+AC Milan - The Renewal [Chiboy and C11]

[Chelsea11]

[A Collab Thread Between Chiboygeorge and Chelsea11]

AC Milan
The Renewal

-------------------------------------
+TEAM INFORMATION
-Full Name: Associazione Calcio Milan.
-Nickname: Rossoneri (Red-Blacks). Il Diavolo (The Devil).
-Founded: December 16th, 1899.
-Owner: Silvio Berlusconi.
-President: Vacant.
-Manager: Carlo Ancelotti.
-Assistant Coach: Mauro Tassotti.
-Assistant Coach: Filippo Galli.
-Captain: Paolo Maldini.
-League: Lega Calcio Serie A.
-Last Season Finish: 5th (64 pts).
-Rivalries: Internazionale, Genoa, Juventus, Roma.

-------------------------------------
KITS







-------------------------------------
STADIUM INFORMATION



-Name: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro).
-Capacity: 80,018.
-UEFA Rating: ***** (5 Stars).
-Built: 1925.
-Opened: September 19th, 1926.
-Rennovated: 1989.
-Pitch Surface: Grass.

-------------------------------------
MANAGERIAL INFORMATION



-Name: Carlo Ancelotti.
-D.O.B: June 10th, 1959.
-Age: 49.
-Birthplace: Reggiolo, Italy.
-Managerial History: Reggiana, Parma, Juventus.
-Playing Career: Parma, Roma.

-------------------------------------
THE HONORS



***DOMESTIC HONORS***
-Serie A (17): 1901, 1906, 1907, 1950/51, 1954/55, 1956/57, 1958/59, 1961/62, 1967/68, 1978/79, 1987/88, 1991/92. 1992/93, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1998/99. 2003/04.
-Serie B (2): 1980/81, 1982/83.
-Coppa Italia (5): 1966/67, 1971/72, 1972/73, 1976/77, 2002/03.
-Suppercoppa Italiana (5): 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2004.

***FOREIGN HONORS***
-UEFA Champions League (7): 1962/63, 1968/69, 1988/89, 1989/1990, 1993/94, 2002/03, 2006/07.
-UEFA Super Cup (5): 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007.
-UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (2): 1967/68, 1972/73.
-FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2007.
-Intercontinental Cup (3): 1969, 1989, 1990.
-------------------------------------
LEAGUE INFORMATION

7

-Name: Lega Calcio Serie A.
-Sponser: TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile).
-Country: Italy.
-Founded: 1898.
-Number Of Teams: 20.
-Relegation To: Serie B.
-Current Champions: Internazionale (85 pts).
-Current Runners Up: AS Roma (82 pts).
-Most Successful Club: Juventus (27 Titles).

-----PLEASE, DO NOT POST YET UNTIL YOU ARE GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD-----

[Chelsea11]

Despite their rich and glorious history, AC Milan have not lived up to their potential over the last few years.
Many additions and improvements to the squad have revived the city of Milan
That is why the 2008-2009 Serie A campaign will be:

The Renewal

+Club History


British vice-consul and a well respected figure in the Milanese community, Alfred Edwards founded Milan Cricket and Football Club on December 16th, 1899. The colors of the original club were red and black, colors that have not changed in over a century. The team gained immediate credibility under the guide of Herbert Kilpin, a man from Nottingham, England who was friends with Edwards.

In 1908, the club split after disagreements over signing foreign players, forming arch rivals, FC Internazionale Milano. Because of World War I, the national league was suspended in Italy, resulting in a smaller competition, the Federal Cup. In 1916, Milan would win this title, their fourth major title since being founded less than twenty years prior.

The club's name was changed to an Italianized version, Associazione Calcio Milano in 1938 because of the new facist regime in Italy. However, that named was abandoned immediately after World War II, but maintaining the initial part of the name, the club became Associazione Calcio Milan, the club name to this day.

After World War II, AC Milan was on of Italy's top teams, winning the Scudetto in 1951, for the first time since 1907. Following the 1951 triumph, Milan would win the Serie A three more times, in 1955, 1957, and 1959. The Rossoneri would end up finishing in the top three in the Serie A for ten years from 1947-1957.

