Paolo's last game in rossoneri colors. We can only hope that Viola fans can do more justice to that than Milan fans were able to. Its always depressing when one of the greatest players that have stepped on the field for your team gets more respect and a better response from the opposition than your own fans. Whatever the reasoning may be, no one can deny that it was the absolute worst time to bring up those differences. Anyway, we can only hope that we get to see another player of his calibre play for our colors in our lifetime. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hqzXZ7CK04"]YouTube - Paolo Maldini [Grazie Capitano][/ame] A special thanks to guardiola who showed the class he and the club he represents has by dedicating the champions league to the greatest left back to step foot on the field. And to quote what he said and go a little bit further, Maldini need not worry what some morons at the previous game said about him, the whole of Italy, the rest of Europe and the rest of the World all love him and what he has given to the game. On to the game, we need to either win, draw or at worst lose this game by a goal to go through the CL directly. I would prefer a win, to give Maldini a proper send-off. Ronaldinho should start(as he should have in the past few games as well), imo, he showed plenty of heart and will power in the previous game and has earned it. But what Carlo does, in what will most likely be his last game in charge is up for debate... Lets hope that Gila does what he did best at the San Siro while he played there and disappear for 90 minutes and the rest of the fiorentina team follow suit. I am not that confident since our team has been struggling in recent games and havent won a game in the past three, but as usual, the more pessimistic I am, the better Milan do so I am going to remain that way (just to do my part for the team! ) Grazie Capitano. And there is only one captain, and his name is Paolo Maldini. You will always be our captain. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPcvzb_tdP8"]YouTube - Grazie Paolo Maldini[/ame]
http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Milan/ According to "La Gazzetta dello Sport" Beckham is doubtful for this game, only in the final training Ancelotti will decide if the English can play. Andrea Della Valle, president of Fiorentina, has stated that his club will do something in honour of Maldini in Paolo's last match, also Fiorentina's supporters announced their initiative to celebrate Maldini.
I honestly hope we win because losing 3 in a row to finish a year is not something Maldini or anyone else wants. This will be a tough game and we will need to be extra crisp in the back, although Mutu is not playing I believe, but we will be missing Ambro and I would assume R80 would start. FORZA MILAN!!!
called-up players for Fiorentina-Milan: Dida, Kalac, Perucchini, Antonini, Darmian, Favalli, Jankulovski, Maldini, Nesta, Senderos, Zambrotta, Beckham, Flamini, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Inzaghi, Kakà, Shevchenko, Ronaldinho, Pato. Unavailable players: Abbiati, Bonera, Kaladze, Cardacio, Borriello, Viudez. Players not called-up: Mattioni. Referee: Rizzoli
Official line up: FIORENTINA: Frey; Comotto, Gamberini, Zauri, Pasqual; Donadel, Montolivo; Semioli, Jovetic, Vargas; Gilardino. MILAN: Dida; Zambrotta, Maldini, Favalli, Jankulovski; Beckham, Pirlo, Flamini; Seedorf, Kakà; Inzaghi.
Official starting line-up: Dida Zambrotta Favalli Maldini Jankulovski Beckham Pirlo Flamini Seedorf Kaka' Inzaghi
0-0 HT I can't get a decent stream, but listening to the radio it seems that Milan is not suffering...
Fiorentina started better the second half, dangerous attack by Gilardino...I hope Milan is not only waiting for the end of the match
looking good, barring a late collapse, cl automatic spot is ours. overall, we've played pretty well given the quality of the opponent, being away at a tough venue and how much is at stake for them. controlled the tempo for the most part barring a few stretches where they admittedly had the upper hand
Ok, we're officially qualified for the Champion's League group stage. There was a standing ovation for Maldini when the teams come to the pitch, and Frey gave to him a "target". So it was a better conclusion than one week ago...
Can't believe we won't see Maldini, Paolo that is, if his son makes it, in a Milan shirt again. Really is the end of an era.
Good, solid win and a right send off for Maldini, Ancelotti and who knows who else. Nice game by Kaka - I hope he stays. Awesome to see Rinoa and Alessandro back on the pitch. FORZA MILAN!!!
Highlights + Maldini goodbye [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LrMOe957r8"]YouTube - Fiorentina 0 2 AC Milan + Maldini's Goodbye Scene HQ 2009[/ame]
I just saw this blog, they have the new maldini kit, special edition. http://footykitblog.com/2009/06/17/adidas-ac-milan-0910-jers ey-special-edition-grazie-paolo-embroidery-maldini-3/
Addio Gran Capitano! Although Baresi, Scirea and Vierchowod were great, IMO Maldini was the best. I will miss watching his style of play. Defenders like him come once every 10/20 years. Watching Milan without him is just not the same......