Kaká

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IMPORTANT POINTS

"Tonight it was important to win for three important points to climb up the table and shorten the gap from fourth place." - THE DECLARATIONS OF THE ROSSONERI -

REGGIO CALABRIA - Here are the declarations made by the rossoneri after Reggina-Milan 0-1:

MASSIMO ODDO:

"Tonight it was important to win for three important points to climb up the table and shorten the gap from fourth place. We were more concrete and cynical compared to other games, the match was planned well and we only suffered for about ten minutes and didn't run into any real risks. Personally, I'm happy because lately I'm also helping the strikers to score some goals, unfortunately we don't score much."

EMERSON:

"I'm happy about my performance because I can say that since I've been at Milan I've been doing a lot better. Tonight I had the chance to play for 90 minutes for the first time, and I'm happy about the result which is the most important thing right now. In these last few months I have been training well and I'm available to the coach whenever he needs me. Tonight Ancelotti asked Andrea to move slightly to the left and asked me to give more freedom to Rino. I think I did my duty well, now we have to play with intelligence.

Too bad I didn't score, on occasions like the one I got tonight you shouldn't fail, it was my fault and the keeper did very well to stop me. The important thing was to win, anyway, I hope that next time I will have the chance to score my first goal with the Milan shirt."

KAKA':

"Tonight Milan had many chances, many situations where they could've closed the match, but we lacked precision in front of goal. We have to improve in this aspect because we need to get to a point where we don't miss big chances anymore.

I was marked individually throughout the game, and I tried a tactical game to try and lose my marker and create space for my team mates.

It's always nice to come here in Reggio Calabria because we always get a warm reception."

[watermelon]

Thanks for the picture girls !!!!

[LuNo]

You're welcome watermelon

[LuNo]

FIORENTINA - MILAN

GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Kalac, Fiori

DEFENDERS: Bonera, Cafu, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo

MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gourcuff, Kaka, Pirlo, Seedorf

ATTACKERS: Gilardino, Pato

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Kaka: I Am Worried For Pato

Milan superstar Kaka has revealed that he is concerned about the future of team-mate Alexandre Pato due to the unbearable pressure being heaped on the youngster.

Pato was hailed as one of the most promising talents to come out of Brazil in years in the build-up to his long-awaited debut for the Rossoneri against Napoli a few weeks ago.

Despite all the hype Pato has not disappointed, scoring on his debut, and also adding a double against Genoa last weekend.

So far the 18-year-old has appeared to show that he can handle the pressure and expectation, however Kaka is still concerned about his compatriot.

"If I am honest I am a little worried for him,” said the European and World Footballer of the Year.

“He is burdened by high expectations, and he may end up being crushed by the many pressures.

“When I arrived at Milan, my situation was very different. I was 21-years-old, I was not so popular, and I did not cost so much.”

Some have compared Pato to Ronaldo’s explosion onto the European scene in the mid-1990s, but Kaka warns that the new kid on the block still needs to improve his technique.

“Not only that, but now they write in Brazil that the ‘new Ronaldo’ has been born,” Kaka continued.

“Take it slowly Brazilian friends, take it slowly. Pato, with the ball at his feet, is impregnable in speed but he must improve his technique and quality.”

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Fiorentina 0:1 AC Milan - match report

Scorer: Pato 77' (M)

Alexandre Pato gave Milan a crucial victory away to Fiorentina, but the youngster was stretchered off with a potentially serious injury.

This was essentially a play-off for fourth place between two teams finally finding their form. Fresh from a rescheduled midweek 1-0 away win at Reggina, the Rossoneri were without Ronaldo and Gennaro Gattuso, so former Viola man Cristian Brocchi had a rare start. Fiorentina's Marco Donadel sat out a ban and Fabio Liverani was sidelined, but they were coming off four straight wins.

Milan have traditionally struggled at the Stadio Franchi, held 2-2 last season and with just one win here in their last five visits. Having said that, the last time they failed to score was a 4-0 thrashing in January 2001. There was a minute's silence before kick-off and Milan wore black armbands out of respect for President Silvio Berlusconi's mother, who died this weekend aged 97.

