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AC Milan managed to salvage a point after a frustrating game at San Siro against Udinese. Kessie’s goal from the spot came in the 97th minute after clumsy defending by the away side. Here is how the players performed.

Starting XI

Donnarumma (5.5): Not the best game from the young goalkeeper who struggled throughout the evening and allowed an error that led to a decisive goal for the opposition.

Kalulu (5.5): While decent at the back, the youngster failed to leave a mark on this game, as his poor crosses often left his teammates frustrated.

Kjaer (6): A decent performance from Kjaer who was particularly good at blocking shots and limiting the movements of the opponents inside the box.

Photo LaPresse - Spada March 03 , 2021 Milan Italy Soccer A.C. Milan- Season 2019-2020 - Serie A Milan vs Udinese In the pic: Simon Kjaer PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITAxFRAxCHN Copyright: xSpada/LaPressex

Romagnoli (6.5): The captain delivered a promising display that can be testified by an incredible goal-line clearance. Definitely a performance the Italian defender should build on.

Hernandez (5.5): The French left-back did not perform at his usual level, making many crucial mistakes while being ineffective going forward. Tonight, he was more of a burden than an asset. A performance to forget.

Kessie (6.5 – MOTM): Imposing and relentless. Kessie once again showed why he is one of the most important players in the squad. His physicality makes a big difference in the midfield and helps his team control more of the ball. His ability to take penalties should not be understated either, as his goal from the spot helped Milan salvage a point in a tough match up.

Tonali (6): An incredible start from the young midfielder that was unfortunately shortened by an injury at half time. Promising yet again on the pitch.

Castillejo (5): The Spaniard continues to disappoint as he, once again, displayed a lack of quality, intelligence, technic and flair. Even his contribution in defence is no longer an asset, as he committed unnecessary fouls that put his team in trouble many times throughout the game. His rating is salvaged by the fact that he worked very hard.

Diaz (6): His lack of physicality tainted what could be considered a decent performance. The Real Madrid loanee contributed a lot more than most in the attack but was often let down by his lack of grit.

Rebic (6): While not great in the first half, Rebic’s movements in the second half offered some solutions to his teammates who struggled to find themselves in tight spaces. His movements off the ball deserve credit for the few chances the Rossoneri created tonight.
Leao (4): Isolated for most of the game, Leao failed to leave a mark on this game. However, the Portuguese’s lack of movement is also to blame for what could be considered a poor performance. He just didn’t play well despite moving around a lot on the pitch.

Substitutes

Meite (6.5): It was not easy coming on early in the second half during a closed game, but Meite did an amazing job taking over for Tonali and work well to help Kessie maintain control of the midfield.

Calabria (6): Brought a much-needed boost to the team in the second half and helped create some danger in the final third against a tough defence.

Saelemaekers (N/A)

Krunic (N/A)

Gazzetta blames Milan’s technical and athletic staff for the injuries. The preparation and training methods, were perhaps too heavy, and therefore "stressful" at the muscular level.

The Singer family and Elliott Management are sceptical after yesterday’s statement from World Lab Technologies expressing interest in buying Milan.

Felice Raimondi, the Italian lawyer, published a press release confirming that World Lab Technologies are interested in buying AC Milan from Elliott Management. The lawyer, along with two others, has been entrusted the consultancy in Italy.

As this morning’s edition of il Corriere dello Sport reports (via MilanLive), the Singer family – which through the Elliott Management fund has owned Milan since 2018 – appears rather skeptical after yesterday’s WLT statement.

WLT is a company led by the Moldovan entrepreneur Alexandr Jucov and deals meaninly with investments in the technology and energy sector, but Jucov wants to enter the world of sport by negotiating to buy some of Milan’s shares.

It is a hypothesis that would also be well accepted by Elliott, but ‘little optimism and a lot of skepticism filters out’ after the statement from the WLT lawyers. Elliott does not consider the expression of interest to be concrete, so at the moment they have chosen to remain silent without filtering any reaction.

