Clarence Seedorf

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AC Milan 3:1 Cagliari - match report

Scorers: Kaka 8 (M), Inzaghi 31, 69 (M), Conti 49 ©

Kaka and brace hero Pippo Inzaghi marked their comebacks by taking Milan to a sorely needed 3-1 win over Cagliari, but Zeljko Kalac was left red-faced.

The Rossoneri were in dire straits with consecutive home defeats to Sampdoria and Atalanta, while they were missing the suspended Alessandro Nesta and injured Alexandre Pato, Ronaldo, Alberto Gilardino, Emerson, Serginho, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski. Carlo Ancelotti opted for a 4-4-2 system despite the fact he had no wide men in the squad. Cagliari are staging an incredible comeback in a four-match unbeaten run, but had not won here in 11 years.

Ancelotti demanded a strong start and he got it, as in 25 seconds Gennaro Gattuso fired over.

Kaka made his comeback after a calf problem and immediately made the difference. The World and European Player of the Year sprinted forward surrounded by Cagliari shirts for around 20 metres and smashed a right-foot finish into the near bottom corner.

Massimo Ambrosini was tripped right on the line and the referee awarded a free kick, although technically the line is part of the area and so it could well have been a penalty.

Kakha Kaladze was booked and will be suspended for the Juventus game, as will Nesta.

Pippo Inzaghi has been out injured for two months, but marked his comeback with a goal, too. A corner kick was whipped in for Inzaghi's header from seven yards that bounced off the ground to beat Marco Storari, but the marking from Cagliari was poor.

Gattuso was so close to a third goal moments later. Kaka and Clarence Seedorf spread the play for Gattuso to come tearing in, but two Cagliari defenders flung themselves at his feet to act as human shields and deny a certain goal.

Milan passed the ball around quickly and Kaka stung Storari's palms with a powerful right-foot strike from Andrea Pirlo's assist. Kaka also curled a left-foot gem inches wide of the far top corner, as he was spreading his range all across the final third.

Cagliari made two changes at the break for a more attacking formation, but it was a Milan player who handed them a goal. Zeljko Kalac's howler allowed a Daniele Conti free kick to squirm out of his hands and under his body when the ball was already in his grasp!

Moments later both Conti and Parola had shots charged down, then Kalac pushed a Pasquale Foggia shot out for a corner from a tight angle.

At the other end Inzaghi volleyed a Seedorf cross off target, but Cagliari nearly returned Kalac's favour as Diego Lopez's header back to his 'keeper almost turned into an own goal and floated inches past the post.

Former Milan youth product Alessandro Matri's overhead kick was wide, but there was more bad news for the Rossoneri as Giuseppe Favalli limped off with a suspected thigh strain. Marcos Cafu came on, moving Daniele Bonera to left-back.

Cagliari threatened an equaliser as Matri got in front of Cafu to meet a Foggia cross, but scuffed his shot from seven yards.

Gattuso was stretchered off with a bruised knee and was replaced by Cristian Brocchi, but was able to walk off the field after treatment.

Milan restored their two-goal cushion with a goal of sheer determination from Super Pippo Inzaghi. He sprung the offside trap and dribbled round Storari. The goalkeeper got a touch to it and he lost his footing, but he got back up, turned and steered the ball into the net despite three Cagliari defenders in his path.

Kaka sent Seedorf clear on goal, but the Dutchman slipped up and the chance went begging. The strain was starting to show on Milan, as Pirlo was the final player substituted, but Kaka and Ambrosini were both asking to be taken off.

Robert Acquafresca almost made the most of a weak backpass, while Storari smothered a Daniele Bonera strike. Kalac did better on another Conti free kick this time, capturing it at the near post.

Kaka almost completed his brace too in stoppages, a splendid right-foot curler palmed out of the top corner by Storari.

