August 2000 archived news.

28/8/2000 Taribo West gets English offers

Taribo West has received offers from Arsenal and Middlesborough. The Nigerian defender currently on Milan' books but unable to play because not registered due to being the 6th non-EU player, will be evaluating the situation with the club's management in the coming days.

Milan play Solbiatese

Milan continued to work hard and today played another friendly against Solbiatese. Zaccheroni utilised most of the players who did not play yesterday with the exception of Bierhoff, Saudati and Boban who were in the starting eleven. For the record the match ended 18-0. Best scorers were Bierhoff (5), Boban (3), Serginho (2), Saudati (2), Brncic (3), Giunti, Aliyu and Sala.

Milan players on National team duties

Abbiati, Albertini, Ambrosini, Gattuso and Maldini for Hungary - Italy (Sun 3 September in Budapest)

Shevchenko Ukraine - Poland (Saturday 2 September at Kiev)

Helveg Iceland - Denmark (Saturday 2 September at Reykjavik)

Bierhoff Germany - Greece (Saturday 2 September at Hamburg)

Jose' Mari Bosnia Erzegovina -Spain (Saturday 2 September at Sarajevo)

Roque Junior Brasil - Bolivia (Sunday 3 September at Rio de Janeiro)

Ayala Peru' - Argentina (Sunday 3 September at Lima)

Next week these players fly to Australia for the Olympics: Abbiati, Ambrosini, Gattuso, Comandini for Italy and Jose' Mari for Spain.

27/8/2000 Juventus win Berlusconi Trophy 2000

Milan 6 Juventus 7

after penalties.....match score 2-2

Jose Mari 3rd min., Shevchenko 35th min. Trezeguet 24th min., Inzaghi 65th min.

Milan (3-4-3): Dida; Chamot, Roque Junior, Maldini; Guglielminpietro (24' st Ambrosini), Gattuso, Albertini (28' st De Ascentis), Coco (24' st Serginho), Josè Mari (30' st Saudati), Bierhoff (1' st Boban), Shevchenko. (1 Rossi, 26 Sala). All. Zaccheroni.

Juventus (3-4-1-2): Van Der Sar; Tudor (20' st Zambrotta), Ferrara, Iuliano; Paramatti (1' st Birindelli), Tacchinardi, O'Neill (30' st Maresca), Bachini; Zidane, Del Piero (1' st Kovacevic), Trezeguet (1' st Inzaghi). (12 Rampulla, 16 Zanchi). All. Ancelotti.

Zaccheroni lost Costacurta, Comandini and Leonardo just before the match as they had slight physical problems. Abbiati woke up feverish. Redondo is still unable to play and therefore Roque Junior took over the role of central midfielder.

Milan started well and after 3 minutes were a goal ahead. O'Neill lost the ball on the right in midfiled.The ball fell to Bierhoff who crossed brilliantly for the onrushing Jose Mari who beat his defender and Van der Saar. In the 7th minute there was a great Dida save in the off a Tacchinardi shot from outside the area. From the corner Albertini cleared off the line. In the 21st minute Roque Junior was decisive when he intercepted a Zidane through pass for del Piero with an elegant tackle. Shevchenko was then through against Van der Saar but the keeper managed to scrmble the ball clear for the onrushing jose mari who saw his first shot cleared off the line by a Juve defender and then his next acrobatic shot just missing the post by inches. In the 24th minute Juventus equalised. An O'Neill shot fell into Trezeguet's path and the Frenchman deviated the ball into the net. In the 30th minute Zidane launched Trezeguet but Dida again made a fine save off the fierce shot.Juventus were now in control and Paramatti had a goal disallowed for offside a few minutes later. Shevchenko then ran through all three Juve defenders and had to be downed by Tudor for a clear penalty. Shevchenko sent Van der Saar the wrong way to put Milan 2-1 up in Juventus best period of the match. Shevchenko was then downed again by Ferrara in the 38th minute but referee Cesari did not feel like giving a second penalty to Milan so soon. Sheva again produced some magic by beating two Juve defenders before passing the ball to Bierhoff but the German's shot went over the bar.

