has been a tough one for many of us Manchester United fans, but look no further as we have a Premier League fixture against Blackburn Rovers to contend with. A visit to Ewood Park is probably not the easiest of tasks considering the last seven days. Sir Alex Ferguson will surely be hoping there are none of these typical Germans in Sam Allardyce’s line up come Sunday.
We have had a terrible time of it recently, first the defeat to Chelsea, a miraculous recovery from Wayne Rooney and then a controversial sending off which led to Bayern Munich snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Surely the lads will be 100 per cent focussed on overtaking league leaders Chelsea.
We have had a terrible time of it recently, first the defeat to Chelsea, a miraculous recovery from Wayne Rooney and then a controversial sending off which led to Bayern Munich snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Surely the lads will be 100 per cent focussed on overtaking league leaders Chelsea.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Manchester United vs Bayern Munich: Preview
The second-leg of the Champions League quarter-final is almost upon us, and their will be much anticipation over an encounter that could in theory make or break out season. Manchester United welcome Bayern Munich to Old Trafford hoping that the 2-1 first leg defeat can be overturned, and the ‘spirit of 1999’ rekindled.
It promises to be very tough indeed, both teams are dangerous on the attack but also partook in top-of-the-table clashes over the weekend. United lost their encounter with title rivals Chelsea, but Bayern were victorious over Schalke and even played a large part of the game with ten men. So United will be aware of the threat they pose especially with the attacking talent they have.
It promises to be very tough indeed, both teams are dangerous on the attack but also partook in top-of-the-table clashes over the weekend. United lost their encounter with title rivals Chelsea, but Bayern were victorious over Schalke and even played a large part of the game with ten men. So United will be aware of the threat they pose especially with the attacking talent they have.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
CSKA Moscow vs Inter Milan: Champions League 2nd Leg Preview
The Champions League rolls around once more and Inter travel to Moscow for the quarter-final second leg against CSKA. The Italian champions hold a 1-0 lead going into the game at the Luzhniki Stadium.
In the first leg Inter could have scored a couple more, especially in the second half when they were particularly wasteful in front of goal. Though, it must be remembered CSKA were extremely dangerous for the first 45 minutes especially through dynamic winger Milos Krasic, while centre midfielder Evgeni Aldonin was also a dominating force in the middle of the park. A tough game lies ahead for the Nerazzurri.
Going into the match Inter welcome back ‘Super’ Mario Balotelli who was also included and scored in the weekend’s 3-0 victory over Bologna. The 19 year-old striker had been in a well-publicised spat with the club and Jose Mourinho, but he has since apologised so should find a place on the bench in Moscow.
There have been concerns over Wesley Sneijder fitness as he injured a foot in training on Tuesday, though Jose Mourinho has confirmed he will play.
There have been concerns over the synthetic pitch at the Luzhniki, but Mourinho has been quick to extinguish any talk of it having a negative effect on the game, "We know how we want to play there, aware of the difficulties regarding the opposition and the artificial pitch, which will be a first for everyone," said Mourinho.
Inter, incidentally have scored in every away game, bar one, in the Champions League this season.
They will go into the game with Maicon and Lucio restored to the defence along with captain Javier Zanetti; all three missed the weekend’s match through suspension.
CSKA on the other hand are playing in their first ever Champions League quarter-final, though they will be confident they can overturn the 1 goal deficit. Though they will have to do it without the aforementioned Krasic and Aldonin, who are both suspended for the match after picking up bookings in the first leg.
Young starlet Alan Dzagoev is likely to be drafted into the first eleven and it could be his chance to shine on a global stage; he already scored one in the 3-3 draw with Manchester United earlier in the campaign.
The Russian side haven’t played since the match in the San Siro so should be fresh and well aware of the task at hand.
Jose Mourinho’s men will be under no illusions of the task that faces them, avoid defeat and the semi-final is there. They managed to win away when they schooled a Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge, thus a victory in Russia should not be a problem.
Mourinho’s number one objective is European glory and failure is not an option, Inter will thus keep it tight at the back and look to exploit a CSKA side who must score to have any chance of progressing further in the competition.
