Alexandre Pato Fans

  It seems that the champions league has become an obsession rather than just a desire for Pato. He has declared that he wants to lift Milan back to the top of the world. The Brazilian Wonder kid, who has scored 12 goals this season, is touted to be the next big thing in football. It’s easy to see why he’s rated that highly when one looks at the brilliant performances he has done this year.

Interviewed by the Gazzetta, Pato talked about Milan’s Situation, his fellow teammates, his role model, and Milan’s long rival Inter Milan.

The interview with Pato started with the reporter telling Pato that Milan’s upcoming games against Siena isn’t hard and isn’t vital for qualifying for the champions league, however Pato thought otherwise and had this to say about the subject: ” You’re wrong, te trip to Siena is really important for us and we are ready to win against Siena backing our win against Atalanta. The important thing is to not look at the mistakes; we should hold our heads up high and look into the future.”

When asked about Milan’s season and how does he rate his performance for this year, he said the following:” Milan’s season wasn’t good, we got kicked out of the Scudetto race, Coppa Italia, and the Uefa Cup”. We suffered a lot this season, especially against teams like Torino, Genoa and Lecce. We should have been more vital and determined in front of the goal, especially me.  About his performance: “I leave the ratings for you. I have 12 goals this season in the league; I try to give the best performance possible.

Talking about his role model, Ronaldo, Pato was delighted that Ronaldo came back to his scoring ways: ” I was in front of the tv and I enjoyed it a lot. I’m really glad for him since he really suffered a lot and totally deserved this.”. The reported tried to put Pato in a critical situation when he[Reporter] told him[Pato] that Ronaldo was overweight, Pato’s response came quick and smart: If he is in this weight and he’s scoring imagine how he would be when he is in his best physical shape. Ronaldo is a role model for me, he suffered a lot of serious injuries but always came back; it’s something hard to believe.” Pato added the following about Ronaldo and Brazil: Ronaldo gave a lot to Brazil, but I do believe he can still give more. In Brazil there are several special players, but Ronaldo is a phenomenon.”

The reporter asked Pato about Milan’s goals, who were quite big at the beginning, but now have slimmed down to a Champions League Spot:  ” Milan has won a lot, the fans and the critics are used to seeing Milan win which is a normal thing, but we will be back to the Champions League and we’re going there to win it all; in a nutshell we have to open a new round.”

About the champions league exit of the Italian club, Pato’s answer was direct and easy: “The English teams that faced the Italian teams are stronger, that’s the explanation of the matter.” Pato then continued his interview first talking about Balotteli’s condition after the Manchester United loss, saying:” I heard he was really disappointed.” He then talked about the much controversial “Special One”: He talked to me after the derby, for me he seems to be a good guy, but I dont know…”

Pato then said that either Barcelona or Manchester United will win the champions league, he also said that Barcelona are great, performance wise, but he prefers Real Madrid.

He then talked about his 4 teammates: Kaka’, Inzaghi, Ronaldinho, and Beckham:

About Kaka’, Pato said: “I run with the ball really fast, but Kaka’ runs really fast with the ball stuck to his feet, he really impresses me.”

Then, Pato spoke about Inzaghi, saying:” You should always study Inzaghi’s moves in the penalty area, he’s stronger than ever, and I need to learn to take eveyr ball in the penalty zone like Pippo.”

About Ronaldinho: “There’s no secret but you have to know when to move when the ball is in Dinho’s possession, when he’s got the ball you have to be in the right place at the right time; he also helps me a lot.”

Then Pato spoke a little about Becks: “His set pieces are really dangerous and he knows how to pass the ball always, also his crossed balls that turn in front of the strikers’ heads are awesome.”

The reporter than told Pato that: They say in addition to being good in the field you have to be also strong driving your car, Pato answered: I always respect the speed limits, but I did get a fine one time.” The reporter was quick to ask what that ticket was:  In the parking space I was an idiot, I left the car at the airport and when I came back the car had been taken by the police; I’ve became better now.”

