The Rossoneri Report

Gennaro08 · November 25, 2006

04/02/07 - Serie A

Lecce (A)

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

Dida and Abbiati have been taking it in turns to keep goal due to niggling injuries and Jankulovski's faces three weeks on the sidelines with fractured ribs joined by Pablo Aimar with a twisted knee for ten days. Robinho is expected back from International Duty any day soon after winning the North American Gold Cup with Brazil.

AC Milan put a lot of pressure on Lecce and on the half hour Raffaele Schiavi pushed Kaka in the area in an aerial challenge and Pirlo stepped up but his penalty was well saved by Vincenzo Sicignano. Kaka was struggling with a niggling injury and was replaced just before half time by Paolo Maldini. Maldini went to left-back, Kaladze to left midfield and Seedorf to the attacking central midfield slot.

Despite creating many chances and attacking Lecce throughout the second half, they were unable to make a breakthrough as illustrated by goalkeeper Vincenzo Sicignano picking up MOM

Lecce 0-0 AC Milan

mark wilson27 · November 26, 2006

keep it up...... enjoying the story

Gennaro08 · November 28, 2006

Many Thanks Mark

After two exhilirating games in the Coppia Italia, I thought I was done with Sampdoria for a while but how wrong was I, as straight after the International we again visited the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

11/02/07 - Serie A

Sampdoria (A)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, King, Nesta, Simic; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Vanden Borre; Shevchenko.

Gonzalo fractured his ribs whilst on International Duty for Argentina and is expected to be out for 3 weeks, which allowed Ledley King to move to his favoured centre back position, giving Dario Simic a rare league start with Jankulovski injured.

Sampdoria had an early chance but that was all they created first half as AC Milan continually threatened new-signing Morgan De Sanctis' goal but the sides went in level at the half.

It took until the 60th minute for the breakthrough to come with Pirlo and Gattuso linked up well on the edge of the area drawing out defenders leaving space for Kaka to slot home from 14 yards. Fifteen minutes later and the Brazilian scored again, this time a poor clearance was won by Pirlo and MOM Kaka again had time and space to score. With the game looking safe, AC made a triple change but Shevchenko fractured an arm, his own in fact with ten minutes left leaving AC with 10 men for the remainder. No fightback or additional goals but news that the Ukrainian striker is likely to be sidelined for a month was not welcome news as Lyon are up in 10 days time in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

Sampdoria 0-2 AC Milan

Gennaro08 · November 29, 2006

18/02/07 - Serie A

Ascoli (H)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, King, Simic, Cafu; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino.

With Vanden Borre sustaining a chest injury doing weights in the week and Alessandro Nesta pulling a hamstring, both expected to be out for three weeks the squad was stretched a little for the visit of high-flying Ascoli, who sat in 7th coming in to the match.

48 seconds it took for Gilardino to slide the ball past Fernadindo Coppola in the Ascoli. Before the clock struck five minutes, Kaka struck this time played in by Gattuso. Gilardino scored with an audacious lob from 20 yards just before half-time and wasted no time in completing his hat-trick again assisted by captain Gennaro Gattuso.

Robinho moved up front early in the second half with hat-trick hero and MOM Gilardino making way allowing Adu to take up a position on the right flank and youngster Andrea Ferrandi was given his first appearance for the first team. Robinho promptly scored after Coppola's poor clearance was met by Seedorf. Michele Fini was sent off in injury-time for a foul on Seedorf.

AC Milan 5-0 Ascoli

With Inter Milan drawing away, the seven point margin at the top was restored.

Gennaro08 · November 29, 2006

21/02/07 - UEFA Champions League, 1st Knockout Round, 1st Leg

Lyon (A)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, King, Simic, Cafu; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino.

Lyon lined up with a 41311 formation.

Robinho almost allowed Lyon to take the lead inside ten minutes when dwelling on the ball in midfield and being caught in possession by Eric Abidal but his long range effort just cleared the bar. Chances were at a premium in the first half and the teams went in level.

Abbiati made a great save from a Pedretti free-kick only for the rebound to be tucked away by ex-Chelsea midfielder Tiago. The 1-0 defeat leaves the tie open.

Lyon 1-0 AC Milan

Gennaro08 · November 29, 2006

25/02/07 - Serie A

Parma (A)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, King, Simic, Cafu; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino.

The returning Vanden Borre, Jankulovski and Aimar were all on the bench as AC Milan travelled to Marcello Lippi's Parma looking to get back to winning ways after the midweek defeat to Lyon, who lie 12th in the table.

An end to end first half produced no goals but with both goalkeepers in fine form.

The half-time team talks failed to inspire either team as the game peeted out into a goalless draw with Jefferson in the Parma goal grabbing MOM.

Parma 0-0 AC Milan[/b}

Inter beat Cagliari 2-0 with goals from Nicolas Anelka and Adriano to close the gap back to 5 points with ten games left.

Gennaro08 · November 29, 2006

04/03/07 - Serie A

Udinese (H)

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

Gonzalo and Nesta both started at centre back in order to gain match fitness ahead of the Lyon match in midweek, so King moved to right-back with Simic and Cafu making way.