In the first leg Inter could have scored a couple more, especially in the second half when they were particularly wasteful in front of goal. Though, it must be remembered CSKA were extremely dangerous for the first 45 minutes especially through dynamic winger Milos Krasic, while centre midfielder Evgeni Aldonin was also a dominating force in the middle of the park. A tough game lies ahead for the Nerazzurri.
Going into the match Inter welcome back ‘Super’ Mario Balotelli who was also included and scored in the weekend’s 3-0 victory over Bologna. The 19 year-old striker had been in a well-publicised spat with the club and Jose Mourinho, but he has since apologised so should find a place on the bench in Moscow.
There have been concerns over Wesley Sneijder fitness as he injured a foot in training on Tuesday, though Jose Mourinho has confirmed he will play.
There have been concerns over the synthetic pitch at the Luzhniki, but Mourinho has been quick to extinguish any talk of it having a negative effect on the game, "We know how we want to play there, aware of the difficulties regarding the opposition and the artificial pitch, which will be a first for everyone," said Mourinho.
Inter, incidentally have scored in every away game, bar one, in the Champions League this season.
They will go into the game with Maicon and Lucio restored to the defence along with captain Javier Zanetti; all three missed the weekend’s match through suspension.
CSKA on the other hand are playing in their first ever Champions League quarter-final, though they will be confident they can overturn the 1 goal deficit. Though they will have to do it without the aforementioned Krasic and Aldonin, who are both suspended for the match after picking up bookings in the first leg.
Young starlet Alan Dzagoev is likely to be drafted into the first eleven and it could be his chance to shine on a global stage; he already scored one in the 3-3 draw with Manchester United earlier in the campaign.
The Russian side haven’t played since the match in the San Siro so should be fresh and well aware of the task at hand.
Jose Mourinho’s men will be under no illusions of the task that faces them, avoid defeat and the semi-final is there. They managed to win away when they schooled a Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge, thus a victory in Russia should not be a problem.
Mourinho’s number one objective is European glory and failure is not an option, Inter will thus keep it tight at the back and look to exploit a CSKA side who must score to have any chance of progressing further in the competition.
Monday, 5 April 2010
Legend of Calcio: Zvonimir Boban
Football and politics are two entwined entities and often throughout history have influenced each other. But one man encompasses this relationship more than most, his name is Zvonimir Boban.
Born in the small town of Imotski, very near the Bosnian border, in the nationalist south of Croatia. He grew up in communist Yugoslavia, but as he neared adulthood Yugoslavia was crumbling. With communism heading for the exit door, nationalism was to rear its head, with Boban a very receptive consumer.
He probably would not have guessed the impact and place he would gain in Croat folklore for one particular incident which took place on 13th May, 1990.
At the time he was playing for Dinamo Zagreb, in the Croatian capital against Red Star Belgrade, the dominant side from the Serbian capital. The match had degenerated into hooliganism and fans had made their way onto the pitch, tensions were also high between the two ethnic groups and this manifested itself in the football hooligan culture.
Boban spotted a police officer beating a Dinamo fan, he then ran over and karate kicked the official in the face. The Red Star fans began tearing down the Maksimir Stadium while the Yugoslav police did nothing, except watch the carnage unfold. Boban can be seen pacing back and forth on the athletics track, visibly angry, muttering to himself, "Where is the police? Where is the bloody police?"
That kick was, for many Croats, the symbol of the uprising against the 70-year Serb domination in Yugoslavia. Many feel that with that kick their nation was born. The war of independence began a year later.
Boban was suspended by the Yugoslav FA for six months and criminal charges were brought against him, and as a result missed the 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy.
His playing career was a little less eventful than events playing out in his homeland, but it was a magnificent career. Beginning in Zagreb where he played a total of 109 games for Dinamo, making his debut as a 16 year old and made captain of the club at only 19. He also played a big part in Yugoslavia's win in the 1987 World Youth Championships.
Following the aforementioned incident with the Yugoslav police officer, he made a move to Italy and joined AC Milan at the specific request of manager Fabio Capello. Signed in and £8 million deal he was immediately loaned to Bari, which allowed Boban time to settle in the peninsula and get himself up to speed with the Italian game. Bari were fighting relegation and the talented Croat could not stop the Galletti from dropping to Serie B. However, despite this, Boban demonstrated his qualities, excellent technical skill, vision and ability to play the killer pass.
