Milan in the World Club Cup

[Jager]

I think it is mate, I really can't see the clubs taking this seriously.

Now that I think about, it most definitely should be held at that time.

Japan trips have been notorious to various clubs.

[barracuda]

Originally Posted by Joel

Yep, it's a new season don't forget.

Wasn't sure if it still counted as last season or not. Good news, I hope he plays

[barracuda]

Originally Posted by Jager

Japan trips have been notorious to various clubs.

I have a friend who commutes between Hong Kong and London every weekend. Jet lag must be a bitch, but I'm sure that distance is OK for a club ONCE.

[Diabolico]

You know, I have to say... whether or not we play our best players and whether or not Milan (the club and/or the fans) take this competition seriously, this is a "problem" that few other clubs get to have. 8)

[D-Kin]

Maldini eyes world title Wednesday 14 November, 2007

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Milan veteran Paolo Maldini believes that December’s Club World Cup is a crucial test for the struggling Rossoneri.

The European champions travel to Japan looking to jumpstart their faltering campaign.

The Diavolo will come up against winners of FIFA’s other continental championships in the competition that takes place between December 7 and 16.

“It’s the tournament that can make you champions of the world and it is fundamental for the club,” Maldini told FIFA’s official website.

“I have played in Japan before in my career and we have been unlucky there because we haven’t managed to win on our other trips.”

Milan are most likely to face Argentine giants and South America’s Copa Libertadores winners Boca Juniors in the Final.

“They are a tight unit,” the famous stopper continued. “Argentine football is based on team unity and great mental strength.”

While Maldini is hoping he can fully recover from a long-term ankle injury, the competition may also be a chance for Ronaldo to return to action.

“I’m not at 100 per cent yet, but I’m counting on being at full strength by December,” Maldini said.

“Ronaldo will be there and he is a world-class player. His talent and personality can give us a great push when he’s at his best. He can turn any pass into a goal scoring opportunity.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

Milan pick Intercontinental team Friday 16 November, 2007

FIFA have released the provisional 30-man squad that Milan will take to Japan for the Club World Cup in December.

The Rossoneri are representing Europe in the tournament that has replaced the Intercontinental Cup and will challenge Boca Juniors, Waitakere United, Pachuca, Sepahan, Etoile du Sahel and Urawa Red Diamonds.

Alexandre Pato cannot take part because his contract with Milan is only valid from January due to the fact he was still 17 and therefore underage when he penned the deal in August.

Carlo Ancelotti will bring along Ronaldo as he continues the road to recovery along with Ibrahim Ba and Kaka’s younger brother Digao.

The Club World Cup is played in Japan from December 7 to 16.

Milan squad: Dida, Kalac, Fiori, Offredi; Cafu, Maldini, Kaladze, Nesta, Simic, Jankulovski, Favalli, Bonera, Serginho, Digao, Darmian, Oddo; Emerson, Gattuso, Seedorf, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Brocchi, Caraglia, Ba; Inzaghi, Gilardino, Kaka`, Aubameyang, Ronaldo.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[TheDevil]

milan will not field a very strong team, nor do I think you will see kaka much
considering the disaster the season has become

making the cl is the priority

[D-Kin]

Other than Boca the teams aren't really that strong, they'll play the big name players when needed.

[D-Kin]

Ancelotti’s thoughts then turned to the upcoming Club World Cup in Japan – a title that Milan won in 1969, 1989 and 1990 in its old format.

“We have high hopes for this Club World Cup and we still remember the defeat to Boca Juniors in 2003,” the Diavolo boss admitted.

“We really want to take the Cup and do whatever we can to get our revenge.”

Milan are likely to start their campaign against Japanese side Urawa Reds on December 13, as they have a bye to the semi-finals.

“We want to be in the best condition possible, but it won’t be easy because the Japanese side will already be used to the time zone and the atmosphere,” Ancelotti continued.

“Ronaldo will use these games before the tournament to get into shape so he can give his all in Japan.

“This team needs to get into a winning cycle and every victory is vital at the moment.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Maldini: Fourth time's the charm Saturday 24 November, 2007

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Paolo Maldini is eager to add the Club World Cup medal to his collection after losing three Finals with Milan.

“I am thinking back to the Finals I played. We went to the first not realising exactly how important this trophy was and only realised it after we had won,” said the captain of the tournament that used to be called the Intercontinental Cup.

His side thrashed Paraguayans Olimpia Asuncion 3-0 in 1990, but crumbled on three successive trips to Japan.

Milan lost 3-2 against Sao Paolo in 1993 and fell 2-0 to Argentines Velez Sarsfield a year later, but only capitulated to Boca Juniors in 2003 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

“The next three Finals still hurt to recall. We lost to Sao Paolo after a game played on level terms. In the other two we did not feel inferior to our opponents and the flight home was a bitter one, as we really wanted to win.”

