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Bastoni confessed he was a Milan fan and if he gets a yellow against Lazio this week he will have missed three Milan Derbies in a row?😀

Nicolò #Barella is set to become the next #Inter captain after Samir #Handanovic, according to reports in Italy. Barella to become future Inter captain | Football Italia #FCIM #SerieA #Calcio

It appears as though AC Milan still have some way to go before agreeing a renewal with Gianluigi Donnarumma, a report claims.

Now the January window has shut, the Rossoneri management are focusing on players with expiring contracts and Donnarumma is possibly the most important of them, but the road to reaching an agreement is far from simple.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) writes this morning that Mino Raiola, Donnarumma’s agent, wants €10m net per year to renew because he believes that Gigio deserves to be one of the highest paid goalkeepers in the world.

Milan have instead offered a contract until 2026 worth €7.5m net per season and at the moment this figure does not satisfy Raiola, who aims to get a better offer.

The Italian-Dutch agent does not even agree on the duration of the contract as he wants a one or two-year extension so that there can be further negotiations down the line, but this idea not appreciated by the management.

Paolo Maldini could therefore give the ok for a contract until 2024, but Raiola also wants a release clause that the leadership do not want. In short, there is still plenty to be done

#Juventus loanee #DouglasCosta admits he enjoyed the clash between Antonio #Conte and Andrea #Agnelli and reveals which #ACMilan player he admires. Douglas Costa enjoyed Conte-Agnelli clash | Football Italia #Juve #Milan #SerieA #Calcio #Transfers

Juventus loanee Douglas Costa admits he enjoyed the clash between Antonio Conte and Andrea Agnelli and reveals which Milan player he admires.

The Brazilian joined Bayern Munich on a dry loan deal from Juventus last summer, but his future in Germany is in doubt with Milan who have been linked with welcoming his services.

“Nobody [from Milan] has called me,” the 30-year-old said in a Clubhouse chat room, according to reports in Italy.


“But I really like [Ismael] Bennacer, he is really strong,” he added.

The Brazilian replied to a few questions from fans. One of these concerned the cash between Andrea Agnelli and Antonio Conte.

“It was nice, I don’t like to get involved in these situations, but these stories are nice when you see them from outside,” the Brazilian admitted.

Talking about clashes, who would win a scuffle between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku?

“Nice question,” he replied laughing, “maybe Ibra.”

The Brazilian named Pep Guardiola as the best coach he's worked with, said Neymar “is one of the best players in the world, if not the absolute best” and picked Paulo Dybala as the best FIFA player he knows

📰 Tuttosport: #ACMilan working to resolve training issue ahead of Ibrahimovic's Sanremo appearance

Tuttosport: Milan working to resolve training issue ahead of Ibrahimovic's Sanremo appearance #SempreMilan

AC Milan are trying to work out a training plan for Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the Sanremo Festival early next month, a report claims.

As reported this morning by today’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews), Milan are studying a plan for Zlatan Ibrahimovic who will be a guest every night at the festival from 2 to 6 March.

This is because it is logistically quite difficult for the Swede to go back and forth to Milanello each day, so the most likely hypothesis it is that he will work with an ad hoc trainer in Liguria somewhere, or in Monte Carlo.


There were some question marks about whether Ibrahimovic would appear at the Sanremo Festival, but those have been dispelled by Amadeus himself – the host of the Festival.

Not only that, but the Swede seems determined to help the show break records in terms of viewers. Milan, meanwhile, must figure out how to make it work.

according to a report.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport writes (via MilanNews), Ac Milan have complete the signing of Thoavin on a free agent, of £2.5 Millikan per annum, the player will arrive in Milan in 24hours for his first medical checkup, Maldini is so exited to have completed the signing of the The French man and the final checkup would be taking place soon.

🔹Juventus and AC Milan are monitoring Hakim Ziyech's situation at #Chelsea and are prepared to offer him a route out via a loan deal.

🔹If Hakim Ziyech continues to struggle for game-time under Thomas Tuchel then Juventus and AC Milan are prepared to swoop in for him this summer.