Zac inserted Boban instead of Bierhoff for the second half in order to test both players' fitness levels After one minute Kovacevic hit the post from another Zidane pass. The match then took a wrong turning. Gattuso and Tacchinardi started to get on each others nerves and seconds later Tacchinardi took his revenge on Roque Junior. In the 10th minute Zidane went close with a good header. Milan were now playing a 3-5-2 formation with only Sheva and Jose Mari up front. In the 16th minute Dida made another good save off an O'Neill free kick. Again Dida saved well diving into Inzaghi's feet a few minutes later, but he could do nothing in the 21st minute when Inzaghi brilliantly headed onto the post and into goal Juventus' equaliser. Serginho came in for Coco and Ambrosini for Guglielminpietro. Juventus had already made innumerable substitutions. De Ascentis then came in for Albertini in order to provide more much needed stamina in the midfield sector. Saudati came in for Guglielminpietro on the 31st minute mark. The match was now a scrappy affair with a lot of niggling fouls. Both teams were visibly tired but still trying hard to win the match. In the 38th minute a Sheva free kick went over the bar. On the 42nd minute mark Saudati saw a good shot deviated to corner. The match at this point was clearly heading for penalties. The penalty sequence went as follows:

Juventus win 7-6 on penalties.

Real Madrid make offer for Bierhoff

Real Madrid are looking for a striker and have made an official offer for Oliver Bierhoff. The player would only be interested in such a move if Zaccheroni decides that he will not play so often this season. Galliani and Braida will evaluate the situation with Zaccheroni in the next few days.

25/8/2000 Champions League ..... the draws

Milan were drawn against Barcellona, Leed United and Besiktas in Group H of the Champions League. This group is being considered the most difficult of all the eight groups. These are the fixtures:

Wedneday 13 September: Milan-Besiktas (Tur)

Tuesday 19 September: Leeds United (Eng)-Milan

Tuesday 26 September: Barcellona (Spa)-Milan

Wedneday 18 October: Milan-Barcellona (Spa)

Tuesday 24 October: Besiktas (Tur)-Milan

Wedneday 8 November: Milan-Leeds United (Eng)

23/8/2000 Champions League ..... after match comments

Yesterday's performance in Zagreb could only obtain very positive comments from all the Italian newspapers. From the ratings given to the players on the Gazzetta dello Sport one could see an 8 for Shevchenko who was the obvious hero of the match, a 7 for Abbiati, Albertini and Coco. All the rest got a 6.5 rating with Chamot getting the only 6 of the night. Zaccheroni was lauded for the courage he displayed by playing half of Tardelli's winning Under 21 European championship side. In fact Abbiati, Coco, Comandini, Gattuso and Ambrosini all form part of that team. Add to that the fact that Jose Mari is only 21 and Shevchenko and Roque Junior 23 year olds and it seems that Milan are working on a good basis to build a long lasting team here. That, according to the papers, takes a lot of courage when one realises that the team played the match in a capacity stadium in Zagreb !!!

Shevchenko wanted to dedicate both his goals. The first he dedicated to Ambrosini who is his best friend, the second to all Milan fans worldwide. Thanks Sheva !!!!!

The team left for Milan right after the match. Boban stayed home for another two days with the rest of the squad obtaining a two day rest permit. Shevchenko headed for his new apartment in Monaco, whilst Maldini, Rossi and Costacurta headed for Sardegna. Zaccheroni simply headed for his home town Cesenatico.

Milan sign 12 year old Mexican.

Leandro Depetris, a twelve year old from San Vicente in Mexico, now forms part of Milan's youth team. The player, first spotted by Franco Baresi, has been under the team's observation for more than a year. He had already attended a 10 day trial period a few months ago.

22/8/2000 Champions League ..... Sheva again the hero.

