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RESULTS Week 27: Serie A Twenty Seventh Round EMPOLI 1 - 3 AC MILAN Goals by Busce, Pato, Ambrosini, and Kaka "Milan closer to the 4th position"
By Anna Italia
EMPOLI 1 - 3 AC MILAN 
23' Antonio Busce 19' Alexandre Pato
86' Massimo Ambrosini
89' Kaka
Substitutions: 51' Ignazio Abete out, Francesco Marianini in 46' Yoann Gourcuff out, Cristian Brocchi in
57' Sebastian Giovinco out, G. Giacomazzi in 46' Massimo Oddo out, Daniele Bonera in
63' Vittorino Tosto, Andrea Raggi 79' Alberto Gilardino out, Alberto Paloschi in
After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League AC MILAN 0 - 2 ARSENAL and risking not participating next year, challenge for Milan was to win this match, period. There are only 11 more matches and Milan must reach the 4th position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The Battle for the 4th Position is tied between Milan and Fiorentina. Luckily for Milan, Fiorentina lost today.
A great Brazilian combination between AC Milan midfielder KAKA and striker Alexandre Pato with a couple of passes culminating in goal.
Though, in the 18th minute, Kaka's shot was saved by Empoli goalkeeper Bassi.
In the 19th minute, Milan defender Massimo Oddo sends a cross from the right, Empoli goalkeeper Bassi loses the ball.
Milan striker Alberto Gilardino to serve an assist and PATO was there to smash the net from the center of the box to the bottom right corner! Empoli 0 - 1 AC Milan
This was an important goal for the morale of the team.
The joy of PATO was immense and went directly to the bench celebrating with his Brazilian teammate Emerson.
Gosh, happiness for the rossoneri lasted only four minutes.
In the 23rd minute, Empoli equalized the score with midfielder Antonio Busce.
Defender Antonini sends a cross from the left and Milan goalkeeper Kalac misses the ball finding Buscé ready to blast the net with a right footed shot from the right side of the box to the top right corner. Empoli 1 - 1 AC Milan
What an agonizing match for Milan and for Empoli. Both need this victory for different reasons, Milan to reach the 4th position and Empoli to leave the relegation zone.
In the 25th minute, Referee Stefano Farina sends off Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani for protesting against the Fourth Official Velotto.
Milan battles constantly with the objective to grasp the three points.
It was not an easy match because Empoli was not giving in. Yet, the rossoneri were also fighting against the clock with the vision to win the match.
Three minutes later, in the 26th minute, Pato had the chance to score with a right footed shot from outside the box after an assist by midfielder Massimo Ambrosini only to be blocked.
In the 33rd minute, great chance for striker Alberto Gilardino with a right footed shot from the center of the box to the top left corner after an assist by Andrea Pirlo. Gee, it was saved!
First half ends 1-1. It was up to both coaches to find the right substitutes in the second half. The pressure for the rossoneri must have been high knowing the risk of ending with a draw or even losing the match.
Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti starts the second half with two substitutions.
Yoann Gourcuff out, Cristian Brocchi in.
Massimo Oddo out, Daniele Bonera in.
In the 47th minute, immediate chance for Milan to take the lead when young striker Pato header from the center of the box to the bottom left corner after an assist by defender Daniele Bonera. Great save by Empoli goalkeeper Bassi.
In the 51st minute, Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani makes his first substitution: Ignazio Abete out, Francesco Marianini in.
In the 57th minute, Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani makes his second substitution: Sebastian Giovinco out, Giacomazzi in.
In the 60th minute, midfielder Cristian Brocchi tries a right footed shot from outside the box after a backward pass from Andrea PIrlo only to be blocked by Empoli midfielder Marianini.
In the 63rd minute, Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani makes his third substitution: Vittorino Tosto out, Andrea Raggi in.
In the 64th minute, Alberto Gilardino and Pato try to deliver a winning goal for Milan. Stopping the action is Empoli defender Piccolo committing foul on Pato.
Here Milan Captain Paolo Maldini battling with Empoli midfielder Antonio Buscé. In the 68th minute, Maldini heads away a free kick from the edge of the area by Buscé.
In the 79th minute, Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti makes his third substitution: Alberto Gilardino out, Alberto Paloschi in.
Wow, finally! Well done for Gilardino, though not scoring he provided the assist for the first goal. Time for fresh blood though, it is only 10 minutes but it is good for Paloschi to get more experience with the main team. After all, young striker Paloschi is the future of Milan along with Pato and Kaka.
Milan defender Kakha Kaladze.
Hey, my friends, it took Milan almost the entire match to score the second goal. Last 10 minutes agonizing when in the 82nd minute Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo sends a right footed shot going way high. After, it was midfielder Massimo Ambrosini to be offside. Time was running by for the rossoneri.
Three minutes later, pressing paid off for Milan. In the 85th minute, Musica and Magia boy KAKA sends a cross from the left finding Massimo Ambrosini who headed the net blasting Empoli goalkeeper Bassi. The joy exploded among Milan fans seeing their victory closer. Empoli 1 - 2 AC Milan
Milan just needed to hold the victory for 5 more minutes and avoid a late minute draw. Good news were coming from the TUSCAN DERBY with Siena beating Fiorentina.
In the 89th minute, a great combination of the three young rossoneri Pato - