The re-birth of Milan’s ‘Seleção Brasileira’ has led to Rossoneri’s return to good form. Dida is making decisive saves on a regular basis, Ronaldinho has started running back and helping the midfield by pressuring the opposition, Thiago Silva is protecting Nesta during those rare moments where Sandro struggles, and Pato seems to have grown even stronger since emerging from the dark period he suffered after Siena. The youngest of the Brazilians looks like he has freed himself of Kaka’s shadow. Ronaldinho recently said: “with Leonardo it’s easier.” This may be true, but it must be kept in mind that Leo was not always nice with Ronaldinho, leaving him on the bench for quite some time at the beginning of the season. Leonardo’s strategy seems to have paid off however, as Ronaldinho’s performances have been improving every week and he is slowly becoming more and more important for this team having scored three goals and provided six assists already.

Perhaps the most difficult case to resolve was that of Nelson Dida. Dida has always been criticised and was dropped to the bench due to his regular injury problems, Nelson was even relegated to last place on the goalkeeping ladder. Yet, chance brought about another opportunity for the Brazilian, injury to Storari and Abbiati meant he had to play against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu. The rest of the story is worthy of a Hollywood movie script; his dreadful error for Raul’s opener, Milan’s comeback to win in the Bernabeu for the first time in History, and the subsequent miraculous saves he has made in every game since then including the last minute save on Raul in Tuesday’s return leg at the San Siro. When asked about Dida, Leonardo explained: “It’s a fantastic story. Nelson’s entire career has been made up of extreme highs and lows, but no matter what, he has always come out on top.”

Leonardo himself did not have the easiest of times. He began his career as Milan manger dreaming of Santana’s Brazil, a dream he lock away in his bedside table while he re-built morale, only to bring out it again at the right time. The results are there for all to see, Leonardo often states: “I’m Brazilian, I will always attack, it is in my nature.” It was for this very nature that Galliani and Berlusconi decided to appoint Leo as Milan manager, it is with these same ideas that he has brought Ronaldinho back and recovered Pato after he had seemingly lost him. Pato went through a very difficult period after his goals in the opening game at Siena, nevertheless Leonardo played him in every game and displayed complete faith in the young Brazilian, a faith that has since been fully re-paid with excellent performances.

The final piece of Milan’s ‘Seleção Brasileira’ is Thiago Silva. Compared to the rest of the stories, his seems almost boring. However, he is one of the most important pieces of this team. He has been impeccable since his first game at Siena. In addition to his performances, Thiago has shown an incredible level of maturity considering it is his debut season in Serie A, a league where defending is constantly scrutinised.

Milan’s rebirth began when Ronaldinho scored his first goal of the season at Bergamo against Atalanta to save a point against a team that were at that moment bottom of the league. That point meant that the players were able to go into an international break with some sort of serenity. The first game after the break was against Roma, a game that signalled Milan’s comeback, since then, the Rossoneri have been transformed due to a number of factors such as Alessandro Nesta and Marco Borriello’s return to fitness, Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo’s incredible work in the midfield but also thanks to the Brazilians mentioned above, and a coach that threw caution to the wind in order to play attacking football, a style of football that has seen them go from 15^th to 4^th in Serie A, and top of their Champions League group. Whether Milan will be able to keep it up is hard to say, but certainly all of Italy hopes they can as they have started providing all Italians with entertainment due to the football they play.

7 minutes after kick off at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday, Chievo took the lead against AC Milan. Certainly a blow to the Milan players’ game plan, but perhaps not one to their confidence. That is after all a situation they are quite used to this season. And after their sub-par start, and the criticisms to and scepticism of Leonardo’s ability to lead the team, Milan have now become comeback kings. They have come back from their terrible start, and, it seems, they have made a comeback in every match they’ve played this season.

Milan turned the game on Sunday around with a brace by, who else, central defender Alessandro Nesta. An acceptable achievement after what should not have happened, in a scrappy match. What was not acceptable was the lack of potency in the Milan attack, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar not convincing anyone he can be enough of a threat up front.

Interestingly, this way of getting results seems to be the story at Milan, since they started coming back up the table. Currently sixth, they have not provided steady displays where they have taken control of the match to confidently finish the opposition off. The difference between now and their horrible pre-season is that they have started coming back to win games where they go a goal down. Examples are many. This past week provided two out of two possible. At the Santiago Bernabeu in mid-week, it only took favourites Real 19 minutes to take the lead against the Rossoneri. After a little more than an hour of play, Milan had made a comeback, after goals by Pirlo and Alexandre Pato. Royston Drenthe managed to draw Real level again in the 76^th minute, but Milan were not done. Pato produced another goal, as if to prove that Milan anno 2009 only score when they are pushed up against the wall.

When Milan travelled to Madrid, they went there after having needed to come back from a goal down over the previous weekend as well. At home against Roma, Jeremy Menez gave the visitors the lead in the third minute of play. Once again, Milan needed an hour to start the scoring. Ronaldinho converted a penalty in the 56^th minute, and subsequently set up Alexandre Pato to score the winner 11 minutes later. The list goes on. In their previous league match, right before the international break, Milan played Atalanta in Bergamo, and went a goal down after 21 minutes. This match was part of putting Milan back on track. Since Ronaldinho equalised in that match in the 83^rd minute, Milan have collected 10 points from 12 possible, and suddenly find themselves sixth in the Serie A and back in contention in their Champions League group.

So after a poor start to the season, which included a home loss in the Champions league to FC Zurich, who have struggled worse than Milan in their domestic Swiss Axpo Premier League, Milan has started to fight back. It looks like there’s no more turning the other cheek for Leonardo’s players, as he has turned their fortunes around. They do not have to look further than their own city rivals Inter for lessons in how to take control of a game, but will for now have to do with playing their own way. The ability to work until the match is over can be the determining factor in football, and that is for now Milan’s winning strategy. The squad does not lack much in talent, and with the desire to work for 90 minutes now there, all that differentiates them from a top side is real confidence.

As night fell and the final whistle blew at the Bentegodi Stadium in Verona yesterday it became clear to all: Alessandro Nesta is back to his best. During this summer’s American tournee, while Milan were being criticised left, right and centre, there were a couple of people that began to whisper under their breath: “Nesta is Milan’s best acquisition this summer.” Meanwhile there were many sceptics that were still saying: “we need to see how long this comeback is going to last though.” Three months have passed since then, and Nesta, the 33 year old ‘comeback kid’ is enjoying the feeling of scoring two goals in a match for the first time in his illustrious career. Furthermore, these two goals were fundamental to Milan’s season; they mean that for the first time this year Milan are in the top four of Serie A. These goals are the signal that Milan are on the way up again, two headers that Nesta will still be feeling today as he takes a trip to the doctor’s office to make sure that his nose is okay after the knock he took on it in order to score the first.