Milan annihilate Dinamo Zagreb !!!!!

Dinamo Zagreb 0 Milan 3

Shevchenko 22nd min, 42nd min. Jose Mari 55th min.

Milan are through to the next round of the Champions League after doing even better than at home beating Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 in a relatively easy match. After all the premise of "A hell in Zagreb" etc, Milan took only a half to take a two goal lead and a man-up advantage to make sure of passage to the next round. After missing golden opportunities through Comandini and Jose Mari Shevchenko scored directly from a free kick in the 22nd minute clearly surprising the out of position Butina. Shevchenko added a second goal with a personal move in the area beating Butina with an acrobatic shot to the left of the keeper. this goal came just before half time in the 43rd minute. It was then Agic who got sent off, again for a foul on Shevchenko was who through on goal, which made the game even easier. Jose Mari got the third after a splendid Coco run and subsequent cross. The Spaniard was completely unmarked on the far post and easily scored. The game practically ended there with Milan easily controlling the proceedings. Later on in the match Ambrosini came in for Jose Mari, Serginho for Guglielminpietro and Roque Junior for Costacurta.

DINAMO ZAGREB: Butina, Biscan, Tokic (15' sh Pilipovic), Sedloski, Mikic, Pavlovic, Mujcin (6' sh Bazina), Agic, Sabic, Balaban (23' sh Sokota), Cvitanovic. Manager.: Vlak. Subs: Vasilj, Krznar, Gondzic, Drpic. MILAN: Abbiati, Chamot, Costacurta (24' st Roque Junior), Maldini, Guly (33' sh Serginho), Albertini, Gattuso, Coco, Josè Mari (12' sh Ambrosini), Comandini, Shevchenko. Manager.: Zaccheroni. Subs: Dida, Sala, De Ascentis, Saudati.

21/8/2000 Albertini will play .....

Albertini will be in the starting line up again Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow. Players who have left for Zagreb are Goalkeepers: Abbiati, Dida, Rossi. Defenders: Ayala, Chamot, Costacurta, Maldini, Roque Junior, Sala. Midfielders: Albertini, Ambrosini, Coco, De Ascentis, Gattuso, Guly, Serginho. Attackers: Bierhoff, Boban, Comandini, Leonardo, Josè Mari, Saudati, Shevchenko. As one can see Brncic and Redondo have been deemed unfit for the match.

19/8/2000 Albertini still doubtful .....

Albertini is still a doubtful starter for next week's Champions league match in Zagreb. Possible candidates for his substitution are Brncic, Gattuso, De Ascentis and Guglielminpietro.

Redondo elected best Champions League player.

Redondo has been elected the best player in the 2000 Champions league won by Real Madrid. He was voted as the best player by the 42 managers who took part in the Euro competitions last season.

Jose Mari in Syndey 2000.

Jose Mari has been chosen to play in the Sydney 2000 Olympics by the Spanish football federation. A number of other Milan players will be in Sydney namely Comandini, Gattuso, Coco, Ambrosini, Dida and Roque Junior.

18/8/2000 Milan 8 Malnate/Viggiu 0

Milan played another friendly today beating a combined team from Malnate and Viggiu 8-0. Scorers were Brncic, Serginho, Coloccini, Ambrosini and Bierhoff in the first half. In the second half two goals from Comandini with a Shevchenko goal in between.

MALNATE/VIGGIU’-MILAN 0-8

Scorers: Brncic 17’, Serginho 19’, Coloccini 32’, Ambrosini 39’, Bierhoff 45’ fh. Comandini 7’, 35’, Shevchenko (pen) 19’ sh.

MALNATE/VIGGIU’: Arnaboldi, Gibellini, Angeretti, Delloca, Ghionna, Corna, Aceti, Mazzoccoli, Carlesso, Garzonio, Li Gori. Sono entrati nella ripresa Puggioni, Martinelli, Baj S, Piazzani, Galimberti, Baj E, Proverbio, Lugli, Tallarini, Tresoldi, Benetola. Manager: Baruffato.