🔗 Calciomercatoweb via MailSport

📲 @TheChelseaFC

Summary of all contracts renewals:

▪️Donnarumma : Milan offered a 7.5M net contract until 2026. But Raiola reject it, The player's agent prefers to extend the contract for a maximum of 2 years. More details 👇


▪️Calhanoglu : the negotiations for the renewal of hakan are in a stand-by phase. Milan offered around 4M a year, but agent Gordon Stipic asked for over 5M with bonuses.More details 👇


▪️Franck Kessie : Rossoneri are ready to offer a contract until 2026 and 3M net for the season.More details 👇


▪️Calabria : AC Milan are willing to raise the salary of Calabria from his current 1.2M to 2M At the end of the season, the parties will sit at the table to discuss it soon.
As for Romagnoli, it is difficult! details 👇


▪️Mandzukić : If Milan is promoted to the Champions League Mario can count on an increase in earnings from 1,8 to 4M net for the season.
More details 👇CorSport: Mandzukic’s time has finally come. Kjaer’s expected return to the pitch revealed

AC Milan have a large squad available for Stefano Pioli. One can notice that despite the absences, the Rossoneri still managed to hold on tightly to the first place in the Serie A league table. There are many options for the coach’s starting lineup. But it is clear that the team does not have many Italian players anymore, especially in the usual starting XI, as reported by Tuttosport.

The newspaper, in fact, chose this headline today: “Goodbye ItalMilan”. The paper explains that the Rossoneri project of Italian players being the majority is not of importance anymore to the club’s plans.

In 2007, there were 7 Italians in the team, in 2011, 6. In 2016 there were 8. Today the Italian starters are only three, and all are in defense: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Davide Calabria, and Alessio Romagnoli. Even the latest market negotiations confirmed this turnaround in philosophy.

The iconic former Italian goalkeeper, Dino Zoff, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport. He commented about Gianluigi Donnarumma. Here are his words:

“Where can he go? Very far. He doesn’t have a road, but a highway. He is very young and has already matured thanks to playing in several Serie A championships. He is in the tradition of the great Italian goalkeepers.”

On Donnarumma’s experience at a young age:

“Already 200 games before the age of 22? Excellent numbers. And above all he is already strong but he can still improve a lot. If Milan are up there it is because they have a compact team and a goalkeeper who lets very little through.”

Is he already among the best in Europe?

“I don’t like to make rankings. But we hope to be able to attend the European Championship in June and that will be the moment of confrontation with the best. There, he will have to bring out the best.”

Could Donnarumma win it at 22, before Zoff at 26?

“The boy has two possibilities. In the sense that even in four years he could succeed within my age.”

On his contract with AC Milan:

“I appreciated that the boy has always remained focused on matters on the pitch. He has to think only of improving technically, in every detail and continuing like this. After all, he already has a good contract and is in a great club. He will certainly sign even better deals. So he doesn’t have to worry. He always said he feels good with the Rossoneri.”

Should AC Milan worry?

“I am convinced that things will settle down without problems. I cannot think that a club of this magnitude will not conclude such an important operation.”

Can Milan win the Scudetto?

“Of course. But there needs to be excellent team balance. Pioli and the club have managed to create an environment full of enthusiasm. Over time, they have found continuity and in January they have even better squads. They can reach the end.”

According to what was reported by today’s edition of the daily newspaper Tuttosport, AC Milan is actually willing to get serious for Andrea Belotti. The striker born in 1993 has an expiring contract at the end of next season and may decide not to renew it with Torino. The attacker would like to play in European competitions.

For its part, the Rossoneri management is looking for a central-forward able to guarantee long-term stability and to alternate with the Swede champion Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who should still renew his deal anyway.

According to the Turin-based newspaper, in these last hours, the pressing of the Rossoneri club has become very intense. City rivals Inter and AS Roma are also following the player’s situation.

AC Milan face another crucial Saturday fixture as they continue their Scudetto charge with a trip to face Spezia tomorrow.

According to this morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, head coach Stefano Pioli is not expected to spring any surprises in the starting XI he will name for the trip to Liguria.

Gianluigi Donnarumma will be in goal with a back four of Diogo Dalot (in of the suspended Davide Calabria), Fikayo Tomori, Alessio Romagnoli and Theo Hernandez from right to left. Simon Kjaer is back in training, but won’t be risked.

