berlusconi's trophy, berlusconi's pride

Silvio Berlusconi

AC Milan 1 Juventus 1 (5-4 pen.)

Its been something of a tradition for the last 20 years or so that Silvio Berlusconi has a friendly organized between Milan and Juventus. He does so in the honor of his father, Luigi Berlusconi. I much rather he dedicate funds for reinforcements in the honor of a more promising future for this club. AC Milan were humbled just days before this game, by the team they were about to play. There was an air of unease in the atmosphere. Was another humbling in the offering?

Ferrara opted for an unfamiliar triangle upfront, with Diego, Trez and Iaquinta. Pirlo was back to his creative best for this game. His passing and shot taking was impressive, one in particular hit the crossbar from 30 yards out. Milan were looking a much different side from the one at the weekend. More compact, more fluid. Nevertheless, it was the away side that took the lead. Diego took his chance from distance, and the shot ricocheted of Silva, resulting in the ball ending in the back of the net. Pint-sized Storari couldn't do much. Maybe a certain Flavio Roma could have done better, maybe. Also with Storari crouching (why was he doing that?), you can never say. Huntelaar, who was deprived of service at the weekend, seemed to be more in sync with the game this time round. He tested Buffon in the 44th minute, the keeper successful. Pirlo continued to pull the strings in midfield quite admirably throughout the game. In the 68th minute, Pato converted from a delightful cross by Abate. Buffon left with no chance, and the Juve defense returning one of Milan's countless favors from the past. The joy on the Brazilians face was explicit; he was relieved that his 'honeymoon' was over. Ronaldinho had his chance later on, but his finishing letting him down. We did go on to win the game on penalties, but its not a result that particularly pleased me.

Berlusconi has been going on, and on about how great this team is. That we have the best 'central defensive partnership' in Europe. And so on and so forth. This win has done this club more harm than good. Berlusconi zipped the purse shut right after this game, deeming that this team can do great things without the need of any arrivals. And this isn't the first time that the Italian P.M. has acted cuckoo. However, there are positives to take from this game. The squad finally won after Varese, which seems like a decade ago. There is now a sense of confidence and encouragement in this team. Also this win, gave the players the much needed morale-boost that they so desperately needed. But all said and done, we are still where we were. We haven't taken any steps ahead. And never before in my active memory can I recall a Milan side this frail in comparison to its competition. No new players will arrive, that is becoming more and more certain. All we can do now, is engage in polishing this meaningless trophy. After all, it might be the only trophy that we might win this season.

Milan - Pato 68'
Juventus - Diego 27'

trofeo tim

Ignazio Abate

Inter 1 Milan 0

This was the first game that Huntelaar would get to display his skills in. He was given a start. And all of us hoped that hunting season would resume, now in Italy. It was a joy to behold Antonini and Abate in the team, but at the same time, it was painful having Favalli and Oddo in the defense. Abate once again outshone his comrades on the pitch. The 22 year-old is doing all within his capabilities to impress the management. We, the fans are impressed. He is someone who needs be given more opportunities this season than Seedorf or Ambrosini. The youth and vigor was abundantly visible. He was attacking, demonstrating incredible pace, and his defense were brutal and full of energy. Sometimes reckless, but the effort was pleasing. Storari came up with a top class save from Balotelli's free kick. But the keeper couldn't keep out the header after some primary school defending. Balotelli, one of the formidable opponents from a set piece was left unmarked, and provided with a free header from close range. Such goals have become a necessity in each game Milan plays over the last couple of seasons. Italian footballing infrastructure was made agonizingly evident when the lights went out and dint return for quite sometime. I thought power crisis existed only in India. Inter are definitely better prepared for the new season. Passing and movement was sublime, and they are reflecting the works of a world-class trainer, on the pitch. It was remarkable to watch Inter field a defense of Materazzi and Samuel. We had Hunter, Duck and Bucktooth in attack, and we still couldn't make Cesar twitch. Antonini's shot and Pato's header were probably the only two occasions that Cesar was made to flex his arms. Our impotency in attack continues, and we dint manage to score a goal, even after acquiring a top-class striker. The 4-3-1-2 is far superior to the 4-3-3. Before you raise objections, I mean with reference to this team. If we lost, it was because we were, and are poorer in quality and not for any other reason. Lets face it