There are stadiums that confirm players, the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid for example. Pato scored two goals there in midweek to prove to the World that he truly is a World-class player. Leonardo after that game in the pressroom explained: “Sandro Nesta is an example for all players to follow, a true leader.” As a leader, Alessandro Nesta had spoken after the draw at Atalanta a few weeks ago saying: “we are confused in attack and struggle to create chances due to this. It’s important to be humble and admit it.” Much of the media interpreted this comment as a criticism towards both his coach Leonardo and his team mates. Yesterday on the other hand, Nesta was satisfied not only with his performance, but also because the media’s perception had changed: “After Bergamo everybody said I had been too harsh, but now everybody can see the results we have put together. This is also a great night for me considering I rarely score. Unfortunately we have a tendency to start on the back foot by allowing the opposition to score early. Always having to chase the game means we use a lot of energy, but it was important to get back into the European positions, so it’s okay.”

Since Nesta’s incredible return to football, he has been Milan’s man of the match in almost every game since the start of the season, showing an amazing level of fitness in addition to his usual defensive brilliance. Furthermore, considering that Milan play with a very high defensive line, he has begun to show his value up front, creating the assist for Ronaldinho’s goal against Atalanta, winning the penalty against Roma, and now scoring two goals against Chievo to win the game. Many are now calling for him to make a return to the National team, but Nesta is sticking to his guns and will not go back on his word: “the National team? I won’t return so as not to put too much pressure on my body. Lippi knows how I feel about it, we understand each other.” This is now an answer that Italians are all too familiar with, as he has stated this on several occasions. Nesta is now fully concentrated, like the entire Milan team, on a return to the highest positions of Serie A, something that just a few weeks ago seemed impossible for this group of players. Yet, now they are close, just three points from Juventus, and even Dida has returned to form after the horrific error in Madrid. “He rescued the game for us with that incredible save” said Nesta. This is certainly true, but it was Sandro who created the possibility of a win, and only a true leader can achieve that.

Il Milan, in quel di Verona non è stata l’ armata scesa al Bernabeu contro il Real Madrid ma il risultato è stato comunque una vittoria che conferisce la tanto decantata continuità alla formazione di Leonardo.

A Sandro como que no le bastaba con ser majestuoso en defensa, echarse el equipo a las espaldas, ser líder indiscutible del vestuario, así que hoy le dio por hacer goles y hacerlos de a pares. Dos goles y victoria. A Dida como que no le terminaba de gustar que se le recordara como el portero de la cómica de Madrid, así que hoy decidió hacer lo imposible por hacerse perdonar. Tal fue su salvada ante el tiro de Granoche: “imposible”.  Chievo 1-2 Milan y tercer triunfo consecutivo. El Napoli, muy bueno hoy ante la Fiore en Florencia, servirá de test para comprobar si es que el Milan empieza a ser  un equipo de verdad y a engranar juego de equipo de verdad. El test será en Nápoles, el próximo miércoles, en turno intrasemanal.

Ugh… A good weekend for some, perhaps. As always, only the big games – ’cause no one gives a hoot how Sheffield Wednesday did (sorry, Sheffielders).

Football:

Vidic looks how United feels.

Liverpool 2-0 Manchester Utd – On friday night I sat in a pub with a friend of mine, who nursed his pint as he mourned his team’s downward spiral. He is, of course, a Liverpool fan. I told him not to worry – that they’d beat MUFC this weekend and they’d bounce back. I’m not sure exactly how much either of us believed what I was saying, but sure enough, the game rolled around and Liverpool came out on top at Anfield. The Scousers would survive a second minute scare when Wayne Rooney found the back of the net (only to be disallowed for offside) and would go ahead in the 65th minute thanks to a classy finish from Fernando Torres. Nemanja Vidic and Javier Mascherano would both be sent off in the dying minutes of the match and it would be the Frenchman David Ngog who would seal United’s fate in stopagge time, finding the net on 96′. So all you sad-eyed Scousers, rejoice! You’re back to winning – for now. And Rafa, Gillette and Hicks – you can breathe again too.

Chelsea 5-0 Blackburn – Rovers fans will not be rejoicing this weekend. Gaël Givet opened the scoring in Saturday’s match by deflecting Nicolas Anelka’s shot into the back of his own net on 20′. That would hold the Blues until the half, but on 48′ Didier Drogba won a spot kick for his side and Frank Lampard (despite a returning Joe Cole wanting it oh so badly) converted to double Chelsea’s lead. From that point on, the floodgates were opened: within the next 15 minutes Michael Essien buried another of his rare but famed long range efforts, Lampard bagged his brace, and Didier Drogba brought Chelsea’s tally to 5. Blackburn were completely overrun by the home side, who obviously wanted to show that last week’s defeat to Aston Villa was not a sign of futher weakness. Joe Cole also made a fantastic appearance, his first in the Premiership this year, running the visitors ragged and creating all sorts of chances for his side. In their last two fixtures the Blues have 9 goals for and 0 against. Not bad Carletto, not bad.

Arsenal 2-2 West Ham – Despite Arsene Wenger’s claim that the Gunners will pick up at least one trophy this year, his side were unable to pick up full points against cross-town rivals West Ham this weekend. First half goals from Robin van Persie and William Gallas looked like they might be enough to see the Gooners take full points, but late strikes from Carlton Cole and Italian substitute Alessandro Diamanti saw Gianfranco Zola’s side make a marvelous comeback – despite the sending off of Hammer midfielder Scott Parker. Seems like the trophies are still a long way away, Wenger.

Futbol:

Real's hopes rest upon this man's delicate ankles.

Real Madrid 0-0 Sporting de Gijon - Sans-CR9 Madrid were unable to bounce back from their midweek loss to AC Milan and gain a positive result domestically this weekend. Los Merengues were held to a draw at El Molinón by the midtable side, who were kept afloat largely through the heroic efforts of their netminder, Juan Pablo. Kaká once again failed to impress in the white shirt, and Manuel Pellegrini’s side dropped points in La Liga for only the second time this season to fall three points short of Barcelona. Not the result Los Blancos were looking for – one can only imagine that just about everyone involved in that club is virtually counting down the days until their most expensive signing is fit again. But not I!