The interview was coming to an end when the reporter asked Pato about his message to the Milan Fans: “I can’t help but thank them, we haven’t been alright lately but they have always been with us which is really important. I repeat we will go back to the Champions League next year and after that next season we will do our best to win everything.” The reporter asked if those achievements would be with Carlo or someone else, Pato answered:” You’re Kidding? Yes, with Ancelotti. There’s no better coach out there”.

AC Milan

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On the evening of the match against Siena, Carlo Ancelotti, the Milan boss, had a few words to say about Milan’s situation.

“We were good this week; we also had a few important players back to the squad. Now we must take that and change it into a positive result tomorrow at Siena and display a nice performance. Our win against Atalanta ended a bad period for Milan, and getting back some vital players will help us improve our displays in the matches. We are working to get as many points as we can from the remaining matches of the season. On paper, Roma, Fiorentina, and Genoa all have tough matches, but Milan need to win anyways.”

Talking about Siena, Carlo had the following to say:

“Siena is a good team they play a special tactic in our zone, and they have a very good defense which especially on their ground does very good. In the previous game against Siena we faced some difficulties, and playing against them wasn’t easy. Siena is well organized, and Kharja works really well. At home, they are a very dynamic team and I expect them to be very fast.”

The Milan coach also talked a bit about the Milan players, here is what he said:

“Kaka’ and Ronaldinho will be on the bench tomorrow. Bonera and Seedorf have problems, and I hope we get them back next week. Beckham played a good game against Atalanta; he’s a smart player who can fill any position. He’s worried because of his new position since he has never played in it. Gattuso has a lot to do to recover from his injury, and in a month duration he can comeback to train where as it would take him 2 months to start playing again.”

Talking about the exit of the Italian Teams from the Champions League, he said:

“Between the English Premier League and Serie A there is a gap that is hard to close next season.  For example, Manchester United is the most team that has matured and they’ve done a lot in 2 years and have proved to be a very competitive team.”

Carlo said that he will not give Inter much attention, especially Mourinho, and will concentrate more on Milan.

For Sunday’s Clash against Siena, the following Milan players were called up:

Abbiati, Dida, Kalac; Antonini, Darmian, Favalli, Jankulovski, Maldini, Senderos, Zambrotta; Ambrosini, Beckham, Emerson, Flamini, Pirlo; Inzaghi, Kakà, Pato, Shevchenko, Ronaldinho.

Were as the hosts, had the following players called up:

Amoruso, Barusso, Belmonte, Brandao, Calaiò, Codrea, Coppola, Curci, Del Grosso, Del Prete, Eleftheropoulos, Ficagna, Frick, Ghezzal, Jarolim, Kharja, Maccarone, Portanova, Rossi, Vergassola, Zuniga.

Carlo’s Men hope to gain the three points and to give a brilliant performance as well. The Milan’s fan are waiting for a positive result, anything less than 3 points will be considered disastrous.

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With their minds concentrated totally on Serie A, Milan make the trip to Siena to face a squad which will most probably prove to be really hard to beat.

The Beckham saga has pretty much ended, as Becks will be a Milanista till the 30th of June, as the official site of the Rossoneri had reported.

Injuries are still proving to be a great deal of trouble for the Milan side, as both Kaka’ and Seedorf are expected to be out of the game, where as Ronaldinho and Beckham will most probably be present in the game, the later who faced a minor injury while training is expected to be in the starting 11.

Pato will most probably lead the Milan attack with a partnership with Super Pippo, and the Milan fans have their fingers crossed hoping that Pato maintains his current performance and hopefully improve it.

Siena aren’t in the best of situations as they are only 7 points above Cheivo, who stand in the 18th position. A win or even a draw would prove very important for Siena. Where as, Milan continue their battle for protecting their 3rd place position, and a win will give them a breath as they travel to Napoli next week.

Last time around, Nesta was able to get the equalizer for the Milanista in the dying minutes of their match against Siena at the latter’s home ground. As that game ended in a 1-1 draw; Milan hope that things will change this time and that they end up getting the 3 full points.

The Disciplinary Situation:

The Rossoneri are without suspended players in view of Sunday’s match at Siena. Three players are within a booking of suspension: Ambrosini, Jankulovski and Kaladze. For Siena, instead, one suspended player (Galloppa) and five players within a booking of suspension: Amoruso, Calaiò, Coppola, Maccarone and Portanova.