Inter - Balotelli 23'
Milan - /

Amauri

Juventus 2 Milan 0

Juventus just needed a win to lift their first Tim Trophy. 4-3-1-2 was the tactical formation adopted by both the teams. Iago, the highly rated youngster filled in the trequartista role for the Bianconeri behind Iaquinta and Amauri. Our attacking woes continued through this game as well. Newly acquired goalkeeper, Flavio Roma pretended to guard the post for the Rossoneri. He has served for some 8 years in France, where goalkeepers are mere spectators. And he continued to fulfill that profile here as well. Amauri, who was left unmarked happily received the ball, and after some trademark defending from Favalli, was provided with the opportunity to shoot. Mr. Roma then allowed the ball to sneak into the near post. The 35 year old clearly needs a crash course in keeping. He however managed to hold out a header from Amauri later in the game. How?! Juventus' second goal was a joy to behold, not really. Ronaldinho just refuses to keep it simple, and his error costs again. His slipshod ball control gifts the ball back to Juventus, who walk through our midfield, then dance through our defense before Iaquinta slots the ball past Roma. Being a fan of Milan, witnessing such a goal, gives me the understanding of what excruciating pain is. Abate once again got into the thick of the action, and provided a cross from the right, which was turned away by Manninger. AC Milan were a disgrace throughout this edition, a form they have carried across several countries and trophies in the last few weeks. Anonymous would've found a new synonym if it was introduced to this team. Our management have surely lost a massive performer in Amauri, one we should have signed last season. And our constant belief in that goof Ronaldinho is not only going to cost us points, but a lot, lot of money.

Juventus - Amauri 13', Iaquinta 32'
Milan - /

a pleasant defeat

David Luiz

SL Benfica 1 AC Milan 1 (6-5 pen.)

Estadio da Luz, Eusebio Cup, Lisbon. The stadium was an ocean of red and white. Just watching on seemed intimidating enough. What Milan players must have endeared is only imaginable. However, you might argue that Milan have enough experience to deal with the kind of environment. Actually, not anymore. The new look Milan and rookie coach don't have that experience, remember? Lets not forget, a good number of our first team players were missing through injury, and Benfica had a full strength, replenished and in-form squad at the coach's disposal.

As expected, Benfica started the game brightly and maintained that tempo. They dictated the play, and were dominating the defense of Milan. Ariel or through balls, our defense dint have any answer. Somehow, magically, the As Aguias couldn't find the back of the net. Storari has realized new-found faith with the current coach, and that is reflecting in his performances. He by no means is a smashing keeper. But he is certainly more than decent to have as back-up in comparison to Dida and Kalac. Some of his saves were quite overwhelming. Nesta marshaled the defense admirably, and his traditional sliding tackle has improved with every passing friendly. However, the defender who stood out for me, was Brazilian David Luiz. He doesn't play for us, but I sincerely hope that his performance would make our management contemplate taking out the wallet. He was strong, and confident, the kind we desperately need. Young, as well. Now getting to the other end of the spectrum, namely Zambrotta. If you have noticed, I haven't been pleased with the wingback's quality since the day he signed for Milan. And I see him in the wingback role, I wonder, what credentials still earn him a starting place? He continues to be painfully average and provides no threat offensively, nor any stability defensively. Save a couple of instances in the game, his contribution was negligible.

Saviola, having newly signed from the Bernebau side, I am sure the Encarnados faithful would have expected him to shine for his new club. But his incompetence up front was vividly clear. The wingers were floating in some delicious crosses, but he just wasn't up to the task of placing his head onto the ball. Benfica caught us more often than not on the counter attack. Their pace was riving our team apart. The lack of top class forwards, couldn't ensure an end result. Pato continues to infuriate me. Well, the Diabos Vermelhos can't boast of quality defenders, yet the starlet from San Siro was getting tackled like he was from the u-13's. Does he justify his price tag? Does he justify all the meaty offers that have been rejected? So far, NO. Finally, Benfica's strongest attacking prospect on the day, Oscar Cardozo, grabbed a deserved goal. Favalli was busy providing Cardozo back support instead of challenging him to the ball. And to concede in such a way is ignominious for a club with such high ambitions. The home side closed their opponents down remarkably. This largely hindered our free-flowing football, and we dint seem to have a Plan B. Borrielo's with his displays over several friendlies, has made it abundantly clear that he doesn't have the strength to hold. He continued to display the same in this game as well. Questions over his potency in attack are certainly being raised. After the goal, we looked a very different team. There was more drive, more hunger in the way we played. Pato is known for one thing, its called pace. His lightening pace caught out the defense, before Sidnei unintentionally slotted home the gall by deflecting Pato's cross. Borrielo also had a decent effort in injury time. Though for a person of his calibre, that shot should have been on target.