Jucov, on his personal blog, prides himself on having attempted to acquire the shares of other sports teams: the Washington Wizards (basketball) and/or Washington FC (American football), but without having succeeded.

Announcing that you want to buy Milan is not the same as being able to concretely acquire the club, but it is not excluded that WLT may move in the coming weeks. The Singer family meanwhile are clear: they will maintain the management of Milan to improve their accounts and international visibility, while evaluating any offers.

The post CorSport: Singer

AC Milan's matches with Daniele Orsato 👕 29 games ✅ 09 Wins 🤝 13 Draws ❌ 07 Losses 🥅 04 Penalty kicks 🟨 85 Yellow cards shown to Milan players + 🟥 02 Red cards Daniele Orsato's record against Milan 🟨 72 Yellow cards to opponnents of Milan +🟥 02 Red cards 🥅 01 Penalty

Stefano Pioli reveals neither Ante Rebic nor Theo Hernandez suffered muscle injuries.
The Milan coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the Rossoneri’s 2-0 over Verona.
The Rossoneri were without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Mario Mandzukic Ismael Bennacer, Theo Hernandez and Ante Rebic.

Rebic had been not included in the squad list yesterday, while Theo travelled with the team to the Bentegodi where he wasn’t even on the bench for the Diavoli.
“I want to highlight the fact that neither Rebic nor Theo have suffered muscle injuries,” Pioli told Sky Sport.
“They picked up knocks in the previous game against Udinese.
“We’ve been playing every three days from the beginning of the season. We spent a lot of energies, especially on a mental level. But we proved we always believe in it.”

Stefano #Pioli reveals neither Ante #Rebic nor Theo #Hernandez suffered muscle injuries. #VeronaMilan #ACMilan #Milan #SerieA #Calcio https://t.co/7ZnEfd8Jb6

AC #Milan Legend Mauro Tassotti: "#Rossoneri's Decline Was Expected But They Would Still Be Top Were It Not For #Inter's Form" AC Milan Legend Mauro Tassotti: "Rossoneri's Decline Was Expected But They Would Still Be Top Were It Not For Inter's Form"

Ivan Juric, Hellas Verona coach , spoke at a post-match press conference to analyze his team's 0-2 defeat at home to Milan . Here are his statements:

“They were better off. Physically and technically they are superior, despite not having created many scoring chances. My feeling is that the victory is deserved: we did our best, but they are superior. Milan underrated? When you ask me a question like this I want to insult you, it's a lack of respect. Milan, in great difficulty, proved to be superior to us. And if I look at the whole championship I say a lot of stuff: I don't want to talk about underestimation, it's like accusing my players of having thought they were superior ".

The coach of the hosts then continued: “We created three or four situations on a set, we could have reopened it. In the end I am left with the feeling that we may have lost against a better team. The boys wanted to give everything, but it wasn't enough ”.

🗣 #Dalot delighted with first Serie A goal and talks Man Utd clash: "Now I'm an #ACMilan player"

Dalot delighted with first Serie A goal and talks Man Utd clash: "Now I'm a Milan player" #SempreMilan

Stefano Pioli reveals neither Ante Rebic nor Theo Hernandez suffered muscle injuries.
The Milan coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the Rossoneri’s 2-0 over Verona.
The Rossoneri were without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Mario Mandzukic Ismael Bennacer, Theo Hernandez and Ante Rebic.

Rebic had been not included in the squad list yesterday, while Theo travelled with the team to the Bentegodi where he wasn’t even on the bench for the Diavoli.
“I want to highlight the fact that neither Rebic nor Theo have suffered muscle injuries,” Pioli told Sky Sport.
“They picked up knocks in the previous game against Udinese.
“We’ve been playing every three days from the beginning of the season. We spent a lot of energies, especially on a mental level. But we proved we always believe in it.”

