The Rossoneri Report

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Notes

Version: FM 2006 (6.0.3)

Managing: AC Milan (Italy) and AC Lugano (Genetically-Modified team in Switzerland)

Story: Will be based on my management at AC Milan

I am currently in my second season, so will give you a brief report to bring you up to date with where I am and then regular reports as I progress.

Season 1 - 2005/06

Signed young American Freddy Adu from DC United for £1.5m on a youth contract fighting off the likes of Juventus an come June put him on a pro contract when he turned 17, again fighting off Juventus.

UEFA Champions League

Celtic (A) 1-0 - A last minute Andriy Shevchenko goal providing all three points to get off to a good start.

Monaco (H) 3-3 - From 3-1 up contrived to drew and drop two points, Italian Marco Di Vaio gave me the run around scoring the last two goals.

Benfica (H) 3-0 - No such problems this time around at the San Siro, two goals from Alberto Gilardino and one from Shevchenko.

Benfica (A) 2-3 - First defeat despite goals from Gilardino and Shevchenko.

Celtic (H) 4-2 - The goals just keep on comin', Shevchenko, Pippo Inzaghi (2) and an own goal.

Monaco (A) 1-2 - A stoppage-time header from a corner from the left headed home by Sebastien Squillaci after Marco Di Vaio gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot and Andrea Pirlo equalised but AC Milan were knocked out at the first group stages, dropping into the UEFA Cup however.

UEFA Cup

1st Knockout Round

Middlesbrough (A) 2-0 - Shevchenko and Gilardino.

Middlesbrough (H) 2-0 - Amoroso and Gilardino.

2nd Knockout Round

Sporting Lisbon (A) 1-1 - Shevchenko in first half stoppage time gave AC the lead but straight from the restart a deflected cross fell kindly from Deivid.

Sporting Lisbon (H) 1-1 - Leidson gave the visitors the lead and with fifteen minutes remaining Kaka produced an equaliser. Extra-time could not seperate the teams, so it came down to penalties. 4-2 to the Lisbonites. European competitions ended in mid-March.

Coppa Italia

Victories over Parma (4-1 on agg), Udinese (3-3 on away goals rule (2-2 away and 1-1 at home)) took AC to the semi-finals where they faced off against fierce and city rivals Inter Milan and two 1-0 defeats left the Trophy Cabinet looks decidedly empty thus far.

Serie A[/i}

Took a while to get going in the league but performed well in the big matches when it mattered:

Roma (A) 0-0

Inter (H) 3-2 - Shevchenko gave AC the lead but was soon wiped out by Juan Sebastian Veron and David Pizarro put Inter ahead on 63 minutes. Late goals from Kaka (86) and a stoppage time winner from substitute Pippo Inzaghi ensured the red and black half of Milan gained bragging rights, at least until the Coppa Italia defeats that is.

Juventus (H) 3-0 - Goals from Gilardino, Shevchenko and Pirlo.

Roma (H) 3-0 - Two goals from Pablo Aimar (thank you very much Chairman) and a late Alessandro Nesta goal.

Inter (A) 2-3 - Again the home side win it 3-2, home side, what home side I hear you cry. Shevchenko cancelled out by Cesar, Kaka cancelled out by Adriano, who then struck the winner.

Juventus (A) 3-0 - Gilardino twice, Nesta sent off and an Alessandro Del Piero penalty miss proving costly as Pirlo struck a late penalty for the ten-men.

In the end finishing nine points clear of Inter Milan to win Serie A first season out.

Transfers

Chairman and all round nice-guy (he's not a crook!!) Silvio Berlusconi requested that the club make some renowned signings and after I failed to find the right targets, he decided that Pablo Aimar was the required man. Thankfully a £32m transfer for Lucio fell through as he could not agree personal terms. £14.25m was the fee on deadline day in January for the pint-sized Argentinian to sit on the bench behind the Brazilian Kaka. Already I had signed Ledley King for £10m early that month to shore up an aging backline. A deal was also struck for Argentinian centre-half Gonzalo from Villarreal in the summer for £16m. Young Argentinian Leonardo Depetris arrived on a free from Brescia, Robinho from Real Madrid for £11m and Filipe also from Real Madrid for £1.2m, a left-sided player, who was swiftly loaned out to AC Lugano for more game-time to prove his worth after seeing very little at the Santiago Bernebeau.

Departing the San Siro were 30 odd yongsters at the end of their contract and deemed not good enough to retain. That still left about another 30 in the Under 20's squad. Jaap Stam's pre-arranged move to Ajax was completed for a sizely £7.25m and Serginho departed for Nurnberg for £170k. Rui Costa left for Hamburg seeing as the arrival of Aimar meant that his previous bench slot was taken. Christian Brocchi left in search of more games to AC Lugano, who were looking for a ball-winning centre midfield for £750k.

[Gennaro08]

Notes

Version: FM 2006 (6.0.3)

Managing: AC Milan (Italy) and AC Lugano (Genetically-Modified team in Switzerland)

Story: Will be based on my management at AC Milan

I am currently in my second season, so will give you a brief report to bring you up to date with where I am and then regular reports as I progress.

Season 1 - 2005/06

Signed young American Freddy Adu from DC United for £1.5m on a youth contract fighting off the likes of Juventus an come June put him on a pro contract when he turned 17, again fighting off Juventus.

UEFA Champions League

Celtic (A) 1-0 - A last minute Andriy Shevchenko goal providing all three points to get off to a good start.

Monaco (H) 3-3 - From 3-1 up contrived to drew and drop two points, Italian Marco Di Vaio gave me the run around scoring the last two goals.