We went on to lose on penalties, sounds new? Well, you might ask me, what is so pleasant in this defeat? Firstly, Huntelaar was on the verge of putting pen to paper during this game, the kind of signing we despairingly needed. This did reduce the shame of the loss. Also, the passion that the team showed for the last half an hour was comforting and encouraging. Did look like the world class team the club has produced for over the last 2 decades. More signings too are on the way. Atleast, that is what Leonardo has implied. If rumor mill be believed, Gareth Bale/Lorenzo Di Silvistri. Either would make me really happy. We return home to face the big boys. Domestic struggle it will be. Lets hope the 'DNA' that Leonardo has identified in this team, emerges.

Scorers -
SL Benfica - Cardozo 57'
AC Milan - Sidnei (O.G.) 87'

five, awaiting sixth

Thiago Silva

Boca Juniors 1 AC Milan 1(4-3)

Last in America, and last in Germany. If fortunes are to be believed we might end up last in Italy as well. Boca Juniors aren't a team that can be laughed at. But this team from Argentina has significantly weakened in strength after the departures of Ever Banega, Fernando Gago and more recently Rodrigo Palacio. This means that their midfield and their strike force should be blunted? Well no, it was sharp as its always been .

That is because they were playing AC Milan. Boca are the kind of team that we should clinically brush aside. Not struggle and toil against. But we seem to enjoy doing the latter. Our defensive discipline was non-existent. We were diving into tackles without a clue, most notably Nesta and Flamini. Rash tackles seem to be the only way we could intimidate the opposition. We went up in the first half and held on purely by virtue of the opposition being weaker than our previous opponents. Our strikers were floating around without a scent of what they had to do, viz, score. Their positioning was rueful. Whenever the ball was played into the box, Borrielo and Pato would be involved in some sideline chatter. Pato, yes. After having seen him play in pre-season, I would consider it an honor to take him personally to the Bridge and drop him off. Oh, I wouldn't mind dropping him of a bridge either. Such is my fury. He has been a remarkable waste of resources and trust. He tried to be something that he is not-'clever', when he attempted to round off Abbondanzeiri. Doing that to a man who has remained Argentina's guard between the posts for so long, would require tremendous skill, quality and experience..three facets he is abundantly missing in. He officially proved that he can't score with a defense in front of him, and by missing his penalty, he proved just a keeper also is hard to beat.

Silva has wiped away my apprehension concerning him. He carries ample responsibility upon his Brazilian shoulders as he replaces an icon, and he is performing his duties with massive conviction. His defense may not be water-tight, but he is a no-nonsense defender. His attacking prowess and scoring ability gives me the understanding that he can be considered for playmaking and attacking roles. This obviously deliberating the incompetence of the players currently engaged in those roles. Ronaldinho's sense of passing has depreciated greatly, much so its become comical. I can't believe the club takes him seriously. Borrielo hasn't scored as yet, and if the pattern is to be believed, he wont be scoring anytime soon. Antonini's performance was delightful and cries out loud for more chances. However, his standard of play dropped towards the end. Abate, who has impressed the tifosi along with his manager, was given a start yet again. But he is far more lethal in an attacking position and is rendered useless as a midfielder.

Along with the inability to win, there is something else that hasn't changed since last season. That is dealing with high balls, and challenging for the ball in the air. This is because the concept of jumping is yet to be introduced to this team. On the Boca goal, the ball is floated into the box, and Lucas Viatri heads the ball strongly across Storari, leaving the keeper with no chance. Jankulovski, who should have headed the ball away, was unable to lift himself from ground level. And I have seen 32 year olds jump, unless he is lying about his age.