Gilardino looked to have given AC Milan the lead on the half hour mark with an excellent volley on the turn from King's centre but it was ruled out for offside. Ten minutes later Kaka was stretched off(???) and replaced by Pablo Aimar. Scores level at half-time.

An hour in and AC threw men forward looking for the decisive goal and Seedorf had a good effort saved and Robinho looked set to score at the far post but inexplicably found the keeper's arms. Just when it looked like ending in another goalless draw and the third game in a row AC hadn't scored, Gilardino netted from a corner after Zlatan Muslimovic was sent off for two yellow cards. Although it had been 301 minutes since Robinho notched the fifth against Ascoli since AC had scored. Gilardino was MOM for the stoppage time winner.

AC Milan 1-0 Udinese

Gennaro08 · November 29, 2006

07/03/07 - UEFA Champions League, 1st Knockout Round, 2nd Leg

Lyon (H)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino.

Attacking midfielder Kaka had refused a course of injections for a stubbed toe and was ruled out but Shevchenko returned to full training and took his place on the bench. Lyon again lined up with a 41311 with Juninho Pernambucano returning to the starting XI with goalscorer Tiago dropping to the bench.

Gilardino fired wide inside the first ten minutes and also forced Gregory Coupet in a smart save before Robinho cut in from the left and fired wide. Abbiati tipped over a John Carew header. Just before the half hour mark Gilardino levelled the scores on aggregate from a Seedorf centre who again went close himself. HT 1-0 (1-1 agg)

Robinho found space inside the Lyon box from a Kaladze cross and just headed wide before Gilardino struck a shot against the angle of post and bar. Just after the hour Gilardino headed a long punt forward by King just wide and Juninho tested Abbiati from a free-kick. With fifteen minutes left Aimar forced Coupet to tip over. The scores were level at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

And so into extra-time and it was Alberto Gilardino who scored twice in four minutes (with AC's 23rd and 24th shot of the match to Lyon's 4) to earn himself the match ball, both shots nestling the bottom left-hand corner of Coupet's net. Nilmar pulled a goal back with the last kick of the game lobbing Abbiati but it didn't matter, it was AC that marched on in to the Quarter-Finals.

AC Milan 3-1 Lyon (3-2 on aggregate)

Gennaro08 · November 29, 2006

09/03/07 - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Draw

The only surprise of the 1st Knockout Round was Real Madrid loosing 4-0 on aggregate to Olympiakos, else the draw looked like this:

Juventus v AC Milan

Barcelona v Arsenal

Man Utd v FC Bayern Munich

Chelsea v Olympiakos

After the domination AC had had over Juventus in the league over the past two seasons, the draw was met with apprehension and excitement that maybe this is where the Turin giants get their revenge.

mark wilson27 · November 29, 2006

as a man utd fan lets hope you get to the final with man utd..lol.......good story enjoying it

Gennaro08 · November 29, 2006

10/03/07 - Serie A

Lazio (A)

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

Three minutes in the midweek hero Alberto Gilardino had a goal ruled for offside. After that again both goalkeepers were on top and the scores were level at half-time.

Again a poor showing in the second half and neither keeper being beaten, with captain Gattuso gaining MOM.

Lazio 0-0 AC Milan

With Inter beating Roma 3-2 the lead was cut to three points with Inter Milan making the long trip to AC Milan next Sunday.

Gennaro08 · November 29, 2006

Cheers Mark but would I have your support in such a situation?

17/03/07

Dida has been sent to a specialist and that is his season over.

Gennaro08 · November 30, 2006

18/03/07 - Serie A

Inter (H)

Teams:

AC Milan: Abbiati; Kaladze, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino;

Inter: Frey; Favalli, Cordoba, Samuel, Potenza; Pizarro; Simao, Veron, Stankovic, Zanetti; Adriano.

Inter lined up with a 4141 formation with Adriano up top but with Gianpaolo Pazzini on the bench. No place in the squad for Nicolas Anelka or Obafemi Martins. Massimo Ambrosini and Dida were the injured parties for AC Milan but in truth neither would have started.

With a three point lead going into the game, a win would stretch that six (you can tell I did well at Maths at school) with seven left to play, putting AC in a commanding position. Draw would leave AC with a narrow lead but a defeat would leave AC top on goal-difference and if things stayed the same would be decided by a Playoff game at the end of the season (if they have the correct rules in place in FM 06).

Simao ghosted in unmarked on a Veron free-kick forcing Abbiati into a fine save early on. Half-chances fell to both teams and Seedorf fired a 25-yarder over the bar as the half-time whistle approached but a fairly dull first-half, cagey, very cagey. HT 0-0.

Kaka picked up a knock just before half-time but came out second half to see how it went but within 2 minutes collided with the giant figure of Simao and was replaced by Pablo Aimar. Two minutes later and Adriano collided with Gonzalo and was replaced by Pazzini. It didn't take him long to get into the action and he ran onto a throughball from Seedorf's free-kick that hit the all and only a great challenge by the chasing AC captain Gattuso prevented him bearing down on Abbiati. AC counted and attacked down their left, the Inter right, culminating in a Aimar curling effort just missing the target. A double change was made with 20 minutes left introducing Vanden Borre and Shevchenko for the ineffective Robinho and Gilardino. Inter counted introduced young Italian midfielder Luca Palazzo for Simao. Another Veron set-piece caused problems with firstly Abbiati saving well and Seedorf hacking off the line. Inter's last change was to introduce Cesar for Favalli. With five minutes later Pazzini chased onto another throughball beating Alessandro Nesta to it and lobbing over the onrushing Abbiati and nestly in the back of the net. AC pushed men on looking for an equaliser. In the fourth minute of injury-time Aimar swings in a corner that is half-cleared but again the MOM Pazzini is first to it, ahead of the indecisive Abbiati and he cooly chips in like a pro-golfer chipping for the green from 60-70 yards and the game is lost. Anger words thrown about in the dressing room afterwards as despite dominating the game and chances, Inter take home the three points and top spot, despite AC having a better goal-difference, Inter do however have the better head-to-head record thanks to that injury-time second from Pazzini. (Depending on how the game works, that second goal could be worth an extra point for Inter as it now looks like I will have to finish ahead of them on points or will lose the title).

AC Milan 0-2 Inter

That was AC's first defeat in 26 league games, since Lecce on the 20/09/06, fifth game in.

Gennaro08 · November 30, 2006

21/03/07 - Coppa Italia Semi Final, 1st Leg

Inter (A)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

With Internationals at the weekend, there wasn't a need to rest players so there were only two changes, one enforced Aimar in for the injured Kaka, two weeks with a damaged neck and Shevchenko replacing Gilardino in attack.

Martins fired straight at Abbiati from a Pazzini cross and Simao smashed the rebound wide inside the first ten minutes. Captain Gattuso produced a fine save out of Frey after being played in by Aimar. On fifteen minutes the first goal came, AC cleared a free-kick long and hard and Frey came out of his area to collect but made an abberation gifting it to Aimar who slotted home. Three minutes later and it looked like things were turning when Walter Samuel went sent off for a professional foul. However a couple of minutes later Nesta made a rash challenge on Martins in the box and Pazzini (yes him again) converted the spot kick. Pablo Aimar missed a golden chance to give AC the lead before half-time but volleyed over six yards from a Shevchenko knock down.

Nesta attoned for his error on the hour mark heading in an Aimar corner at the back post. Aimar twice stung Frey's hands from free-kicks before Ledley King followed Nesta's example and scored lobbing Frey from 30 yards after he had punched clear. Aimar again stung Frey's fingertips with a 25-yarder from open play. In injury-time he went one better and angled his drive into the corner of the box from Pirlo's pass to give AC a health first leg lead following the sending off of Argentinian Walter Samuel.

Inter 1-4 AC Milan

Gennaro08 · November 30, 2006

28/03/07 - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, 1st Leg

Juventus (A)

Teams:

AC Milan: Abbiati; Kaladze, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Jankulovski; Shevchenko.

Juventus: Buffon; Blasi, Cannvaro, Kovac, Zebina; Nedved, Emerson, Vieira, Camoranesi; Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic.

Another big game rolls around and Kaka hsn't recovered from his injury yet so Aimar gets another chance to impress. (The out of position effect has done for Robinho in this game, as he continually plays 6's in right midfield due to him not being an effective right-midfielder/winger), so Jankulovski starts since Vanden Borre is ineligible.

Buffon played it short to Zebina, who is robbed by Aimar and he squares for Shevchenko to tap in for the lead seven minutes in. A neat Juventus move leads to Ibrahimovic forcing Abbiati into a fine save at his near post. Shevchenko picked up a slight knock just before half-time, we'll have to see how that develops.

With a half hour left, AC take a precautionary measure and replcae Shevchenko with Gilardino. Vogel replaces Aimar who also took a knock along with Seedorf. Trezeguet forces a fine save out of MOM Abbiati at first stretch in the dying seconds of the game as AC take a lead and an important away goal with them back to the San Siro in a week's time.

Juventus 0-1 AC Milan

Other Results:

Barcelona 1-2 Arsenal

Henry 15,24 (A)

Nihat s/o 75 {B}

Eto'o 79

Chelsea 3-0 Olympaikos

Robben 19, Drogba 39, Lampard 45

Man Utd 1-0 FC Bayern Munich

C.Ronaldo 41

mark wilson27 · December 1, 2006

Im not sure about in that game lol if it comes round that way.... we'll have to see... you know what us Man.Utd fans are like.... ......But keep up the good story, im trying my own story hopefully it will keep on as good as yours mate

Gennaro08 · December 1, 2006

01/04/07 - Serie A

Brescia (A)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, Simic, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Vanden Borre; Gilardino.

Gonzalo bruised his head in training so misses the weekend game but hopefully will be back for the midweek game at home Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. Kaka not fit enough to start so Aimar continues and the Brazilian takes his place on the bench. Up front the injured Shevchenko is replaced by Gilardino, the Ukranian a doubt for midweek as well.