Milan: Kalac; Bonera, Kaladze, Maldini, Favalli (Cafu 61); Gattuso (Brocchi 66), Pirlo (Gourcuff 75), Ambrosini; Seedorf; Kakà, Inzaghi

Cagliari: Storari; Ferri, Lopez, Canini, Agostini; Fini (Parola 46), Conti (Acquafresca 74), Biondini; Cossu (Jeda 46); Foggia, Matri

Ref: Rosetti

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RIGHT REACTION

At the end of the game against Cagliari, the Rossoneri were satisfied with the performance of the team, but especially they were happy with the great reaction of the group - THE ROSSONERI'S DECLARATIONS –

MILAN – These are the declarations of the Rossoneri players at the end of Milan-Cagliari 3-1:

KAKA':

“I’m very happy personally to have managed to score a goal in the last three games I played. It’s a thing which charges me up greatly as it’s always a pleasure. Tonight I felt well and managed to do the things I wanted. It was a good return. On the move of the goal, Pippo was very good as he allowed me the necessary space to score. It was a nice move. We started out well, with the right motivation and different spirit to the previous three games. We played a good first half and only for 15 minutes we had slowed down a bit in the second half, but the game was all in our hands. With Atalanta and Sampdoria I had to watch the game as a spectators and therefore the only thing that I could do is support the team, but the will to be there and help my team –mates was really a lot, therefore tonight I celebrated a lot this goal. I think that this will be the game from where we start again to reach the fourth place. These have been 20 difficult days in which I had to stay out, but now I’m fine and hope in this final part of the season to reach the fourth place. Hearing the Curva sing after my goal always gives a great emotion, really special.”

DANIELE BONERA:

“It’s been a few games that we didn’t manage to win at San Siro and this win pleases me a lot. Personally I always try to put myself available for the coach and the team and I must thank Mauro Tassotti who is a great teacher for me and that when I played in this role he was a great champion. Physically I feel well, at times I do unthinkable things and find the space in a squad where there are great champions like Maldini and Kaladze feels me with pride because it’s difficult and I always try to adapt to the needs of the team.

“During the week, the coach was good to spur us and make us feel calm, and tonight we proved that at Milanello the environment is serene."

FILIPPO INZAGHI:

“The embrace there was between myself and Ricky, following the goal, was dedicated to the entire squad because this group tonight played a great game. Even with the coach we have a really special rapport because he awarded us a lot of emotions. During the week we watched with him the things that didn’t go well and together we were able to improve.

“I was unavailable for one month, but now I’m fine and there are just seven games until the end of the season which will be fundament to reach the fourth place. I’m happy to have played for ninety minutes even though I felt cramps at the end of the game, but at my age, after spending a month away from the playing pitch I’m happy with condition.

“Before the game I was watching our team because nine or ten players from tonight’s team was the same that won at Yokohama the Club World Cup and a Champions League at Athens. We must not forget what we have done.

“On my second goal, Cristian was very good to make the assist. He’s also a great friend. He was exceptional and deserves to have these satisfactions.

“”Next week we shall meet Juve. It will surely be a great game, but even though we will have some important elements in defence missing, we shall go to Turin to win.”

CLARENCE SEEDORF:

“This win is fundamental for the morale, for the entire environment and especially it was important how we won it. I’m very happy for the nice reaction of the team. After their goal we reacted in a positive way, managing to score the third one. It was a great Milan for ninety minutes.

“Tonight I also had the support of the crowd who I wanted to thank with an applause. I know what the fans expect from me and I’m the first one not to be happy when I don’t give my contribution. From my part, I always give my utmost effort.

“Let’s hope that this period of highs and lows is over. Next week we have a great appointment and I’m convinced that we shall face a great Italian derby.”

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Player Ratings: AC Milan 3-1 Cagliari

Carlo Garganese rates the players on show in Milan's 3-1 win over Cagliari at San Siro tonight...

Kalac 4 – Had virtually nothing to do in the first half, but was guilty of a quite horrendous gaffe to allow Daniele Conti to score. This hysterical howler proves that Milan need a new number one for next season.

Bonera 7 – One of the surprises of the night. Bombed up and down the right flank, causing Agostini no end of problems. Troubled a little by Foggia in the second half, but still a very encouraging display.

Maldini 6 – The 39-year-old had his cigar and slippers out in the first 45 minutes, although he was made to work more after the interval.

Kaladze 6 – Similar analysis to that of Maldini. The Georgian picked up a yellow card which will rule him out of next week’s game with Juventus. Alessandro Nesta will also miss the trip to Turin.