On his return to Milanello, he was made an integral part of the Rossoneri side. Given his debut in a 6-2 victory over Ternana he quickly established himself in the AC Milan midfield, a midfield that contained Ruud Gullit, Roberto Donadoni and Demetrio Albertini. In particular, his partnership with Albertini would hold Milan in good stead for years to come and provide the platform for continued success for AC Milan.
Milan won the Champions League in 1994 and Boban was the star of that side which swept away all challengers before coming up against Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona dream team, a match in which AC Milan were underdogs and expected to be swept aside themselves. But this was not to be, Boban gave a master class in midfield wizardry, very much involved in the first goal as Milan went on to win 4-0. Milan’s performance is regarded as one of the finest European Cup performances in the history of the competition and Boban was a vital part in it.
More success was in the pipeline for Boban and the Rossoneri, another Scudetto in 1996 and one in 1999, his last. It was this triumph in 1999 which could be thought of as sweetest for Boban as Milan at this point were on the wane and Alberto Zaccheroni had been brought in from Udinese. Milan started the campaign in disastrous fashion and were way behind title favourites and big spenders Lazio, but Milan held firm and refused to give up as they won the championship on the last day of the season as the beat Perugia 2-1.
Boban was vital to this success, he showed incredible craft and vision, he took on more responsibility as he was an elder member of the side, and he scored a number of important goals, whilst assisting in even more as he operated behind the formidable strike force of George Weah and Oliver Bierhoff. He had everything you could want in a midfield playmaker, a true trequartista.
In 2001, Rui Costa was brought to Milan from Fiorentina and Boban found himself on the fringes of the first team, a loan move was agreed to Celta Vigo in Spain but after starting only four matches he announced his retirement from the game in October 2001. Zvonimir Boban played 251 games, scored 30 goals for AC Milan and is one of the best foreign imports ever to have plied their trade in Serie A.
In nine seasons at the San Siro he won four Scudetti, the European Cup, three Supercoppa Italiana and the European Super Cup. But he also had a distinguished international career with his beloved Croatia. Initially playing for Yugoslavia, he won seven caps before Croatia gained independence. A further 51 caps were acquired as a Croatian; he played in the 1998 World Cup and captained the side to an outstanding third place finish.
Since his retirement from the game Boban has gone on to complete a history degree at the University of Zagreb, submitting his thesis on "Christianity in the Roman Empire". Always regarded as an articulate man, he reads widely and impressed many with his eloquence and knowledge of world literature, history and political affairs. Upon completing his degree he is quoted as saying: "Only after four years of study have I understood how little it is that I know. Learning new stuff serves one solely to understand the insignificance of one's knowledge."
He also started a career in sports journalism, writing for Croatian sports newspaper Sportske novosti, as well as being a commentator for the Sky Italia and columnist for La Gazzetta dello Sport. He also owns a bar in Zagreb, imaginatively titled ‘Boban’.
Zvonimir Boban’s first love will always be his country, in the documentary The Last Yugoslavian Football Team, he states. "Croatia is the reason I live. I love my country as I love myself. I would die for Croatia."
Born in the small town of Imotski, very near the Bosnian border, in the nationalist south of Croatia. He grew up in communist Yugoslavia, but as he neared adulthood Yugoslavia was crumbling. With communism heading for the exit door, nationalism was to rear its head, with Boban a very receptive consumer.
He probably would not have guessed the impact and place he would gain in Croat folklore for one particular incident which took place on 13th May, 1990.
At the time he was playing for Dinamo Zagreb, in the Croatian capital against Red Star Belgrade, the dominant side from the Serbian capital. The match had degenerated into hooliganism and fans had made their way onto the pitch, tensions were also high between the two ethnic groups and this manifested itself in the football hooligan culture.
Boban spotted a police officer beating a Dinamo fan, he then ran over and karate kicked the official in the face. The Red Star fans began tearing down the Maksimir Stadium while the Yugoslav police did nothing, except watch the carnage unfold. Boban can be seen pacing back and forth on the athletics track, visibly angry, muttering to himself, "Where is the police? Where is the bloody police?"