Giampaolo Pazzini had the first shot on goal in the opening minute smothered by Zeljko Kalac, who was given the gloves despite Nelson Dida's return to fitness.

There was chaos in the Viola box on seven minute as the Rossoneri had several chances in one move to score. Alberto Gilardino flicked the ball over Sebastien Frey and Manuel Pasqual's goalline clearance was almost an own goal, ricocheting off the inside of the far post! The move continued and Massimo Ambrosini's effort was charged down.

Adrian Mutu went close as well soon after, his first header clattering against the near post, the follow-up looping but not enough to beat Kalac in a splendid save.

Clarence Seedorf flashed a shot over and Martin Jorgensen's goalline clearance kept out Kakha Kaladze's header from a corner kick.

Kaka pounced on a Per Kroldrup error and Gilardino fired a snapshot across the face of goal, but at the other end Mario Alberto Santana just failed to get a decisive touch from close range thanks to Paolo Maldini's protection.

Gilardino was clear on goal from the D, but completely scuffed his right-foot shot so that it went well wide. A Massimo Oddo error sent Riccardo Montolivo on the counter, but Pazzini's finish was charged down inside the box.

Moments later Pazzini chested down the ball to hold off Alessandro Nesta and spun round, the rising strike skimming the crossbar.

Kaka and Seedorf combined for a classic counter-attack, but Frey did well to smother the Brazilian's finish.

Straight after the restart Nesta was extremely fortunate to avoid a straight red card. He was dispossessed by Mutu and chasing the Fiorentina striker twice held him back by his jersey, but because Kaladze was between them and the goalkeeper, it was not considered a clear scoring opportunity and so only a booking.

From the resulting free kick Nesta rode his luck again, the ball deflected out for a corner over his shoulder. Oddo dived in to prevent Pazzini getting a header from six yards on Mutu's cross.

Alexandre Pato replaced Seedorf, who was struggling with an ankle problem since the first half, but the Dutchman was visibly angry and walked off the field distant from the bench.

Maldini charged down a Tomas Ujfalusi attempt, but Kaka skipped past three tackles to fire wide of the near post.

It was a very open game and Kalac did brilliantly to parry Mutu's volley at the back post from point-blank range.

Emerson came off the bench and beat two Fiorentina players with nutmegs before unleashing a curler just over the bar in a wonderful solo move. Moments later Pato was inches away from getting the decisive touch on an Oddo cross that zipped across the face of goal.

Santana wasted a golden opportunity and it proved disastrous. Santana's unnecessary backheel for Montolivo wrecked a great chance and on the counter Milan took the lead. Pato chested down Kaka's cross, controlled it and fired past Frey with his left foot between a crowd of defenders. It was the 18-year-old's fourth goal of the season.

Former Milan flop Christian Vieri replaced Montolivo, but Kroldrup needed a desperate sliding tackle to stop Pato getting a second.

The Brazilian badly sprained his left ankle as he put his foot down awkwardly and was stretchered off in visible pain. Milan had completed their substitutions, so had to play five minutes of stoppages with 10 men. In the final seconds a corner had both teams packed into the box and it fell to Alessandro Gamberini's header from six yards, but Kalac performed a stunning point-blank reaction save!

Fiorentina: Frey; Ujfalusi, Kroldrup, Gamberini, Pasqual; Kuzmanovic, Jorgensen (Gobbi 81), Montolivo (Vieri 78); Santana, Pazzini, Mutu

Milan: Kalac; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Maldini; Brocchi (Emerson 72), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf (Pato 66), Kaka (Favalli 80); Gilardino

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Kaka & Pato Both Set To Miss Arsenal Clash

AC Milan have been hit by a potential hammer blow, as it is looking increasingly likely that both Kaka and Alexandre Pato will miss the Champions League last 16 first leg clash with Arsenal.

The Rossoneri travel to the Emirates Stadium in London two weeks today in arguably the tie of the round.

However Milan are now facing the prospect of meeting the outstanding Premiership league-leaders with a huge injury crisis, particularly in the forward positions.