AC Milan would move on to win another league title in 1962, under innovative coach Nereo Rocco, who is known as the inventor of the catenaccio or 'dead-bolt' defensive tactic. The following season, Milan were crowned the champions of Europe bu winning the European Cup thanks to a Jose Altafini goal that defeated SL Benfica 2-1.

Despite their European success in 1963, AC Milan turned in less trophies than the previous decade, partly because of the presence of Internazionale. Milan's next Scudetto arrived in 1968, a year which also saw the Rossoneri win the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. A year later, Milan would reclaim the European Cup, defeating AFC Ajax 4-1, followed by their first Intercontinental Cup title in 1969.

In the 1970s, Milan won three Italian Cups, as well as their second Winners' Cup. However, their real goal was to win their tenth Scudetto. In 1972, the club reached the semi-final of the UEFA Cup, where they lost to eventual winners, Tottenham Hotspur. Milan put on a strong showing the next season, giving them a fantastic chance to win their tenth title, however, a humiliating loss to Hellas Verona FC on the season's final day stole the title away.

They would have to wait until the 1978/1979 campaign to gain their tenth Scudetto, led primarily by long time star Gianni Rivera who retired after his final triumph. However, the worst was yet to come for the Rossoneri. The Football Federation would relegate AC Milan to the Serie B after a betting scandal, but Milan would easily win the Serie B the next season. But, in their first year back in Serie A, Milan had their worst season in their history and moved back down to the Serie B.

After a lack of success, troubled times, and financial problems, the club was purchased by Silvio Berlusconi, a Milanese entrepenuer at the time. Berlusconi made some key signings to return the club to glory, bringing in a Dutch trio consisting of Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard.

New manager, Arrigo Sacchi won the 1988 Scudetto over SSC Napoli, a side led by Argentinian legend Diego Maradona. The next season, the Rossoneri won their third European Cup, defeating Steaua Bucuresti, as well as winning their second Intercontinental Cup. The team repeated their triumph the next year, defeating Benfica and earned their third Intercontinental Cup title in 1990 by defeating Olimpia Osuncion.

With Sacchi leaving to manage the national team, Fabio Capello took the reigns. Under him, the club gained the nickname Gli Invicibili, or 'The Invincibles.' With an unprecedented 58 match unbeaten streak, the Dream Team, as they were also called, included one of the best defenses in history, consisting of Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, and Paolo Maldini.

In addition to winning the Serie A in three consecutive campaigns from 1992-1994, AC Milan reached the Champions League final in three straight years. In 1993, Milan were defeated by Marseille in a highly disputed match, where Marseille had been previously accused of match fixing. The next season, the Rossoneri tasted victory, defeating FC Barcelona, followed by a loss to Ajax in the 1995 final.

After struggling under new manager's after Capello's departure, Milan returned to some success in 1997-1998 under Alberto Zaccheroni, finishing in third place inthe Serie A. With an odd 3-4-3 formation, Zaccheroni brought the sixteenth Scudetto to Milan.

Despite success, Zaccheroni failed to transform Milan into the once great team they used to be. The following season, Ukranian striker Andriy Shevchenko emerged as a star, however the club disappointed in both the Champions League and the Serie A. They exited the Champions League early, winning one out of six matches, and finished in third in the Serie A despite failing to challenge Lazio and Juventus for the Scudetto.

After a solid start to the 2000-2001 campaign, Milan's form drastically decreased, resulting in Zaccheroni's firing. The father of team captain Paolo Maldini, Cesare, was appointed manager, and a quick turn-around ocurred. Under Maldini, AC Milan recorded an amazing 6-0 victory over arch nemesis Internazionale. Despite the peak in form, their decreased once again. After this drop in performance, the board concluded a fourth place finish for the season would suffice, however, Maldini failed as his team finished the year in sixth place.

Because of Maldini's failure, Fatih Terim was hired as manager. However, after five months, Terim's Milan was nowhere near the top five, and Terim was sacked. He was replaced by former player, Carlo Ancelotti. Despite injuries, Ancelotti succeeded and finished the 2001-2002 campaign in fourth, earning a slot in the Champions League.