Villareal 2-1 Malaga – Unlike his current side, Manuel Pellegrini’s former squad were able to bounce back after a midweek European defeat to Rome’s other team and grab their first domestic win of the season. El Submarino Amarillo took the lead on 27′ thanks to the Brazilian Nilmar, only for Malaga’s Luque to equalize in the dying seconds of the first half. However, it wouldn’t take long after the break to restore that lead, as defender Capdevila found the back of the net on 54′ – his goal would be enough to see the home side grab all 3 points and that much-needed first victory. Finally, something (however little) to celebrate at El Madrigal.

Barcelona 6-1 Real Zaragoza – Unlike their arch-rivals, Barcelona showed that they weren’t too worried about their midweek loss to Rubin Kazan with a 6-goal thrashing of Real Zaragoza. Bullies. Seydou Keita bagged a treble, Zlatan Ibrahimovic bagged a brace and Lionel Messi bagged one of his own in a comfortable victory for the Catalan side. Jorge López pulled one back for his side on 77′, but it was little more than consolation as the Blaugrana ran rampant in the Camp Nou. I suppose the rest of us have now been warned…

Calcio:

Pictured: Milan's best player.

AC Milan 2-1 Chievo Verona - In keeping with the theme of last-gasp comebacks and goal-scoring defenders, AC Milan were able to grab their second straight Serie A win after Alessandro Nesta, of all people, scored twice in the last 10 minutes of the match to earn his club all 3 points against the Flying Donkeys. Nesta’s heroic efforts cancelled out the 7th minute lead which Giampiero Pinzi had afforded his side and which had stood for the better part of the match. It seems that Leonardo’s men are finally finding their legs to stand on after a more-than-shaky start to the season this year – it’s about time, Rossoneri; it’s about time.

Inter 2-1 Catania - i Nerazzurri were able to reassert their position atop Serie A with a comfortable win over a struggling Sicilian side at the San Siro on Saturday (ooh, alliterative!). Catania fell behind early in the game as first-half goals from Sulley Muntari and Wesley Sneijder seemed to put the match well out of reach. However, their lead would be halved when keeper Julio Cesar erred and was forced to give up a penalty on 83′; which Giuseppe Mascara duly converted. Though Catania would pour forward after that in hopes of finding their equalizer, Inter afforded no clear-cut chances to their visitors and were able to secure victory, reasserting themselves atop the Serie A table after being usurped earlier that day. Speaking of which…

Sampdoria 4-1 Bologna – Call it the Antonio Cassano show. Call it the Daniele Mannini show. Call it whatever you want, but know that Sampdoria mean business. Sure, Bologna are relegation fodder and aren’t exactly the stiffest test Serie A have to offer, but then, neither are Catania. The visitors wasted no time, with Giampaolo Pazzini scoring on 7′, Daniele Mannini adding two of his own, and Reto Ziegler rounding it out to 4-0 within the next 30 minutes. Marco Di Vaio, easily Bologna’s best player, picked up a red card early on – however Pablo Osvaldo would find a late consolation goal for the home side. Though Fanantonio didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, he had a hand in two of his side’s goals and his creativity was, as ever, the driving force behind Sampdoria’s potent attack. After Saturday’s blowout, i Blucerchiati enjoyed a short time at the summit of Italian calcio, before Inter reasserted themselves later that afternoon. Another seriously impressive performance from the upstart side from Genova – the only question that remains is just how long they can keep this up.

That about sums it up.

Livorno 1-0 AS Roma - I have only one thing to say: this team needs to learn how to play without Totti. After last weekend’s loss to Milan and the midweek draw at Fulham, it appears that Claudio Ranieri’s honeymoon with AS Roma has come to an abrupt end. The team is now forced to face a harsh reality: Totti is out and they are expected to win anyways. Livorno are absolute bottom of the table and they just sacked their coach – today was Serse Cosmi’s debut as manager of the struggling side. For i Giallorossi to lose to this side at the Olimpico is nothing short of disastrous and the 1-goal lead afforded to the visitors by Francesco Tavano should have been easily overcome. Jérémy Menez and Mirko Vucinic proved ineffectual up front and while Daniele De Rossi looked solid while defending, perhaps it should be he who steps up to provide an offensive threat in the absence of Er Pupone. Of course, I’m being ridiculous – one of DDR’s problems is that he already tries to do too much at once. Stefano Guberti once again looked strong, bringing immediate life to the side after he replaced Menez at the half, and even Julio Baptista was thrown into the match in a last-ditch effort to quiet the boos resounding throughout the Olimpico. In the end, nothing worked and i Lupi are left to ponder another defeat to another weaker side. We need to snap out of this and fast.

Bari 2-0 Lazio – Misery loves company. Luckily for Romanisti, Laziali know little else. We weren’t the only team (not even the only team in Rome) to face defeat against a newly-promoted side this weekend – Lazio’s winless streak extends to 7 games as they were defeated handily by i Galletti, who put in a mighty performance at the Stadio San Nicola this evening. Bari went ahead on only 11′ thanks to Paulo Barreto, though they wouldn’t improve upon that lead until the second half, when Riccardo Meggiorini ran onto a ball from Vitaly Kutuzov and shot top corner on 69′. Lazio struggled throughout the manage and did not look capable of bringing themselves back into it – their fate was sealed with just 7 minutes to go when substitute Ousmane Dabo was sent off. Hey Romanisti, at least we’re not Lazio!

Juventus 1-0 Siena – Today Juve once again failed to live up to their billing of Scudetto contenders. With Livorno’s victory over you-know-who, Siena sit absolute rock-bottom in Serie A – yet it took La Vecchia Signora 72 minutes to break down the home side. It would be Brazilian hitman Amauri who finally found the back of the net for a side that doesn’t look nearly good enough to mount a proper Scudetto challenge. All in all, not impressive fare from Ciro Ferrara’s men, but I’m sure they’ll happily take home the 3 points.

Fußball:

Bayern München 2-1 Eintracht – Die Roten were spared embarrassment after a pair of late goals made up for the concession of a surprise lead. Though Louis van Gaal’s side were the more dangerous looking out of the gate, neither side were able to capitalize upon their first-half chances (ever-reliable Luca Toni struck woodwork yet again) and it would be the visiting side who would take the lead on 60′ at the Allianz-Arena when Alexander Meier cut behind Phillip Lahm and finished coolly. It would be substitutions that made the difference for Bayern, with the not-quite-fit Arjen Robben coming on to tap home the equalizer on 70′ and defenseman Daniel Van Buyten sealing victory on 88′ after being subbed on for the struggling Toni. The last-gasp victory should go a ways towards erasing midweek memories of Bordeaux and sees Bayern take 5th place in the Bundesliga.

Svegliarsi a mezzogiorno.

Pranzetto di pesce. Gnammi.

Andare in macchina senza una meta ben precisa. Yeah.