Benfica (H) 3-0 - No such problems this time around at the San Siro, two goals from Alberto Gilardino and one from Shevchenko.

Benfica (A) 2-3 - First defeat despite goals from Gilardino and Shevchenko.

Celtic (H) 4-2 - The goals just keep on comin', Shevchenko, Pippo Inzaghi (2) and an own goal.

Monaco (A) 1-2 - A stoppage-time header from a corner from the left headed home by Sebastien Squillaci after Marco Di Vaio gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot and Andrea Pirlo equalised but AC Milan were knocked out at the first group stages, dropping into the UEFA Cup however.

UEFA Cup

1st Knockout Round

Middlesbrough (A) 2-0 - Shevchenko and Gilardino.

Middlesbrough (H) 2-0 - Amoroso and Gilardino.

2nd Knockout Round

Sporting Lisbon (A) 1-1 - Shevchenko in first half stoppage time gave AC the lead but straight from the restart a deflected cross fell kindly from Deivid.

Sporting Lisbon (H) 1-1 - Leidson gave the visitors the lead and with fifteen minutes remaining Kaka produced an equaliser. Extra-time could not seperate the teams, so it came down to penalties. 4-2 to the Lisbonites. European competitions ended in mid-March.

Coppa Italia

Victories over Parma (4-1 on agg), Udinese (3-3 on away goals rule (2-2 away and 1-1 at home)) took AC to the semi-finals where they faced off against fierce and city rivals Inter Milan and two 1-0 defeats left the Trophy Cabinet looks decidedly empty thus far.

Serie A[/i}

Took a while to get going in the league but performed well in the big matches when it mattered:

Roma (A) 0-0

Inter (H) 3-2 - Shevchenko gave AC the lead but was soon wiped out by Juan Sebastian Veron and David Pizarro put Inter ahead on 63 minutes. Late goals from Kaka (86) and a stoppage time winner from substitute Pippo Inzaghi ensured the red and black half of Milan gained bragging rights, at least until the Coppa Italia defeats that is.

Juventus (H) 3-0 - Goals from Gilardino, Shevchenko and Pirlo.

Roma (H) 3-0 - Two goals from Pablo Aimar (thank you very much Chairman) and a late Alessandro Nesta goal.

Inter (A) 2-3 - Again the home side win it 3-2, home side, what home side I hear you cry. Shevchenko cancelled out by Cesar, Kaka cancelled out by Adriano, who then struck the winner.

Juventus (A) 3-0 - Gilardino twice, Nesta sent off and an Alessandro Del Piero penalty miss proving costly as Pirlo struck a late penalty for the ten-men.

In the end finishing nine points clear of Inter Milan to win Serie A first season out.

Transfers

Chairman and all round nice-guy (he's not a crook!!) Silvio Berlusconi requested that the club make some renowned signings and after I failed to find the right targets, he decided that Pablo Aimar was the required man. Thankfully a £32m transfer for Lucio fell through as he could not agree personal terms. £14.25m was the fee on deadline day in January for the pint-sized Argentinian to sit on the bench behind the Brazilian Kaka. Already I had signed Ledley King for £10m early that month to shore up an aging backline. A deal was also struck for Argentinian centre-half Gonzalo from Villarreal in the summer for £16m. Young Argentinian Leonardo Depetris arrived on a free from Brescia, Robinho from Real Madrid for £11m and Filipe also from Real Madrid for £1.2m, a left-sided player, who was swiftly loaned out to AC Lugano for more game-time to prove his worth after seeing very little at the Santiago Bernebeau.

Departing the San Siro were 30 odd yongsters at the end of their contract and deemed not good enough to retain. That still left about another 30 in the Under 20's squad. Jaap Stam's pre-arranged move to Ajax was completed for a sizely £7.25m and Serginho departed for Nurnberg for £170k. Rui Costa left for Hamburg seeing as the arrival of Aimar meant that his previous bench slot was taken. Christian Brocchi left in search of more games to AC Lugano, who were looking for a ball-winning centre midfield for £750k.

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Formation

3-1-4-2

19/08/06 - Italian Super Cup Final

vs Inter Milan

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Aimar, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

Five minutes in and Gilardino put Shevchenko through on a break away he made tracks into the penalty area before unselfishly squaring it for Aimar to slot home, who was in for the injured Kaka. Five minutes later and Gilardino tucked in the second. Just before half-time and Walter Samuel was sent off for kicking out at Gilardino. Pirlo converted a penalty early in the second half after Dejan Stankovic had held back Clarence seedorf. Mid way through the second half and Seedorf converted a penalty for himself this time after Veron handled in the area.

AC Milan 4-0 Inter Milan

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27/08/06 - Serie A

Livorno (A)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

A disappointing away draw having 20 shots on the day and Marco Amelia unsurprisingly picking up MOM for the hosts.

Livorno 0-0 AC Milan

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30/08/06 - Serie A

Roma (H)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

A Kaka free-kick from the left found Shevchenko who spun his marker and slotted past Gianluca Curci inside 5 minutes. Kuffour tripped Kaka in the penalty area for Pirlo to convert the penalty on 12 minutes. Damian Duff cut the ball back from the byline to Mathieu who found Crespo in the area, Abbiati came and was stranded in no-mans-land, allowing an easy finish for the Argentinian. 2-1. On 30 minutes, Nesta volleyed home a Kaka free-kick and that was all she wrote.

AC Milan 3-1 Roma

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10/09/06 - Serie A

Juventus (H)

Team: Abbiati; Gonazlo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

On 5 minutes Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave Juventus the lead converting a penalty after King was adjudged to David Trezeguet. Gilardino robbed a wondering Gianluigi Buffon late-on for a point in a game in which AC dominated throughout.