AC Milan ended the 2003 season with their sixth Champions League trophy. En route to the finals in Manchester, Milan defeated city nemesis, Internazionale in the semi finals, and ended the tournament in a glorious note, defeating Juventus in a dramatic penalty shootout. Along with claiming the European Cup, Milan also proved victorious in the European Super Cup and the Coppa Italia, after finishing third in the league.

The Rossoneri set a points record to win the Scudetto with a team very similar to today's squad. An attack spearheaded by Shevchenko, playmaking by new Brazilian Ricardo Kaka, and a solid defense with Alessando Nesta and Maldini led Milan to the Serie A title.

Milan's 2005 season ended in a disasturous fashion in Istanbul, as they let a 3-0 half time lead over Liverpool slip in the Champions League final. They conceded three second half goals in six minutes, to eventually lose in penalties. Milan ended the season in second place in the Serie A behind Juventus, but won the Italian Super Cup by defeating Lazio.

The 2005-2006 campaign proved to be one of Milan's most successful in recent years, as they won twenty-eight matches, but failed to edge Juventus because of their record breaking 91 points in the table. However, their success was nullified because of the 2006 Serie A match fixing scandal. They were named as a member of the match fixing ring, and were deprived of 44 out of their 88 points. Milan were tagged with an eight point penalty to start the next season. Despite hard work, Milan's efforts in the Champions League ultimately proved unsuccessful. After finishing top in their group, they went on to defeat Germany's Bayern Munich and France's Olympique Lyonnais, but would lose to eventual champions FC Barcelona.

After a sluggish start to the new campaign with a -8 defecit, some January signings reinvigorated the club, leading them to rebound to a fourth place finish, leading them to secure a Champions League spot. Despite finishing in fourth in the Serie A, Milan's Champions League efforts were phenominal.

Because of the match fixing penalties, Milan were a third seed, forcing them to play in the qualifying rounds. Milan would prove victorious in the qualifiers against Red Star Belgrade and would move onto the group stages, which they would eventually win as well. With wins over Celtic and Bayern Munich, Milan were propelled into the semi-finals. The first leg was played at Manchester United's ground, Old Trafford. United scored an early goal, courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo, however, Kaka would get Milan back on top, leading Milan to a 2-1 lead at halftime. However, two second half goals from Wayne Rooney led the home side to a win.Milan secured a spot in the finals in the second leg with a 3-0 victory over the Red Devils at the San Siro.

In the final, the Rossoneri were pitted against old foe, Liverpool, in Athens, Greece. Milan prevailed 2-1, with both goals coming from Filippo Inzaghi. With the victory, Milan affirmed their status as on of Europe's top powerhouses.

After winning their seventh Champions League title, AC Milan continue their European success, beating UEFA Cup champions, Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup. Milan's Champions League victory allowed them to play in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they would claim their eighteenth officially recognized international trophy, tying Argentinian club, Boca Juniors.

However, these two trophies only served as 'consolation' for a very disappointing season for Milan. They struggled to score, especially after losing Ronaldo to pre-season injury. Along with mistakes in the defense, as well as age, Milan found themselves struggling, and sitting in the middle of the table. However, there was a bright spot to their fairly dark season, and that teenage signing Alexandre Pato. At the end of the season ACF Fiorentina edged out the Rossoneri for fourth place and a Champions League spot. Milan's performance in the Champions League was also something to forget, as they were ousted by a much younger opponent, Arsenal FC, in the knockout rounds.

With Milan out of the Champions League this year and a poor showing in the Serie A last year, Carlo Ancelotti brought in stars such as Ronaldinho and Luca Toni, and young talents like Hernanes, to lead the way for a RENEWAL.

[Chelsea11]

2008-2009 AC Milan Squad
GOALKEEPERS

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



Name: Nelson Dida.
Number: #1.
Position: Goalkeeper.
Overall: 76.
Date Of Birth: October 7th, 1973.
Place Of Birth: Irara, Bahia, Brazil.
Age: 35.
Nation: Brazil.
Previous Clubs: Vitoria, Cruzeiro, Lugano, Corinthians.

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



Name: Christian Abbiati.
Number: #12.
Position: Goalkeeper.
Overall: 79.
Date Of Birth: July 8th, 1977.
Place Of Birth: Abbiategrasso, Italy.
Age: 32.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Monza, Borgosesia, Juventus, Torino, Atletico Madrid.