MILAN First half (3-4-1-2): Dida; Sala, Giunti, Coloccini; Gattuso, Brncic, Ambrosini, Serginho; Boban; Aliyu, Bierhoff.

MILAN First half (3-4-3): Abbiati; Chamot (27th min Aliyu), Coloccini, Sala; Helveg, Guly, De Ascentis, Serginho; Aiyu, Comandini, Shevchenko. Manager: Zaccheroni

ARBITRO: Lecci di Varese.

17/8/2000 Riquelme is still on waiting list.

The transfer of Juan Riquelme is still in the balance as the player has reiterated that he wants to join Milan. He is now in the process of obtianing a Spanish passport to finalise the deal. Zaccheroni has always maintained that Riquelme is Boban's natural substitute and has been the key sponsor to lure him to Milano.

15/8/2000 Lugano 0 Milan 0

Milan played another friendly match, this time against the leading Swiss team at the moment, Lugano. Zaccheroni fielded both Bierhoff and Boban, playing them for nearly 70 minutes before substituting them. Zac also made quite a few experiments trying out a 4-4-2 line up. Albertini was injured towards the end of the first half and was seen heavily bandaged later. The immediate reports state that his injury is just a swollen muscle and that she should be okay. Milan played quite an open game having good chances to score especially with Bierhoff and towards the end with a great shot by Brncic which just missed the post.

Milan today play Lugano.

Milan today play Lugano in yet another friendly in preparation for the Champions League return match against Dinamo Zagreb.

Another Maldini is born.

Andrea Maldini is the latest Maldini in the generation. He was born yesterday to Paolo's sister Valentina.

Strange burglary at Zaccheroni's house

Last night a burglar managed to enter into manager Alberto Zaccheroni's house. The strange burglar seems to have left everything intact and actually even left a note reading FORZA MILAN !!!!!

14/8/2000 Latest transfer news.....

Milan are still looking for a defender. The player earmarked now is Argentine Sebastian Mendez of Velez Sarsfield. The player is currently seeking to play in Europe and this has to be done in the short term. The player holds a European passport. Another two player who might join Milan are Kaladze of Dinamo Kiev and Biscan of Dinamo Zagreb. If Shevchenko gets his European passport and Aliyu is loaned out, two places will be cleared for these two players.

12/8/2000 Roque Junior injured.

Roque Junior is injured and deemed to be unfit by Brazilian coach Luxemburgo. The player arrived for the match against Chile injured. He will remain out of the game for at least ten days, therefore not being available for Milan's return match in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb.

11/8/2000 Maldini ...... interesting fact

A note you can all send to Inter fans....Paolo Maldini has just played his 62nd game in the Champions League. That means he has played more Champions League matches than the whole Inter team in ALL their history !!!!!!!!!!

Milan want Riquelme ..... now

Milan are trying to sign Riquelme as soon as possible.The player is still fighting with his club to let him go. In the meantime, Milan are also after Croat defender Biscan captain of Dinamo Zagreb.

Gattuso get a pay rise.

Gattuso has had an increase in his salary.

10/8/2000 After match comments.....

In the newspapers the most praised player were Shevchenko, Albertini and Maldini. They were the three players who fought hard to get the team back into the match yesterday. Zac was criticised due to the fact that he continued to play Jose Mari in the centre of attack, knowing that the Spaniard misses a lot of chances. However, at the end of the game the most important criticism came from the fans who applauded the manager and yelled "Zaccheroni Ole". After the match Galliani shook hands with Zac, congratulating him won the team's performance.