Alessandro Nesta again giving away a penalty chasing back with the striker and is sent off, presenting Giovanni Federico with an opportunity to give the hosts the lead. Brescia carved out other chances in the first half whilst AC struggled playing three at the back against Brescia's 4231 formation. 1-0 down at half-time and the title slipping away.

A change to 441 stopped the Brescia attacks and allowed AC to get a grip in the game. Gilardino thought he had equalised with twenty left lobbing Rubinho but the flag was raised well before the ball hit the back of the net. To make matters worse Robinho was taken off with a bruised thigh and is out for two weeks.

Brescia 0-1 AC Milan

With Inter beating Ternan 3-0, a three point lead was opened at the top, in favour of Inter. A ten point switch had taken place with AC winning one league match in five.

Gennaro08 · December 1, 2006

04/04/07 - UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals, 2nd Leg

Juventus (H)

Teams:

AC Milan:Abbiati; Kaladze, King, Nesta, Simic; Seedorf, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino.

Juventus: Buffon; Chellini, Gladstone, Kovac, Zebina; Nedved, Vieira, Mutu, Olivera; Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic.

Marek Jankulovski broke his ankle in training on the eve of this match and his season his over, meaning Robinho comes in on the right of midfield as Vanden Borre is ineligible, King switches to centre-back and Simic to right-back.

Abbiati is force into a save inside the first minute from a Ibrahimovic header and likewise Gilardino forces Buffon into a save three minutes in. 21 minutes in and Zebina had was taken off injured replaced by 25-year-old Luigi Lavecchia. Buffon tipped a Gilardino header over and later parried his fierce drive from the edge of the area. 0-0 at HT (1-0 on aggregate).

Ten minutes into the second half and Gilardino got his 50th AC Milan goal outsprinted Gladstone after Adrian Mutu had misplaced his pass in centre midfield. Kahka Kaladze was adudjed to have tripped Trezeguet and Ibrahimovic made no mistake from the penalty spot to level the scores on the night. Fifteen left to play. Two minutes Gilardino headed past Buffon for a two-goal aggregate lead again but the flag was raised and it was chalked off. From the resulting free-kick Abbiati did well to save Trezeguet's shot from Ibrahimovic centre. Mutu hit the bar in injury time but it was AC who progressed to the semi-finals.

AC Milan 1-1 Juventus (2-1 on aggregate)

Other Results:

Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona (3-0 on agg.)

Henry 47

FC Bayern Munich 0-0 Man Utd (0-1 on agg.)

Olympiakos 1-1 Chelsea (1-4 on agg.)

[i[Derlei 21 (O)

Thomas 78 ©[/i]

Gennaro08 · December 1, 2006

Sorry, Brescia post is a misprint, should read:

Brescia 1-0 AC Milan

Just wishful thinking on my part.

Gennaro08 · December 1, 2006

06/04/07

UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Draw

Arsenal v AC Milan

Chelsea v Man Utd

Mark you may get your wish of a final against Man Utd.

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

08/04/07 - Serie A

Messina (H)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, Simic, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino.

With Nesta serving his one match ban for his sending off against Brescia and Gonzalo returning, Simic steps in otherwise it is a normal defence from that which has been first choice of late. Aimar continues in centre midfield instead of Kaka despite being fit.

It took 24 seconds for Gilardino to run offside and score, typical of a referee to side with his assistant and give the decision. Messina had a good chance fifteen in as Olofinjana blasted his rebound over and Abbiati tipped over D'Agonstino's effort. Gilardino gor in behind the defence legally on the half hour but Sorari produced a good save and went one better two minutes later when saving Gattuso's effort. A minute later though and AC Milan's poor form deepened when Gattuso was sent off for a professional foul ten yards inside his own half with numerous defenders retreating. In spite of that or maybe because of it and AC hit the front with Seedorf slipping in Aimar in behind the visitors defence and Aimar justified his inclusion with a good finish. Aimar stung Storari's palm and then he saved well from Robinho's flick header.

Gilardino took three minutes to score with a flick from Kaladze's cross and this time it stood. A minute later though and Sergio Floccari pulled one back as any hopes of easing to a home win went out of the window. Gilardino raced clear and struck the outside if the post on the hour mark and then Seedorf fired wide and then contrived to miss the target at the far post. Despite being a man down AC were the team looking most likely to score with Gilardino again forcing Storari into a good save and Vanden Borre putting a deep cross from the left wide. Messina pushed forward in the last ten minutes in search of an equaliser and Abbiati did well to tip over. Despite playing with a man short AC still had twenty shots in the game.

AC Milan 2-1 Messina

Better news was to follow as Inter lost against 4th place Sampdoria thanks to a Salvatore Foti 74th minute goal and Francesco Flachi's late penalty miss didn't matter in the end. Inter still lead (either on alphabetical order or with a better head-to-head record despite have an inferior goal difference of 10).

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

11/04/07 - Coppa Italia Semi-Final, 2nd Leg

Inter (H)

Teams:

AC Milan: Abbiati; Kaladze, Maldini, Simic, Cafu; Seedorf, Aimar, Vogel, Gattuso, Vanden Borre; Shevchenko.