Favalli 6 – Defensively had little to do, although he did not contribute too much as an offensive weapon.

Gattuso 6.5 – Never stopped running, Gattuso was biting into tackles, and certainly seemed to find an extra half-a-yard before going off injured.

Pirlo 7.5 – Pirlo has been dreadfully poor recently and has looked extremely tired, however tonight he was back to something approaching his best. Dictated the tempo and created Inzaghi’s first goal.

Ambrosini 7 – Playing in a more defensive role tonight, Ambrosini succeeded in keeping the dangerous Foggia quiet in the first half. Overall an impressive performance.

Seedorf 7 – Occupying his favorite trequartista position, Seedorf played at a much higher tempo tonight, with many classy one-touch passes.

Kaka 8.5 – Back to the kind of form that saw him crowned as European and World Footballer of the Year in 2007. Scored a cracking goal, and was at times unstoppable.

Inzaghi 9 – Rolled back the years tonight with some brilliant movement and two clinical strikes to lead Milan on their way to victory.

Subs - Cafu 6, Brocchi 6.5, Gourcuff N.A

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Seedorf: This Win Was Fundamental For Our Morale

Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf won back the support of the home crowd after an excellent performance during his side’s 3-1 win against Cagliari on Saturday evening.

Seedorf had been going through some difficult times recently, with the Rossoneri fans whistling his sub-par performances. However, things changed on Saturday evening as Seedorf produced a great game to help his side beat the Sardinian side.

“This win is fundamental for morale for the entire squad, and especially important hwas ow we won it,” declared the Dutch player.

“I’m very happy with the great reaction of the team. After their goal we reacted in a positive way, managing to score the third one. It was a great Milan for ninety minutes.

“Tonight I also had the support of the crowd, who I wanted to thank with applause,” he continued. “I know what the fans expect from me and I’m the first one to be unhappy when I don’t give my contribution. For my part, I always give my utmost effort.

“Let’s hope that this period of highs and lows is over. Next week we have a great match and I’m convinced that we shall face a great Italian derby,” concluded Seedorf, referring to the upcoming clash against Juventus.

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Seedorf: I Will Score Against Buffon

Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has sent a message to Gianluigi Buffon, warning the goalkeeper that he is going to score against him on Saturday night.

The two giants of Italian football will go head to head in the Stadio Olimpico with the Rossoneri still believing in Champions League qualification. Seedorf is hoping he can put one over the Bianconeri.

“We will play an excellent team on Saturday and such an important side never changes even if last season they were in Serie B," he said.

“Juve are a strong and determined side and I think they were right to believe in the Scudetto this season.

“For us it’s going to be an important game, I know Buffon quite well, I scored against him when I was at Inter and I will try and do the same this weekend. I am going to put one in the top corner,”

The Rossoneri are currently in fifth place behind Fiorentina who are four points ahead.

Milan however need to be wary of Sampdoria who are level on points with the Rossoneri and they too are also looking for the Champions League places.

Anything less than a win for Milan could see their hopes of playing in European football’s elite competition go up in smoke.

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I'D SIGN FOR A VICTORY

Three days before the match against the Bianconeri, Clarence Seedorf talked about Juve's condition and the desire to break the Turin taboo. - THE DECLARATIONS OF SEEDORF -

MILANELLO - Here are the declarations made by Clarence Seedorf to Milan Channel's microphones at the end of today's training session at Milanello:

"On Saturday we are facing Juventus, a team who are playing an excellent season. Despite the many changes made to the squad in midfield and attack after the relegation, they still have important players. An important club like theirs doesn't change even after a relegation. Juve are a strong and determined team, which at various stages also managed to challenge for the title.

For Milan it will be a fundamental game both for the points and for the prestige. Also this weekend there are other important games like Fiorentina, who are visiting another important team from Milan and Roma are visiting Udine. There are six games left and we know what to do.

In the past I have managed to score against Juve, but for me all games against great teams have a lot of prestige. In this moment scoring a goal is a detail which could certainly give me pleasure, but the most important thing is the victory. I would sign immediately for these three points. Personally I know Buffon well, I scored a lot against him when I played for the other club of Milan. I consider him a great goalkeeper, but I will do everything to beat him in the far corner.