9/8/2000 Milan 3 Dinamo Zagreb 1

In an incredible match Milan came back from behind to score three goals and beat a very good Dinamo Zagreb 3-1. It was Pilopovic who anticipated Ambrosini for a perfect header into the corner of the net from a corner move. Milan reacted well and Shevchenko equalised from a header when Albertini crossed well from a freekick. The first half ended with the teams drawn at 1-1. It was Shevchenko who put Milan in front on the 60th minute mark again after a freekick this time by Albertini. Sheva diverted the Italian's low shot into the net. Milan were now showing signs of tiredness and Comandini who had just come in for Jose Mari found the third goal. Albertini again found Comandini who cooly slotted the ball home under pressure from two defenders and the keeper all rushing on him.

7/8/2000 Ayala to join Valencia

Roberto Fabian Ayala's adventure with Milan could soon be over. Talks are at a very advanced stage for him to join Valencia. Zago, however, is still far from Milan as Capello does not want him to join a direct competitor to Roma.

5/8/2000 Milan 17 - Morbio 0

Milan beat Morbio 17-0 with Jose Mari scoring 6 goals in the second half. Other scorers were Leonardo (2), Ambrosini (2), Brncic, Comandini, De Ascentis, Shevchenko (2) and Guglielminpietro. The game was played earlier than expected due to a prediction of a heavy downpour over Milanello.

4/8/2000 More transfer news.

Milan's management is after a defender. The main target is Djetou, but if the deal fails, Milan's choice will fall on Roma's Zago. The player is at odds and ends with Capello and the deal will go through if Panucci accepts Roma as his destination. Milan are also close to signing Salgado from Real Madrid for both Ayala and Helveg. Another player close to arrive is Riquelme who does not even want to hear about Boca Juniors at the time being, preferring a move to Milan. On the loan front Milan will probably get Niculae immediately and pass him on to Verona.                Redondo and Helveg were today slightly injured in training. The players might miss tomorrow's friendly against Morbio, but would hopefully be fit for the more important Dinamo Zagreb match.

1/8/2000 Milan 1 Real Madrid 5

Guti 46th min., Morientes 53rd min, Guti , Eto'o, Shevchenko 80th min (pen), Rivera 82nd min. Milan played a disastrous second half to concede 5 goals after playing a very good first half. Zac realised that the teams concentration was gone when he was seen shaking his head after two minutes into the second half. Real's youngsters wrecked havoc in Milan's frail defence and midfield. On a positive note Milan's first half was very good. Milan even scored a completely legitimate goal which was inexplicably denied. Jose Mari missed a few easy chances which could have put Milan way ahead during the first half. Pity that Milan's centennial celebrations ended in such a manner. Galliani and Braida fly to Spain. Just prior to the match against Real Madrid, galliani and Braida left for Spain on what seems a last ditch effort to sign Rivaldo. Rivaldo called the club this morning stating that himself and Barca are still very far from any sort of agreement.

The player's new numbers

1 Sebastiano ROSSI 2 Thomas HELVEG 3 Paolo MALDINI 4 Demetrio ALBERTINI 5 Alessandro COSTACURTA 7 Andrej SHEVCHENKO 8 Gennaro Ivan GATTUSO 9 Gianni COMANDINI 10 Zvonimir BOBAN 11 Romero Payon JOSÈ MARI 12 Christian ABBIATI 14 Roberto Fabian AYALA 15 Diego DE ASCENTIS 16 Fernando Carlos REDONDO Neri 17 Drazen BRNCIC 18 Nascimento de Araujo LEONARDO 19 Jose' Antonio CHAMOT 20 Oliver BIERHOFF 21 Federico GIUNTI 22 Valerio FIORI 23 Massimo AMBROSINI 24 Andreas GUGLIELMINPIETRO 25 Jose' Vitor ROQUE JUNIOR 26 Luigi SALA 27 SERGINHO Dos Santos Sergio Claudio 28 Fabricio COLOCCINI 30 Mattia GRAFFIEDI 32 DIDA Nelson de Jesus Silva 33 Aliyu Datti MOHAMMED 40 Gabriele ALDEGANI 41 Luca SAUDATI 77 Francesco COCO 79 Samir BELOUFA.