AC Milan 1-1 Juventus

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12/09/06 - UEFA Champions League, Group A

Porto (H)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

Fairly comfortable game, started off in fashion by an Andrea Pirlo curling free-kick after 12 minutes. Just before half-time the lead was doubled through the Ukranian Andriy Shevchenko, spinning his marker and placing it in the corner after being fed by MOM Seedorf. Substitute Inzaghi brilliantly brought down a long raking ball from Ledley King and slotted into the corner.

AC Milan 3-0 Porto

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20/09/06 - Serie A

Lecce (H)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Kaladze, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

6 minutes in and Alex Pinardi crossed from the left and young Serbian striker Mirko Vucinic nipped in to give the visitors the lead. Nesta dithered on the ball too long at the back, before being robbed by MOM Vucinic who's initial shot was saved by Abbiati but whom could do nothing about the rebound. 0-2. Just after the break Shevchenko crossed from the left for the diving Gilardino to nod home. Unfortunately the fight-back ended there and despite rained down shots upon Vincenzo Sicignano, AC fell to their first defeat on the season.

AC Milan 1-2 Lecce

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23/09/06 - Serie A

Fiorentina (A)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

From the AC kick-off, Fiorentina took the lead after 29 seconds, Karagounis crossed from the right and Luca Toni beat Abbiati to the ball to head the Viola ahead. On the half hour Gilardino was put through and Per Kroldrup hauled him down, receiving his marching orders. The resulting free-kick produced another trademark Andrea Pirlo curling efford to level the scoreline. 43 seconds into the second half Marek Jankulovski crossed from the left, repeating Toni's goal with Alberto Gilardino beating Bogdan Lobont to the ball to head the visitors ahead. Jankulovski again got down the left flank and slipped it across for Shevchenko to finish. Aimar's corner from the right was half cleared, his second attempt found MOM Jankulovski at the back stick, his shot was saved by Lobont but Seedorf was on hand to convert.

Fiorentina 1-4 AC Milan

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27/09/06 - UEFA Champions League, Group A

Fenerbahce (A)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

Demirel Volkan, the Turkish goalkeeper, half cleared a Gennaro Gattuso through ball, but his clearance was poor and Kaka chipped into the empty net from 35 yards. Just before half-time, Andrea Pirlo stepped up again from the edge of the penalty area and produced another curling effort for 2-0. MOM Pirlo converted a penalty after Kaka was fouled by Serkan.

Fenerbahce 0-3 AC Milan

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01/10/06 - Serie A

Ascoli (A)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

Gattuso crossed from the right and Shevchenko headed home. Australian Scott Chipperfield crossed from the left and Fabio Quagliarella beat Abbiati at the near post for the equaliser 26 minutes in. Just after half-time an Abbiati goal-kick was flicked on by Shevchenko for strike-partner Alberto Gilardino to slot past Coppola in the Ascoli for his 5th of the season. Gattuso headed clear an Ascoli corner on 65 minutes and MOM Shevchenko outpaced Francesco Carbone before scoring his 5th of the season.

Ascoli 1-3 AC Milan

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15/10/06 - Serie A

Parma (H)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Maldini, Nesta; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

Ledley King's twisted knee gave club captain Paolo Maldini his first start of the season. Kaka's corner from the left was played to the unmarked Shevchenko on the edge of the edge, who slammed home on 30 minutes. Despite AC's dominance, goalkeeper Christian Abbiati was voted MOM.

AC Milan 1-0 Parma

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18/10/06 - UEFA Champions League, Group A

Villarreal (A)

Team: Abbiati; Maldini, Gonzalo, Nesta, Jankulovski; Kaladze, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko.

The trip to Spain brought about a change of formation. Not entirely new as AC had been switching to it throughout the 2006/07 season. 451 are the numbers, with full-backs getting forward, the wingers pushing on and Kaka (Aimar when he plays) supporting in behind the lone striker, in this case Shevchenko. Andrea Pirlo sits deep and constructs the ball while Gattuso adds the bite and ball winning qualities.

To the game and 15 minutes in, the defence was breached, Sorin's left wing cross was headed home from 10 years by the unmarked ex-AC Milan striker (and flop) Jose Mari. The lead was doubled just before half time when firstly Jankulovski missed his header and then Nesta was caught on the ball by ex-Man Utd striker (and flop) Diego Forlan who cooly slotted home past Abbiati. Experienced Bolivian defender Juan Manual Pena won MOM for the hosts as the new formation was compromised.

Villarreal 2-0 AC Milan

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22/10/06 - Serie A

Sampdoria (H)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Gilardino, Shevchenko.

Back to the 3142 for the visit of Sampdoria in front of 85,683. And the majority if the crowd would have been cheering on 33 minutes when Gattuso won the ball in midfield and found Shevchenko who in turn slipped it to Gilardino who powered his shot past the helpless young Reserve goalkeeper Daniele Padelli, in for the injured Luca Castellazzi. The lead was doubled just before half-time through Shevchenko. AC kept the ball expertly and Ledley King's ball in to the box was met with precision by the Ukrainian. 5 minutes into the second half and the strangest thing happened, I will upload the game to view, as it is quite unbelievable. Max Tonetto took a throw-in on the Sampdoria level with the AC Milan penalty area. At this point goalkeeper Padelli can be found standing next to Abbiati in the AC goal. Volpi exchanges passes with throw-in taker Tonetto. The ball is played into the penalty area for Bazzani, who tries to loose his markers and plays the ball backwards for Volpi. Unfortunately for Sampdoria, the pass goes astray and Shevchenko latches on to what was an excellent throughball by the Doria player and passes the ball into the net from the half-way line. This was not the only time Padelli could be seen wondering the green turf at the San Siro. He ws subsequently subbed on 82 minutes for Under 20 goalkeeper Gianluca Di Gennaro.