Probable Formation:

Siena

Curci; Del Grosso, Brandao, Portanova, Zuniga; Vergassola, Codrea, Jarolim; Kharja; Maccarone, Ghezzal

Milan:

Abbiati, Zambrotta, Maldini, Bonera, Jankolvski, Beckham, Pirlo, Flamini, Ambrosini, Pato, Inzaghi

Prediction:

Siena 1 - 2 Milan

Milan’s defense has been far from convincing and lately they produced blunders after each other, although the good midfield and the great attack of Milan will most probably bring home the 3 points.

Referees: Nicola Ayroldi, he will be assisted by Pirondini and Maggiani where as the 4th official will be Celi.

Stadium: Artemio Franchi’ stadium of Siena

Time: 3 PM Italian Time.

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With his recent dazzling performances, Pato was able to catch the eye of Dunga yet again who called him for the upcoming 2 world cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Peru.

He wasn’t the only Milanista to make it, as Kaká, Ronaldinho and Thiago Silva all were called up as well.

The full list for the players called up:

Players in italic are the Milansta’s called up.

Brazil will play against Ecuador on March 29 in Quito, where as they will face off with Peru at April 1in the Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre.

The call up will boost the confidence of Pato as he gets ready to lead the Milan attack against Seina this weekend, as Milan hope to gain 3 more points to drift away from their followers.

AC Milan

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Before the math against Atalanta, all results had been great for Milan; a Roma draw and a Genoa loss was enough to give Milan a breathe before the start of the match.

Atalanta came to Milan missing their 2 main players up front, where as Milan where missing about 6 starting 11 players. That didn’t prove costly for Milan, as a great display by Abbiati and a hatrick by Pippo was enough to give Milan the whole 3 points.

Official Formations for the match:

Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Bonera (84’ Antonini), Senderos, Maldini, Zambrotta; Flamini, Pirlo, Jankulovski; Beckham (90’ Viudez); Pato, Inzaghi (80’ Shevchenko).

Atalanta (4-4-1-1): Consigli; Garics, Talamonti, Bellini, Peluso; Ferreira Pinto (66’ Defendi), Guarente (60’ De Ascentis), Cigarini (76’ Parravicini), Valdes; Padoin; Plasmati.

The match started with Atalnta seeming to be the better side, but that wasn’t enough to stop Super Pippo from opening the score in the 7th minute, a good pass from Jankolvski saw Pippo shake the net after a well placed shot. For the rest of the half, it was a clash between Abbiati and the Atalanta team, Atalanta produced great chances but Abbiati was there to stop them all; a great display from Abbiati proving once again why he’s the Milan #1 goalie. Despite Atalanta’s dominance in the first half, Pato and Pippo both had few chances that they wasted, and Atalanta’s offside trap worked perfectly. The referee whistled the end of the first half, ending a bad performance from Milan despite their goal. 

The second half started with Milan showing glimpse of improvments; some great movement by Jankolvski and Beckham where the reason behind that. Despite that, Atalanta still was able to cause threat to the Milan goal, but non was able to get past Abbiati. It wasn’t until the 71 minute that Milan were able to put the 3 points in the bag, when Inzaghi beated the offside trap, and went on to overcome the goalie and score the goal after an impressive pass by Our Ducky. With Atalanta pushing forward hoping for a goal, a great 1-2 by Jankolvski and Zambrotta saw Inzaghi score his third for the night, scoring his 108th goal for Milan and breaking th record  of theMilan Legend Giusepe Santgostino who had 106 goals in the Milan Shirt, and who was the 7th best scorer in Milan’s history. The referee whistled the end of the second half and the match, as the Milan fans sang :”Milan Milan Sempre Per Te….Milan Milan Solo Con Te”.

Because of Fiorentina’s  and Genoa’s loss, and Roma’s draw against Udinese Milan were able to widen the gap between them and Fiorentina to 5 points, giving Milan a breathe as they had to Seina next week hoping to have a few players recovered.

