The final match of the calendar year for Milan was a critical one as they faced off against their hated rival, Inter. After a disappointing draw v Roma earlier in the week, it was Milan's last chance to salvage something from such a poor season.
The Derby della Madoninna between Milan and Inter was neck and neck for nearly the entire match. Each side had chances to take control of the 3 points at stake but failed to do so until Chelsea target Fredy Guarin assisted an 86th minute Rodrigo Palacio back-heel goal to give Inter the lead late, leaving Allegri's side scrambling to grab a point.
In the 90 +3 minute, Sulley Muntari was dealt a red card after knocking down Inter's Kuzmanovic in support of teammate Kaka. A few chances late but nothing to show for it as Inter took 3 points away from the first of two meetings between the sides. Milan go into the break with a big loss to Inter, 19 pts from 17 matches and a 13th place spot in the league.
2014 Preview
Milan go into the break in 13th place. Disappointment isn't enough to describe this Milan side, a side former Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban stated "used to be a serious club." Former players coming out and publicly bashing the club once feared by everyone is not a good sign. Milan open up 2014 v Atalanta on January 6th.
As for the January transfer window, there are a few players that have already been announced as official transfers: Adil Rami and Keisuke Honda. Milan hopes these two players can help propel them back to the top of the table. One player already loaned out as of this past week is M'Baye Niang, who will finish the season with French side Montpellier. The teenager hasn't quite lived up to the hype placed upon him but you can say he hasn't received the proper minutes to showcase his ability. A loan move abroad should help him develop and regain his confidence.
Two players rumored to be headed to Milan are Torino's Danilo D'Ambrosio and Cagliari's Radja Nainggolan. D'Ambrosio is reportedly nearing a move to Milan in a potential player exchange, which could see Antonio Nocerino or Riccardo Saponara going to Torino. Nainggolan could be headed to Milan in a move that would give them 50% of the Belgium international while Cagliari receives 7million euros + 50% of highly-rated midfielder Bryan Cristante. Details of the negotiations are still being worked out.
January 2013 saw the arrival of Mario Balotelli from Manchester City. His arrival meant so much to Milan and their push to Champions League qualification. I don't think the Milanisti are expecting such an impact to be made by any of the incoming players. However, there is hope that the additions pull Milan out of the Serie A cellar and ignite some sort of push back to the top. At this point, it remains to be seen.-MS
2014 Preview
Milan go into the break in 13th place. Disappointment isn't enough to describe this Milan side, a side former Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban stated "used to be a serious club." Former players coming out and publicly bashing the club once feared by everyone is not a good sign. Milan open up 2014 v Atalanta on January 6th.
As for the January transfer window, there are a few players that have already been announced as official transfers: Adil Rami and Keisuke Honda. Milan hopes these two players can help propel them back to the top of the table. One player already loaned out as of this past week is M'Baye Niang, who will finish the season with French side Montpellier. The teenager hasn't quite lived up to the hype placed upon him but you can say he hasn't received the proper minutes to showcase his ability. A loan move abroad should help him develop and regain his confidence.
Two players rumored to be headed to Milan are Torino's Danilo D'Ambrosio and Cagliari's Radja Nainggolan. D'Ambrosio is reportedly nearing a move to Milan in a potential player exchange, which could see Antonio Nocerino or Riccardo Saponara going to Torino. Nainggolan could be headed to Milan in a move that would give them 50% of the Belgium international while Cagliari receives 7million euros + 50% of highly-rated midfielder Bryan Cristante. Details of the negotiations are still being worked out.
January 2013 saw the arrival of Mario Balotelli from Manchester City. His arrival meant so much to Milan and their push to Champions League qualification. I don't think the Milanisti are expecting such an impact to be made by any of the incoming players. However, there is hope that the additions pull Milan out of the Serie A cellar and ignite some sort of push back to the top. At this point, it remains to be seen.-MS