AC Milan 3-0 Sampdoria

Match available for Download

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25/10/06 - Serie A

Udinese (A)

Team: Abbiati; Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino.

You may have been able to judge from my team selections that I am no Rafael Benitez, very rarely rotating, so full strength line-up again. Full strength or not, tinkering or not, AC fell behind on 24 minutes, deep cross from the left by Antonio Di Natale, headed goalwards by captain Damiano Zenoni and flicked in by Zlatan Muslimovic. 0-1. The equaliser arrived 10 minutes later through Alberto Gilardino, sliding the ball under keeper Nicola Santoni. Less than ten minutes to go and substitute Pablo Aimar converts a penalty to give AC Milan the lead after fellow substitute Robinho have been tripped by Cesare Natali. On 87 minutes the game was made safe Aimar, found Robiho, who laid it off for Kaka to strike from the edge of the area. MOM: Gennaro Gattuso.

Udinese 1-3 AC Milan

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28/10/06 - Serie A

Lazio (H)

Team: Dida; Gonzalo, Maldini, King; Pirlo; Jankulovski, Kaka, Gattuso, Seedorf; Robinho, Gilardino.

Three enforced changes from midweek with injuries ruling out Abbiati (Broken Finger for a month) and Nesta (Groin Strain for 2 weeks) and tiredness doing for Shevchenko.

To the game and the first half was scoreless. The only incident of note was Gilardino straining his neck after 4 minutes, introducing Pippo Inzaghi early to the game. On 57 minutes the two strikers combined, Robinho capitalising on a mistake from Jose Andres Guardado and feeding Inzaghi who lobbed the onrushing ex-Ipswich goalkeeper Matteo Sereni. Clarence Seedorf made in two with twenty minutes remaining on the break away. Yet Lazio weren't done and pulled one back with 3 minutes left. They kept the ball nicely and waited patiently for an opening, which arrived down the AC Milan right, Lazio left where substitute Laciano Zauri crossed for MOM Tommaso Rocchi to beat Dida to the ball for a consolation goal.

AC Milan 2-1 Lazio

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31/10/06 - UEFA Champions League, Group A

Villarreal (H)

Team: Dida; Kaladze, Gonzalo, King, Jankulovski; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Injury still ruled out Abbiati and Nesta but Shevchenko returned with Gilardino on the treatment table for a few days.

The 451 formation came back out to play with Robinho being trained to utilise his pace, dribbling and creativity down the right flank.

Like the away trip, Villarreal took the early, after 6 minutes, Torrado won the ball in midfield and played in Forlan, who struck a fantastic effort from 30 yards past Dida in the AC Milan goal. The lead lasted until the half hour mark when Seedorf won the ball in midfield and found Shevchenko who lobbed Chris Kirkland in the Villarreal goal. 1-1. Five minutes later and AC lead, MOM Shevchenko beating Kirkland at his near post. With twenty minutes later Robinho rose to meet a Seedorf left-wing cross.

There were sub appearances for Massimo Ambrosini returning from a month's lay-off with a Torn Groin muscle and first appearances for the season for Argentinian Leandro Depetris and American Freddy Adu.

AC Milan 3-1 Villarreal

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05/11/06 - Serie A

Inter (A)

Team: Dida, Kaladze, Gonzalo, King, Jankulovski; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Unchanged line-up as AC took on league leaders Inter Milan in the Milan derby.

6 minutes in and AC had the lead, a 25 yarder from Seedorf was parried by Sebastien Frey in the Inter goal and Shevchenko pounced on the rebound. The lead lasted one minute, Alessandro Potenza's cross was headed clear by Jankulovski but only as far as Dejan Stankovic who hammered his shot into the top hand corner from 25 yards. 1-1. Deep into stoppage time, Pablo Aimar's header was picked up by MOM Shevchenko who ran into the penalty area before placing the ball through the legs of Frey for a very pleasing winner to take AC top of the table.

Clarence Seedorf damaged his elbow during the match and will be out for a week.

Inter 1-2 AC Milan

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19/11/06 - Serie A

Brescia (H)

Team: Dida; Kaladze, Gonzalo, King, Jankulovski; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

451 kept it's place for this game but Kakha Kaladze only lasted 9 minutes damaging his spine and expected to be out for two months, Paolo Maldini replaced him at left back. On 57 minutes the Milanese captain tucked in a rebound after Jankulovski's speculative 35 yard effort from Kaka's short free-kick. The lead was doubled ten minutes later, gain Maldini involved searching out Seedorf down the left wing and his volleyed cross was headed in by the onrushing Kaka. MOM: Gennaro Gattuso

AC Milan 2-0 Brescia

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22/11/06 - UEFA Champions League, Group A

Porto (A)

Team: Dida, Maldini, Gonzalo, King, Simic; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Jankulovski; Shevchenko.

The tired Robinho was rested with Jankulovski taking his place on the right-flank and Dario Simic making only his second appearance of the season, first start at right-back and Maldini replaced the injured Kaladze at left-back.

5 minutes in and Dida raced out of his goal to clear long upfield, Jankulovski flicked it on and Shevchenko got in behind and placed passed Helton at his near post. A Maldini free-kick from the left was flicked into the corner of the net by Kaka. The third arrived three minutes later courtesy of another flicked header, this time by Shevchenko from a Simic cross.