We are to face Benfica next. The Portuguese side have had a very productive summer, recruiting the likes of Ramires, Saviola, Kierrison and Javi Garcia among others. Their attack will test our defensive muscle, and we are bound to fail. 5 defeats in a row, its not a stat to be proud of. But at Milan nowadays, what is?

Scorers -
Boca Juniors - Lucas Viatri 87'
AC Milan - Thiago Silva 27'

ibra is now pronounced 'milito'

Diego Milito

AC Milan 0 Inter 2

Gillette stadium along with the millions of fans across the world would have wanted to experience a spectacle as the derby della madoninna was being played as a friendly. Something I would call a farce, but nonetheless it has inevitably been the greatest footballing rivalry in the history of the game. To stay up and witness this game wasn't meant to be an ordeal. But that is what it turned out to be.

Milito is Moratti's answer to the fans, when they cried "why Ibra?". And the 'Prince of Genoa' is proving his President right. The Argentine established himself as one of the finest strikers in the country with Genoa last season and was immediately snapped up by the free-spending Inter. He automatically provided them with the answer that Ibrahimovic kept looking for, when the latter faced Milan. The Swede has always lacked the bite when it comes to the big games. Milito dint bite, he tore away, ferociously. Cambiasso's delightful long ball was controlled and slotted past Kalac, after Oguchi and Kalac were left dumbfounded by a simple fake. This was the first of the two goals Milito scored. Post this, Inter attacked, Milan defended. However, there was a drift in the story as roles reversed and Milan engaged into a more attacking style. Close to the break, Milan did seem to be having the edge over their cousins. After the break, play resumed. What also resumed were Leonardo's atrocious replacements. Players who came on for Inter were the likes of Quaresma, Mancini, Cordoba, Santon, Stankovic. And players who came on for Milan were Odu, Zigoni, Abate, Antonini, Oddo. Get the drift? Come on, Leonardo isn't to be blamed. He has a weak squad, you may say. My response would be - Taking off Borrielo, Ronaldinho and bringing on Zigoni and Odu. Is that remotely sensible when you have Seedorf and Inzaghi on the bench? Food for thought. Not really, its common sense, viz largely lacking in Leonardo.

After these replacements, Inter were still that magnanimous side, and we were worse than their reserve team. The outcome, obvious. Inter came upon us like a flood, more like a plague and we had no answer. Inter's goal on the counter, was an outcome of sheer pace. Kalac again the clown between the posts. Oguchi Onyewu is nothing more than a giant who has his moments, but was skinned by Milito time and again in the game. Jankulovski was perhaps Milan's best player along with Ronaldinho. Gattuso had the sole intention of injuring the opposition. Post his conference, he might have realized, that the only way to bridge the gap is to take out the players and get the medics busy. There is a glimmer of hope, however. After the game, Leo spoke about the incompleteness of the squad. He has demanded re-enforcements and that is a positive sign considering our previous coach used to behave aphonic and employ Emerson just because he was signed by Galliani. Munich next, and their plethora of attacking talent cannot even be questioned. With the latest additions to their midfield, we will have more than just a few questions raised. Another defeat is certainly on the cards, and this should eventually bring out the wallet.

Scorers -
AC Milan - /
Inter Milan - Milito (4', 75')

5-0 no more

Clarence Seedorf

AC Milan 1 Chelsea FC 2

Baltimore was packed. Tickets sold out. Two amongst the greatest clubs in the world were going to battle in a friendly. It was an awkward scenario. Two men who led Milan to great glory were on the opposition bench. A man who could lead Milan to greater glory had departed in favor of a bigger club. A depleted Milan and a rejuvenated Chelsea squad were going to square off, in which was arguably, a one sided affair. And no, last season's friendly isn't really a parameter, as one game doesn't form a trend. But that game haunted the Rossoneri somewhere, and provided for what could be a really daunting task ahead for the men dressed in white.