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



Name: Zeljko Kalac.
Number: #16.
Position: Goalkeeper.
Overall: 77.
Date Of Birth: December 16th, 1972.
Place Of Birth: Sydney, Australia.
Age: 36.
Nation: Australia.
Previous Clubs: Sydney Croatia, Leicester City, Sydney United, Roda, Perugia.

[Chelsea11]

2008-2009 AC Milan Squad
DEFENDERS

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



Name: Gianluca Zambrotta.
Number: #15.
Position: Right Back.
Overall: 85
Date Of Birth: February 19th, 1977.
Place Of Birth: Como, Italy.
Age: 31.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Como, Bari, Juventus, Barcelona.

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



Name: Felipe Mattioni.
Number: N/A.
Position: Right Back.
Overall: 64.
Date Of Birth: October 15th, 1988.
Place Of Birth: Ijui, Brazil.
Age: 20.
Nation: Brazil.
Previous Clubs: Gremio.

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



Name: Alessandro Nesta.
Number: #13.
Position: Center Back.
Overall: 88.
Date Of Birth: March 19th, 1976.
Place Of Birth: Rome, Italy.
Age: 32.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Lazio.

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



Name: Kakha Kaladze.
Number: #4.
Position: Center Back.
Overall: 85.
Date Of Birth: February 27th, 1978.
Place Of Birth: Samtredia, Georgia. (Former Soviet Union).
Age: 30.
Nation: Georgia.
Previous Clubs: Dinamo Tbilsi, Dynamo Kyiv.

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



Name: Paolo Maldini. ***CAPTAIN***
Number: #3.
Position: Center Back.
Overall: 79.
Date Of Birth: June 26th, 1968.
Place Of Birth: Milan, Italy.
Age: 40.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: None.

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



Name: Daniele Bonera.
Number: #25.
Position: Center Back.
Overall: 80.
Date Of Birth: May 31st, 1981.
Place Of Birth: Brescia, Italy,
Age: 27.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Brescia, Parma.

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



Name: Matteo Darmian.
Number: #36.
Position: Center Back.
Overall: 60.
Date Of Birth: December 2nd, 1989.
Place Of Birth: Legnano, Italy.
Age: 19.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: None.

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



Name: Philippe Senderos.
Number: #24.
Position: Center Back.
Overall: 75.
Date Of Birth: February 14th, 1985.
Place Of Birth: Geneva, Switzerland.
Age: 23.
Nation: Switzerland.
Previous Clubs: Servette, Arsenal.

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



Name: Luca Antonini.
Number: #77.
Position: Left Back.
Overall: 73.
Date Of Birth: August 4th, 1982.
Place Of Birth: Milan, Italy.
Age: 26.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Padova, Prato, Ancona, Sampdoria, Modena, Pascara, Arezzo, Siena, Empoli.

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



Name: Giuseppe Favalli.
Number: #19.
Position: Left Back.
Overall: 75.
Date Of Birth: January 8th, 1972.
Place Of Birth: Orzinuovi, Italy.
Age: 37.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Cremonese, Lazio, Inter Milan.

[Chelsea11]

2008-2009 AC Milan Squad
MIDFIELDERS

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



Name: David Beckham.
Number: #32.
Position: Right Midfielder.
Overall: 81.
Date Of Birth: May 2nd, 1975.
Place Of Birth: London, England.
Age: 33.
Nation: England.
Previous Clubs: Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy.

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



Name: Gennaro Ivan Gattuso.
Number: #8.
Position: Defensive Midfeilder.
Overall: 84.
Date Of Birth: January 9th, 1978.
Place Of Birth: Calabria, Italy.
Age: 31.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Perugia, Rangers, Salernitana.

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



Name: Emerson.
Number: #5.
Position: Defensive Midfielder.
Overall: 77.
Date Of Birth: April 4th, 1976.
Place Of Birth: Pelotas, Brazil.
Age: 32.
Nation: Brazil.
Previous Clubs: Gremio, Bayer Leverkusen, Roma, Juventus, Real Madrid.

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



Name: Massimo Ambrosini.
Number: #23.
Position: Defensive Midfielder.
Overall: 82.
Date Of Birth: May 29th, 1977.
Place Of Birth: Pesaro, Italy.
Age: 31.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Cesena, Vicenza.