Ibrahimovic to Rai: “If I will remain at Milan next season? Let’s see. It depends on Paolo [Maldini]. If he wants me I’ll be there.” [Antonio Vitiello]

Player Ratings: Hellas Verona 0-2 AC Milan – Centre-back duo shines; Krunic comes up big
PROMOTED - HOMEPAGE THE MATCH
Player Ratings: Hellas Verona 0-2 AC Milan – Centre-back duo shines; Krunic comes up big
By Isak Möller - 7 March 2021, 17:12
Milan certainly bounced back from the 1-1 draw against Udinese with what was a very impressive performance this afternoon. They barely allowed Verona a chance and won the game by two goals to nil. Down below are the ratings.

Starting XI


Donnarumma (6): The goalkeeper certainly didn’t have much to do this afternoon as Hellas Verona barely created any chances, bar a few half-dangerous set-pieces. He was good in the build-up as always, no complaints.

Calabria (6.5): He just keeps running up and down that right-hand side, which caused some problems for Verona and opened up space for his teammates. He was solid defensively as well and it was a good outing.

Tomori (7): Yet another good performance by the Chelsea loanee, who started instead of Simon Kjaer this afternoon. He was strong in the duels and also blocked a few shots to limit Verona. No complaints about him, that’s for sure.



Romagnoli (7): Just like his partner at the back, it was a good day and they both were incredibly strong in the duels. Alessio also went further up in the build-up which caught Verona off guard, if he continues like this he will start every game.

Dalot (6.5): It’s clear that he’s not entirely comfortable on the left-hand side but he came up big with a nice goal to seal the victory. Besides that wonderful strike, though, he could have done better on a few occasions.

Meite (6): The Torino loanee played it simple and was important in the duels, asserting his physical presence on the pitch. However, he perhaps didn’t go the extra mile, although it’s not always negative to play it simple.

Kessie (7): There’s no end to this man’s work-rate and yet again he was very important in the middle of the pitch. Rarely gets the ball taken off him and also has improved his passing a lot, finding good solutions.

Saelemaekers (7): With Calhanoglu injured, the Belgian stepped up in terms of creativity as he often drifted inside and opened up space for his teammates. He got the assist for the second goal and linked up well with everyone today. And of course, you can’t forget about his defensive contributions.


Krunic (7): He’s played in a few different positions this season but it seems the trequartista role fits him the best. The opening goal, which he was responsible for with a lovely free-kick, was absolutely crucial to set Milan up and he also showed his creativity in the attacking phase.

Castillejo (6): His movement off the ball was very important for the Rossoneri as he almost played a false nine role, showing up on both sides of the pitch. However, he perhaps could have been a bit better when in possession.


Leao (5.5): He tried very hard but it just didn’t happen for him this afternoon, although he cleverly left the ball for Dalot to score in the second half. He needs to do better when on the ball, though, and he also had a good chance in the first half that he missed.

Substitutes

Hauge (N/A): He was Pioli’s only change this afternoon but it was a shame that he didn’t come on earlier, as he barely got anything to work with. He played 12 minutes and in that period, Milan mostly focused on defending.

SempreMilan: MTV: Kessie on a par with Rijkaard and Ronaldinho – the numbers of ‘The President’.

Janne Andersson, the manager of Sweden national team has given an interview to SportBladet, where he has exclusively spoken about AC Milan’s frontman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the rumors claiming that the 39-year-old is set to make his international return.

Is it true that Zlatan will be called-up?
“I can not say if it is true because the squad will not be called-up until Tuesday. So I have no comment on that before [Tuesday]“.

Were you surprised that this information came last Saturday?
“Speculation about selections is nothing new, it has happened before. I will never be surprised“.

You say speculation, but FotbollDirekt stated that it will be so?
“The squad will be called-up on March 16 and we have been there before that, it has been established that it will be in a way before you take out the squad. Everything that is written and said until March 16 may stand for those who do it, so we will see how it turns out“.

Have you informed Milan that Zlatan can be selected?
“In general, I never comment on the squad before it is selected. But regarding the gross squad, the clubs must be informed if we are to be able to take out the players, otherwise they can say no. I think it happened sometime before my time. That’s why we take action, not least now during corona times, and [we] inform a lot of players’ clubs to have coverage“.