Le Tod’s grigie di vernice sono meravigliose. (peccato il prezzo)

Votare alle primarie. E fare la fila. Una piccola speranza.

Ecco la storia di Pennac.

Doppietta di Nesta. Amore mio Dopo tutto sei sempre il mio 13 fortunato :* :* :*

Divano e sms e infinity disattivata.

Ugly Betty che diventa Beauty Betty.

Lei che per farla così felice basta così poco. Una svista.

Il nuovo degli Weezer da reperire e ascoltare il prima possibile visto che arrivano sms da esperti super entusiasti.

Sidney Bristow Spacca. Anche su Twitter.

Kara Trace si magna Paige di Streghe a colazione, pranzo e cena. Sappilo (cit.)

Canzone bellissima da condividere.

Questa. Buon ascolto.

Il giorno dopo l’importantissima vittoria di Madrid, contro il Real, il Milan è già concentrato sul prossimo impegno di campionato contro il Chievo Verona. Nella mente di tifosi e addetti ai lavori è, però, ancora impressa l’esaltante notte del ‘Bernabeu’: “Sono molto soddisfatto per la vittoria che è importante per il girone e per la storia – le parole dell’Avvocato Leandro Cantamessa, legale rossonero e membro del consiglio d’amministrazione, in esclusiva a Calciomercato.it -. Ma al di là di questo, ha un contenuto di iniezione emotiva che è fortissimo. Le squadre sono una sintesi dei giocatori che la compongono e hanno una loro anima che va alimentata con cose come quelle di ieri sera. Avevo visto le quote, tutti davano il Milan per sconfitto, c’era tanto timore anche tra i tifosi. Ma abbiamo visto tutti com’è andata a finire”.

I FUORICLASSE – Straordinaria la prestazione di Pato che ha saputo trafiggere nel momento giusto il Real Madrid: “Sì, ho visto pezzi della partita e condivido. Pato, con la sua doppietta, ha dato una grandissima soddisfazione a tutti noi. Eccezionali anche Nesta e Thiago Silva, sono fantastici. L’errore di Dida? Sono stati bravi tutti a recuperare da una botta psicologica così forte”.

COME DOMENICA – Anche ieri sera, come domenica contro la Roma, il Milan ha dato il meglio di sè nella seconda parte della gara: “Dal punto di vista atletico la squadra è preparata, nella seconda frazione si esprimono al meglio. Certo, se cominciassero a giocare dall’inizio così sarebbe molto meglio per le coronarie di noi tifosi (sorride, ndr)”.

LEONARDO – Nel leggere la formazione iniziale, in molti si sono stupiti nel vedere in campo insieme quattro giocatori offensivi come Inzaghi, Pato, Ronaldinho e Seedorf. Alla fine, però, ha avuto ragione il tecnico rossonero: “Io sono contentissimo per Leonardo, ieri era stravolto alla fine del match. Ci vuole coraggio a mettere in campo una squadra con quattro attaccanti, nella vita non è un dettaglio il coraggio. E’ vero che lui voleva giocare con tre punte, di questo io sono testimone, è un’idea che viene da lontano, se ne parlava da luglio. Appena ha potuto farlo, lo ha fatto”.

IL GRANDE EX – Le dichiarazioni rilasciate da Kakà alla vigilia del match non sono piaciute alla maggior parte dei tifosi rossoneri: “Avevo e conservo ancora, una sorta di reverenza nei confronti di Kakà, per la persona oltre che per il giocatore. Ho visto giocare gente più forte di lui, Maradona, Pelé, Rivera, però è una persona come si deve. Adesso ha cambiato squadra, cosa doveva dire? Non mi sembra che ci sia da criticarlo. Certo, ieri sera era un avversario e per i tifosi è difficile continuara ad amarlo come prima”.

MERCATO – Infine, abbiamo chiesto a Leandro Cantamessa un aggiornamento sulla situazione Beckham e su eventuali altri movimenti in programma durante il mercato di riparazione: “Siamo vicini, però fin quando le cose non sono firmate…Sono cose che competono ai manager, gli avvocati devono sempre stare cinque passi indietro. Però, l’orizzonte è positivo. Altri movimenti a gennaio? Su questo ho poco da dire, non ho indicazioni in tal senso. Sono cose che vengono decise più o meno a ridosso del mercato, adesso credo sia prematuro parlarne”. ha concluso l’Avvocato Cantamessa

Alessandro Nesta ha confermato di non voler tornare indietro sulla sua decisione di non giocare più per la nazionale. “Tiferò sempre l’Italia, ma ho già preso la mia decisione”, ha detto oggi il difensore del Milan nel corso della conferenza stampa tenuta alla vigilia del match contro il Real Madrid al Santiago Bernabeu per la terza giornata di Champions League. Nesta ha quindi confessato di avere “un bellissimo rapporto” con il ct Marcello Lippi, ma di non voler “sicuramente” tornare sulla decisione presa circa tre anni fa.

Il Milan, che invece potrà contare su Nesta, dovrà fare a meno di Marco Storari fra i pali per almeno un mese. Dopo aver saltato la partita di domenica contro la Roma (GUARDA I GOL), il portiere oggi si è sottoposto agli accertamenti per valutare l’entità dell’infortunio avvenuto in allenamento e, come si legge sul sito rossonero, gli è stata riscontrata “una lesione del tendine semimembranoso della coscia sinistra. La prognosi è di trenta giorni”.

Continua il cattivo rapporto tra l’arbitro Rosetti e la Roma. I giallorossi non hanno digerito il rigore concesso per il presunto fallo di Burdisso su Nesta e in generale l’intera condotta di gara del fischietto piemontese. Il Milan gioca un brutto primo tempo, esce trasformato nella ripresa e conquista tre punti davvero importanti. Ronaldnho e Pato trascinano i compagni alla vittoria su una Roma che nei primi quarantacinque minuti ha sbagliato troppe occasioni.

Buona notizie per Leonardo, qualche ombra per Ranieri che ha la conferma che la Roma dipende molto da Totti. Nella Roma orfana di Totti, in avanti giocano Menez e Vucinic. Torna Doni. In difesa, al centro, il duo Mexes, Burdisso. A centrocampo Perrotta e Taddei sulle fasce. Tre minuti, gravissimo errore di Thiago Silva, gol di Menez. Roma subito in vantaggio. Un minuto ancora, sempre il francese e Dida para. Super avvio giallorosso. Al 20’ terza occasione gol per Menez ma la palla finisce fuori.