Ismael Bennacer should finally return to midfield, playing in the double pivot together with Franck Kessie as the Algerian has recovered from a fever he had the past few days.

Hakan Calhanoglu will play from the first minute too in behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Alexis Saelemaekers expected to be wide on the right and Rafael Leao the slight favourite over Ante Rebic to start on the left.

Probable Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma: Theo Hernandez, Romagnoli, Tomori, Dalot; Bennacer, Kessie; Rafael Leao, Calhanoglu, Saelemaekers; Ibrahimovic.

AC Milan will rely on one key factor during talks with Mino Raiola over the renewal of Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to a report.

As the weeks tick by Milan find themselves in a more and more difficult situation as Donnarumma’s deal now has less than six months left to run and he is one of the best young talents in world football, meaning the risk of losing him becomes greater with each passing day.

According to this morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews), the parties are negotiating over the extension of the 21-year-old but we start from a rather solid and fundamental basis and that is the clear will of the player.

The paper adds that the Italy international has not been the slightest bit unclear in what he wants, and that is to stay with the Rossoneri and be with his boyhood club for what will hopefully be a return to the Champions League next season.



NEWS NEWS

Pioli discusses selection vs. Spezia, injury situation, latest on renewals and the ‘song’ of his Milan

By Oliver Fisher - 12 February 2021, 12:24

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has confirmed Hakan Calhanoglu will start against Spezia tomorrow, while there is a battle for one spot.

Milan head to La Spezia knowing that a win would see them keep top spot ahead of the following weekend’s derby against Inter, and he will have an almost fully-fit squad for the trip for what feels like the first time in an eternity.

That is because Ismael Bennacer and Hakan Calhanoglu are ready to start again, while Simon Kjaer and Sandro Tonali have virtually recovered, with only Brahim Diaz and Matteo Gabbia likely to miss the game.

Pioli spoke to the reporters who gathered in the conference room at Milanello to discuss tomorrow’s game, with his words transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.

Are you only thinking about the games?

“The preparation was made to arrive ready and determined, against an opponent who had created difficulties for us in the first leg, who beat Napoli and Roma,” he said.

Earlier in the week, CEO Ivan Gazidis gave an interview in which he revealed he is ‘in love’ with Pioli, as his exceptional work forced the club to change their plans regarding appointing Ralf Rangnick.

What do you think of Gazidis’ words?

“They made me very happy. We are in harmony, our relationship has grown over time. We are in complete harmony and the same thing is true with the rest of the club. We are all going in the same direction, we want to bring Milan back to the top.”

How did this unity in the club come about?

“I have never felt divisions, on the contrary, even in the delicate moment the company was here. All the components were important to find this unity. We must continue like this and always give our best.”

What kind of a week was it?

“It was a good week. Apart from Diaz and Maldini they are all fine. I have good margins of choice. I only think about tomorrow’s game, then from Monday I will think about the next matches.

“Now I can make many choices. I always say that in addition to the owners those who come on are also very important. Those who come from some injury find it hard to play every day, the others will struggle less. But now I only think about tomorrow’s game.”

Can the unsolved renewals create problems?

“The club has already had its say. We are confident to continue together. The boys are focused on work, they are calm and have a great desire to do. The club is building something important, we want to get the most out of this season.”

Can tomorrow be the turning point?

“Before every match, talk about the turning point. We only have to think about ourselves and win our games.”

How’s the team doing?

“They are all available apart from Diaz, Maldini and Calabria who will take advantage of the disqualification to recover.”

What is Leao’s role?

“He has done well in every position. His growth is evident and he must continue like this. For me, his role is wide on the left, but he can also play in the other roles of the attack.”



Have you already organised Ibra’s work during the Festival?

“No, it’s still early. We are focused only on tomorrow’s match.”

Is it good to be out of the Coppa Italia?

“We were sorry to be knocked out. Then it is true that in these two weeks we have worked well, they have been useful. Now we look forward, we play a lot in the coming weeks. We must sow and harvest as much as possible.”

What do you think of the altercations (like Ibra-Lukaku and Conte-Agnelli) that have been happening lately?

“These are things that would be better not to happen, but unfortunately they do. I believe that there will be great fairness between now and the end of the season.”

How is the team physically?