Quaresma's penalty was saved by Dida but the rebound fell kindly for him and he smacked the ball home to reduce the defecit. On 65 minutes Porto scored again, Quaresma's free-kick from the left was headed in by Anderson at the back post ahead of Dida. AC Milan had to withstand a barrage of possession, half-chances and chances from Porto and did with Ledley King picking up MOM for his fine defensive display.

Porto 2-3 AC Milan

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26/11/06 - Serie A

Chievo (A)

Team: Dida; Maldini, Gonzalo, King, Simic; Jankulovski, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino;

Seedorf and Shevchenko rested for the away trip to mid-table Chievo Verona, the Flying Donkeys.

One goal seperated the teams, Gattuso sent Robinho away down the right who got to the byline and cut the ball back to Kaka on the penalty spot who tucked it away with precision. It could have been more but MOM Alberto Fontana kept the visitors at bay with a string of fine saves.

Chievo 0-1 AC Milan

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29/11/06 - Coppa Italia 1st Round, 1st Leg

Ternana (H)

Team: Dida; Maldini, Costacurta, Nesta, Simic; Depetris, Aimar, Vogel, Ambrosini, Adu; Gilardino.

Nesta returned from injury to start the home leg with newly promoted Serie A strugglers Ternana, Costacurta made his first appearance of the season, all five midfielders were making their first starts of the season.

8 minutes in and after some untidy play by both teams, Simic restored some order with a pass to a teammates' foot. Gilardino span his marker and ran at goal and just when everyone expected the Italian international to shoot he squared it to Pablo Aimar for a tap-in. Midway through the half and the lead was doubled, this time Ambrosini found Aimar, who from 20 yards out slipped it to Gilardino in the area, who again span his marker and placed it passed Federico Agliardi in the Ternana goal.

Nesta was withdrawn with 15 minutes left as youngster Alessandro Lamburghi made his first AC Milan appearance and Francesco Ferdinando Vito likewise after spending last season on loan at AC Lugano. Cafu also made his first appearance of the season, returning from damaged Cruciate Liaments, which had sidelined him since March 2006.

AC Milan 2-0 Ternana

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05/12/06 - UEFA Champions League, Group A

Fenerbahce (H)

Team: Facchini; Maldini, Costacurta, Nesta, Simic; Depetris, Adu, Aimar, Vogel, Robinho; Gilardino.

Having already qualified for the second phase along with Spanish side Villarreal and Fenerbahce three points behind Porto but with a goal difference of minus nine to Porto's zero, both were dead games.

Nesta again started after missing the previous 6 games due to a Groin strain ang a strained Wrist. Youngsters Depetris and Adu again started whilst Ambrosini was unfit from the Ternana game, so Adu moved inside and Robinho continued his development as a right-winger and there was a first AC Milan game for 19-year-old Davide Facchini in goal as Dida strained his Wrist in training and is out for a week whilst Abbiati is recovering from a broken Finger.

Freddy Adu sustained a dead leg inside 10 minutes, which meant Cafu could continue his rehabiliation with Robinho moving inside. Chances came for Gilardino, eight in all but Volkan kept AC at bay, whilst ex-Juventus midfiedler Stephan Appiah was voted MOM.

AC Milan 0-0 Fenerbahce

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | Q | Milan | | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 5 | +7 | 13 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | Q | Villarreal | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 8 | +2 | 11 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Porto | | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 6 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Fenerbahçe | | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 13 | -9 | 2 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

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08/12/06 - Coppa Italia 1st Round, 2nd Leg

Ternana (A)

Team: Abbiati; Maldini, Costacurta, Lamburghi, Simic; Depetris, Aimar, Vito, Vogel, Adu; Inzaghi.

Abbiati returned in goal after his finger injury, Lamburghi and Vito made first starts in an AC Milan first team shirt and Inzaghi got a rare start up front.

Ternana opened the scoring, simple ball over the top by Martin Latka, Mario Pacilli got in behind and squared it for Feliz Alexander Borja to tap-in. 2-1 on aggregate. Two minutes later and Freddy Adu scored his first goal of the season. Danny Shittu intercepted but it fell to Adu to slide passed Federico Agliardi. Simone Ingrimbelli and Nicola Pozzi made sub appearances.

Ternana 1-1 AC Milan (1-3 on agg.)

Sampdoria next up in the Quarter Finals, first leg away.

[Gennaro08]

11/12/06 - Serie A

Messna (A)

Team: Abbiati; Maldini, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Back to league action and Kaladze remains the only player on the treatment table, expected to be out until mid-January. Ledley King started his development as a right-bck and Robinho continued his in front as a right-winger.

All the action took place in the final 20 minutes, firstly Carmine Coppola was sent off for a professional foul on Andriy Shevchenko. Within a minute, Seedorf flicked on a cross and Shevchenko reacted quickest to the loose ball to put passed Marco Storari in the Messina goal. Then in stoppage time, Gilardino was upeneded by Rahman Rezaei and he was subsequently dismissed also for a professional foul. Andrea Pirlo converted the resulting penalty kick.

Messina 0-2 AC Milan

[Gennaro08]

15/12/06

UEFA Champions League 1st Knockout Round Draw:

First name out of the hat is Lyon of France and the second is AC Milan. Potentially could have a final eight of:

Juventus

Barcelona

Arsenal

Man Utd

FC Bayern (Munich)

Real Madrid

Chelsea

and hopefully AC Milan.

[Gennaro08]

16/12/06

An agreement has been struck with Portsmouth for the sale of Amoroso for £1.5m. The Brazilian striker has not featured this season at all and at 32 does not have age on his side. The transfer will go through 1st January 2007.

