Fiorentina And Milan Consider Gilardino-Frey Swap Deal

Despite Sebastien Frey's recent protestations that he's pleased to be at Fiorentina, AC Milan are still said to be keen on landing the French goalkeeper.

With this in mind, and with Pato recently blazing a trail at the San Siro, a swap deal for striker Alberto Gilardino could be on the cards.

Italian daily La Repubblica claims that AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani met with Fiorentina supremo Andrea della Valle over dinner this week to mull over the prospect of a part-exchange.

However, any such move would not take place until the end of the season, with Nelson Dida set to continue as the rossoneri's number one until then.

The Brazilian has come in for heavy criticism of late, with Milan repeatedly being linked with new goalkeeping targets - not least Frey - to replace him.

Gilardino, meanwhile, is slipping down the pecking order at Milan, but could find Firenze a tough nut to crack due to the presence of the likes of Adrian Mutu and Christian Vieri.

Baldini Hails Historic Victory

The Sicilians drew 1-1 on the night at the Stadio Massimino but progressed to the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate, following their 2-1 win at San Siro before Christmas.


Peruvian sensation Juan Manuel Vargas, signalled why he is wanted by all of the top Serie A teams with a thunderous long-range shot to give Catania the lead on 12 minutes.


Milan equalised on 68 minutes through youth product Alberto Paloschi, and came close to forcing extra time when Yoann Gourcuff hit the crossbar.


“We played a good game, although we suffered in the second half,” said Baldini.


“However against a team like Milan it is normal to suffer like this.”


It is the first time in Catania’s history that they have reached the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia, and Baldini could not hide his excitement and pride.


"We are pleased not only for ourselves but for the entire city that has reached an historic milestone,” he said.


“Catania have never reached the quarter-finals and to be able to go so far, and moreover eliminating a prestigious team like Milan, is a reason for great pride.”

 

Pato Hails 'Dream Debut'

Milan of course had not won at home all season in the league, but 2008 has started with a bang.

With Ronaldo fit and Pato eligible, the rossoneri looked an attacking force once more - if anything it was their defense that was uncharacterstically vulnerable - as an end to end game saw them get pegged back twice, with 2-2 the score at half time.

In the second half the club champions of the world ran riot, with Ronaldo netting his second just after the break, Kaka adding a magnificent fourth and Pato capping proceedings with the fifth and final Milanese goal, which he took brilliantly.

“I dedicate the goal to my family and my girlfriend,” declared Pato.

The crowd exploded when the youngster hit the back of the net following the unprecedented hype he experienced before even making his professional debut in Europe.

He has often been compared with legendary forward Ronaldo, who returned today and scored an impressive brace himself. Pato remained humble and paid homage to his idol.

“The team played very well and it was an excellent game of football. Ronaldo remains el Fenomeno. I am just very happy to have scored," he said.

“Ronnie was always my hero growing up and it is a dream to play in the same team as him.”

Coach Carlo Ancelotti and president Silvio Berlusconi have predicted outrageous things from the relatively unproven Brasilian, while he himself refused to set himself any targets.

“How many goals can I score? I’ll sleep on it and then I’ll tell you,” he joked.

Milan Break San Siro Jinx As Pato Scores On Debut

This game was labelled as Pato's match, since it marked the official debut of the Brazilian for Milan, and he did not disappoint as he proved fundamental in almost all of his team's goals. However, it was also the game that had to make the Rossoneri return to winning ways in front of their own crowd, something which the home team achieved in style.

The first half was an exciting one that kept all of the San Siro spectators on the edge of their seat thanks to four goals in 45 minutes.

Ronaldo made only his second appearance for the Rossoneri in this season and he had the first shot on goal of the game in the 10th minute after being served by Kaka, but his shot did not worry goalkeeper Iezzo who blocked the ball without difficulty.

One minute later it was Kaka who had the opportunity to score, but his shot from 17 metres went just over the bar.