Inter: Frey; Potenza, Materazzi, Masiello, Zanetti; Evandro Roncatto, Pizarro, Stankovic, Simao; Adriano, Pazzini.

With a 4-1 advantage from the first leg several key players were rested, Gonzalo, Nesta, King, Pirlo and Gilardino making way, with Gattuso set to serve a weekend suspension he started this one.

The shuffed AC Milan side created good opportunities with Aimar and Shevchenko going close with the latter somehow missing after Frey had parried an Aimar shot. Adriano got in and lobbed the onrushing Abbiati but sent his shot wide under substantial pressure from Maldini and Simic. Shevchenko was again denied by Frey, then lobbed him but hit the post and on the third chance lobbed the Frenchman who somehow got back to save. Despite AC in control and on top in the match it was Inter who scored, captain Javier Zanetti's cross was headed back by Simao and Brazilian Evandro Roncatto climbed over Kaladze at the back post to head home from all of 1 yard. 0-1 HT (4-2 on agg.)

An hour in and precautions were taken with Vanden Borre and Shevchenko being withdrawn after picking up knocks, Freddy Adu and Gilardino their replacements and Inter scored again straight away with Evandro Roncatto lobbing Abbiati to make it 4-3 on aggregate but the away goals meant that Inter still needed two. Gilardino broke clear and lobbed Frey (lots of lobbing going on here folks). Still only two required to now force extra-time. Gilardino again broke clear with twenty minutes left and fired wide of Frey's goal (elected not to lob, a mistake that). Kaka made his first appearance since injury with twelve minutes left replacing Seedorf. Inter scored again in injury-time to make it 5-4 on aggregate with an Adriano goal but it was too late as AC progressed to the final whre they would meet Juventus.

AC Milan 1-3 Inter (5-4 on aggregate).

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

14/04/07 - Serie A

Chievo (H)

Team: Abbiati; Kaladze, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Vogel, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Cafu and Aimar picked up knocks in the Inter game and are both doubts for the midweek trip to UEFA Champions League holders at the Emirates Stadium, the injury list climbed to five and one suspended, captain Gattuso.

AC Milan's job was a made a little easier with the red card of Paolo Sammarco for a two-footed challenge on Robinho in the fifth minute, Chievo switching to an unorthodox 3321 formation, with Victor Obinna a very lonely lone striker. It took only ten minutes for that to tell with Kaka turning and firing a shot past Enrico Rudatis in the Chievo goal. After the goal Chievo used their third and final substitute, the first two being used to reshuffle after the sending off. Vogel volleyed wide on the half hour mark from the edge of the box afte Seedorf enjoyed the freedom of the left flank, Kaladze being the most likely to tackle him. Just before half time Gonzalo scored his first competitive goal for AC Milan side footing home from 20 yards, Pirlo providing the assist, unselfishly squaring a free-kick. 2-0 at HT and Chievo having failed to register a shot thus far.

AC made changes taking off Kaka and Shevchenko on the hour mark to rest legs for midweek. Adu and the forgotten man Inzaghi their replacements. When Chievo registered their first shot Abbiati was quick off his line to block. The third change saw Kaladze rested, the Georgian having also stunned a knock, Maldini taking to left-back. MOM Clarence Seedorf sealed the victory in style with ten minutes left, receiving the ball from King 25 yards out, he curled one into the bottom corner. Filippo Inzaghi scored his fifth of the season in injury-time to cap it all off.

AC Milan 4-0 Chievo

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

18/04/07 - UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals, 1st Leg

Arsenal (A)

Teams:

AC Milan: Abbiati; Maldini, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Adu; Shevchenko.

Arsenal: Lehmann; Cole, Senderos, Campbell, Lauren; Tuncay, Gilberto, Hleb, Ljungberg; Reyes, Henry.

Kaladze injured his thigh in the Chievo and is expected to be out for a week so Maldini takes the left-back spot. Freddy Adu takes to the right of midfield (with the out-of-position calculation severly hampering Robinho's performances).

Pirlo curled a free-kick past Lehmann after twelve minutes as AC Milan drew first blood. Gilberto's free-kick saved by Abbiati and Kaka near post shot was held by the German Lehmann and on the stroke of half-time Seedorf fired wide.

Yes it was a lob that drew Arsenal level, Henry with it after shaking off his marker Gonzalo. Kaka's flicked header flew wide. Andrea Pirlo somehow put past Abbiati with five minutes left from a corner to give Arsenal an important lead to defend at the San Siro in a weeks time.

Arsenal 2-1 AC Milan

Other Result:

Chelsea 1-2 Man Utd

C.Ronaldo 70, Lampard (pen) 83, van Nistelrooy 90

mark wilson27 · December 2, 2006

looking good for the final, youve got the away goal

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

22/04/07 - Serie A

Palermo (A)

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

Shevchenko flicked Pirlo's free-kick over the bar as AC Milan set about their opponents. Vedran Runje has to be at his best to deny Shevchenko. Gattuso sent Shevchenko away but again Runje denied Shevchenko at his near post. Andrea Pirlo tripped Makinwa, who converted the penalty to put the hosts ahead.