“Being a young team we have greater speed of recovery. But this is still a special season, no one has been able to make a complete preparation. We have to keep our professionalism high, it will be fundamental.”

Who will play as the playmaker tomorrow?

“Calhanoglu will play from the start. Rebic and Leao are in a battle for the left wing.”

What are your targets?

“I repeat it every day to my players: what we have done so far does not matter, we must continue like this and get the most out of this season. So far what we have done is not enough, the season does not end tomorrow. We will see what happens, but we want to get to the end of the season with no regrets.”

What is the song of this Milan?

“‘Volare’ is a good song, but we don’t have to fly but work. We have to remain humble and continue to confirm our qualities. We don’t have to dream, but do our best. You won’t hear the word Scudetto from me until May.”



NEWS NEWS

Gabbia reveals recent injury caused tears as he describes Ibra’s impact and the Milan ‘dream’ he achieved

By Oliver Fisher - 12 February 2021, 14:13

AC Milan defender Matteo Gabbia has revealed that his knee injury caused him to cry, as he reflected on his time at the club so far.

Milan have been without various key members of their squad due to muscle problems, but one long-term absentee has been Gabbia. The young centre-back suffered a knee problem that has kept him out since the 2-2 draw with Parma back in mid-December.

That was the same game that saw Ismael Bennacer come off with a thigh issue that has also kept him out until recently, and with the Algerian set to return to the starting XI tomorrow it is quite fitting that Gabbia is almost back too.

The Italy U21 international spoke at the Marco Pantani high school in Busto Arsizio, where he graduated, with his words conveyed by MilanLive.

Gabbia talked about his career, starting with the injury: “I started crying because I thought I had broken the cruciate ligament in my knee. At that moment I was very agitated and worried.. Then, luckily, things worked out for the best and after two months I’m ready to take the field again.”

On the example that Ibrahimovic gives: “He arrives an hour and a half earlier at the field and leaves an hour and a half after training. If he does that at 39, after all the successes he has achieved, why can’t I do it at 20?

“In this sense Zlatan is an example. He always gives his best to get the best. Mainly it makes us understand that behind every success there is always hard work.”

On his Serie A debut against Torino earlier in 2020: “It all happened so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to think. I took off my training clothes and went out to do my job. Rather, I realised after the game, when the adrenaline went down. There I realised that I had made my dream come true.”

On that dream: “There has never been an age were I realisedd that I can become a professional footballer. I’ve always put a lot of passion and perseverance into it. Even today that I have reached high levels and have taken away some of the dreams I had as a child, I think it is still important and fundamental to maintain this point of view, in my work as in life.

Chelsea propose swap deal for Tomori
Posted on February 12, 2021 by Rossonero


Fikayo Tomori has made an immediate impact since joining AC Milan in January and Chelsea have proposed a swap deal.
Fikayo Tomori has made an immediate impact in Italy. The 23-year-old centre back arrived from Chelsea and was used instantly due to an emergency in defense after Simon Kjaer’s injury. The English defender has made 3 appearances so far.

AC Milan snatched Tomori from Chelsea on loan with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season for just under 30 million. The player has settled in quite well and wants to continue his adventure at the Rossoneri. Initially, the London club had asked Milan for 35 million but the Rossoneri management dropped the price at 28 million.

Fikayo Tomori is not a temporary solution for AC Milan. The Rossoneri have abandoned the pursuit of Mohamed Simakan and are fully focused on Tomori. Chelsea would be quite happy to let the defender leave on a permanent deal and have proposed the Rossoneri a swap deal.

According to reports from MilanLive.it, Tuchel’s club is interest in Franck Kessie. The English giants are looking a replacement for N’Golo Kante. The market value of the Ivorian midfielder is around 40 million euros, while Tomori’s option is set at 28 million. Nevertheless, the contract of the AC Milan midfielder expires in 18 months and an agreement hasn’t been reached so far.

The Rossoneri have no intention of letting their star midfielder leave. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that AC Milan have offered Kessie a new 5-year contract at 3 million euros per season plus ad-ons. Franck Kessie is a key figure for Stefano Pioli’s squad and is having his best season under Pioli.

#ACMilan's last Serie A defeat away from the San Siro Stadium dates back to 22nd December 2019 against Atalanta: more than 400 days have passed since then.