This was just the prelude to the goal, as in the 15 minute Ronaldo opened the score for the Rossoneri. Pato and Ronaldo exchanged the ball before the latter passed it to Pirlo. The Italian midfielder then sent a through ball for Ronaldo who arrived all alone in front of goal and lobbed the ball over Iezzo towards goal. Cupi tried to clear the ball on the line, but the linesman signalled that the ball had crossed the line.

Pato could have doubled the score for Milan in the 20th minute, but his powerful shot was saved by Iezzo. With the passing of the minutes Napoli started pushing forward and in the 27th minute they equalized at the end of an excellent move which saw Lavezzi assist Sosa with a first timer and the Argentinean striker shot past Dida from close range.

This equalizer galvanized the Azzurri as the game became more spectacular. Milan reclaimed the lead in the 31st minute thanks to Seedorf after Iezzo denied Pato the joy of the goal twice in a row, before the ball arrived to the Dutch midfielder who from short range powered the shot in the net.

Three minutes later Iezzo yet again made an amazing save on Pato, before Napoli equalized for the second time in the 38th minute with Domizzi from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded after Kaladze brought Lavezzi down inside the penalty area.

The second half started with a band as Ronaldo headed in a Seedorf cross after just 30 seconds of play to put the Rossoneri ahead for the third time in the game.

However, after this goal Milan tried to slow the game down in order to control the rhythmn of the match. It worked as Napoli's only goal scoring chance in the first 20 minutes of the second half arrived to Gargano who shot from the distance, but the ball was well deflected by Dida in corner.

Then in the 68th minute the Rossoneri closed the encounter thanks to the usual Kaka who, following a great team move, tried his luck from 22 metres away and the ball went into the right hand side corner of Iezzo's goal.

In the 74th minute San Siro erupted as the moment which all Milan fans were waiting arrived when Pato scored his first goal after a receiving a long ball and controlled it exceptionally before slotting it in the net for the 5-2.

The goal boosted the 17-year-old who tried to score in other occasions, but Iezzo did his best to stop him and in some opportunities he tried to do everything on his own without passing the ball to his team-mates.

However, the Brazilian still proved all of his worth with some excellent moves which will surely confirm all the good things that were said about him prior to this game.

In the end it was a deserved win for Milan thanks to a brilliant second half performance. Napoli played well in the first half, but were no match for the World Champions in the second half, even though the final scoreline is too harsh on the visitors.

Pato Eager To Start Scoring

On Sunday it could finally be the big day: the transfer has arrived and Alexandre Pato will be available for the match against Napoli. It's not yet certain the much-hyped 18-year-old striker will make his debut in the San Siro game, with the formation due to be revealed only shortly before the start of it.

"I'm happy to be a Milan player and to have the possibility of playing the match against Napoli," Pato said today.

His countryman Ronaldo, who's still struggling with fitness problems but seems set to make his return soon, has said he strongly believes in the former Internacional starlet, who thanked the legendary striker for his support.

"Ronaldo always tells me to stay calm and only think about playing, without paying too much atttention to what gets said about me," Pato continued. "Milan expect a truckload of goals from me? Well, initially I'll think about getting the first one, then I'll see if I can score more."

Milan Want Boca Starlet Maidana

Maidana is 22-years-old and is said to have hugely impressed the Rossoneri during the recent FIFA Club World Cup last month.


The starlet, who has represented Argentina at Under-20 level, signed for Boca from Los Andes in 2005 and has since won two Copa Sudamericana’s and a Copa Libertadores with his current team.


Maidana is regarded by many as a future full international and is also attracting the interest of Juventus and Fiorentina.


Another Boca Juniors player who is receiving admiring glances from Serie A is defender Matias Silvestre.


The 23-year-old is a target for Lazio, who are desperate to strengthen their leaky backline during this month’s transfer window.


Silvestre grew up in the Boca youth system, before making his debut for the full side in 2003.