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



Name: Clarence Seedorf.
Number: #10.
Position: Central Midfielder.
Overall: 83.
Date Of Birth: April 1st, 1976.
Place Of Birth: Paramuribo, Suriname.
Age: 32.
Nation: Netherlands.
Previous Clubs: Ajax, Sampdoria, Real Madrid, Inter Milan.

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



Name: Andrea Pirlo.
Number: #21.
Position: Central Midfielder.
Overall: 87.
Date Of Birth: May 19th, 1979.
Place Of Birth: Flero, Italy.
Age: 29.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Brescia, Inter Milan, Reggina.

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



Name: Mathieu Flamini.
Number: #84.
Position: Central Midfielder.
Overall: 82.
Date Of Birth: March 7th, 1984.
Place Of Birth: Marseille, France.
Age: 24.
Nation: France.
Previous Clubs: Olympique Marseille, Arsenal.

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



Name: Mathias Cardacio.
Number: #14.
Position: Attacking Midfielder.
Overall: 60.
Date Of Birth: October 2nd, 1987.
Place Of Birth: Montevideo, Uruguay.
Age: 21.
Nation: Uruguay.
Previous Clubs: Nacional.

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



Name: Tabare Viudez.
Number: #20.
Position: Attacking Midfielder.
Overall: 59.
Date Of Birth: September 8th, 1989.
Place Of Birth: Montevideo, Uruguay.
Age: 19.
Nation: Uruguay.
Previous Clubs: Defensor Sporting.

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



Name: Marek Jankulovski.
Number: #18.
Position: Left Midfielder.
Overall: 82.
Date Of Birth: May 9th, 1977.
Place Of Birth: Ostrava, Czechoslovakia.
Age: 31.
Nation: Czech Republic.
Previous Clubs: Banic Ostrava, Napoli, Udinese.

[Chelsea11]

2008-2009 AC Milan Squad
FOWARDS

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



Name: Ricardo Kaka.
Number: #22.
Position: Right Foward.
Overall: 89.
Date Of Birth: April 22nd, 1982.
Place Of Birth: Brasilia, Brazil.
Age: 26.
Nation: Brazil.
Previous Clubs: Sao Paulo.
---------------------------------



Name: Ronaldinho.
Number: #80.
Position: Left Foward.
Overall: 88.
Date Of Birth: March 21st, 1980.
Place Of Birth: Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Age: 28.
Nation: Brazil.
Previous Clubs: Gremio, Paris Saint-Gemain, Barcelona.
---------------------------------



Name: Alexandre Pato.
Number: #7.
Position: Striker.
Overall: 79.
Date Of Birth: September 2nd, 1989.
Place Of Birth: Pato Branco, Brazil.
Age: 19.
Nation: Brazil.
Previous Clubs: Internacional.
---------------------------------



Name: Andriy Shevchenko.
Number: #76.
Position: Striker.
Overall: 83.
Date Of Birth: September 29th, 1976.
Place Of Birth: Dvirkivschyna, Soviet Union.
Age: 32.
Nation: Ukraine.
Previous Clubs: Dynamo Kyiv, Chelsea.
---------------------------------



Name: Filippo Inzaghi.
Number: #9.
Position: Striker.
Overall: 81.
Date Of Birth: August 9th, 1973.
Place Of Birth: Piacenza, Italy.
Age: 35.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Piacenza, Leffe, Hellas Verona, Parma, Atalanta, Juventus.
---------------------------------



Name: Marco Borriello.
Number: #11.
Position: Striker.
Overall: 80.
Date Of Birth: June 18th, 1982.
Place Of Birth: Naples, Italy.
Age: 26.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Triestina, Treviso, Empoli, Reggina, Sampdoria, Genoa.
---------------------------------



Name: Luca Toni.
Number: #17.
Position: Striker.
Overall: 86.
Date Of Birth: May 26th, 1977.
Place Of Birth: Pavullo Nel Frignano, Italy.
Age: 31.
Nation: Italy.
Previous Clubs: Modena, Empoli, Fiorenzuola, Lodigiani, Treviso, Vicenza, Brescia, Palermo, Fiorentina, Bayern Munich.
---------------------------------

[Chelsea11]

AC Milan Players On Loan
2008-2009 Season

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



Name: Digao.
Position: Center Back.
Current Club: Standard Liege.
Date Of Birth: October 14th, 1985.
Place Of Birth: Brasilia, Brazil.
Age: 23.
Nation: Brazil.

