Livorno - AC Milan (pre-game thoughts/issues)

the sad thing for me is i hope rui doesn't play, just so he can get fed up of sitting on the bench and decide to move somewhere where he can play on a more regular basis...it would be great if he for once became selfish....

I just hope that Ambro doesnt start in Prilos role, my vote goes for Vikash. He can pass the ball better then Ambro and he fights in deffence better then Pirlo. Ambro is pure deffincive player and balls got to go thru someone in the middle and because of that i hope its gonna be Vikash. Otherwise we will not have someone who is distributing balls and can from now and then try to cut with some clever passes and dribbles thru Livornos defence.
Vikash has really shown that hes worth a place in starting 11 even when everyone is healthy. At the current form hes better then Clarence whos in poor form right now.

Ancelotti has said that Ambrosini will start in Pirlo's place for the match at Livorno on sunday.

Ambrosini actually have better distribution skill than many give him credit for. If Ambrosini is playing than both the LB and the RB can dare to venture forward more than if Vikash or Pirlo played.

You mean not if Dhorasoo or Rui played? Because Pirlo usually sits back as well, and cuts their counter-attacks..

I really would have preferred to see Rui play, I think he has the best individual skills in Milan, and its just so beautiful to watch him play.. unfortunately, Carlotti said the Ambro will start in Pirlo's place..

I want Rui to play there but its not gonna happen.

I miss seeing him dribble past players effortlessly.

This can be only the game of the year for Bayman because Pirlo is out. Whatever reason that is, there is a point to prove tonight for someone else here.

And, he may well have this only chance.

Funny that Bayman complains about Pirlo and wants spanish mids, and the spaniard Madrid would offer the impossible to have Pirlo

Allthough I don't agree, I think Bayman has a point concerning Pirlo. As I understand it, his point is not that he dislikes Pirlo, but that he does not like Pirlo in that position. I agree to 50% and here is my reasoning for it:

Pirlo is an absolute genius at starting counter-attacks with those long sweeping and precise passes. This skill is particularely usefull when playing against quality teams (top Serie A team and close to all CL teams) that attack on their own steam. Pirlo is IMO unsubstitutional in open rolling games.

Against weaker teams, who defend in numbers, however, Pirlo's usefullness is limited. It is close to impossible to break a defense consisting of 10 players with his passes. Against such teams, Milans attack cannot focus on quick movements of the ball up the center of the field. This has been tried with limited success many times. Instead an increased focus on the wings (breadth of the game) is required. In the past Serginho has been brought into games like this. D'horasoo is another interesting option, as he is a quick dribbler. Jankulowski would be a fantastic signing, especially for this purpose.

Milans great advantage is that we have a deep squad of quality players, who possess different qualities. The individual strengths of the players can be exploited by the manager in different types of games. Pirlo is a fantastic player but his qualities, just like most other players, suit certain opponents and game types better than others.

Vive la difference!

from www.channel4.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Donadoni faces Rossoneri friends Saturday 22 January, 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roberto Donadoni won every trophy with Milan and now takes on his former teammates in only his second Serie A match as Livorno Coach.

“It is my job to put sentimental matters aside for this match,” conceded the 41-year-old. “I, and the side, must remain concentrated on the task at hand and picking up some very important points.”


The ex-midfielder wore the Rossoneri jersey from 1986 to ’99, pausing for two years with his spell at the New York Metrostars, clocking up 18 goals in 284 games.


He won six Scudetto titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Supercups and four Italian Supercups – many of them alongside Carlo Ancelotti, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro ‘Billy’ Costacurta.


“We all had great fun together during those successful years. Now Ancelotti is a world class Coach and there is no denying it."

"Paolo still has a few more years left in him, but I am truly astonished to see Billy out there every week," concluded Donadoni. "I’m very happy for him, as it isn’t easy to keep your body in shape.”


Costacurta surprised many this week by signing an extension to his contract that will keep him at Milan until after his 40th birthday.

It will be a very hard game but like JDT said Milan must win, and I think that Donadoni team will lost this match Milan is to strong

Ps Inter X again

Tough match ahead tomorrow as the side will have to accept quite a hostile atmosphere.

Lets hope it is not a repeat of the first match this season. Lucarelli can cause some problems, so the defence will have to watch out.

I also hear stam is to play RB, not sure why though unless anyone can explain.

Our side need to be careful, particularly as Donadoni seems to be a decent manager. Also hope our fans show him some appreciation tomorrow

Anyway, I think our side is determined this match and believe we'll come out on top!!

FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ps - X-Men are on fire!! They might become the first team to ever go the whole season unbeaten and not win the league

Originally Posted by Henrik

Allthough I don't agree, I think Bayman has a point concerning Pirlo. As I understand it, his point is not that he dislikes Pirlo, but that he does not like Pirlo in that position. I agree to 50% and here is my reasoning for it:

Pirlo is an absolute genius at starting counter-attacks with those long sweeping and precise passes. This skill is particularely usefull when playing against quality teams (top Serie A team and close to all CL teams) that attack on their own steam. Pirlo is IMO unsubstitutional in open rolling games.

Against weaker teams, who defend in numbers, however, Pirlo's usefullness is limited. It is close to impossible to break a defense consisting of 10 players with his passes. Against such teams, Milans attack cannot focus on quick movements of the ball up the center of the field. This has been tried with limited success many times. Instead an increased focus on the wings (breadth of the game) is required. In the past Serginho has been brought into games like this. D'horasoo is another interesting option, as he is a quick dribbler. Jankulowski would be a fantastic signing, especially for this purpose.

Milans great advantage is that we have a deep squad of quality players, who possess different qualities. The individual strengths of the players can be exploited by the manager in different types of games. Pirlo is a fantastic player but his qualities, just like most other players, suit certain opponents and game types better than others.

Vive la difference!

When I watch a few more games this year when playing against smaller team, Pirlo has been equally good... may not be as 'effective'... but nevertheless a football genius. An absolute contrast with Gattuso hahahaha!

Originally Posted by ACMILAN1983

Our side need to be careful, particularly as Donadoni seems to be a decent manager. Also hope our fans show him some appreciation tomorrow

Dev it's not possible that he would get a bad welcome

Once a player is "forever rossonero" he will remain that for the rest of his life.

I was at Donadoni's last match in San Siro (even though he had a late spell a few time after) and it was absolutely AMAZING

DONADONI EHEHE
DONADONI OHOOH
DONADONI EHEHEE
PER SEMPRE ROSSONEEEEEEER

MILAN MILAN MILAN

Originally Posted by Giovanni

Dev it's not possible that he would get a bad welcome

Once a player is "forever rossonero" he will remain that for the rest of his life.

I was at Donadoni's last match in San Siro (even though he had a late spell a few time after) and it was absolutely AMAZING

DONADONI EHEHE
DONADONI OHOOH
DONADONI EHEHEE
PER SEMPRE ROSSONEEEEEEER

MILAN MILAN MILAN

no no, you misunderstand, I expect Donadoni will get respect, but I hope our fans show him appreciation in some way. Basically show him more than respect