He has since gone on to win a host of trophies with the club, but like Maidana he is expected to move on to Europe in the very near future.

Pato’s Former Coach Slams Berlusconi’s 30-Goal Prediction

Rarely has there been more hype about a player’s debut than that of Pato this Sunday against Napoli.


The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the most phenomenal talents to come out of Brazil in years, with many believing he will have the same impact that Ronaldo had when he burst onto the European scene in the mid-1990s.


Silvio Berlusconi is so impressed with Pato that he has predicted that the forward will hit 30 goals between now and the end of the season.


"I heard that Pato will score 30 goals in six months,” said Internacional boss Abel Braga.


“I believe that by saying such a thing you do not help the boy to grow.”


With Milan struggling badly in 12th position in Serie A, many have labelled Pato as the saviour of the club’s season, however Abel believes that too much pressure is being put on the youngster.


“He is spoken of as the Saviour, the man who can solve all the problems - this is not right,” the 1978 World Cup participant continued.


“Too many responsibilities are a burden on him. In a team it is the group that counts, you shouldn’t put all the attention on a single person.”

Inzaghi Having Physical Problems Again

We left him while he was on top of the world in Yokohama, where as always he ended up being decisive for Milan's victory. But now, at the start of the new year, he's having physical problems yet again following the rossoneri's training camp in Dubai.

So the year 2008 hasn't started in the best way for Pippo Inzaghi. Aside from a knock to his leg sustained after the derby against Inter, he's now also having a problem to his kidneys.

"The footballer Filippo Inzaghi," it says on an official note on the club's website, "has been subjected to clinical examinations to his kidneys and his right foot. In the first case a lithiasis to his kidney was to found.

"Exams on his leg, after the contusion sustained on 23 December, show it is still vulnerable. In the next few days the player will be subjected to more tests and special examinations.”

Kaka Doesn’t Want Ronaldinho At Milan - Report

Ronaldinho is currently going through some troubled times at Barca, as he struggles to find the form that once made him the best player in the world.


AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has long been an admirer of the 27-year-old and has admitted that he would jump at the chance to sign him if he became available.


However Milan’s own superstar Kaka is not so keen and has told his club that he doesn’t want his compatriot at San Siro.


Kaka believes that the two players cannot co-exist in the same team, as their style of play is too similar.


He is also worried that Ronaldinho’s personality and lifestyle may create problems in the dressing room.


Large sections of the Italian press are of the belief that Milan will launch a firm effort in the summer to sign the former Paris Saint Germain man, however these plans may now be scrapped after Kaka revealed his opposition against the move.

Galliani: Don’t Put Too Much Pressure On Pato

The 18-year-old is set to make his long-awaited debut at the weekend against Napoli, and many believe he could be the player to provide the spark to turn around Milan’s poor domestic season.


”I always hear people associating Pato's name to a possible recovery by our squad in the league, but let's not forget Milan have won before without him,” Galliani stated.


“Pato is a great player, but let's not give him too much responsibility.”


Galliani did admit that the Brazilian will provide the squad with more options, especially now that Ronaldo has returned to fitness too.


“Now finally we will have six forwards available and I don't know what to answer when someone asks me if Milan will play with one striker or two strikers with all these players available,” the transfer guru added.


“The way I see football, Milan have always played and will continue playing with three strikers. Considering the position they play in, I consider Seedorf and Kaká to be two strikers.


“I have very positive feelings after this week [training] in Dubai. We are certainly counting on getting back Ronaldo for the league."

Benzema To Milan: Come And Get Me

The 20-year-old Lyon star is regarded as one of the most explosive young talents in Europe, and the future of the French national team.

Benzema has been linked with virtually all of European football’s giants, however he has revealed the club and player who he most admires.

"For me, the Rossoneri are my dream club,” the hitman told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “Ronaldo has always been my idol.