Teenage wonderkid Pato has been instrumental in turning around Milan’s domestic season, however he picked up an ankle injury in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Fiorentina.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, the game with Arsenal will come too soon for the Brazilian, but he should be back in time for the second leg at San Siro on March 4.

As for Kaka, serious concerns are starting to build-up over the condition of his troublesome knee.

It was reported in the Italian press yesterday that the European and World footballer of the year was suffering from chronic knee pain and may have to rest for four months to clear up the problem.

Kaka’s spokesman Diogo Kot­scho told Globesporte yesterday that the player will probably not be able to play against Arsenal.

"Kakà had treated this knee pain with physiotherapy and anti-inflammatories,” said Kotscho.

“It is not appropriate to intervene surgically, but he probably will not be fielded against Arsenal.”

This news comes as a potential hammer blow to Milan’s chances against Arsenal, as Ronaldo and Filippo Inzaghi are also injury doubts, thus leaving Alberto Gilardino as the only senior forward available.

Midfield bulldog Gennaro Gattuso is also out of the match in London, so the Rossoneri will have to count on all their famed European experience in order to come away with a positive result.

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Kaka: No-one can take this from us

Just like the stars worn on the shirts of national team players to symbolise their status as FIFA World Cup winners, so the FIFA Club World Cup has its own emblem. AC Milan, victors at Japan 2007, will now be able to wear this symbol to commemorate their world-beating triumph.

FIFA.com interviewed Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka, voted best player at December's showpiece and winner of the FIFA World Player award for 2007, to ask his opinion about this intriguing innovation.

FIFA.com: Ricardo, what do you think about the FIFA initiative whereby Milan will be allowed to commemorate their victory in the FIFA Club World Cup 2007 by wearing a symbol on their shirts?

Kaka: I think it's a great idea. It's also fantastic that an Italian side will be the first ones to do it. It's always been customary here in Italy for the league winners to commemorate their victory by sewing a Scudetto shield on their shirts, and for the cup winners to wear a rosette on their shirts. The symbol will remind everyone that we're the club world champions and that, until next December, no-one can take that title from us. It would be fantastic to win the Champions League again, so that we get the chance to defend this emblem!

The emblem comes from your recent, triumphant adventure on Japanese soil. What are your memories of the event?

It was the first time we'd taken part in the Club World Cup in its new format. Now the competition is more entertaining, because there are more teams. In 2003 we only played one match and lost, it was all over much quicker. Now you arrive early, you watch the other matches and you study your potential opponents. And it's a proper tournament.

Comparing the semi-final against Urawa Reds with the Final against Boca Juniors, which was the trickiest match?

Both games were tough, but at the same time thrilling and entertaining. We played against a local team who had an enthusiastic home crowd behind them, and then against Boca who had beaten us four years before. They were two very different victories.

After making so many decisive contributions in the UEFA Champions League, there you were again, weighing in with a crucial goal and two assists. Where do you get this happy knack of performing on the big occasions?

In those matches I'm especially fired up and motivated. Of course, I prepare every match in the same way, but the big finals give you an extra psychological incentive.

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup you got off to a flying start and then appeared to fall off the pace. What happened?

I tried to prepare well and I believe that I performed consistently throughout the entire competition, at least up until the Round of 16. Then I picked up a knee injury against Ghana and, having only had three days to recover, I had to play France while still short of full fitness. Even so, injury aside, I was physically in good shape.

You now have your sights set on the Olympic Football Tournament at Beijing 2008. What drives you to take part in this tournament?

I'd like to go to Beijing because Brazil have won almost everything, but they've never won a gold medal in the Olympic Football Tournament. We didn't qualify when I was eligible to take part, so I'll have to make do with being called up as an over-aged player, hopefully.

Have you reached an agreement with the team's technical staff?

I've told them I'm available, nothing more. And anyway, Brazil didn't even use any over-aged players last time. From that point of view I'll have to respect the decision of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF). We'll also have to take my commitments with Milan into consideration, if we're involved in the preliminary stages of the Champions League for example. In any case I'd love to be there.

You really enjoy playing for the national team, don't you?