In an interview with Expressen two weeks ago, you said that if Zlatan “had said he did not want to join, or if I decided that he should not join, you would probably have found out already now”.
“Had it been completely out of date, we would not have been pulling in things as it is now. The dialogue continues. That’s where we are”.

But if he is still available and you take height in this gross squad, you should have informed Milan that he can be selected?
“It’s your speculation, which I do not comment on because it’s about the squad before it is called-up. Shortly after Ibrahimovic seriously opened [the door] for a comeback to the national team in Sportbladet’s Guldbollen interview in November, the national team captain went down and visited him“.

Have you met Zlatan several times since then?
“We have had a dialogue since then“.

But can you answer if you have met him several times?
“We have had a dialogue (laughter). You can have it in different ways in modern times“.

Have you personally, in your mind, made a decision whether or not Zlatan should join?
“My brain is going at full speed now with all the variables before the selection. Unfortunately, we have quite a few players, even if we ignore Zlatan, who has, or has had, an injury problem. It’s going on in my head. I have not set foot fully in anything. I do not do that until after the weekend when we have all the cards at work. There is a lot to weigh in this time. On Tuesday, you will hear what it looks like“.

Is he available to be selected?
“You will find out on Tuesday, if he is available and if he will be selected. I have nothing more to say there“.

If he is available – is it your most difficult decision as the [national manager] whether you should take him out or not?
“(Laughter) Now we’re speculating again. In that case, we will take it on Tuesday. Then you can ask whether he is with or not. So we can talk about the difficulty in the decision I made then“.

Will you be able to stay away from smiling when you push the powerpoint forward with midfielders and strikers on Tuesday when the whole of football Sweden watches?
“I always smile, right?! I’m so happy when I get to take out players so I will surely have a smile on my face then too“.

Sky: Donnarumma’s new contract talks have stalled at the moment. Milan offered €7M/year but it’s not enough. The two hypothesis are either a two-year extension or a one-year extension and postpone the discussion of the matter for another 12 months

#ACMilan full-back Theo Hernandez was back in training today and should be available for the match against #ManchesterUnited on Thursday. football-italia.net/167468/report-… #EuropaLeauge #ManchesterUnitedMilan #UEL #ManUtdMilan #MUFC

📰 MN: #ACMilan believe Leao's speed could be secret weapon in attack against Manchester United

sempremilan.com/mn-milan-belie… #SempreMilan

Former AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek, who left the Rossoneri on the winter transfer window of 2020 after spending only one year with the Serie A side, has given an interview to Roman Kolton in the Youtube program “Prawda Futbolu“, where the Polish frontman revealed the reason why he left the Milanese club.



On whether leaving Milan was due to a lack of patience:

“I don’t know, maybe it was. But above all Ibra arrived and I wanted to play to prepare myself well for the Euro. I couldn’t imagine sitting on the bench for 5-6 games in a row. When Ibra starts the game from the beginning, he practically doesn’t come out anymore, only in case of injuries. This was what it seemed. In the first games after his arrival I didn’t play a minute. I had a chance in the Italian Cup: I scored a goal and made an assist. However, in subsequent meetings I sat on the bench without saying a word. I may have lost my temper, but that was my decision. I’m at Hertha, which aims to be a great club. This year may not be successful, but my contract will continue for another four years“.

On clubs that tried to sign him back then:

“I don’t know if I can talk about it, but Milan must have received an offer from Tottenham to have me on loan for 1.5 years. Harry Kane was injured and I should have replaced him for the first three months. In reality, however, Hertha invested a lot of money in me, offered a permanent transfer and a 4.5-year contract. Everything was in order. Their determination was enormous, they convinced me“.

On Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

“When I was in Milan, I talked to him when we already knew that Poland would play Sweden in the group. I asked him if he was going to the tournament. He replied that such an event was no longer for him and that he was already old, and that there were many young boys who should have tested themselves. But now he’s back. You can see that the goals he scores in Milan have added a little hunger for football“.