Nel mezzo un blando tentativo di reazione rossonera che non porta a grandi risultati. Al 22’ bella azione di De Rossi e difficile parata di Dida. Milan in grande difficoltà. Attorno al 38’ grandissima occasione anche per Vucinic, e ancora un bell’intervento di Dida, poi prima conclusione pericolosa del Milan con Seedorf e Doni che, miracolosamente, devia la palla sul palo. Nella ripresa c’è Inzaghi al posto di Abate.

L’attaccante rossonero va subito vicinissimo al gol. Pizarro respinge sulla linea. E’ un Milan più deciso e convinto. I rossoneri attaccano ed all’11’ conquistano un calcio di rigore con Nesta. Trasformazione affidata a Ronaldinho e palla in rete. Occasione per Seedorf e palla fuori di poco. Spazi per la Roma in contropiede e Milan che vuole un gol che, al 67’, arriva. Lancio di Ronaldinho, bel movimento e bella rete di Pato. La Roma cerca il pareggio e Ranieri cambia completamente l’attacco inserendo Okaka, Baptista e Guberti. Grande occasione anche per De Rossi e palla alta.

Doppia ammonizione per Ambrosini e Milan in dieci. Nel finale un paio di tentativi di Guberti spaventano i rossoneri. Dida non corre però particolari pericoli ed il risultato non cambia. A fine partita gli animi capitolini sono infuocati. “Abbiamo sbagliato all’inizio del secondo tempo – ha commentato il difensore della Roma Philippe Mexes – ma siamo arrabbiati per gli episodi. Non voglio però fare troppe polemiche, anche se le persone dovrebbero essere competenti. Sul rigore di Nesta non so, ma prima c’era un fallo evidente su di me. La prossima volta che ci danno Rosetti che facciamo, restiamo direttamente a casa?”.

Con il solito stile, Ranieri si è fatto però sentire al termine della sfida persa dalla Roma a Milano, prendendosela con le decisioni dell’arbitro Rosetti, reo di aver concesso un rigore dubbio al Milan e non averne invece assegnato uno su Menez. “E’ una vergogna. Tutto. Stavamo giocando bene, dovevamo chiudere la partita, poi nel secondo tempo abbiamo aspettato troppo. Spero che il rigore dato al Milan ci fosse davvero”, ha detto il tecnico della Roma prima di rivedere le immagini di Sky nel corso dell’intervista. “A rivedere l’intervento di Burdisso – ha detto subito dopo aver rivisto il contrasto – mi sembra che abbia preso la palla. Strano che Rosetti sia stato tratto in inganno su questo episodio e non sul nostro del primo tempo su Menez che era anche più evidente. Se era coperto non poteva vederlo, perche’ Thiago Silva ha fatto un fallo molto astuto”.

Ad esternare il malcontento dei capitolini ci ha pensato in zona mista anche il direttore sportivo Daniele Pradè: “La partita è stata condizionata dall’arbitro, potevamo chiudere con un rigore ed invece l’hanno riaperta con un rigore – ha dichiarato con amarezza il dirigente della Roma -. Per noi era importante, vinci e prendi morale, vai a quattordici punti e sei lì. E’ un film già visto, purtroppo non siamo fortunati con Rosetti, ci abbiamo perso uno scudetto con lui. Noi non possiamo fare nulla, tanto non cambia niente, cambia poco. Parliamo per far sapere come la pensiamo. Non voglio dire nulla. Se ci davi il rigore su Menez la partita era finita. Così come il recupero, c’erano almeno cinque minuti. Ce ne hanno dati tre. Non va bene così”.

mio articolo che potete trovare su www.romatoday.it

Only big games folks – you know the drill:

Football:

Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn - Not to be outdone by Liverpool and Tottenham’s high-scoring performances last weekend, the Gunners responded with a blowout of their own in which six different players appeared on the scoresheet. Thomas Vermaelen, Robin Van Persie, Andrei Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Nick Bendtner all netted for the Londoners; while David Dunn and Steven N’Zonzi scored for the visitors – N’Zonzi giving his side an early lead in the 4th minute. An important win for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and a result which puts them ahead of rivals Liverpool with a game in hand.

"Please, please - it's only Liverpool."

Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool – For a match that was touted in the days leading up to it as all-important and due to be a spectacular showdown of two top-notch Premiership sides, neither Liverpool nor Chelsea were able to make an impact upon the early stages of the game. Both sides looked tentative and unwilling to leap headfirst into the match – the sides would remain even until the 60th minute, when a Nicolas Anelka strike put the blues ahead. The wind was more or less taken out of the Merseysiders’ sails at this point, though Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun did all they could to equalize (the latter missing a late sitter which should have brought his side level). However, the the Scousers’ fate was sealed by Florent Malouda on 91′, as Chelsea proved that all it takes to win in the English Premier League are French strikers and an Italian manager.

Manchester Utd 2-2 Sunderland – As usual when things go wrong at Old Trafford, the blame for Manchester United’s draw against  lowly Sunderland was all the fault of the match official – if we’re to believe Sir Alex Ferguson’s side of the story. Ferguson lashed out at referee Alan Wiley after the match, questioning his physical condition and claiming he did not add on enough stoppage time at the end of the second half. However, I think it is a bit ludicrous to blame United’s perhaps disappointing result on anyone but themselves. Goals from Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones (on either side of a classy volley from Dimitar Berbatov) had seen the Black Cats go ahead of the home side at Old Trafford, but the visitors’ luck began to turn when Kieran Richardson was sent off for poor sportsmanship in the 84th minute. Things went from bad to worse when, on 92′, Anton Ferdinand deflected Patrice Evra’s long-range effort into the back of his own net – earning a not-quite-deserved draw from a United who had looked hapless and disorganize all throughout the match. Who would’ve thought that the Black Cats could be so unlucky?

Fußball:

FC Köln 0-0 Bayern Münich – This match has been called the most boring game of the Bundesliga played yet this year – and not just by me. Die Roten played almost the exact same squad they utilized in their midweek draw against Juventus – the only change being for Arjen Robben, who picked up an injury in that Champions League match, thus forcing the hand of Louis van Gaal. The fans at the Allianz Arena were treated to a game riddled with fouls and choppy play – game broadcasts panned over the stands at halftime to find fans fast asleep. I am not exaggerating. While Bayern could barely get an attack started, the dull play was not entirely their fault – Köln seemed content to park the bus in front of their goal, not playing a single player upfield and holding the home side to a nil-nil draw. Dull stuff from Deutschland, I’m afraid.

Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 Nürnberg - Elsewhere in Der Vaterland, goals were scored, and in fact scored aplenty. Keverkusen hit hard and early, taking control of the match at the BayArena with a fantastic set piece goal from Toni Kroos on 2′, followed by a spot kick by Simon Rolfes on 28′ and a strike from Erin Derdiyok on 34′ to round out the first half. In the second half the home side eased up on the throttle a little, but not enough for Nürnberg to bounce back, and not enough to stop Stephan Riessling from scoring his league-leading 6th goal of the season. A win that sees Bayer seated atop the Bundesliga table, separated by goal difference from Northern side Hamburg SV.

Hamburg SV 3-1 Hertha Berlin – Speak of the devil – Hamburg also pulled off a win this weekend, defeating Hertha in their own house at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Hertha took an early lead thanks to an Arne Friedrich header in the 9th minute, but after an own goal from Claudiano Bezerra Da Silva equalized, Hamburg added two more of their own to go up 3-1 before the half. Neither side managed to add to that tally in the second half and so Hamburg comes away with a victory that (as mentioned) sees them second in the Bundesliga behind Bayer Leverkusen. David Jarolim and Ze Roberto netted for the away side.

Calcio:

"Gee Rob... my bad."

AS Roma 2-1 Napoli – Francesco Totti is trying to get Roberto Donadoni fired. Donadoni’s Napoli have had a miserable start to the season – a positive result at the Stadio Olimpico today might have gone towards convincing Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis that the manager was worth keeping around. Unfortunately for the ex-Azzurri boss, Roma came out strong, with Simone Perrotta and John-Arne Riise missing a pair of early chances that should have put i Lupi easily ahead of their struggling opposition. However, it would be Napoli who would ultimately strike first – after Roma keeper Julio Sergio was substituted for injury, his replacement Bogdan Lobont was beaten by Ezequiel Lavezzi’s low shot on 25′. However, Roma weren’t about to let their bright start be ruined, and equalized on 37′ with a ball that started at the feet of Mirko Vucinic, but was redirected by Perrotta and then (who else?) Francesco Totti into the back of the Napoli goal. Totti would strike again in the second half with a low shot from some distance against which Napoli keeper Morgan De Sanctis never stood a chance. Er Pupone’s brace was enough to see his side clear of the visitors and put Roberto Donadoni’s job in serious danger. Sorry Rob; nothing personal eh?

Inter 2-1 Udinese – A last-gasp win for i Nerazzurri which, combined with other events to have transpired this weekend, sees Jose Mourinho’s men sitting atop the table for the first time this season. The game was played at a lightning pace straight from the outset, with Sulley Muntari and Simone Pepe spurning early chances. Dejan Stankovic gave the home side a lead on 22′ at the San Siro, only for the on-fire Antonio Di Natale to equalize not 5 minutes later. Both teams would have plenty of opportunities – though a combination of Sulley Muntari’s lack of aim and Samir Handanovic’s goaltending ability saved Udinese on several occasions. However, it would be Inter who would take home the full spoils, as Wesley Sneijder’s 93rd minute strike gave La Beneamata a late, late victory.

"Did I look worried?"

Palermo 2-0 Juventus – Many thanks to il Rosanero for keeping my claims of the Year of the Underdog alive. The Sicilian side absolutely dismantled Juventus, who have been flying high in Serie A of late, and shown them their first defeat of the season to prevent i Bianconeri from rising to the top of the table. It took a pair of first-half strikes in quick succession to slay La Vecchia Signora, who despite pouring on pressure lacked creativity in the final third of the pitch and were ultimately unable to prevent a defeat at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. Edinson Cavani and Fabio Simplicio were the heroes for the home side, with their goals on 37′ and 42′ respectively proving a hurdle too difficult for Juventus to overcome. All in all, a fantastic win for Palermo which sees them rise to a comfortable midtable standing – and which no doubt allowed Walter Zenga a breath of relief after a stuttering start to the season. An impressive and deserved win for the Sicilian side.

AC Milan 1-1 Atalanta - I have never seen a side so bereft of confidence or direction as the Milan squad which played in the first half of today’s match in Bergamo. Milan were constantly found on the back heel in what is becoming their typical fashion -Gennaro Gattuso charged around like a tank, the strikers had no service, and Andrea Pirlo looked like a shadow of his former self. L’Altri Nerazzurri, as I like to call them, were often the aggressors in the first half and star man Cristiano Doni looked like a legitimate threat to the Milan goal every time the ball was at his feet. In fact, it would be lowly Atalanta who would take the lead in the match, after Simone Tiribocchi buried a ball left for him (perhaps accidentally) by Doni. The goal was borne out of a gross defensive error, as Alessandro Nesta had left Tiribocchi completely unmarked, but nonetheless Atalanta was on top and deservedly so. However, Atalanta would be dealt a crushing blow on 38′, when Ivan Radovanovic was handed a second yellow card for laying hands on Alexandre Pato. For my own part, I had initially thought it was a straight red card, and was seriously questioning whether match-fixing was still alive and well in the Italian game. Ultimately, the card was harsh, but not to the extent that I’d imagined – though it certainly turned the match around and gave i Rossoneri the chance to go on the attack. After the halftime break, the momentum had decidedly been reversed, and it was AC Milan who were on the offensive. Atalanta did all they could to stay ahead in the game, but Ronaldinho’s volley on 83′ inevitably earned the visitors an equalizer. One more thing: Klaas Jan Huntelaar failed to make his mark in the first half, and was substituted early in the second. How is a young striker supposed to build up confidence when he is constantly substituted in what are essentially votes of no confidence from his coach? Just an example of poor man-management from Leonardo, and perhaps another example of why Milan needs to secure themselves a replacement for the disappointing Brazilian tactician.

Futbol:

Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid – I feel vindicated by this result. I’ve been saying since the shiny new Real Madrid started tearing up La Liga (and Champions League) that when Los Blancos finally found themselves up against an opponent capable of mounting a serious defense, Manuel Pellegrini’s men would find themselves shut down and unable to account for it. Well, it appears that it is Sevilla who was that squad, as Real visited the Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán and suffered their first loss of the season. Madrid were unable to create chances and it was Sevilla who controlled tonight’s match. Jesus Navas gave the home side the lead on 32′, which would stand until Pepe equalized early in the second half. However, Renato would see that Sevilla took all three points from Los Galacticos with a goal on 66′. Perhaps the reason for this defeat can be traced back to the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, but for the successes of a team which cost hundreds of millions of euros to assemble to ride on the back of a singular player just reveals the shaky foundation upon which this new Galacticos era has been built.

Barcelona 1-0 Almeria – Oh, and Barcelona beat another relatively small team. Spanish youngster Pedro scored the only goal of the match at the Camp Nou.

Rinascita? Questa era una partita da vincere. Erano in dieci (erano anche l’ultima in classifica NdR).