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



Name: Massimo Oddo.
Position: Right Back.
Current Club: Bayern Munchen.
Date Of Birth: June 14th, 1976.
Place Of Birth: Citta Sant'Angelo, Italy.
Age: 32.
Nation: Italy.

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



Name: Elia Legati.
Position: Defender.
Current Club: AS Monaco.
Date Of Birth: January 3rd, 1986.
Place Of Birth: Fidenza, Italy.
Age: 23.
Nation: Italy.

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



Name: Yoann Gourcuff.
Position: Attacking Midfielder.
Current Club: FC Girondins de Bordeaux.
Date Of Birth: July 11th, 1986.
Place Of Birth: Ploemeur, France.
Age: 22.
Nation: France.

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



Name: Willy Aubameyang.
Position: Striker.
Current Club: Avellino.
Date Of Birth: February 16th, 1987.
Place Of Birth: Paris, France.
Age: 21.
Nation: France.

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



Name: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Position: Striker.
Current Club: Dijon.
Date Of Birth: June 18th, 1989.
Place Of Birth: Paris, France.
Age: 19.
Nation: France.

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



Name: Kingsley Umunegbu.
Position: Striker.
Current Club: Salernitana.
Date Of Birth: October 28th, 1989.
Place Of Birth: Zaria, Nigeria.
Age: 19.
Nation: Nigeria.

[Chelsea11]

TRANSFER RUMORS SECTION
- Latest Transfer News, Speculation, Rumors.

Welcome to the Transfer Rumors page, in here you will find all the latest transfer news and speculation going on around the San Siro. Rumored transfers in and transfer out. Check back for more updates.

Transfer Rumors : August '08

The new Serie A season is set to resume next month and AC Milan are working negotiations with other clubs to bring in talented players for the new season.



The biggest name on the list is the unsettled Chelsea power forward Didier Drogba, whose been touted to leave Stamford Bridge before the start of the new season after having a "one-to-forget" season with Chelsea.

Drogba who recently admitted that he might leave Chelsea could be headed to Milan on a £30 Million deal that could also see Marco Borriello going to Chelsea.
Source: Daily Star

-

Brazilian defender, Thiago Silva has also been rumored for a move to Milan. After an impressive run-out in the Beijing olympics with Brazil, the young Fluminense defender could be called upon to strenghten the aging Milan defense.

-

The final player strongly linked with a move to Milan is Argentina international Angel Di Maria. Like Thiago, Di Maria was impressive in the Beijing olympics for his country and Milan are set to make a £15 Million bid to send the Benfica speed demon to Italy.

RUMORED TRANSFER IN :
Didier Drogba - ST - Chelsea - 30 Million
Thiago Silva - CB - Fluminense - ?
Angel Di Maria - RW - Belfica - 15 Million

RUMORED TRANSFER OUT:
None

[Chelsea11]

Reserve 8 - Do Not Post

[Chelsea11]

2008-2009 SEASON PREVIEW

Hello, Giuseppe Franco here with MilanTV, and in this two-part program we will be previewing the 2008-2009 Serie A campaign, set to begin in only a few weeks. We will be going in order by last season's table, and let's get started:

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

INTER MILAN
2007-2008 Finish: 1st (85 pts).
Predicted 2008-2009 Finish: 2nd.

After coming away with the Serie A title by a tight margin last year, Internazionale will be intending to defend their title. After the sacking of Roberto Mancini in a very controversial matter, we saw the arrival of Jose Mourinho to the San Siro, and the that's when the transfer rumours began to fly. Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Ricardo Carvalho. All of Mourinho's followers at Chelsea were heavily linked with a move to the Nerrazurri, however, none of them arrived during the summer. But, Inter have made some signings this off-season, most noteably, Portuguese starlet, Ricardo Quaresma, from FC Porto for €18.6 million, as well as Pele going the other way. Ex-Roma winger, Mancini, also arrived at the San Siro along with Nigerian youngster, Victor Obinna. It appears that Mourinho will be going for a 'team for the future' approach. Inter will once again be led by striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, veteran midfielder, Luis Figo, and team captain Javier Zanetti. However, with other team's around the league making blockbuster signings, Inter Milan are predicted to drop to second this season.