AC pushed on in the second half, switching to a 4312 and substitute Pablo Aimar equalised after Runje had saved from Shevchenko. With fifteen minutes left Abbiati saved a Santana free-kick. Substitute Christian Giuffrida LOBBED Abbiati with five minutes left with Inter being held by 10 men Fiorentina.

Palermo 2-1 AC Milan

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

We'll now find out Mark

25/04/07 - UEFA Champions League Semi-Final, 2nd Leg

Arsenal (H)

Teams:

AC Milan: Abbiati; Kaladze, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Adu; Shevchenko.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Cole, Senderos, Toure, Lauren; Tuncay, Gilbeto, Hleb, Ljungerg; Reyes, Henry.

Kaka almost levelled the tie inside the first minute but the stroppy Lehmann saved well. AC Milan had started very strongly and Kaka found Shevchenko who turned his marker and curled a beauty in the far post and the tie was levelled. It did however come at a cost as Dutchman Seedorf lay prone and had to be replaced, it was Robinho who took his place. The substitute repayed the manager's faith instantly setting away Shevchenko who rounded Lehmann and slotted home for 2-0 on the night. Shevchenko again created room for a shot and blasted straight at Lehmann. It looked like it was 3 in the 12th minute as AC ripped into the visitors but Shevchenko's effort was ruled out for offside, let's see what the replays say? Adu's pinpoint pass found Shevchenko who looked to be level with the Arsenal defence. For Ali Uluyol, the Turkish referee and his team, lets hope that doesn't prove decisive. Adu got away down the left and crossed but Shevchenko point-blank header was saved by the ever-increasingly stroppy German goalkeeper. In the 18th minute the third goal came and it was Shevchenko completing his hat-trick for the second time of asking, who rifled home from the edge of the area. A mistake by Nesta at the back let in Henry who's chip was tipped over by Abbiati. Henry again got in behind Gonzalo and Abbiati was quick off his line to smoother the danger but Arsenal were threatening now. Kaladze intercepted an Arsenal attack and set Shevchenko free who's shot was well saved by Lehmann. The last action of the first half saw Shevchenko utilise the space behind the centre halves and down the flanks as Arsenal were pushing forward to again force Lehmann into a save.

Half-Time

3-0 (4-2 on aggregate)

Man Utd 1-0 Chelsea (3-1 on agg)

Rooney 17

Ten minutes into the second half and King floated a free-kick to the back post where Adu rose highest and headed against the bar. Gilberto injured Kaka, who was replaced by Aimar. Kaladze was booked for a foul on the edge of the area amd will miss the next European game be it the final or a Group Match? Gilberto struck the free-kick which was parried by Abbiati and he also saved the rebound. Robinho was booked in the resulting attack. Ledley King was ajudged to have held Henry who had been foiled by Abbiati, a decision made by the assistant on the far side and Lauren converted the penalty to reduce it to 4-3, a second for Arsenal would see them through on away goals. With Arsenal committing men forward in a 424 formation, a nice team move, saw Nesta win the defence header on the halfway line and fine Gattuso, who in turn fed Shevchenko, he knocked it off for the advancing Aimar who ran into the penalty box, Toure giving chase, Lehmann advancing towards and he cut the ball back taking out both players for Shevchenko to slam home his 4th (5th including the offside goal) goal of the night past Eboue covering on the line. 17 shots to 7 on the night.

AC Milan 4-1 Arsenal (5-3 on aggregate)

Other Result:

Man Utd 1-0 Chelsea

Rooney 17

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

26/04/07

The Arsenal victory came at a cost as left-back Kaladze, in addition to missing the Final through suspension damaged his elbow and is out for two weeks. Winger Seedorf twisted his knee and is sidelined for two weeks and playmaker Kaka twisted his ankle and is out for four months. They join goalkeeper Dida, Jankulovski and Ambrosini all of whom won't play again this season.

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

29/04/07 - Serie A

Cesena (A)

Team: Abbiati, Maldini, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Adu, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Vanden Borre; Shevchenko.

After am explosive start against Arsenal Cesena restricted AC Milan to little in the opening exchanges and then injured Paolo Maldini, making it the third left-back injured. Cafu came on with King switching to left-back. Just before half-time AC stepped up a gear and Nesta headed into the grateful arms of Marcelo Grohe, Shevchenko slipped his shot just wide and Grohe saved well from a Pirlo free-kick. Cesena hadn't had a shot all half but would be happy that Shevchenko hadn't ran riot.

The second half ticked by without incident, so Robinho and Gilardino were introduced in a 433 formation with just over twenty minutes left. Pirlo found the deadly Shevchenko with a free-kick and the Ukranian obliged. Late on Gilardino crossed for Robinho who squared for Shevchenko but Marcelo Grohe made a great save and with the last kick of the game Gilardino fired straight at MOM Grohe.

Cesena 0-1 AC Milan

Inter beat Ascoli by an Anelka goal to nil to maintain their one point advantage with two games remaining.