The game was very evenly balanced, as Leonardo decided to use his brain more and his enthusiasm less. He fielded a competent team that faced Chelsea with great bravery. Milan took the game to Chelsea, and the midfield was our trump card. The three men in Milan's midfield were clearly the 'Three Kings'. Pirlo passed the ball around with expertise, Flamini killed opposition play and Seedorf assisted Ronaldinho in the attack. Their synchronization was like joyous harmony. An absolute delight to behold. Silva and Nesta held the defense admirably and kept the dangerous duo of Anelka and Drogba remarkably quiet. Kalac wasn't expected to do much which is one of the reasons for a dignified scoreline. Zambrotta and Oddo were abysmal, and credit must go to the team for their performance did go unnoticed. Such was the show by the men from Milan. Ronaldinho's confidence was expressed beyond doubt and Pato's speed caught the Pensioners by surprise. Lampard was practically non-existent on the pitch. To do that to a world class midfielder, clearly indicates the level of play demonstrated by Milan. I am quite sure the execution of sheer professionalism by his boys took Leonardo by great surprise.

That unfortunately rigged his enthusiasm. After having witnessed an exemplary first half by Diavoli, Leo brought on the kids. There on, we barely kicked the ball. Chelsea found many more chances to exploit, and with Kaladze and Oguchi in defense, disaster was expected. And it did strike. The brigade of kids in attack assisting Inzaghi were neatly wiped out of the equation by the experts of defense. Following Kalac's oh so comical keeping, the Russian Ronaldinho scored his debut goal to seal the win for the club. Drogba and Zhirkov's goals were exceptional. Nothing much the defense could do about it. And no, I am not being sarcastic. No complaints there. But special mention must go to the goal we scored. Play was spread, ball was passed with supreme style before Seedorf blasted the ball layed down by Ronaldinho, past Cech. Lovely goal, technically high on quality. Very Milan like, of the old i.e.

However, the defeat was celebrated like a victory by almost all the fans I know. That includes me. Last season, we were thrashed like a bunch of playschool tots by an efficient and solid Chelsea slam-force. This season, we had our better players leave, our coach depart, our squad stranded. Chelsea had re-enforcements that will take them to Premiership glory. They have our coach, and a structure that can barely be shaken. Yes, David lost to Goliath. But David leaves with his head held high.

Scorers -
AC Milan - Seedorf (38')
Chelsea FC - Drogba (7'), Zhirkov (69')

clubbed by america

Leonardo

Club America 2 AC Milan 1

Our second game in the World Football Challenge. It was against yet another minnow. And we still can't put in a respectable performance. A friend told me after watching the highlights of this game-"This defence will not win you anything." It actually will. It will win us a lot more disgrace and shame.

The reasons for our constant debacles is being laid down to lack of fitness. Seriously? Aren't we fit enough to kick the ball and run around. Having watched Milan play this game, it reminded me of the good ol' days when we used run around a mud ground kicking at the ball wildly. The men in red and black seemed to adopt similar tactical approach for this game. The defense was an insult. Both the goals were conceded under amateurish circumstances. Onyewu on the first goal was left ball watching, where was the defender who nullified the effect of Torres and Villa in the Confed Cup? Two of the finest strikers on the planet were left impotent by this defender, and here he seemed like a guy who was recently introduced to the sport itself. On the second goal, both Oguchi and Favalli were positioned so poorly that Nelson Rivas would feel proud to call himself a centre back. Zambrotta was asked to defend that flighted ball, and he couldn't. One plus point was the goal we scored. Flamini's chip into the box and Inzaghi's run combined with the finish left a gleam of hope within me that its not the end of the road. Even if we do concede, we have the potency to score.

The person I am most furious with is Leonardo. The recently appointed coach is treating his power like a video game. Why play kids who won't get a chance to play in the main season? Why keep changing the team chemistry? Obviously, the kids in the team aren't good enough to contend for the main team, so why play them and not give the main team players some playing time. This formation isn't meant for Milan, and if he needs a thrashing from Chelsea and Inter to prove the point then so be it. Chelsea are next, and having pawned Inter in their previous game, the will set upon a rampage when they face us in two days time. Oh I am so sure of that.

Scorers -
Club America - Esqueda (55'), Marquez (84')
AC Milan - Inzaghi (65')

seeing stars

Thiago Silva

LA Galaxy 2 AC Milan 2

Harry Potter. I was watching the Half-Blood Prince as Milan were testing their mettle against Galaxy. The last few weeks have been troublesome and I did feel, for a change, it would be nice to go for a movie, rather than watch 90 minutes of a dilapidated Milan. And what do you know? I don't seem to have missed anything!