Pato;s performance wasn’t as convincing as his performances lately, but he still was able to caush threat on the Atalanta goal and gain Milan 1 or 2 free-kicks, add to that his assist leading to Pippo’s second goal.

Pato-Fans Man Of the Match:

Abbiati- Despite Pippo scoring three goals, Abbiati was the most important player out there. Had it not been for his great saves, Milan probably wouldn’t have gained all 3 points.

Scorers:

Pippi Inzaghi - 7′, 71′, 74’

Bookings:

 Bonera, Jankulovski ; Bellini, Peluso

Final Score:

Milan 3 - 0 Atalanta

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Milan and Atlanta face off in what is supposed to be a very important match. Both teams are eager to get the 3 points, especially Milan who want to back their campaign for a direct spot in next year’s champions league.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Milan Coach, said in his press conference:

He opened his press conference, talking about tomorrow’s clash against Atlanta saying: ” Atalanta did not call Doni and Flocarri, both very important players and will be hard to replace, where as Milan would be missing a huge number of players as well, thus making the game a very hard and delicate one.”

He then talked about the formation that will play against Atalanta:” Seedorf had some problems yesterday, and he his conditions will be evaluated today. If he can’t make it, one of Beckham or Pirlo will play as an attaking midfielder, thus moving Jankolvski to the midfield. Where as in the defence, one of Senderos or Antonini will play.

Then he talked about the team’s condition and then Milan’s position in the table: “We are in an emergency situation, nothing much changed from last week, but hopefully after tomorrow’s clash with Atalanta we will get to train for a full week and we will have some important injured players back to the squad.

He commented on the thought that defenders treat Pato harshly, saying:” Pato’s characteristics contribute in him being fouled, as his speed allows him to get to the ball first before defenders who later on try to stop him with their fouls. He added to that saying: “Pato is not afraid of facing such situations, and his game will not be effected.” Talking about Pato’s position he said:’Pato doesn’t have the characteristics to play as a lone striker, and he’s best when he comes from the outside while having a playe rin the box that he can pass to”. Pato has a good teacher in Inzaghi.

[Official Ac Milan Website][Paraphrased].

Players Called Up:

Ac Milan:

Abbiati, Dida, Perucchini, Antonini, Bonera, Darmian, Jankulovski, Maldini, Mattioni, Senderos, Zambrotta, Beckham, Cardacio, Emerson, Flamini, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Pato, Shevchenko, Viudez.

Atalanta:

F. Coppola, A. Consigli, G. Bellini, L. Talamonti, M. Pellegrino, F. Peluso, D. Capelli, G. Garics, L. Cigarini, T. Guarente, A. Ferreira Pinto, F. Parravicini, D. DeAscentis, S. Padoin, A. Cerci, M. Defendi, G. Plasmati, J. Valdes.

Discplinary Situation:

Favalli (Milan) and Manfredini (Atalanta) are suspended. The Rossoneri players carrying a yellow card into thise game are Ambrosini and Kaladze, whereas for the Neroazzurri are Cigarini, Ferreira Pinto and Garics.

Milan players that are not called up:

Kalac, Kaladze, Nesta, Ambrosini, Gattuso, Seedorf, Kakà, Ronaldinho, Borriello.

At least 6 of the above players usually play in the starting formation with Milan, their absence will be obvious especially Kaka’s whose absence has proved to be hard to cover.

Prediction:

Milan 1 - 0 Atalanta.

With such a tough game in hand it’s really hard to predict which team will overcome the other. Despite the numerous injuries Milan are facing upfront, they still have Pato who is very well capable of changing the course of the game at any time. Where was Doni, Atalanta player, will be missing thus creating a huge gap in the Atalanta offense.

Thanks to the Ac Milan Official Website.

AC Milan

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Milan traveled to Genoa, hoping to back their “3rd Place Finish Campaign” against a tough Sampdoria side. Unfortunately, despite Pato’s goal, Milan was not able to turn the table around after Sampdoria had scored 2 goals earlier in the match.

The Official Formations were the following:
SAMPDORIA: Castellazzi, Raggi, Lucchini, Accardi, Stankevicius, Sammarco, Palombo, Franceschini, Pieri, Pazzini, Cassano.

