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Milan vs. Manchester United - Italian newspaper review, Sacchi, Beckham and Rooney
Today is arguably the biggest game of the season so far for both Manchester United and Milan, as the world watches what is set to be a classic played out at the San Siro. Chances are you have seen all the build up in England, but how have the Italian media approached the game?
The best-selling sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport runs with the headline Do you remember? reminiscing of the events of May 2, 2007, Milan’s 3-0 victory over United. Below reads Leo on the attack - “We don't have to change our philosophy.” This game will be shown in 50 countries, in front of 78 587 fans in the stadium, 300 journalists, 90 photographers. “The numbers make your head spin.” Meanwhile, the Corriere dello Sport goes with “Milan Fever”, describing the state of much of not just Italy, but Europe.
In the leading article of La Gazzetta, journalist Andrea Schianchi sets a nostalgic tone, bringing forward memories of that great victory nearly three years ago. The personnel may not be the same, he notes. The decisive players of that campaign are unlikely to influence this one - there is no Kaka, Seedorf is a reserve, there is no Gilardino, Inzaghi will not get many minutes, and even the Coach has changed. But all hope is not lost, this is another game. “You cannot explain Milan vs. Manchester Utd in details - it is instead pure emotion, passion and sentiments.” He does, however, pinpoint where he thinks the game will be won - he claims Ronaldinho vs. Wayne Rooney is the real highlight of the night. The inventiveness of the Brazilian against the most in-form English player of the moment - and all in front of England Head Coach Fabio Capello.
The positive approach to the game continues. In the four preceding games against United, Milan have won them all and, what’s more, they have then gone on to reach the final, winning twice. More omens are quoted - in the four games between the two sides at San Siro, the Red Devils have not even scored. “If the Champions League is the natural home for Milan, the time has come to take the keys out and open the door.” In a second piece for the paper, Andrea Schianchi then talks of “Calcio-samba”, a fun style of attacking football, inspired by three Brazilians - Leonardo, Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato. In a Leonardo interview, the Milan Coach says that the Rossoneri should not change their style of play against United, instead continuing to play with “Allegria” (fun): “Manchester United, they know us, we know them, there are no secrets.” He says that they will go out to score goals, as that is what they do, and he knows that if they do, the Red Devils will be dangerous on the counter-attack. In the Corriere dello Sport, Leo talks of Sir Alex Ferguson - “I have a great respect for Ferguson, but I am thinking only of the game... then, if there is the opportunity to have a glass of wine with him after the game like Carlo Ancelotti did, then that would be great”.
Alessandra Bocci describes how Leonardo personally requested that David Beckham came to the pre-game press conference, because he represents the club very well. Responding to an English journalist asking why he liked Beckham so much, Leo said how the England international is “educated, kind, intelligent, and an incredible player. I like his personality - he is important on and off the pitch.” Beckham is also set to start tonight in his preferred midfield position rather than as a forward, where he has been played for the majority of his second Milan spell. In a guest column from managerial innovator and Italian football legend Arrigo Sacchi, the former Milan Coach warns of the speed and counter-attacking threat of United. They are compact, organised and synchronised, even if the English are not always faultless in defence. Technically, United are good, but not great, Rooney aside. If he was in charge of Milan again, he would want a compact team, with tight marking, pressing, and he would encourage his players to keep possession of the ball to disrupt United’s rhythm.
In terms of Milan team news, La Gazzetta says how at right-back there will be Daniele Bonera in place of Ignazio Abate - Bonera having showed in recent games against Bologna and Udinese he has recovered completely from his physical problems. Bonera said: “There is a great will to play in such a beautiful and difficult game... Rooney is a top striker because he plays well all over the pitch”. Meanwhile, the Corriere dello Sport claims Abate will get the nod instead. Brazilian defender Thiago Silva has recovered and will play alongside Alessandro Nesta in defence, with Luca Antonini on the left. Clarence Seedorf will be on the bench, and there will be no place for the injured Marco Borriello, so Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar will start at the head of a three-man attack, flanked by Pato and Ronaldinho.
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