AC Milan

Empoli (H)

Cagliari (A)

Inter Milan

Parma (A)

Udinese (H)

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

30/04/07

Yet again, the victory had come at a cost, Anthony Vanden Borre strained his calf and faces three weeks out, his season over and Paolo Maldini only the five days with a dead leg.

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

02/05/07 - Coppa Italia Final, 1st Leg

Juventus (H)

Teams:

AC Milan: Abbiati; Maldini, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Adu, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Juventus: Buffon; Chiellini, Cannavaro, Kovac, Zebina; Olivera, Emerson, Mutu, Camoranesi; Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic.

Maldini recovered sufficiently to take his place at left-back, while Robinho took the vacant right-wing spot with 17-year-old American Freddy Adu continuing on th left.

It was the American that created the first opportunity for Aimar who headed straight at Italy's #1 Gianluigi Buffon. Ledley King presented the ball to Ibrahimovic who unselfishly (that's what it says here) squared for Trezeguet but Abbiati made up the ground to block and again repeatedly the trick to foil the Frenchman. Abbiati then saved a thunderbolt from the Swede as Juventus started the strongest. Again Abbiati, Italy's #2 tipped over a fierce drive. It was the in-form Andriy Shevchenko who gave AC the lead curling a stunning effort past Buffon.

In the second half, the volume of games started to take their toll on the Milanese club as players began to tire and Maldini was replaced by Cafu with King switching to the left again. Abbiati was beaten, although he would have been disappointed at his near post by Ibrahimovic for his 45th of the season. Alessandro Nesta gave yet another penalty away and Ibrahimovic made it number 46 for the season as Juventus ran out 2-1 winners in the first leg.

AC Milan 1-2 Juventus

mark wilson27 · December 2, 2006

Bring on the final....who do i support????

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

The Ultimate Question, hopefully I will have a fit side to field. With the season almost finished, I will very soon be able to start my new game with the created players in it.

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

The Ultimate Question, hopefully I will have a fit side to field. With the season almost finished, I will very soon be able to start my new game with the created players in it.

mark wilson27 · December 2, 2006

sounds good you'll have to let us know how the new game pans out.....still making my mind up who too support in the final

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

[b}06/05/07[/b] - Serie A

Empoli (H)

Team: Abbiati; Malidni, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Adu, Aimar, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Gilardino.

Aimar almost gave AC Milan the lead within the first three minutes with a deft chip but Alessandro Danti scrambled back in time to claw away. A thunderbolt by Gilardino from 30 yards did give AC the lead. Freddy Adu struck the crossabr with a header from Robinho's cross.

A double change at half-time saw the tired Aimar and Robinho replaced by Cafu and the returning ahead of schedule Kaladze.

Gilardino almost doubled the lead before Abbiati had to back-peddle to tip a Francesco Tavani effort over the bar. As Empoli pushed Gilardino beat Danti one-on-one. MOM Gilardino almost completed his hat-trick from a corner but it was cleared off the line before Empoli gave away a penalty from a corner and Cafu converted. Simic snuck in back stick (that's post to you and me) but his header was well saved.

AC Milan 3-0 Empoli

Ten men Parma drew 1-1 at home to Inter, Adriano giving them the lead on 15 minutes, before the ex-Inter centre back Gonzalo Sorondo was sent off for hauling down Cordoba inside his own half and in the third minute of injury-time substitute 18-year-old Marco Di Maio scored on his Parma debut, meaning that AC Milan returned to the top of the table by one point.

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

My plan is to write a more detailed involved story staring the manager of the side I manage, possibly Castel di Sangro and will give regular updates of all of the created players, U19, U20, U21, full International call-ups and appearances, who they get snappped up by and further transfers, lengthy injuries, debuts, first goals and such.

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

10/05/07 - Coppa Italia Final, 2nd Leg

Juventus (A)

Teams:

AC Milan: Abbiati; Kaladze, Gonzalo, Nesta, Simic; Seedorf, Aimar, King, Vogel, Robinho; Shevchenko.

Juventus: Buffon; Chiellini, Cannavaro, Kovac, Zebina; Cuneaz, Vieira, Emerson, Camoranesi; Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic.

A reshuffled side as many players were tired ahead of the important last game of the Sunday away to Cagliari and in the midweek to follow the UEFA Champions League final. Seedorf and Kaladze had recovered from injury and started whilst King moved into central midfield as Gattuso added himself to the absentees through suspension.

Emerson headed the first opportunity wide and Ibrahimovic the second over the bar. The referee did everyone a favour and brough the first half to a close with AC Milan needing two goals.

Simic sent Shevchanko away down the line and he crossed for the onrushing Aimar to head home inside the first two minutes of the secodn half. Kovac put in a last ditch tackle to thwart the goalbound Shevchenko, legally of course. AC Milan went 433 for the final fifteen minutes in search of a winner and Aimar came close with a 20-yarder that just curled wide. AC could not find another and lost on away goals.

Juventus 0-1 AC Milan (2-2 on aggregate, Juventus win on the away goals rule).

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

13/05/07 - Serie A

Cagliari (A)

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

Before the game, captain Gennaro Gattuso let out a rallying cry to go out and beat Cagliari to secure the title.