The story from last season repeated, as Milan went ahead twice only to have lost their lead twice. And the new re-reinforcements in defense aren't providing a great deal of quality. It can be argued, that Nesta has only returned after a year long absence, and that Silva needs time. But, I fancy these excuses will last till season end. Its true, Milan landed only the day before the game, and being only their second game in pre-season, they cannot be condemned unto failure so soon, but it seems like this squad is destined to just that. I don't have complaints in attack. With Pato missing, Borrielo but only coming back from injury, evergreen Inzaghi oh so reliable to poach and an additional striker surely arriving, Rossoneri can rest in peace in that department. Its the defense that concerns me.

Watch both the goals, and you recognize the catastrophe that Milan were last season, is still the case. Both the centre backs were nowhere in the picture on both the goals, the wingbacks were shaking hands with the linesmen or ogling at some yank chicks on the first goal. And on the second goal, there was no one marking the far past. The basics of defending, have gone for a walk when it comes to this club. So, the question must be asked again. Can Nesta+Silva be trusted? My answer remains 'No'. Silva isn't anything more than a promising defender, and Nesta is most certainly past his prime. The wingbacks surely have no defensive sense, and can't be counted on. With Abbiati out, there is a guarantee that we will concede. And our midfield isn't at par with the giants of Europe either, to sync play. Is this squad in crisis? Don't count yourself a genius for having answered the question with a 'Yes'.

Leonardo is so busy trying to make this team into a 'Barcelona', he quite can't look at the holes in the squad that are gaping at him. The squad is as good as Barcelona B, dare I say. Its as I read, either too old, or too young. And is quite frankly lacking any sort of quality to finish in prestigious positions in any tournament. Moreover, the task of providing success is vested in the hands of a man, who recently finished his diploma in coaching and a certification from UEFA. A miracle wouldn't be enough to save this team. But let's not lose hope, as only time will tell.

Goalscorers -
LA Galaxy - Alan Gordon, Bryan Jordan
AC Milan - Thiago Silva, Inzaghi

kick-off

Leonardo

AC Milan 2 Varese 0

I am not interested in starting this report by complaining because after having seen Silva in those brief highlights, I am flummoxed, enraged and frightful of what is to come if he is to become a regular for the new season. I will however, get to that later. Leo started his new adventure with the squad presented to him, and the start can be branded as heartening. Hats off to Leo, who has been presented with a squad of players capable of finishing only 10th in the league, but has been demanded of a top 3 finish, which is safely 7 positions above this team's capabilities. Leo, a fresh diploma holder, has a daunting task ahead.

If this performance and the result is anything to go by, then there is still sometime before we embark on Serie C adventure. That does give me a sigh of relief, but barely so. Leo has decided to employ a 4-3-3 formation for this side. I can't say that it hasn't crossed my mind that this isn't inspired by the historic Barca side that conquered all of Europe last season. Attacking wingbacks, wide forwards, dynamic and attack minded play, short passing, and limited emphasis on defense. Very trademark of the recently 'legendary Barcelona'. Inzaghi's two goals, typical poacher efforts, give me the understanding that this man will never age, nor lose the ability to score. Antonini's contribution and game play makes me wonder why he isn't starting. Silva's contribution and game play makes me wonder why he is. There might be accusations raised against me for having held a certain mindset against him, but he never helps me change it. Just in the highlights, there were 2 occasions where Silva was skinned by a Serie C level striker. To make matters worse, he no longer has a invincible Nesta beside him. Vintage Nesta is, but he is also touching 33 and hasn't played for over a season. Unlike Barcelona, who have powerful, effective centre backs, Milan have muppets for that position.

Upfront, we look deadly, menacing. Ronaldinho seems to have realized his significance in this team, and lived up to it with a good performance. Borrielo was used as a wide striker which he brought to the media's attention quite immediately. Pato's isn't fit enough to play, or so it is believed. And with Fabiano's arrival, we won't be considered impotent anymore. Hernanes, also could be on the flight to Italy, which is comforting news. The future isn't bright, but it isn't as bleak as expected either. But let's not forget, this was a Serie C side that we faced.

Goal Scorers -
AC Milan - Inzaghi
Varese - /