Bisogna essere umili e capirlo.

Alessandro Nesta

I feel this picture best captures Kakhader's performances of late.

Although this time I’m a little less pleased about it. At least Roma isn’t the only Italian team to have fallen before the …might… of a Swiss squad in this year’s European competitions. Oh wait wait wait – that’s not embarassing enough – Milan somehow managed to fall before the …might… of a squad that is facing relegation from the Swiss first division. The only aspect of the Rossoneri’s game more toothless than their offense was their defense – with Kakhader Kaladze and Marek Jankulovski looking more like they were auditioning for a role in a Three Stooges film than attempting to hold a backline for a football team. Not even Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi could save Milan this time – despite the fact that the veteran pair had more than their fair share of opportunities to find the back of the net.

From the get-go it seemed that Leonardo’s side were in trouble. Milan stumbled from the starting blocks, and were barely getting into their stride before they were dealt a crushing blow – Zurich’s Finnish defender Hannu Timinen volleyed the ball past Marco Storari with a scissor kick in the 9th minute. Suffice it to say that the rush of that early goal was enough to take FC Zurich into the half looking comfortable (if a little surprised) with their 0ne-goal lead.

Not Pictured: Capable Defenders.

Leonardo made some changes at the half, bringing on Ronaldinho and Gianluca Zambrotta, and while it appeared that new life had been breathed into Milan, it would not be enough for i Rossoneri to save their first-half blushes and come up with an equalizer. While Pirlo, Pato and ‘Dinho all came into the second half looking energetic and spry, it would not be enough; their efforts failed to produce and the best chance that the Serie A Giants could come up with was a shot from Gianluca Zambrotta which crashed off the woodwork in second-half extra time. Making matters worse, Alessandro Nesta was forced from the pitch by injury in the second half to be replaced by Oguchi ‘Gooch’ Onyewu. Without Nesta’s guidance, Milan’s backline really did start to look like a Three Stooges act, and when Zurich was able to break on the counter attack it was with a certain air of panic that i Rossoneri dropped back to defend their goal.

In all honesty this is a game that Zurich should not have won – though they did, and I am not trying to take credit from them for that. But let me say this: This is a Milan side which all but gave up on themselves after the 9th minute, when they conceded a single goal to a team who in any other year they would have handily defeated. Leonardo, you need to make some changes and start getting results fast - your job depends on it. Your men have no self-confidence, no will to believe that they can defeat teams like the …mighty… Zurich handily, as the AC Milan of old would have. Milan’s problem is that with their piecemeal squad and their young and inexperienced coach, even they do not believe they have what it takes to compete in this competition.

When even Goliath does not believe that he can win the fight, how can David lose?

Abrimos una nueva sección dedicada a curiosidades de nuestro deporte. En esta oportunidad presentamos algunas lesiones peculiares en momentos trascendentes del deporte mundial. Pasen y vean.

El mejor basquetbolista de la historia argentina, Emanuel Ginóbili, tuvo que salir de la semifinal en los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing el año pasado debido a una lesión en el tobillo izquierdo. El equipo argentino perdió ese partido y Manu tampoco pudo jugar la definición por la medalla de bronce, contra Lituania.

Una final histórica. Dos argentinos disputaban la final del torneo más importante del mundo de polvo de ladrillo, Roland Garros. Guillermo Coria le iba ganando a Gastón Gaudio por 2 sets a 0, cuando en el tercero sintió una molestia, un calambre en su pierna izquierda. Finalmente,

Gaudio terminó derrontándolo en el quinto set en un partido inolvidable. En este punto es cuando se lesiona, dejo el link:

El futbolista italiano Franco Baresi se lesionó la rodilla en el primer partido del mundial de Estados Unidos 1994. El líbero, una de las piezas más importantes de su equipo, fue sometido a una operación e increíblemente pudo jugar la final contra Brasil, donde erró uno de los  penales de la definición y le permitió a Brasil quedarse con el título. Acá va el link con una recopilación de la final del mundial:

La judoca Daniela Krukower se luxó en codo en las semifinales de la categoría de hasta 63 kg en los Juegos Olímpicos de Atenas 2004.  Intentó detener un ataque apoyando el codo y de esta forma se dislocó. Aunque iba perdiendo el combate, no pudo participar en el repechaje por la medalla de bronce. Igualmente recibió un diploma olímpico que la colocó en el quinto puesto. Justo el momento de la lesión:

Alessandro Nesta sufrió una distensión en uno de los músculos de la zona del aductor de la pierna derecha en la primera fase del Mundial 2006, ante República Checa. Esta lesión lo dejaría afuera del equipo hasta finalizar la competencia. El defensor italiano ya había tenido la misma suerte en las citas anteriores de 1998 y 2002, en las que quedó marginado, por problemas físicos, de la selección azzurra desde los primeros partidos de la etapa de grupos.

Dopo la prima giornata di campionato aveva sorpreso tutti il nuovo Milano low cost targato Leonardo, espugnando Siena per la quarta volta nelle ultime cinque stagioni, e candidantosi prepotentemente come Out-Sider fra Inter e Juve. Tanto entusiasmo, troppo, che ha finito per ridimensionare clamorosamente il Milano dopo la pesante sconfitta nel Derby.
Il problema, sostiene la critica, non è solo tecnico, ma più che altro psicologico: tutte le certezze la squadra rossonera le aveva accumulate nell’ultimissima settimana di precampionato, dopo la vittoria nel trofeo Berlusconi; certezze, appunto, sgretolatesi rovinosamente dopo venti minuti al Meazza contro l’Inter.
In discussione è stato messo in primis l’allenatore, definito inesperto e incapace di gestire lo spogliatoio, vedi il mancato ingresso di Seedorf che è costata l’espulsione di Gattuso, e la sfuriata di quest’ultimo contro la panchina rossonera. Sabato dovrà dar prova di sagacia tattica e psicologica, trascinando il suo Milan nella difficile trasferta di Livorno, squadra parsa in buona forma nonostante la sconfitta a Napoli.
Bisognerà vedere cosa azzarderà Leo, che dovrà ripartire dalle certezze: Thiago Silva e Nesta coppia centrale intoccabile e Pato in forma strepitosa. Per il resto tutto in discussione, ma proviamo ad ipotizzare l’esordio da titolare di Huntelaar (pagato 15 milioni…) e Pirlo versione numero 10, che in nazionale ha regalato perle di saggezza.
In casa Milan pare esserci ottimismo, voglia di riscatto e soprattutto fiducia nell’allenatore, ribadita da Galliani in più di una conferenza stampa, ma in caso di doppio passo falso, in campionato e soprattutto in Champions (la trasferta a Marsiglia è un passo fondamentale per il passaggio del turno), sarà difficile rivedere il brasiliano ancora sulla panchina del Milan.
Come sostituti i soliti nomi: Zaccheroni, ma anche Tassotti; abbandonata (?) l’ipotesi Juande Ramos, dopo la sua firma con il CSKA di Mosca.