The more matches I can play for Brazil, the better, that's for certain. The Seleção is a quality brand recognised throughout the world and it's wonderful to be a part of it. The only thing missing for me and my team-mates is the possibility of playing more international games in Brazil, but at the end of the day the decision made by FIFA and the CBF is understandable, because it avoids long and costly travelling.

You symbolise the present of Brazilian football and you play for Milan with Ronaldo and Pato, the recent history and the future of Brazil. What do you think of these two players?

Pato is still developing, he represents the new generation. As for Ronaldo, he's the number one. In the history of Brazilian football, after Pele comes Ronaldo.

The Champions League is obviously the gateway to the FIFA Club World Cup, how do you expect the impending clash between Milan and Arsenal to shape up?

I've watched a few of their games and the English side play a very attractive brand of football, one of the best in Europe, and they have lots of talented youngsters. In any case, playing against strong sides always brings out the best in Milan. I think you'll find it will be no different this time around.

Are you following the CAF Africa Cup of Nations?

I haven't seen many games so far. Only on Sunday, before we played, I caught some of the Ghana-Nigeria game. I like African football because the players have similar technical qualities to Brazilian players, although in my opinion they don't have the same level of concentration or tactical awareness.

What's your verdict on African football, with the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa in mind?

The environmental factor is an important one. Up to now, African sides have found it easier to win at the Olympic Games and at youth level. I remember Atlanta 1996, when Nigeria beat Argentina. I myself played at the U-20 World Cup against Ghana, when they beat us and knocked us out of the competition. They are physically strong sides and, at youth level, that makes the difference. In the last World Cup I faced Ghana in the Round of 16 and I got my revenge, but it was a great game, difficult and demanding. It just goes to show that they're on the right track, including at senior level.

In 2007 you won everything there was to win, both at team and individual level. Is it true what they say, that footballers don't pay much attention to awards?

No, absolutely not! Winning individual awards means a great deal to me, because they enable you to join an elite band of players who have written the history of football. Only a handful of athletes have received the FIFA World Player award and I'm one of them.

Who could follow in your footsteps in the future, by winning every award?

I really like Lionel Messi. But Pato also deserves a mention because, despite being only 18 years old, his talent is there for all to see. In short, it's between Argentina and Brazil!

Apparently Fabio Capello, England's new head coach, has been laying down the law to his players. What are you thoughts, based on your experience?

Every situation has to be taken on its own merits. It also depends a lot on the coach and the trust which he places in his players. In 2002, after each game we had a day off and then before every match we indulged in a spot of samba. We could also use mobile phones. And we were successful. We were always totally professional though, obviously. In 2006 a different regime was adopted and the decision was made that we could only go out at certain times, with more restrictions, and the results weren't as positive. There is no hard and fast rule. A coach has to get to know the people at his disposal and then make decisions. There's no doubt that Capello is equal to the task that he's been assigned.

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Kaká: Ronaldo Is Second Only To Pelé In Brazil

AC Milan midfielder Kaká believes that his club team-mate Ronaldo is second only to Pelé in the list of great Brazilian footballers.

Speaking to FIFA.com, Kaká did not shy away from expressing his appreciation for his team-mate and friend.

"Ronaldo is number one. In the history of the Brazilian soccer, he is only behind Pelé," he stated.

The midfielder was speaking after missing out on Brazil's narrow 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday and reiterated his desire to be part of the U-23 team that will go to the Olympics in Beijing later this year.

"I want to go the Olympics because Brazil has won almost everything, but have still not been able to win Olympic Gold in football. I never got the chance to play in them when I was the right age and therefore I hope to be included as one of the three players over twenty-three in the summer."

Kaká was asked about the tough regime that new England coach Fabio Capello seems keen to enforce, but did not feel that such an approach is always effective.

"In the World Cup in 2002, after each game we had one day of rest and before the departures we could tan a little in the sun. We could also use mobile phones and we were successful. We were clearly always very professional.

"In 2006, a different regime was adopted and we were only allowed out at certain times with more restrictions and the results were not positive."

Finally, Kaká was asked what being world club champions meant to AC Milan and the players.

"We are the world-wide champion of clubs and until December nobody can take that away from us.