Key Players
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST)
Ricardo Quaresma (RWM)
Julio Cesar (GK)

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



AS ROMA
2007-2008 Finish:2nd (82 pts).
Predicted 2008-2009 Finish: 4th.

After a very good performance last season, we predict Roma to drop down to 4th this season. Roma were virtually silent on the transfer market this summer, signing only Julio Baptista and John Arne Riise, while seeing Ludovic Giuly and Mancini leave Rome. Roma do not possess a squad full of big names, but do have a very solid and determined squad with a great balance. However, Roma could easily surprise us this season with the likes of Franceco Totti, Danielle De Rossi, and Mirko Vucinic leading the charge for the Romans. But, because of stiff competition from around Italy, we predict a 4th place finish for Roma this year.

Key Players
Francesco Totti (ST)
Daniele De Rossi (DM)
Alexander Doni (GK)
Philippe Mexes (CB)

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



JUVENTUS
2007-2008 Finish:3rd (72 pts).
Predicted 2008-2009 Finish: 1st.

After a third place finish in the 2008 season, Juventus will be looking to return this year with a vegence, looking to retake the Serie A. Juve surely don't have the youngest squad, but they do have some of the best all-around players in the Italy. Captain, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet will be leading the offensive charge this year, while Italian shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon will hold down the back, and Pavel Nedved anchors the midfield. Juventus also possess a threat they didn't have last year. This 'secret weapon,' as Claudio Ranieri called him, is Sebastian Giovinco. The 21 year old has amazing speed that can make a difference in any game. Not only just Giovinco have blazing speed, but he is a very versatile player that can play as a striker, winger, or in the playmaker position. With different dynamics on the pitch, we expect Juventus to challenge for the top spot in Italy.

Key Players
Alessandro Del Piero (ST)
Sebastian Giovinco (AM)
Pavel Nedved (RM)
Giorgio Chiellini (CB)

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



FIORENTINA
2007-2008 Finish:4th (66 pts).
Predicted 2008-2009 Finish: 5th.

The suprise package team of the 2007-2-08 Serie A season in Fiorentina challenged the big guns of Italy and managed to finish in an impressive fourth place edging AC Milan to the Champions League birth. The Viola have been impressive due to the emergence of upcoming future star Riccardo Montolivo who was prominent to Fiorentina's amazing season run. With Juve back in the Serie A, Roma firing from all cylinders and both Milan teams in top form, it will be hard for the Violets to make a shake-up in Italy this season..but in football anyhting can happen.

Key Players
Sebastien Frey (GK)
Adrian Mutu (ST)
Alberto Gilardino (ST)
Riccardo Montolivo (CAM)

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



AC MILAN
2007-2008 Finish:5th (64 pts).
Predicted 2008-2009 Finish: 3rd.

Despite an aging squad, we certainly have the talent to finish in the top three this season, even compete for the trophy. After a disappointing performance last year, where Milan struggled with injuries, Carlo Ancelotti went out on the transfer market, looking for a big name, and he got it. The biggest story of the summer in the Serie A was definately the transfer of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho to AC Milan from Spanish giants Barcelona. Also on their way in was midfielder Mathieu Flamini from Arsenal, and Milan legend, Andriy Shevchenko. Despite the return of Shevchenko, Carlo Ancelotti will still be looking to Brazilian starlet Alexandre Pato to lead the Milan attack this year. Pato gained some valuable experience last year that will surely help him perform in top form this year. If our squad can stay injury free this year, there's no doubt in any Milan fan's mind, that the Serie A will be ours' at the end of the year. FORZA MILAN!

Key Players
Ricardo Kaka (RF)
Ronaldinho (LF)
Alexandre Pato (ST)
Nelson Dida (GK)

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



SAMPDORIA
2007-2008 Finish: 6th (60 pts).
Predcted 2008-2009 Finish: 8th.

