Sampdoria 1-1 Milan

Okay, this match at some point showed what class is the coach at. The team dominated possession, shots on goal, and generally dictated play but you go home with one point. On this day; however, Allegri need not look any further than himself. His choice to send out an already fatigued lineup and wait for the length of the match to freshen up the team cost us two points valuable points in a fortress where few teams go and achieve victory.

Ambro, Seedorf, and Rino all looked worse for wear as the match progressed and while Allegri could have gone to a 4-4-2 with a one goal lead to close up shop and give Ronaldinho a chance with Robinho later on while still maintaining balance. I am not going to sit here and say making substitutions would have prevented Pazzini’s excellent goal, it is unlikely, but making those changes would have at least given the team fresh legs to maintain some temp in the match instead of the lethargic half hour of the second half.

Despite the disappointment of the draw and the poor substitutions there were some bright spots in the match. Robinho continues to do the hard work and hard running to put himself into positions to score. His finishing is not as clinical as Zlatan, but on a day where Samp limited Zlatan’s chances in the 18 yard box, Robinho was able to capitalize. This team is finally finding the legs to shoot from distance when not presented with a better option. I am actually all for shooting, good things happen when you put the ball on net, and eventually some of those shots will find the back of net.

Source: acmilan.theoffside.com

The big question is, why in the world Allegri play Ronaldinho on minute 90++ ??

Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri Wants Unstoppable Energy Against Sampdoria

Milan have been told to show their power as coach Massimiliano Allegri narrates his pre-Sampdoria prophecy.

"It will be a delicate game as we have played every three days with a great expenditure of energy," he told the press.

"Saturday will be our final push of this every period of playing every three days and then we will be able to prepare games once a week.

"There is no rush to get a result early in the game. We have to be careful and patient as we are tired physically and mentally."

Antonio Cassano is absent for Sampdoria, but it will give them a portal to be even more fired up for the fight.

The Italian has been crucial for the functioning of his team, but a feud with Riccardo Garrone is keeping him far from the pitch.

"Antonio is an extraordinary player and he can decide a game any minute," Allegri said.

"But without him they will be careful, they will be compact, more of a stimulus."



Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/11/26/2232740/milan-coach-massimiliano-allegri-wants-unstoppable-energy

We Can Beat Milan Without Antonio Cassano - Sampdoria's Fernando Tissone

Fernando Tissone is convincing Sampdoria they can beat Milan on Saturday.

And he is building the path to success on an act of faith should his team-mates agree they can slip past league leaders Milan.

Tissone believes it's time to honour Sampdoria's qualities and he has circulated his feelings.

"We are talking about a team with champion players. It will not be easy to beat them, but we know we can do," he told the club's official website.

"We are good and are improving game after game and now we need to continue along this road.

"Milan are strong, a great team and are first in the league deservedly. We have to be careful and focussed and know we can make it."

Antonio Cassano has been denounced by the club, but 'Doria's worth is still intact, even without the value of the hitman.

"We can win or lose against everybody and we have to prepare this game to the best of our ability."

source: Goal.com

 Oh, okay... let the winning streak continues then..

Cassano finished at Sampdoria

As reported by Football Italia on Sunday (11/21/2010), Sampdoria is preparing legal proceedings to terminate Cassano contract as result of  "insubordination". Meetings with the relevant authorities of this matter scheduled for December 3. If everything goes well, he could be a free agent in January.

"One thing for sure is, Cassano Sampdoria will not wear uniforms anymore," said Garrone told RAI television station. "What I created  is a consistency, and I never lack for it for the rest of my life."

Although club officials are getting ready to release Cassano, including coach Carlo Domenico, but there still a lot of fans that hoping that former Bari, AS Roma and Real Madrid player to remain at the club. On last Friday night around 200 people gathered in front Cassano's house gave moral support.

With Sampdoria, Cassano played 110 games in all competitions and scored 41 goals. Last time he played was on Oct. 24, while Sampdoria drew 1-1 with Inter Milan.

Ummm... Cassano anyone?