Laurent Blanc es uno de los referentes de Chygrynskiy.

Verdaderamente Pep ha acertado fichando a Chygrynskiy, sin lugar a dudas va a ser un buen referente y una buena influencia para el resto del equipo.

- Su plato favorito es el pastel de patata de su madre, pero adora el sushi y el sashimi

- Jamás ha probado una gota de alcohol y su bebida preferida es la Coca-Cola

- Le llaman Sebo por admirar a Sebastián Verón y…¡Jesucristo! por su parecido físico

- Le gusta la literatura, es un aficionado al cine y un enamorado de la música

- Es presumido y le gusta dar buena imagen, pasa de los coches y no tiene novia

- Su espejo son Laurent Blanc, Fernando Hierro, Alessandro Nesta y Silvestre

MILAN - Duet bek AC Milan Thiago Silva dan Alessandro Nesta akan mendapat ujian super berat kala menghadapi Inter Milan di giornata kedua Serie A, akhir pekan ini. Namun Silva mengaku siap, karena dia menilai kerjasamanya dengan Nesta semakin padu meski masih membutuhkan waktu untuk adaptasi.

Ketangguhan duet Silva dan Nesta memang terbukti ampuh saat Milan berhasil menundukkan Siena 2-1 pada giornata pembuka Serie A, akhir pekan lalu. Bek asal Brasil ini bahkan mengatakan kerjasamanya dengan Nesta akan terus menunjukkan perkembangan signifikan.

“Awalnya memang tak mudah, karena saya masih harus memahami pergerakannya. Namun, semuanya terus berkembang dan dengan latihan reguler, kami akan semakin baik setiap harinya,” papar Silva sebagaimana dilansir Football Italia, Kamis (27/8/2009).

“Saya sempat disamakan dengan Fabio Cannavaro dan Ivan Cordoba, sebab saya dianggap cepat, kuat di udara meski memiliki postur tubuh rata-rata. Saya juga bagus dalam mengantisipasi lawan. Bagaimanapun, saya memiliki kaki lebih baik dari mereka,” tambahnya.

“Saya memulai karir sebagai seorang gelandang. Itulah alasan mengapa saya bisa menempatkan bola dengan jauh dan memiliki visi bermain yang lumayan,” tutup bek 24 tahun itu.

(acf)

Sumber : OkeZone

Pato mencetak dua gol Milan saat melawan Siena.

Kendati aksinya belum dapat disaksikan di layar kaca, berita kemenangan AC Milan 2-1 atas Siena pada Sabtu lalu (22/8) cukup menyejukkan hati para penggemar Rossoneri di Indonesia. Hasil buruk selama pramusim layak memunculkan keraguan bahwa Milan memang belum siap bertarung memperebutkan scudetto. Tapi hasil pertandingan pertama Serie A musim ini telah memberi harapan baru dan langkah Milan akan lebih kencang melaju. Alexandre Pato, penyerang muda Brasil bermain cemerlang memborong dua gol Milan. Ronaldinho mampu tampil gemilang dan menjadi kreator terciptanya tiga poin pertama Milan. Kombinasi bek tua-muda Alessandro Nesta dan Thiago Silva menjadi benteng tangguh sektor pertahanan, sementara Mathieu Flamini bermain bagus di lini tengah. Bahkan Marco Borriello pun tidak mengecewakan turun sebagai starter berduet dengan Pato, kendati belum mencetak gol.

Pada Sabtu depan (29/8) akan terjadi ‘grande partita’ ketika Milan menjamu Inter Milan di San Siro. Semoga tren positif Milan bakal berlanjut di pekan kedua nanti. Kita juga masih menunggu debut Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, penyerang Belanda pindahan dari Real Madrid yang di pekan pertama belum bisa tampil karena menjalani hukuman larangan bermain. Mudah-mudahan kita sudah dapat menjadi saksi serunya pertandingan ‘derby Milano’ tersebut di rumah kita masing-masing.

]]> http://footballdirecta.com/2009/08/10/milan-defender-alessandro-nesta-hails-his-partnership-with-thiago-silva/ Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:05:24 +0000 footballdirecta http://footballdirecta.com/2009/08/10/milan-defender-alessandro-nesta-hails-his-partnership-with-thiago-silva/

Alessandro Nesta

The Rossoneri centre-back is confident he and his partner will be able to stop the leaky defence.

Milan are looking to challenge for the Scudetto this season and defender Alessandro Nesta has praised the back-line, in which he will partner Brazilian Thiago Silva.

“Thiago is a very strong defender. He is physically powerful, has a great personality, and is equipped with excellent technical qualities,” the player said of his partner in central defence.

“The understanding is improving and the Brazilian will help this Milan side towards perfection.”

Meanwhile, the 33-year-old, echoing many of his team-mates, found the club’s pre-season matches in the United States to be a hindrance.

“The tour in the United States was exhausting,” the former Lazio star continued.

“Especially for me, as I returned from a season that was very complex. I needed to train with different methods.”

The veteran spent almost the entire 2008-09 campaign on the sidelines, suffering from back and knee problems, but has been one of the Rossoneri’s best performers during the pre-season.

Goal

Alessandro Nesta (33) merasa bersalah. Selama satu musim terakhir, bek AC Milan ini kudu berkutat dengan cedera punggung sehingga nyaris melupakan sang istri, Gabriela Pagnozzi, dan kedua anaknya.

Wajar jika Nesta memanfaatkan masa libur kompetisi guna mengajak keluarganya berlibur di Miami, Amerika Serikat, selama beberapa hari.

“Musim 2008/09 jelas bukan musim yang menyenangkan bagi karier sepakbola saya. Cedera berkepanjangan membuat saya sedikit tertekan.” ungkap Nesta seperti dilansir situs Gossipnews.

“Saya berusaha keras untuk pulih sehingga terkesan mengabaikan keluarga. Kini saatnya saya membayar utang dan memberikan seluruh waktu saya bagi mereka,” ucap ayah Sofia (3) dan Tomasso (1) tersebut.

Bukan hanya Nesta yang menghabiskan liburan di Miami. Mantan rekan setim-nya di Milan yang baru saja memutuskan gantung sepatu, Paolo Maldini (41), juga memilih Miami untuk berlibur bersama keluarga.
(wta)

Sumber : Tabloid Bola