"I like Milan, though I must admit I do support Real Madrid. I also like the big squads such as Juve, Inter and Manchester United. The important thing is to win.”

However Benzema brushed off talk of an imminent move to San Siro.

"I will only leave Lyon once I feel in the right frame of mind and ready for the move,” he stated.

Benzema was also asked who he thought were the top five youngsters in world football.

“Messi is first, then Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney, Nasri and Aguero of Atletico Madrid,” the Frenchman answered.

Benzema has already won eight caps for France, scoring three goals, and could be a key player at this summer’s European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.

Ajax Ask Seedorf To Return To Amsterdam

AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf was taken by surprise when Ajax president John Jaakke asked the Dutch international to return to the side where he made his name.

Speaking to Voetbal International, the 31-year-old recalled, "At first I thought it was a joke, and it took me by surprise.

"Then I replied, 'You never know', whereupon in a serious tone he asked if we should talk about it."

Jaakke added, "Clarence said that things could go well in the future.

"I certainly do not expect him to come to Ajax in the short term, but I did not want to pass up the opportunity to let him know that he's more than welcome to join us."

Seedorf cut his first team teeth with the Amsterdam club way back in 1992-93, and although he left Dutch football in 1995, he still has positive views of Ajax.

"My contract at Milan runs until 2011 and I'm still satisfied here," continued Seedorf.

"But I think it's good that Ajax want me back, because it means they have good memories of me - these are mutual.

"But I'm an AC Milan man now and I'm happy about that."

Seedorf is currently with the rest of the rossoneri squad in Dubai on a winter training break.

AC Milan Beat UAE 2-0

AC Milan cruised to a 2-0 win over the UAE national side in the Emirates Challenge friendly in Al Nasr Club.

The hosts started brightly – with their backline resisting against the Milan attack.

The appearance of Alberto Gilardino in the second half, however, provided the cutting edge in front for the visitors.

He netted two goals to give Milan victory in front of the 20,000-strong capacity crowd.

UAE are currently preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign that starts in February, while Milan are in Dubai for winter training.

I Want To Prove Myself At Milan - Ronaldo

After alleged contacts between Flamengo and Milan striker Ronaldo, which were prompty denied by Carlo Ancelotti and Adriano Galliani, "El Fenomeno" cleared up the situation during an interview following the 2-0 friendly win over the United Arab Emirates national team.

The two-time Golden Ball winner admitted that the Brazilian club are interested in signing him, but confirmed he wants to stay at Milan.

"It's true that Flamengo are interested in me, but personally I have never said or written anything about this matter," he said.

"After this friendly, I can say I'm doing well and that for the next match against Napoli I'm at Ancelotti's disposal. My intention is to earn an important place in this squad, because this is the team I want to play in, a team that's always had a lot of faith in me."

Ronaldo joined the Rossoneri around a year ago from Real Madrid, and did well for them in the second half of the season, helping them reach fourth place with a number of fine goals and performances. Since last summer, however, he's been suffering from a series of physical problems and made just one appearence in the current season.

Agger named best in Denmark

Liverpool FC centre-back Daniel Agger received some cheer as he continues his recovery from a metatarsal injury after he was named Denmark's Footballer of the Year for 2007 at the weekend.

Poulsen denied
The 23-year-old prevented Christian Poulsen of Sevilla FC from collecting a hat-trick of titles after claiming the most votes by players and coaches of clubs in the top two divisions in the country and Danish players who ply their trade abroad. "I am extremely proud and honoured to receive this award – not least because it is based on votes from my colleagues," said the former Brøndby IF defender.

Famous names
Agger, who has not played since 15 September after sustaining a foot injury on international duty, follows in the footsteps of the likes of Michael and Brian Laudrup, Peter Schmeichel and Preben Elkjær. The prestigious Danish Players' Association award was first handed out in 1961.