After the great match we played at San Siro on Saturday we left behind all the negativity and for us these six games will be like six finals. There are many teams which are struggling to get results, but we have to be one of the teams who finish the season on a high."

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JUVENTUS - MILAN

GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac,

DEFENDERS: Bonera, Cafu, Digao, Favalli, Maldini, Serginho, Simic,

MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Pirlo, Seedorf,

STRIKERS: Gilardino, Inzaghi, Paloschi

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Juventus 3:2 AC Milan - match report

Scorers: Del Piero 12 (J), Inzaghi 14, 31 (M), Salihamidzic 45, 80 (J)

Juventus fought back to defeat Milan 3-2 with Hasan Salihamidzic's brace, but Daniele Bonera's red card for a horror tackle proved decisive.

These two clubs dominated Serie A for two decades and it remained a battle of pride as well as a key game. The Bianconeri needed a victory to make up for last week's 3-2 loss at Palermo, while the Rossoneri knew only a win would keep their Champions League hopes intact. Carlo Ancelotti had to completely revolutionise his defence as Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze were banned, while Marek Jankulovski, Massimo Oddo, Ronaldo and Alexandre Pato had injuries. Pavel Nedved was suspended and Cristiano Zanetti sidelined.

Juve last won this fixture in November 2002 and curiously, Milan had not shared the spoils on their travels since a 1-1 at Catania on February 27, the same weekend as Juve’s last home draw in the goalless Turin derby.

Alessandro Del Piero flashed an angled drive off target, but he opened the scoring on 12 minutes. Mauro Camoranesi beat Giuseppe Favalli and threaded through for Del Piero's right-foot angled drive that trickled past Zeljko Kalac's outstretched leg and into the far corner of the net.

Moments later Inzaghi nearly equalised, as he sprung the offside trap on Favalli's cross and hit the side-netting.

Once again, it was a warning not heeded, as 60 seconds later Super Pippo drew level. Kaka held off Giorgio Chiellini down the left channel and rolled across for Inzaghi to tap in from six yards. This was his first goal against Juve in Turin.

Chiellini nodded a corner over the bar and Zdenek Grygera curled off target, while Buffon smothered a Kaka effort that bounced just in front of him.

Del Piero wasted a great counter-attack when he tried to dribble a little too long and was crowded out by Rossoneri shirts. Clarence Seedorf's wayward cross turned into a very dangerous lob that Buffon tipped on to the crossbar!

The resulting corner was not cleared effectively and allowed Milan to go 2-1 up. Daniele Bonera sprung the offside trap and smartly rolled across to Inzaghi, who was behind the line of the ball for a tap-in from eight yards. Before last week Inzaghi had scored just one Serie A goal all season, but this was his fourth in two games.

The Rossoneri had another wonderful scoring opportunity with Kaka's cracking right-foot volley spilled by Buffon and the World Cup winning goalkeeper just about scrambled the loose ball off the feet of Inzaghi.

However, Juventus made it 2-2 on the stroke of half-time. Del Piero dispossessed Paolo Maldini with a sneaky tackle and Camoranesi chopped a cross for David Trezeguet's header, which Kalac parried into the path of Hasan Salihamidzic.

The drama still wasn't over, as 30 seconds later Gennaro Gattuso's lob forced Buffon into a fingertip save.

After the restart Dario Simic slipped and was still able to intercept Del Piero's pass for Trezeguet. Nicola Legrottaglie limped off with a sprained knee and made way for Guglielmo Stendardo.

Grygera almost scored the goal of the season as he unleashed an extraordinary right-foot rocket from 34 metres that Kalac had to fingertip round the post.

Maldini's sliding tackle dispossessed Camoranesi at the byeline after he had overcome Simic. Bonera needed a glancing header to tip Sissoko's cross off the head of Stendardo from six yards, doing just enough to put the Juve defender off.

There was controversy on 66 minutes. Seedorf was furious that Camoranesi did not receive a booking for a stamp, but as soon as play resumed Bonera received a straight red card for a horrible studs-up challenge right on Sissoko's shin. It really was a leg-breaker tackle that risked serious injury to the former Liverpool midfielder. Fortunately, Sissoko was able to continue after several minutes of treatment.