That kick was, for many Croats, the symbol of the uprising against the 70-year Serb domination in Yugoslavia. Many feel that with that kick their nation was born. The war of independence began a year later.
Boban was suspended by the Yugoslav FA for six months and criminal charges were brought against him, and as a result missed the 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy.
His playing career was a little less eventful than events playing out in his homeland, but it was a magnificent career. Beginning in Zagreb where he played a total of 109 games for Dinamo, making his debut as a 16 year old and made captain of the club at only 19. He also played a big part in Yugoslavia's win in the 1987 World Youth Championships.
Following the aforementioned incident with the Yugoslav police officer, he made a move to Italy and joined AC Milan at the specific request of manager Fabio Capello. Signed in and £8 million deal he was immediately loaned to Bari, which allowed Boban time to settle in the peninsula and get himself up to speed with the Italian game. Bari were fighting relegation and the talented Croat could not stop the Galletti from dropping to Serie B. However, despite this, Boban demonstrated his qualities, excellent technical skill, vision and ability to play the killer pass.
On his return to Milanello, he was made an integral part of the Rossoneri side. Given his debut in a 6-2 victory over Ternana he quickly established himself in the AC Milan midfield, a midfield that contained Ruud Gullit, Roberto Donadoni and Demetrio Albertini. In particular, his partnership with Albertini would hold Milan in good stead for years to come and provide the platform for continued success for AC Milan.
Milan won the Champions League in 1994 and Boban was the star of that side which swept away all challengers before coming up against Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona dream team, a match in which AC Milan were underdogs and expected to be swept aside themselves. But this was not to be, Boban gave a master class in midfield wizardry, very much involved in the first goal as Milan went on to win 4-0. Milan’s performance is regarded as one of the finest European Cup performances in the history of the competition and Boban was a vital part in it.
More success was in the pipeline for Boban and the Rossoneri, another Scudetto in 1996 and one in 1999, his last. It was this triumph in 1999 which could be thought of as sweetest for Boban as Milan at this point were on the wane and Alberto Zaccheroni had been brought in from Udinese. Milan started the campaign in disastrous fashion and were way behind title favourites and big spenders Lazio, but Milan held firm and refused to give up as they won the championship on the last day of the season as the beat Perugia 2-1.
Boban was vital to this success, he showed incredible craft and vision, he took on more responsibility as he was an elder member of the side, and he scored a number of important goals, whilst assisting in even more as he operated behind the formidable strike force of George Weah and Oliver Bierhoff. He had everything you could want in a midfield playmaker, a true trequartista.
In 2001, Rui Costa was brought to Milan from Fiorentina and Boban found himself on the fringes of the first team, a loan move was agreed to Celta Vigo in Spain but after starting only four matches he announced his retirement from the game in October 2001. Zvonimir Boban played 251 games, scored 30 goals for AC Milan and is one of the best foreign imports ever to have plied their trade in Serie A.
In nine seasons at the San Siro he won four Scudetti, the European Cup, three Supercoppa Italiana and the European Super Cup. But he also had a distinguished international career with his beloved Croatia. Initially playing for Yugoslavia, he won seven caps before Croatia gained independence. A further 51 caps were acquired as a Croatian; he played in the 1998 World Cup and captained the side to an outstanding third place finish.
Since his retirement from the game Boban has gone on to complete a history degree at the University of Zagreb, submitting his thesis on "Christianity in the Roman Empire". Always regarded as an articulate man, he reads widely and impressed many with his eloquence and knowledge of world literature, history and political affairs. Upon completing his degree he is quoted as saying: "Only after four years of study have I understood how little it is that I know. Learning new stuff serves one solely to understand the insignificance of one's knowledge."
He also started a career in sports journalism, writing for Croatian sports newspaper Sportske novosti, as well as being a commentator for the Sky Italia and columnist for La Gazzetta dello Sport. He also owns a bar in Zagreb, imaginatively titled ‘Boban’.
Zvonimir Boban’s first love will always be his country, in the documentary The Last Yugoslavian Football Team, he states. "Croatia is the reason I live. I love my country as I love myself. I would die for Croatia."
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