Sampdoria surprised Italian football fans, finishing in the top ten and qualifying for a spot in European competition, despite a fairly weak squad. Led up top by Antonio Cassano and Vincenzo Montella, Sampdoria were able to make a strong run towards the end of the 2007-2008 campaing and qualify for a spot in UEFA Cup. Because of Cassano's fantastic performance while on loan, Sampdoria made the deal perminant, buying Cassano from Real Madrid. However, with a weaker team this year, football anylasts, as well as us here at MilanTV predict Sampdoria to drop three spots, and finish in 9th.

Key Players
Antonio Cassano (ST)
Reto Ziegler (LM)
Pietro Accardi (CB)

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



UDINESE
2007-2008 Finish: 7th (57 pts).
Predicted 2008-2009 Finish: 6th.

Like Fiorentina, Udinese were very impressive in the previous Serie A campaign. With the likes of Antonio Di Natale, Fabio Quagliarella, and Simone Pepe spearing the three man strike force, combined with pace, power and strength it was a difficult task to stop the Bianconeris. This season will be the time for Alexis Sanchez to step up and show Serie A what he's made of, the Chilean winger recently joined Udinese and will be competiting with already settled Pepe for the right wing postion. If Udinese can work together like last season we can see big things coming out from this promising club this season.

Key Players
Antonio di Natale (ST)
Fabio Quagliarella (ST)
Gokhan Inler (CM)
Cristian Zapata (RB)

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



NAPOLI
2007-2008 Finish: 8th (50 pts)
Predicted 2008-2009 Finish: 7th.

Napoli have been another suprise team in the Serie A, The club went from the Serie C1 in the 2005-2006 campaign and into the the Serie A in just three years and managed to claim 8th place. The club has been going in the right direction after their inclusion of some of the best players playing in Italy, that is Ezequiel Lavezzi and Slovakian born Marek Hamsik. Napoli will be a team to be reckoned with this season especially with the solid three-man backline of Cannavaro, Santacroce and Aronica playing at their best.

Key Players
Ezequiel Lavezzi (ST)
Marek Hamsik (CAM)
Christian Maggio (RWB)
Paolo Cannavaro (CB)
Fabiano Santacroce (CB)

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



ATALANTA
2007-2008 Finish: 9th (48 pts).
Predicted 2008-2009 Finish: 11th.

Coming off a mediocre 9th place finish in the Serie A last season, Atalanta will be looking to improve their standing, and possibly qualify for a spot in Europe next season. However, it will be no easy task, as Atalanta lack a formidable attack, and out and out, star foward who can score goals when needed. But, Atalanta will be led by Sergio Floccari and new signing, Christian Vieri. If Floccari or Viera don't evolve as a reliabe target man, Atalanta could really suffer, and fall down to 11th, or even lower, possibly fighting to avoid relegation.

Key Players
Sergio Floccari (ST)
Christian Viera (ST)
Gianpaolo Bellini (CB)

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

And that is it for part one of our program today, be sure to stay tuned for next week's episode, where we will preview the other eight Serie A teams, as well as the three sides that were promoted from the Serie B. So, once again, I'm Giuseppe Franco, saying goodbye for eveyone here at MilanTV, and thank you for tuning in today.

[Chelsea11]

Just In Case - You can now Post

[BoomBoomPow2k9]

First Comment!

Awesome start. Lovely graphics and I can't wait to see what Chelsea11 and ChiboyGeorge can produce. Providing Chelsea can stick with it.

[Valo]

Great start!

[Cahill4]

Good start

[Plymouth_Zac]

Brilliant start and what of your Villareal one P.S me and Robyns harchester one inspired this, didn't it joking

[Plymouth_Zac]

crud, for some reason the spacing really messed up there

[Nino]

Nice start

[Cahill4]

You have some competition here though.

[has7]

Gr8 start m8 sell kaka now hahaha

[nzgangster]

alot of reserves.

good luck with this..

[.DJ]

Finally a Milan thread

[Plymouth_Zac]

By the way, just a quick question. Don't mean to be a newb but how did you get the white border around the black one

[JulianBere]

Let's see this become an AWESOME thread.

[Ahmer50]

to a great new thread from Chelsea and Chiboy. Hopefully mine will be just as good

[Robalenko]

Christ, that is a sexy graphic at the top...