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AC Milan win against Torino but Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks very nervous while leaving San Siro. Here’s what happened on Monday evening.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was furious at the end of Milan-Torino and escaped directly in the locker room at the referee’s triple whistle.

The Swedish striker was also the first to leave San Siro after a shower. With the dark look that usually belongs to the defeated, Zlatan went away with a lot of bitterness as confirmed also by Stefano Pioli.

But what exactly happened? According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibra was simply angry with himself. After the surreal comeback in the derby and the late draw with Juventus, the Rossoneri risked compromising the match with Torino also with a rather serious mistake of his.

This, added to the previous anger over too many collective mistakes, ended up making Zlatan lose serenity. Smears that a perfectionist like the Scandinavian champion cannot accept, as explained later by coach Pioli: “Zlatan was angry because he could have done better and closed the match earlier. It is right to be ambitious for our growth“.

Tiredness has nothing to do with it, also because Ibrahimovic has never given the sensation of physical failure. Rather, highlights the Italian newspaper, it is all related to the precision with which Ibrahimovic claims that the work must be done.

He knows he cannot pretend the excellence he has been used to in the past, but something more than what he is seeing, yes. And if it is he who is making a mistake, he does not forgive himself.

However, no player took it personally, Ibra continues to be revered by his teammates. “Ibra is 38-years-old, he is the first to arrive at Milanello. If someone like him, who has won everything, does so, why shouldn’t I that I’m named Castillejo,” said the electric Spaniard. Theo Hernandez defined him “Divine“ via Instagram yesterday.

*Rebic: 'Finally I have the opportunity'*

Ante Rebic has scored five times in six Serie A games since the winter break, after "finally" getting "the opportunity to play regularly” at Milan.

In December it looked like Rebic’s stay in the fashion capital could be over after only six months, but he has “exploited” the new-found confidence from coach Stefano Pioli and has helped kick-start the Rossoneri’s season.

“I finally have the opportunity to play regularly and show off my skills,” he told Dalmatinski Portal. “Everything is fine now, luckily. It was never more difficult for me to play in Italy compared to Germany.

“I simply didn’t get the right opportunity. When I am granted one, in most cases, I exploit it.”

Rebic’s great form after the winter break has also been boosted by the fact that Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to San Siro this year and the Croatia international also exploits the experience of the 38-year-old.

“Just a few days ago, my sister sent me a newspaper clipping from 2012, where it said he was my favourite player,” he added. “It’s a real pleasure to play with him, to see his quality and experience. He helps us a lot.”

And Rebic also feels the presence of compatriot Zvonimir Boban, and reveals that the sporting director comes to visit the players as often as possible.

“After every game, he comes to the locker room to encourage us, sometimes even during the training sessions.”

And the encouragement has helped Milan bounce back from a slow start to the season, as Pioli’s men are now challenging for a place in Europe next term.

Milan are currently tied in a three-way battle for the sixth place - with Parma and Hellas Verona – and are preparing to face Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi on Saturday.

Arsenal will receive no money if AC Milan were to sell midfielder Ismael Bennacer at some point in the future, a report claims.

Bennacer joined Milan in the summer from Empoli for a fee widely reported to be €16m plus €2m in bonuses, with the young Algerian having impressed since he was allowed to leave the Gunners.

According to a report from Fabrizio Romano for Calciomercato.com, there has been talk in England of a clause related to a possible resale of the 21-year-old that would see Arsenal pocket a certain percentage of the fee.
However,

Romano claims that the north London club had an option to match the Rossoneri’s offer for Bennacer when Paolo Maldini and Zvonomir Boban made their move, a clause inserted when Empoli bought the player from Arsenal.

However, the English side chose not to match Milan’s bid, but in doing so they also forfeited that opportunity obtain a resale percentage from Milan.

As a result, Arsenal are no longer tied in any way to Bennacer’s path, and with the youngster growing every week under Stefano Pioli that certainly bodes well for the Diavolo.

GdS: Stefano Pioli has two chances to save his job as head coach of AC Milan


Stefano Pioli could save his job at AC Milan by achieving one of two objectives between now and the end of the season, according to a report.

The general consensus is that the level of performances have improved drastically since Pioli took over in October following Marco Giampaolo’s disastrous 111 day spell in charge.

However, the truth is that Milan are still 10 points off the Champions League places, and speculation has been rife in the media that Elliott Management – along with directors Paolo Maldini and Zvonomir Boban – are looking at potential replacements.


According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport – as cited by Calciomercato.com – Pioli will only continue as manager next season if he meets one of two criteria: a top four finish or victory in the Coppa Italia, and it would be fair to say both are unlikely at present.

At the moment, the two names most strongly linked with the Rossoneri bench are Ralf Rangnick and Max Allegri.

