August Update:
August saw Milan play their first competitive league game of the season against Fiorentina at home. This would be Milan's only league fixture of the month, due to the international break. Milan fans were hoping to see a strong performance from their side, as this would be a kick start for the new season, winning their first league game.
AC Milan 2-1 Fiorentinahttp://www.misterprono.com/img/logo-25/fiorentina.png
(4-3-1-2) Diego Lopez, Bonera, Zapata, Mexes, Fabio Santos, Honda, Essien, Bonaventura, El Shaarawy, Menez, Torres
http://www.misterprono.com/img/logo-25/fiorentina.png(5-1-2-2) Perrin, Richards, Savic, Basanta, Brillante, Pasqual, Badelj, Borja Valero, Aquilani, Babacar, Zaza
Simone Zaza (28)
Michael Essien (60)
Riccardo Saponara (84)
Micahel Essien
AC Milan saw their first league game of the season finish in a 2-1 victory over a strong Fiorentina side. Fiorentina dominated the early proceedings and went ahead after 28 minutes through new signing Simone Zaza. Simone was able to latch onto a Borja Valero corner from the left hand side and place the ball past Diego Lopez. The second half saw Milan come out a much changed side and were able to get back into the game in the 60th minute through Michael Essien. Essien struck a wonderful half volley from 25 yards out which flew past Perrin in goal, after a Torres pass. Milan's winner came through substitute Riccardo Saponara who was able to hit a low drive past Perrin in goal, although the goalkeeper should have done better with the effort.
Manager's Thoughts:
I am pleased we were able to get a victory in our opening league fixture, however i feel the performance wasn't our best, and i expected more from the players. Fiorentina were the better team in the first half and i let the team know how i felt during the break. The performance in the second half was better and we were able to grab the two goals which won us the game, but again i feel we need to perform better in our next game.
Deadline Day: Two in, One out
As the transfer window shuts for the summer Milan have announced that they have completed the deals for two more players, also Milan have stated that they have let a player leave the club. The two deals into the club see Joel Campbell join the club on a season-long loan from Arsenal and Sergi Samper from Barcelona, also on a season-lomg loan deal. The player leaving the club is striker Giampaolo Pazzini who has joined Russian side Dinamo Moscow on a three year deal.
Joel Campbell began his career with Saprissa where he made 3 appearances for the club. In 2011 Arsenal reached an agreement with Saprissa to sign Campbell, however he was unable to gain a work permit, and was sent out on loan to French Side Lorient for the season. Campbell went onto make 25 appearances scoring 3 goals for the French side. The following season Campbell joined Spanish side Real Betis where he would go onto make 28 appearances and scoring 2 goals. In 2013 Campbell was then loaned to Greek side Olympiakos where he made 32 appearances and scored 8 goals. In 2014 Campbell was part of the Costa Rican World Cup squad that reached the quarter finals.
Sergi Samper began his career with Barcelona, playing in the various youth teams. In 2013 he was called up to the Barcelona B team and he has gone on to make 56 appearances and is yet to score. Sergi is a very promising Midfielder who has drawn comparisons to fellow Barcelona Midfielder Sergio Busquets. Barcelona are keen to see Sergi play first team football, and they see Milan as the team that can provide him with these opportunities. He has represented Spain at many different youth levels from u16, u17, u18, u19, u20 and the u21 sides.
Giampaolo Pazzini is a striker who began his career with Atalanta, making his debut in 2003. Pazzini went onto make 51 appearances for Atalanta, scoring 12 goals. In 2005 Pazzini joined Fiorentina where he would go onto make 108 appearances and scoring 25 goals. In 2009 Pazzini joined Sampdoria making 75 appearances and notching in 36 goals for the club. Then in 2011 he joined Inter Milan where he would go onto make 50 appearances and scoring 16 goals. Pazzini joined Milan in 2012, after Inter and Milan agreed a swap deal between Pazzini and Antonio Cassano. Pazzini made 51 appearances for Milan, scoring 17 goals. Pazzini joins Dinamo Moscow for a fee of around £850k.
Manager's Thoughts:
I'm pleased we were able to add a further two players to the squad before the transfer window closed. Joel Campbell is a very attacking player, he's quick, good with the ball at his feet and has an eye for goal, and i'm hoping he can make a big impression at the club. Sergi is a Midfielder with a lot of potential and o'm very pleased we have the chance to develop that potential which will help to benefit him as a player. With the club bringing in a totoal of seven players, we felt that we needed to somewhat balance the books, so we decided to sell Pazzini, he's been a good servant to Milan, but unfortunately he wasn't going to feature in my plans much, so it was easier to find him a new club so he can get game time.