Mourinho & Drogba Linked With Milan Again

Portuguese boss Mourinho has been out of work since leaving Chelsea by mutual consent in September, but it was reported a couple of weeks ago that he has already signed a pre-contract agreement to take over from Carlo Ancelotti in June.


Large sections of the Italian press are of the firm belief that Mourinho will certainly be at San Siro for the beginning of the 2008/09 campaign, and according to the British tabloid newspaper The People, he will bring his former star striker Drogba with him.


Drogba is desperate to quit Stamford Bridge following Mourinho’s departure, and has come out publicly with his intentions.


“At the moment I think that at the end of the season I want to leave Chelsea,” the Ivory Coast star told Eurosport.

“I have played here for two or three years already and the departure of Mourinho certainly didn’t help me. On the contrary, it made my desire for a fresh start still greater.”


Any deal to bring Drogba to Milan would not be cheap though, and Chelsea are ready to demand £40m for the 29-year-old.

Kaka: I Want To Stay At Milan Forever

The Brazilian was speaking at a press conference in Dubai, where Milan are currently holding their mid-season training camp.

Kaka has been linked with a move to La Liga and the Premiership on a number of occasions in the past couple of years, however he used this moment to once again express his love for the Rossoneri shirt.

“I have a contract with Milan until 2011 and like I've said already, my intention is to stay as long as possible with this club,” Kaka stated.

“I also confirm that one day I'd like to become the captain of this team, in respect of the current hierarchies which see some of my team mates ahead of me with the chance of receiving the captain's armband.'

Kaka also commented on Milan’s mouthwatering Champions League clash with Arsenal next month.

The European Champions were drawn with the Premiership League-leaders in one of the ties of the round.

“Concerning the match against Arsenal, it's not certain that after winning somewhat easily against Manchester and Liverpool, it will be the same against the Gunners,” the 25-year-old warned.

“The English team are very dangerous and must be taken into consideration, but we certainly have every chance of making it through.”

I Don't Want To Leave Milan - Gourcuff

It will be an important year for Milan midfielder Yoann Gourcuff. After arriving at the club in 2006, it's time for the 21-year-old Frenchman to start showing his real worth.

Everyone at the club is still full of confidence in him, but if things don't change soon, the former Rennes player's adventure at the club might be over before long. The youngster is aware of this, and says he is ready to fight for more playing time at the club.

"When the league season resumes we'll have a lot of games in a short amount of time," he said, "and perhaps some of the players who haven't had many chances to play will get a chance now. When the coach has to call on reserve players, we have to make sure we are ready. Only then can we earn his complete trust."

Lately, inevitable transfer rumours surrounding the player have come up, but he has very clear ideas regarding his intentions, and is determined to show his worth at Milan.

"Personally, I'm doing well here and I hope that I can improve day after day, and eventually be a first team player," he continued. "In this club you play important matches like in the Champions League, it's not like playing in smaller clubs.

"Playing at Milan is more difficult, because you always have to win, and to win you need to play well. This club has allowed me to grow and improve a lot," Gourcuff concluded.

Kaka: We’re Not Afraid of Arsenal

We don’t fear Arsenal.

That’s the opinion of the Brazilian, who is currently with AC Milan in Dubai for winter training. He had met fans in an autograph session in Dubai on Sunday.

The 25-year-old has brushed off suggestions that AC Milan will face a difficult challenge against Arsenal.

Despite the Italian Serie A outfit lying in 12th place, he believes that the team’s victories against Manchester United and Liverpool in their Champions League campaign last season, showed that Milan are capable of taking on the best English clubs.

He said: “We beat two other English teams last time and we won’t have problems with Arsenal.”

After clinching the 2007 World Player of the Year award, Kaka acknowledged that there is more responsibility on him to perform at his best for Milan.

Instead of resting on his laurels, he wants to perform even better when the Serie A resumes action.

"Every year my responsibility to myself, my team and the fans grows greater," Kaka added.

"It's up to me to fulfil my role in the team and for us to be positive and for us to achieve."