[Gennaro08]

17/12/06 - Serie A

Cesena (H)

Team: Abbiati; Malidni, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Early pressure and plenty of shots rained down on Brazilian Marcelo Grohe's goal. A string of fine saves kept AC Milan at bay. That was until the 29th minute when Devis Nossa tripped Shevchenko who dusted himself off and converted the penalty. 6 minutes later and Shevchenko scored again, spinning expertly in the box before Marcelo Grohe produced another fine save but was helpless on the rebound. It was three on the stroke of half-time when Kaka was tripped by Maurizio Ciaramitaro and Pirlo converted the second penalty of the afternoon. 3-0 at HT. The second half proved largely uneventful with Gattuso proving why he hasn't scored in 22 appearances this season missing a simple chance at the near post. MOM Abbiati had to be sharp when denying Cesena a late consolation goal when diving at the feet of substitute Papa Walgo.

Substitute Inzaghi bruised his ribs and is expected to be out for two weeks.

AC Milan 3-0 Cesena

[Gennaro08]

18/12/06

Cafu's season didn't improve when he suffered a calf strain in training and will be out for a month.

[Gennaro08]

20/12/06 - Serie A

Empoli (A)

Team: Abbiati; Jankulovski, King, Nesta, Simic; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

With the games coming thick and fast, the away trip to Empoli brought about a few changes ahead of the visit of Palermo. Jankulovski came in at left-back and Simic at right-back with Maldini and Gonzalo carrying a knock and in need of a rest respectively. Adu and Depetris made the bench.

Shevchenko almost gave AC Milan the lead after 30 seconds with a powerful header turned over and from the resulting corner Robinho headed over. Robinho powered another header goalwards that hit the back of the net but the assistant referee disallowed it for offside but on second viewing he wasn't offside, Shevchenko was but was not involved or interferring with play. A couple of minutes later Shevchenko tucked away yet another penalty after 21 minutes when Moro pulled King's shirt.

Midway through the second half another powerful Robinho header was smartly saved by Alessandro Danti at his near post. As Empoli threw men forward in search of an equaliser, Seedorf put MOM Shevchenko through who was obstrcuted by Simone Iacoponi in the area and he stepped up again to convert the penalty for 2-0. With fifteen minutes left Seedorf almost took the net off the goal with a superb half-volley after Simic's right-wing cross.

Empoli 0-3 AC Milan

[Gennaro08]

23/12/06 - Serie A

Palermo (H)

Team: Abbiati; Jankulovski, King, Nesta, Simic; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robiho; Shevchenko.

After the mauling of Empoli, I decided to reward those players that played so well, which meant Maldini and Gonzalo found themselves on the bench for the visitor of Palermo.

Palermo limited AC Milan to long range efforts in the first half and their only effort came inside the first minute.

Palermo changed from an orthodox 442 to the unorthodox 33211, which allowed AC Milan to create many more chances but Mattwo Guardalben stood firm as they struggled to get anyone in support of Stephen Makinwa. With ten minutes left Alessandro Nesta missed an easy chance twelve yards out and unmarked after Pirlo have slipped him in from a free-kick. In the end AC had to settle for a point with Matteo Guardalben picking up MOM.

AC Milan 0-0 Palermo

[Gennaro08]

27/12/06

Paolo Maldini damaged a foot in training and will be out for three weeks as we head into the Winter Break, having played 18 of the 28 league games.

Serie A League Table

1 - AC Milan 45 pts

2 - Inter Milan 38 pts

3 - Udinese 37 pts

4 - Palermo 36 pts

5 - Juventus 35 pts

6 - Roma 31 pts

[Gennaro08]

02/01/07

More bad news on the injury front, Massimo Ambrosini after working his way back to fitness has damaged his Cruciate Knee Ligaments and will be out for 8 months and will see a specialist.

[Gennaro08]

03/01/07

£5m was the price negogiated to bring a 19-year-old Belgium defender/midfielder from Anderlecht by the name of Anthony Vanden Borre, whilst Perugia has splashed out £9k for 40-year-old centre defender Alessandro Costacurta.

[Gennaro08]

04/01/07

A deal has also been struck with the young Roma striker Stefan Chuka Okaka, half Nigerian and half Italian, the 17-year-old standing at 6 foot 2 and weighing in at 13st 3 lbs. He will join the club in the summer on a bosman.

05/01/07

Chairman Silvio Berlusconi has again spoken of his desire to bring the world's best players to the San Siro and I imagine if I don't do so, he will. The only problem is that I don't really require any new players at this stage.

[AnalogBoy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gennaro08:

04/01/07

A deal has also been struck with the young Roma striker Stefan Chuka Okaka, half Nigerian and half Italian, the 17-year-old standing at 6 foot 2 and weighing in at 13st 3 lbs. He will join the club in the summer on a bosman.

05/01/07

Chairman Silvio Berlusconi has again spoken of his desire to bring the world's best players to the San Siro and I imagine if I don't do so, he will. The only problem is that I don't really require any new players at this stage. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nice. Okaka is a beast.

[Gennaro08]

I've watched him play a few times for Roma (in real) such as against Boro in the UEFA Cup last year and he certainly has a physical presence and a certain rawness about him.

I'm hoping that he will develop into a mighty fine player in a few years and the youth team will develop him along with some outings in Cup competition and sub appearances.

[Gennaro08]

06/01/07 - Serie A

Cagliari (H)

Team: Abbiati; Jankulovski, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Injuries rule out Maldini, Kaladze and Ambrosini, whilst Vanden Borre takes his place on the bench.