🗣 Thiago Silva's agent admits defender has 'special love' for #ACMilan as rumours of return grow

Thiago Silva's agent admits defender has 'special love' for Milan as rumours of return grow #SempreMilan

Since Stefano Pioli's arrival at #ACMilan on October 9, the Rossoneri have been the team that has kept the clean sheets in Serie A (7).

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Ibrahimovic and Paqueta in heated argument after Torino clash – the background
- 21 February 2020,

Tension between Lucas Paquetá and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Following the game against Torino, which Milan won by the odd goal, the Swede called out the Brazilian after several mistakes. However, the latter didn’t exactly take it well.

According to Tuttosport (via Milanlive.it), Paqueta’s numerous mistakes in the last clash – many in decisive situations – didn’t go unnoticed and greatly irritated the 38-year-old. In fact, a heated argument was born in the locker room after the game.

Ibrahimovic reportedly pointed out the big difference between what Paqueta does in training and during games. The youngster first took the hit, but then didn’t hesitate to share one with the Swede either.

Of course, this was a reaction that Ibrahimovic didn’t like, who gave him yet another lesson before ending the discussion. Therefore, he was looking angry when going through the mixed zone after the game.

However, as the newspaper states, the story was born and died there. In other words, it was no case, but rather just a confrontation where the 38-year-old tried to be constructive

Formazione ufficiale Milan: Donnarumma, Conti, Gabbia, Romagnoli, Hernandez, Kessie, Bennacer, Castillejo, Calhanoglu, Rebic, Ibrahimovic.

*Offensive Cutrone attacks on social media*

Fiorentina Patrick Cutrone was subjected to deeply offensive and cruel insults from Milan fans wishing he “end up like Davide Astori.”

The former Rossoneri forward came off the bench in last night’s 1-1 draw at the Stadio Franchi to face his former club.

He was tackled for the decisive and controversial late penalty by Alessio Romagnoli, converted by Erick Pulgar.

Cutrone said afterwards that he had wanted to take the spot-kick himself, but would “never have celebrated” against his beloved Milan.

Nonetheless, he showed on Instagram that he had received several deeply offensive messages from Milan supporters.

They included one that wrote: ‘Astori died badly. Cutrone has to end up the same way as soon as possible, the shameful b*****d.’

Another read: 'You and your family should get Coronavirus.'

Fiorentina captain Astori passed away two years ago from an undiagnosed heart condition.

“There are no limits to the worst of people,” wrote Cutrone.

AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini says Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 38, has an automatic renewal clause if the Italians qualify for the Champions League.

AC Milan were unable to get the victory they will feel they deserved against Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Saturday night.

Ante Rebic’s deflected strike gave Milan the lead after Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a goal harshly ruled out for handball, and Dalbert saw red in the second half to extend the advantage for Stefano Pioli’s side.

Just as it looked like the Rossoneri were heading for three points against La Viola, the referee gave a penalty for what he adjudged to be a foul by Alessio Romagnoli on Patrick Cutrone inside the area. Erick Pulgar took the responsibility and netted to deny Milan the victory.

Here are five things we learned from the game…

1. Start as you mean to go on

Matteo Gabbia made his first senior start for the Rossoneri, partnering Alessio Romagnoli at centre-back, while an injury to Gianluigi Donnarumma saw Asmir Begovic come on for his first appearance.

The former was tasked with marking impressive young forward Dusan Vlahovic, a task he performed relatively well while also displaying composure on the ball in possession and aerial ability to deal with the deliveries that came from out wide. It was yet another promising display for Gabbia, who may have a shout of keeping his spot in the XI despite Mateo Musacchio’s recovery.

Begovic meanwhile was equally impressive. There was nothing he could do about the well-taken penalty despite guessing the right way, but he made a couple of vital stops – including an excellent one to deny Martin Caceres – to at least secure a point. It proves that Milan do at least have a more than adequate back up as we wait for more news on Donnarumma’s sprained ankle.

2. What a VARce

As mentioned, the game was not short of controversy and this second part is arguably something that most people already knew, not something that we have learned.

The Video Assistant Referee system is failing teams at present. Despite meetings between the referees to try and understand the system better and get on common ground, there is still zero consistency in the use of the technology nor the calls that are made on the field.



Ibrahimovic’s hand ball was far from deliberate, nor did it give him any major benefit, but the referee looked at the replay once or twice and could not wait to cancel the goal. The penalty simply wasn’t a penalty as Romagnoli clearly got the ball, yet again Gianpaolo Calvarese did not adequately use the technology and seemingly wanted to avoid overturning his initial call.

Something has to be done, because VAR has taken a step back this season and when looking at the incidents overall -such as the Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the Coppa Italia – it feels like Milan are not getting the rub of the green.

3. Red hot Rebic

Despite struggling for playing time up until Christmas, Ante Rebic has completely turned his fortunes around having scored seven times in all competitions since the turn of the year.

The Croatia international has contributed to eight of Milan’s last 14 goals in all competitions when factoring in his assist against Torino in the Coppa Italia. He is also directly responsible for 10 points through the goals he has scored.

Although media speculation is understandably now rife regarding a possible permanent deal, now would be the worst possible time to negotiate it. He is here until the end of next season at least, and trying to discuss terms while the 26-year-old is in such a purple patch would probably result in a price tag of €40m being quoted.

For now, it’s best just to enjoy the performances and worry about the future when the bridge arrives to cross.

4. Baffling choices

Pioli deserves a lot of credit for the turnaround in performances he has achieve through his tactical fluidity, however there is still loyalty to certain players which now seems beyond reason.

Davide Calabria has showed recently that he is an improvement over Andrea Conti defensively at the very least (and probably going forward) and provides more balance to the defence given Theo’s attacking tendencies. However, he was dropped for Conti who put in a distinctly average performance.



Calhanoglu continues to get the nod to play behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a playmaker and in truth didn’t look 100% fit. The press is important as is the solidity of the midfield, but surely even Bonaventura would be a better option for that position at present, or even moving Rebic centrally and playing someone else on the left.

Taking Gabbia and Castillejo off appeared to be wastes of substitutions too. At 1-0 up with a man advantage the plan is obviously to ensure the three points, but bringing off a tired Ibrahimovic and/or Calhanoglu for Leao and/or Paqueta would have surely served more purpose in terms of defending from the front and keeping up the press.

5. Warring factions

We end with a point that isn’t so much about the game but rather what was said after it by Paolo Maldini. In a week that has been littered with speculation that he and Zvonomir Boban disagree with CEO Ivan Gazidis on the running on the club, he gave an interesting interview to Sky Italia.

“There is only one Milan, there may be problems and different visions. But it is normal in a club and we all want the same thing. As for Rangnick, I have never contacted him and according to my vision he is not suitable for Milan,” he said.

Hardly doing much to pour cold water on the rumours there, Paolo. Those in power at the club cannot simultaneously have ‘different visions’ and ‘all want the same thing’ – that’s a blatant conflict.

It should be worrying more than anything, and it is something that absolutely needs sorting before the summer, which is shaping up to be huge for the future of the football club. Milan are so far adrift of the top four because of instability and bad decisions – that cannot happen again.

*Milan must pay €40m for Rebic*

Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly asked Milan for €40m in order to purchase Ante Rebic, with up to €20m of that going to Fiorentina.

The attacking winger arrived on a two-year loan in exchange for Andre Silva going the other way on transfer deadline day, so there was no time to work out purchase options.

After barely seeing the pitch during the first half of the season, Rebic has become unmissable for new coach Stefano Pioli in the 4-4-2 formation.

The Croatia international now has six goals in the last seven Serie A rounds.

According to Tuttosport, Eintracht Frankfurt have opened with a demand of €40m to part with the 26-year-old.

Fiorentina could benefit from a big windfall, because when they sold Rebic to the Germans in 2018 for €2m, this included a clause giving them 30-50 per cent of the future transfer fee.

*Fixture list headache for Serie A*

Four games of Serie A Week 26 had to be postponed last weekend and the rescheduled programme might cause problems for Inter and Sampdoria.

Inter and Sampdoria were among the eight teams that had to cancel their scheduled fixtures yesterday, as Atalanta-Sassuolo, Torino-Parma and Verona-Cagliari completes the list.

Serie A are now working to set a new date for the respective matches, but the Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that it will be a slight problem for the title challengers.

The game in Bergamo should be set for March 18, the only possible date for Gian Piero Gasperini’s Champions League team.

For Turin, it may be possible to play on March 4 or March 11, both Wednesdays as well, but the trickiest game would be the Nerazzurri game against the Blucerchiati.

Inter have only one Wednesday off between now and the end of the season and it could have to be set for May 20, four days before the Serie A should conclude.

We are still waiting to get confirmation on whether this week’s matches will take place.

Stefano Pioli's first 18 @SerieA games in charge of #ACMilan...

7⃣ Wins
6⃣ Draws
5⃣️ Losses
⚽️ 21 Goals scored
🥅 23 Goals conceded
➗ 1.5 points per game

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Ante Rebic - @acmilan

First 8 Serie A appearances:
180 minutes
3 shots
0 goals

Last 6 Serie A appearances:
429 minutes
17 shots
6 goals

Despite starting just five league matches all season, the Croatian is now Milan's top scorer https://t.co/U2ccDB4m2pp

📰 @MilanNewsit : Starting from the next season, there could be an important novelty concerning the referees: the referee, at the end of the matches, will give a public explanation of the controversial episodes.

President of FIGC, Gabriele Gravina for ANSA:

We are aware of the situation. This morning there was a meeting with experts and club doctors to determine what actions to take to ensure the proper functioning of youth and league games. We asked the Italian government to agree to play matches without fans. Italian football must continue to function and cannot stand still. We must adapt to the current conditions. I understand the dissatisfaction of the fans, but we have to get through this.