Kaka looked to have given AC Milan the lead cracking a thunderbolt past Alex Cordaz, but it was disallowed for offside. Disaster as Massimo Gobbi scored from the touchline. Kaka headed a King cross just over. Another King crossed was flicked just wide by Shevchenko and then Cordaz denied him. Gattuso's diving header from Pirlo's corner went wide. Kaka's long range effort went just wide as AC Milan went in one behind and Inter were being held 0-0 at home to Udinese.

A double change at half-time taking off Seedorf and Adu for Glardino and Robinho, saw AC switch to 433. Shevchenko had two decent efforts but missed the target with both and Inter had gone 2-0 up with goals from Adriano and Martins. The equaliser came from Kaka who seemed to have made it his mission to replicate Aimar's good scoring form, after twice Cordaz had saved. Aimar replaced the tiring Kaka with fifteen minutes left as Pepe pulled one back for Udinese. AC pushed men forward in search of the elusive winner. Robinho's cross was headed wide by Gilardino as time ticked on. Abbiati's goal kick was headed by Gilardino and Aimar lobbed over goalkeeper and bar. Suazo shot just wide as Milan were short of numbers at the back. There were only three allotted minutes of injury time to be played and by now Inter were 3-1 up through Simao. The final whistle blew as the title was thrown away as AC only converted one of their 22 shots as Alex Cordaz picked up MOM.

Cagliari 1-1 AC Milan

Final League Position: 2nd.

</tr>

<td>Inter</td>

</tr>

<td>Milan</td>

</tr>

<td>Juventus</td>

</tr>

<td>Sampdoria</td>

</tr>

<td>Palermo</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td>Fiorentina</td>

</tr>

<td>Lazio</td>

</tr>

<td>Udinese</td>

</tr>

<td>Messina</td>

</tr>

<td>Parma</td>

</tr>

<td>Ascoli</td>

</tr>

<td>Brescia</td>

</tr>

<td>Livorno</td>

</tr>

<td>Cesena</td>

</tr>

<td>Lecce</td>

</tr>

<td>Chievo</td>

</tr>

<td>Empoli</td>

</tr>

<td>Cagliari</td>

</tr>

<td>Ternana</td>

</tr>

</tr>

</table></pre>

Gennaro08 · December 2, 2006

State your allegance Mark.

16/05/07 - UEFA Champions League Final

Man Utd (N - OAKA Spyros Louis, Athens, Greece)

Teams:

AC Milan: Abbiat; Maldini, Gonzalo, Nesta, King; Seedorf, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Robinho; Shevchenko. Subs: Fachhini, Simic, Cafu, Vogel, Aimar, Adu, Gilardino.

Man Utd: Howard; Evra, Silvestre, Ferdinand, Neville; C.Ronaldo, Cambiasso, Scholes, Rooney; Bojinov, van Nistelrooy. Subs: Johnson (grey-GK), Ji-Sung, Richardson, A.Smith, Mertesacker, Heinze, Fletcher.

After gifting Inter the title and losing in the Coppa Italia Final to Juventus, AC Milan were desperate to not make it a hat-trick this season and add the UEFA Champions League to the Italian Super Cup Final they won back in August.

Man Utd were missing first choice goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar who twisted his ankle in the 2nd leg of the semi against Chelsea and Milan had Dida, Jankulovski and Ambrosini injured and first-choice Kaladze suspended.

Man Utd had the better of the opening exchanges and lost Tim Howard through injury 22 minutes in and was replaced by Scott Johnson (grey goalkeeper, bloody good though, much better than Howard), whilst Seedorf was struggling having picked up a knock. With new goalkeeper in place, Milan attacked and Johnson thwarted Gattuso and saved the rebound from Kaka also. Abbiati saved from van Nistelrooy and King cleared the rebound away from Rooney. Pirlo spread the play wide to Robinho on the left and he slipped in inside to Kaka who slotted passed Johnson just before half-time. Milan again created and a King free-kick from the right was met on the half volley by Maldini but Johnson parried. Man Utd had one last chance before half-time as Rooney wriggled free but Abbiati saved. HT 1-0.

The second was passing by quite nicely, on 72 minutes Man Utd shuffled the pack, replacing the front two of van Nistelrooy and Bojinov with Alan Smith and Park Ji-Sung. Rooney went up top to partner Smith and Park wide-right. Man Utd threw men forward in a 424 formation for the final ten. AC brought on Simic for the tiring Kaka late on to counter's Man Utd change and play a 541 formation and Adu replaced Seedorf on the left. Silvestre was sent off in injury time for a second yellow card cynically stopping a Milan breakaway and then the final whistle was blown.

Man Utd 0-1 AC Milan

mark wilson27 · December 3, 2006

damn........at least we got to the final.....revenger shall be sweet wahh ha haha

Tony Tunnycliffe · January 5, 2007

great story gennaro - good to see a straight fact representation, I can't bear the invented manager persona stories "Adam Smith couldn't believe he'd become the new Manchester United manager, at 17 years old he was by far etc..."

Keep up the good work

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