The Rossoneri have the opportunity to take their revenge on Boca Juniors as they are the two favourites to win the 2007 edition in December.

“We are very proud to be participating in the Club World Cup. It is the first time we have entered this new format and I think it will be more difficult than in previous years.”

It is now a tournament between the champions of all the different confederations, although qualifying has whittled it down to seven clubs.

Boca Juniors and Milan won’t enter the fray until the semi-finals on December 12 and 13 respectively, where the Italians will face one of Sepahan, Waitakere United and Urawa Red Diamonds.

“Thankfully we will be given enough space to get accustomed to the time difference and rhythm of Japanese life. On a physical level I think the team will arrive in Japan in their best form.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

Galliani going for world prize Saturday 1 December, 2007

Milan may be about to face Juventus, but Adriano Galliani is already looking ahead to “number one objective” the Club World Cup.

“The Club World Cup is the number one objective of the solar year 2007, a wonderful 12 months that saw us already triumph in the Champions League and European Super Cup,” proclaimed the Vice-President.

“Now we are facing the biggest trophy a club football player can aim for – a wonderful and intriguing tournament.”

This will be the first time the Rossoneri have entered what was once known as the Intercontinental Cup since the format was expanded to include the winners of all the various continental competitions.

“It has been 18 years since our first time in Tokyo. I remember I ran like crazy when Chicco Evani scored. I got to the middle of the park and the referee looked at me badly. Now I certainly run a lot slower!”

Milan’s fortunes in this contest have been mixed, as they won three times, but have lost their last three attempts in 1993, ’94 and 2003.

“Japan has changed a lot since then and if we end up facing Urawa Reds in the semi-final then we’ll have 70,000 people in the crowd pushing them on.”

With the victory over Liverpool in May, Milan became the joint most successful club side of all time, but it is not enough for Galliani.

“I don’t understand why the Coppa Latina trophies we won don’t count, seeing as the Boca Juniors list has some very strange tournaments,” he complained.

“Still, we are on 17 cups along with Boca and the most successful side in Europe with 14 UEFA trophies ahead of Real Madrid’s 12.”

FIFA and UEFA do not recognise the Coppa Latina, a tournament played between 1949 and ’57 between sides from France, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Milan won the competition in 1951 and ’56 before it was effectively replaced by the European Cup.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Milan unveil Club World Cup squad Friday 30 November, 2007

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Carlo Ancelotti has named his 23-man squad for the Club World Cup in Japan, including the injured Ronaldo and Marek Jankulovski.

Milan are participating champions of Europe in the tournament that runs from December 7 to 16.

Although Ronaldo and full-back Jankulovski are currently out of action, the Coach hopes to have them both back in time to play in Japan.

Il Fenomeno has been ruled out of Saturday’s Serie A match with Juventus and most likely the Champions League decider with Celtic on Tuesday evening due to a recurring calf problem.

Under FIFA rules Milan can bring 23 players, but Alexandre Pato cannot take part, as the 18-year-old’s registration can only be made official from January 2008.

The Rossoneri only enter the competition from the semi-finals on December 13, where they will face one of Sepahan, Waitakere United and Urawa Red Diamonds.

Boca Juniors enter from the other semi-final and the trophy will be assigned in Yokohama on December 16.

Meanwhile, Boca Juniors have been told they cannot use new signing Juan Roman Riquelme in the Club World Cup.

The Argentine just completed his move from Villarreal, but is not eligible because he missed the “strict deadline of Friday November 23 2007 for submitting a final list of players,” explained FIFA.

Riquelme was not on the preliminary list handed in last week.

Milan squad: Dida, Kalac, Fiori; Cafù, Maldini, Kaladze, Nesta, Simic, Jankulovski, Bonera, Serginho, Oddo; Emerson, Gattuso, Seedorf, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Brocchi; Inzaghi, Gilardino, Kakà, Ronaldo.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Ronnie's jitters in Japan Thursday 6 December, 2007

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Milan have arrived in Japan for the Club World Cup and fears are growing over whether Ronaldo will be fit to play a part.

The European champions arrived in Tokyo to a frenzied reception as crowds of fans mobbed Ballon d’Or winner Kaka and his teammates.

Czech wing-back Marek Jankulovski has overcome his injury woes and Dario Simic also made the flight despite coming off injured against Celtic on Tuesday.

The news on Ronaldo is less encouraging. Having only just returned from a long-term thigh injury, the Brazilian ace reported a calf pain while warming up at Benfica.

The extent of the injury is not yet known, but Ronnie’s recovery isn’t progressing as hoped and he could be ruled out of action in Japan.

The Rossoneri are training at Yokohama Marino’s ground ahead of their semi-final there on December 13 that is likely to pit them against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Aladino]

YES!! Janku is back... well sort of. YAY!! Can't wait for Milan's game on Wednesday.