"It would be wonderful to win another Champions League title so we can defend the trophy," he concluded.

[Laudy Bonera]

Thanks Luno!

[LuNo]

You're welcome & thanks for the pics

[LuNo]

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PARMA - MILAN

GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac;

DEFENDERS: Bonera, Cafu, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Serginho;

MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Pirlo;

STRIKERS: Gilardino, Inzaghi, Paloschi.

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Parma 0:0 AC Milan - match report

Milan failed to score for the first time in 14 rounds, as a 0-0 at Parma slows their push for a Champions League spot.

The Rossoneri hoped to continue their comeback towards a top four finish, but were still in shock after Ronaldo snapped the tendon in his left knee during Wednesday's rescheduled Week 16 1-1 draw with Livorno. Clarence Seedorf and Alexandre Pato were also still injured, but Kaka returned to the fold. Carlo Ancelotti, Daniele Bonera and AlbertoGilardino were facing their former club, but Bernardo Corradi and Francesco Parravicini were banned.

Milan were undefeated at the Tardini since 2003, picking up a draw and three straight wins.

Giulio Falcone turned an Andrea Pisanu corner over the bar and Pippo Inzaghi failed to make the most of a defensive error. Emerson tested Luca Bucci as he got his head to Serginho's set-piece.

On 24 minutes Kaka unleashed a rocket that flashed across the face of goal and Zeljko Kalac smothered a long-range Pisanu attempt.

Cristiano Lucarelli wanted a dismissal for Kakha Kaladze's nudge when they were clear on goal, but the referee judged it shoulder-to-shoulder and waved play on.

Reginaldo flicked on a free kick with his head and Kalac flapped it over the bar. On the resulting corner Alessandro Nesta charged down a cracking Castellini half-volley that looked ready to beat the goalkeeper at the near post.

Pisanu really should have given Parma a half-time lead when a pass rolled invitingly in front of him just seven yards out, but incredibly the Under-21 international completely missed the ball!

Milan were ineffective, so Carlo Ancelotti threw on Gilardino and Andrea Pirlo for the second half. Curiously, Nelson Dida was stretchered off during the break after his back seized up while sitting on the bench.

Within 120 seconds Pirlo had proved what a crucial player he is, as a free kick was punched away by Bucci in the Rossoneri's first real chance.

Inzaghi held off Fernando Couto for a chest and half-volley on the spin that went over the bar. Soon after, Super Pippo was stopped for an extremely tight offside flag.

Parma completely revamped their front line with Igor Budan and Andrea Gasbarroni. Within 60 seconds of coming off the bench, Gasbarroni threaded through for Budan to spring the offside trap and brought a great save out of Kalac.

On 68 minutes Kaka forced Bucci into a fantastic save with his chest and volley from 10 yards, the veteran goalkeeper at full stretch for a low fingertip touch.

There was an historic moment when Paolo Maldini replaced Marek Jankulovski, celebrating his 1,000th official match between club and international level.

Another Pirlo free kick dipped over the wall and whistled inches past the near post.

There was a triple chance moments later. Inzaghi's first attempt was charged down, Bucci stuck out a foot to parry Pippo's second and Gilardino acrobatically prodded the follow-up wide from six yards.

A Gilardino header looped over the bar from Maldini's cross, but there was a sigh of relief when MacDonald Mariga's splendid volley was denied by Kalac's desperate reaction save from point-blank range. Had it gone in then it wouldn't have counted, as he was flagged offside.

Emerson should have won it for the Rossoneri in the final minute, as Bucci flapped a cross into his path, but the Brazilian blasted over the bar under no pressure.

At the other end Kalac had his palms stung by Budan's screamer at the near post that was heading in from the tightest of angles.

Parma: Bucci; Zenoni, Couto, Falcone, Castellini; Dessena, Morrone, Cigarini (Mariga 75), Pisanu; Reginaldo (Gasbarroni 64), C Lucarelli (Budan 64)

Milan: Kalac; Cafu, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski (Maldini 70); Gattuso (Gilardino 46), Emerson, Ambrosini, Serginho (Pirlo 46); Kakà; Inzaghi

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