Carlo Ancelotti had to balance out the side and threw on Marcos Cafu for Inzaghi. It seemed to work, as the Brazilian veteran was brought down by Camoranesi on the right channel for a poor Andrea Pirlo free kick.

Trezeguet made way for Vincenzo Iaquinta, so Ranieri did not risk the trident even against 10 men. Maldini charged down a Grygera counter, but there was further controversy 10 minutes from time. Maldini was very harshly penalised for a shoulder against shoulder challenge with Grygera and from that Camoranesi free kick Salihamidzic was allowed a totally free header.

Milan poured forward looking for the equaliser and this left space at the back for Del Piero to flash a counter off target, while Alberto Gilardino replaced Gattuso.

Buffon smothered a Cafu snapshot and Massimo Ambrosini moved up the field as a striker, but at the other end Del Piero's volley hit Kalac's outstretched foot in a one-on-one situation. Seedorf earned a free kick five minutes into stoppages and even Kalac went up, but Juve held on for the victory.

Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie (Stendardo 51), Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi (Nocerino 90), Tiago, Sissoko, Salihamidzic; Del Piero, Trezeguet (Iaquinta 78)

Milan: Kalac; Bonera, Simic, Maldini, Favalli; Gattuso (Gilardino 83), Pirlo (Brocchi 89), Ambrosini; Kakà, Seedorf; Inzaghi (Cafu 69)

Ref: Rocchi

Sent off: Bonera 66 (M)

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Player Ratings: Juventus 3-2 AC Milan

Juventus pulled off a dramatic victory in a classic encounter between the two most successful clubs in Italian football history.

Zeljko Kalac: 6.5 – Looked slow and awkward on Del Piero’s first goal of the game but made good saves on Grygera and Del Piero in the second half to give his team a fighting chance.

Daniele Bonera: 5.5 - Pushed forward on many occasions and unselfishly slotted the ball across to Inzaghi for an easy tap in. However, left too much space at the back, and to make it all worse, made an absolutely horrendous tackle on Momo Sissoko and was deservedly sent off.

Paolo Maldini: 6 - Started well, but then really showed his age as he was at fault for Juventus’s second goal after he was caught in possession deep in his own territory. Does not seem to have the legs beyond the hour mark.

Giuseppe Favalli: 5 - His best days are past him although he managed to push forward on a couple of occasions in the first half. All change please, as far as the Milan defence is concerned.

Dario Simic: 4 - He was run ragged by Del Piero all evening and committed countless fouls as he could not keep up with the pace of the match. Maybe Ronaldinho and Shevchenko will provide cover next season.

Rino Gattuso: 6 – The normally tenacious bulldog did not make an impact on the match and was outplayed by the gigantic Sissoko.

Massimo Ambrosini: 6.5 – Lumbered forward and won his team a couple of corner kicks, and played a part in one of Inzaghi's goals, but failed to stamp his authority in the middle of the pitch when Juve were in the ascendancy.

Clarence Seedorf: 6.5 - Did very well in the first half, but completely disappeared in the second half and did not pull the strings in the midfield the way Ancelotti would have wanted him to. Turns into a ghost far too often these days.

Andrea Pirlo: 6 - Had a decent first half, but was also quiet for most of the second, with his set pieces disappointing for a player of his technical ability. Gave the ball away quite a few times.

Kaka: 6.5 – Has finally rediscovered some of his form over the last two weeks. Set up his team’s first goal after a beautiful low cross left Inzaghi with the easiest of finishes, and had a couple of good moments in the second half. Not one of his best displays, but a step in the right direction.

Filippo Inzaghi: 8.5 – Poached two goals in the style that he is famous for and gave the Juventus defenders fits, especially in the first half. Was menacing throughout, and could well have completed a hat-trick. Milan's best player on the evening.

Substitutes:

Cafu (67”) 6, Alberto Gilardino (83”) NA, Christian Brocchi (88”) NA

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Thanks

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You're welcome & thanks for yours

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You're welcome and thank u too

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You're welcome