Always in control against a struggling and out of form Cagliari side. Kaka opened the scoring just before half time when his clever run was spotted by Pirlo and the Brazilian slotted into the far corner.

A beauty team goal was chalked out ten minutes into the second half, a series of passes through the middle was finished off by Shevchenko before the assistant's flag cut short the celebrations. Ten minutes later and King won a tackle and played the ball square to Nesta who collapsed in a heap, allowing on-loan midfielder Martin Ericsson in on goal but Abbiati stood tall to save. Nesta was subsequently stretched off and Vanden Borre got his first taste of Serie A action at right-back with King moving to the centre. The game was made safe with five minutes later when Pirlo laid it off for MOM Robinho to slam home only his second Serie A goal.

Alessandro Nesta bruised his thigh in apparently an accidental collision, although he collapsed with no one around him and faces two weeks on the sidelines.

AC Milan 2-0 Cagliari

[Gennaro08]

10/01/07

Leandro Depetris has agreed to join Triestina of Serie B for the remainder of the season on loan.

Serie A

Livorno (H)

Team: Abbiati; Jankulovski, Gonzalo, King, Vanden Borre; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Vanden Borre takes the right-back spot and King moves to central defence in the absence of the injured Nesta.

It took 16 minutes for the young Belgian to receive his first booking. Despite completely dominating the first half, the scores were level at 0-0 with the referee handing out five bookings.

Robinho made way at half-time after picking up a knock, Maldini his replacement moving to left-back and Jankulovski moving to the wing.

Livorno came out after half-time with renewed vigour and created two excellent chances but failed to take either but they reminded AC Milan that they were by no means out of the game. Cometh the hour, cometh the Captain, Gennaro Gattuso scored from twenty yards after Shevchenko had set him up but in truth Macro Amelia should and will be a little disappointed that it beat him. With Livorno pouring men forward the second arrived with twenty minutes left. Gonzalo won the ball in the air and Shevchenko ran on to the loose ball but Amelia dived well at his feet, unfortunately for Livorno it broke to Kaka to side-foot home from 20 yards into the vacant net.

AC Milan 2-0 Livorno

[Gennaro08]

13/01/07 - Serie A

Roma (A)

Team: Abbiati; Jankulovski, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Vanden Borre; Shevchenko.

Robinho dropped to the bench for this encounter, due to being away from home and felt it better to go with a more solid and defensive player given as Roma play an attacking 4231 formation.

Also the search for the world's best players go on, looking for a wide midfielder, bids for Antonio Cassano, Joaquin and Vicente have all been rebuffed.

First blood to AC Milan after 26 minutes. Whilst the 451 formation away from home concedes a lot of possession to the home team, Roma haven't mustered a shot on target and Pirlo's goal was our sixth thus far. Shevchenko got down the line and crossed, Sammy Kuffour's header wasn't great and Pirlo curled home from the edge of the area. Five minutes later and Shevchenko hit the post. Half-time and Roma only had one shot all half, a header from a corner well saved by Abbiati, whilst AC had 10 shots, six on target.

Into the second half and both teams had half chances but nothing on much note until the 70th minute when Christian Chivu was sent off for kicking out at Clarence Seedorf. Roma left it the same, with a 3231 formation. However Roma equalised ten minutes later when Totti broke the offside trap (not being played) and finished nicely past Abbiati.

Roma 1-1 AC Milan

[Gennaro08]

17/01/06 - Serie A

Juventus (A)

Team: Abbiati; Jankulovski, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Vanden Borre; Gilardino.

With Robinho on International Duty with Brazil in the North American Gold Cup until early February (assuming they make the latter stages) Anthony Vanden Borre has a chance to impress on the right hand side of midfield. Alberto Gilardino comes in up front for Andriy Shevchenko who has been off form of late. Another big away game.

Withstood a lot of early pressure but eventually the break-through came on 34 minutes a nice move Juventus move saw Trezeguet feed Ibrahimovic in behind and lob Abbiati as he came out to meet him. AC Milan hit immediately when Cannavaro fouled Gilardino as he turned and the responsibility was left to Vanden Borre who didn't shy away, hammering the ball past Buffon.

Straight after half-time the AC players heeded the manager's advice and produced, Seedorf and Kaka were involved, culminating in Gilardino firing in from a tight angle beating Buffon at his near post for 2-1. Straight from kick-off AC again produced and Gilardino was sent away and tried to chip Buffon who made an excellent save. The resulting corner was cleared off the line in a bit of a scramble. The lead looked to have lasted a matter of minutes when Ibrahimovic chased a long ball, Abbiati made the wrong decision to stay on his line and the Swede powered an effort past the Italian no.2 goalkeeper. Joy turned into disappointed however as the assistant endulged in a spot of flagging and the goal was disallowed. With twenty minutes left referee Paolo Bertini produced his sixth yellow card of the afternoon, all for AC Milan players, this was a decisive one as Andrea Pirlo (of all players) picked up his second yellow and AC were left to fend with 10 men for the remainder. Johann Vogel was introduced to replace Kaka in the middle of midfield to add some more steel, bite and workmanship. Ibrahimovic struck the resulting free-kick against the bar and Abbiati saved well from Emerson's follow-up. Shevchenko came on for Gilardino and had a couple of opportunities to make the game safe late-on but Buffon reacted well on both occasions. The expected late onslaught never materialised as Maldini came on for Seedorf to make a 531 formation as AC recorded another victory over Juventus.

Juventus 1-2 AC Milan

[Gennaro08]

21/01/07 - Serie A

Ternana (H)

Team: Abbiati; Janulovski, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Aimar, Gattuso, Vanden Borre; Gilardino.