MILAN: Abbiati, Zambrotta, Bonera, Senderos, Antonini, Beckham, Pirlo, Flamini, Jankulovski, Seedorf, Pato

The match, as recently, started off slow with Sampdoria clearly being the better side on the pitch.  Milan seemed too fragile , with only few players out there trying to turn the game around, Pato and Flamini among the few. Despite Pato’s constant movement that troubled the Sampdoria defense, and Flamini’s defensive abilities, Cassano was the one to open the score at the 33 minute, his header just past the goal line, and it needed an eagle eye from the linesman to spot it. The fans in the stadium where silent for a moment, and then exploded in cheering after the goal. The referee, later on, blew his whistle to end yet another disappointing half for Ac Milan.

Second half, same story, nothing much from Milan except from few great movements from Pato. On the other side of the pitch, Pazzini the Sampdoria’s New-Comer, scored a goal just after 7 minutes from the start of the second half, a goal that took much skill from him. Pato was seen trying and trying, and it wasn’t until the 80th minute that he was able to head in a cross from the substitute, Favalli, a goal that saw him add his tally of Serie A goals for this season to 12. Despite a better display in the last 10 minutes, Milan where not able to earn even a point, as the Milan players left the pitch disappointed.

Pato was by far the best Milan player out there, along side Flamini who was seen “battling and fighting” for the ball.

Scorers:

Cassano-33′

Pazzini-52′

Pato-80′

Final Score:

Sampdoria 2 - 1 Milan

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Milan hosted Cagliari in the San Siro hoping to get a win after a disappointing week, a week that saw Milan lose the derby and then only manage a draw against Werder Bremen. Milan where able to get a goal and maintain the lead till the very end, despite the numerous players that where out injured, Ka-Pa-Ro  among the injured ones.

The official formations of both teams where the following:

MILAN: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Bonera, Maldini, Favalli; Pirlo, Flamini, Jankulovski; Beckham, Seedorf, Inzaghi.
CAGLIARI: Marchetti; Pisano, Canini, Lopez, Matheu; Fini, Conti, Biondini; Cossu; Jeda, Acquafresca.

The match started off slow, with barely any chance for both sides. Milan’s few chances in the first half came from good passes by both, Jankolvski and Pirlo which Pippo didn’t manage to put in the goal. Abbiati did a couple of great saves, allowing Milan to end the first half without conceding a goal.

Second half started, and both teams were trying to score a goal, but with barely a link between the midfield and the offense in the Milan team it was hard to believe that Milan can score, especially with Seedorf being marked by 2 players at least. A blunder from the Cagliari defense saw Seedorf take use of it and score from a well placed shot, silencing the Milan fans that had shown their disappointment from his performance earlier in the match by whistling. Milan tried to double their lead as Cagliari tried to get the equalizer, but both teams were not able to reach their objective as the referee whistled to end yet another boring display by Ac Milan.

Yet again the referee had his blunders that might have  changed the course of the match. Few offsides were called against Cagliari that shouldn’t have been called, and Pippo barely pushed one of Cagliari’s defenders causing the blunder that lead to Seedorf’s goal. Flamini deserved a penalty that wasn’t called.

After the game, Ancelotti declared that the fans “might be fed up with him” leading to rumors that this is his last season with the Rosseneri.

Final Score:

Milan 1 - 0 Cagliari

Scorers:

Seedorf-65′

Photos and Summary of the match to follow…

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The 1-0 from Inzaghi.

The 1-1 from Diego.

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Abbiati, Dida, Perucchini ,Antonini, Bonera, Darmian, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Senderos, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Beckham, Flamini, Pirlo, Seedorf, Inzaghi, Pato and Ronaldinho where called up for the match against Bremen.

Kaka is still recovering from an injury at his foot, so he won’t play. 

With Ronaldinho being in good shape and Pato almost scoring every match he plays the prediction is that Ronaldinho and Pato will play as attackers. Pato seems to be fit enough to play the game.

At the press conference, Ancelotti said it would be difficult winning here, because Bremen has ,like Inter, a lot of offensive quality, but it would be an important step if winning here.

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