Aimar came into the deep-lying midfield role for the suspended Pirlo, whilst Kaladze was on the bench for the first time since returning from injury.

Ternana's attacking 343 was almost undone inside 30 seconds when Vanden Borre's cross was headed just over by Seedorf. It only took 4 minutes for the first goal to arrive, Alberto Gilardino heading in his 10th of the season from Seedorf's cross. One minute later and it was Kaka's turn to head home, this time from Jankulovski's cross. Three minutes after number 10, number 11 arrived for Gilardino, Seedorf releasing the Italian to lob Andrea Ricciarelli in the Ternana goal. Seven minutes in and the score was 3-0. Ternana were given a lifeline on the half hour mark when Jankulovski pulled Elrio van Heerden's shirt and a penalty was awarded. Christian Abbiati saved Marco Rigoni's poor penalty.

Kaka and Gilardino were withdrawn at half-time after picking up knocks in the first-half.

Half-time substitute Egidio Andrea Peluso was sent off for two bookings just after the hour mark and an Inzaghi header from a Jankulovski free-kick compounded a miserable day for Ternana. The day wasn't complete as Inzaghu helped himself to a brace again diverting a left wing cross past the helpless Ricciarelli from substitute Maldini's assist. In stoppage time Jankulovski completed a hat-trick of assists crossing for MOM Aimar to slide under Ricciarelli.

AC Milan 6-0 Ternana

[Gennaro08]

22/01/07

A £21m deal for Arsenal's Aliaksandr Hleb fell through as AC Milan can only sign 1 non-EU player from abroad per season, Filipe from Real Madrid being the one.

[Gennaro08]

27/01/06 - Coppa Italia Quarter Final, 1st Leg

Sampdoria (A)

Team: Dida; Jankulovski, Maldini, Simic, Cafu; Kaladze, Kaka, Bloudek, Vogel, Abate; Gilardino.

An assortment of fringe players, youth team and the odd starter travels for the away leg.

Withstood some Sampdoria pressure in the first half, without creating anything meaningful ourselves.

Just after the restart Fabio Bazzani chased a long ball over the top of th defence and his angled drive into the far hand corner was enough to beat Dida. On the hour mark, AC Milan got very lucky when Gilardino chased a ball in behind but was beaten to it by Luca Castellazzi in the Sampdoria goal but his clearance hit Gilardino and found its way into the net. A minute later and Sampdoria led again when slack play by Jankulovski let Bazzani in on the right and he crossed for Flachi to convert. Both teams had chances to add but didn't.

Sampdoria 2-1 AC Milan

[Gennaro08]

27/01/07 - Serie A

Fiorentina (H)

Team: Abbiati; Jankulovski, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Vanden Borre; Gilardino.

The Sampdoria match was a misprint, it was in fact 24/01/07.

A hugely uneventful first half.

An awful defensive error by Ledley King with twenty minutes left gifted Filipe Gomes with an opportunity he had no problem taking. A nice AC Milan late on with Inzaghi unselfishly squaring for Shevchenko to tap in for his 20th of the season and AC's equaliser.

AC Milan 1-1 Fiorentina

[Gennaro08]

28/01/07

Good news from Messina that Inter were held to a 1-1 also, which means the 7 point lead is maintained after 24 games played, 14 to play, including a home match to Inter.

[Gennaro08]

29/01/07

Chairman Silvio Berlusconi was spoken of his disappointed in failing to bring any of the World's finest players to the club. Bids were made and refused for Giorgio Chellini and Fabio Aurelio for the left-back spot. Bids for wingers Vicente, Joaquin and Ronaldinho were also turned down. With a transfer fund of only £20m, bringing attacking players to the club that Signor Berlusconi approves of proved difficult. In the coming days, we will see who is brought in and then subsequently will sit on the bench, at best.

[Gennaro08]

30/01/07

A £16.5m bid for Ashley Cole has been accepted and Signor Berlusconi has offered him a contract.

And later that day Mr.Cole politely rebuffed the offer stating that he would be very reluctant to leave Arsenal. And goes to state that being a regular in the Arsenal team is more important than looking at options elsewhere. Is that a bug in the game?

[Gennaro08]

31/01/07 - Coppa Italia Quarter Finals, 2nd Leg

Sampdoria (H)

Team: Dida; Kaladze, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Jankulovski, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf; Shevchenko.

A strong line-up, which includes Kaladze back at left-back, as he is a stronger defender than Jankulovski, who moves to his familiar left-wing midfielder and Seedorf to the right.

Jankulovski goes down lame early in the first half to be replaced by Vanden Borre. Gattuso was adjudged to have fouled Castellini and co-owned AC Milan player Kutuzov converts the penalty. The lead lasts ten minutes when Shevchenko hits back from a Seedorf cross. On the stroke of half-time Palombo crosses for Flachi to nod back for Vincenzo Ranieri to curl a delightful shot past the helpless Dida. However the replays suggest that Flachi was offside from the original cross.

Gilardino set up Seedorf with twenty minutes left to make the game interesting, with the scores standing at 4-3 to Sampdoria on aggregate, who also have 2 away goals to AC's 1. And five minutes later Seedorf repeated the trick converting a Vanden Borre cross to level the scores at 4-4, but Sampdoria holding the away goals advantage, which take effect after 90 minutes. Dramatic scenes at the San Siro as MOM Shevchenko is tripped in the area by the once hero Ranieri. Pirlo calmed stepped up to make it 4-2 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate.

AC Milan 4-2 Sampdoria (5-4 on aggregate)

[Gennaro08]

01/02/07

The transfer deadline passed without further transfer bids by made by myself, the manager or the interferring Chairman.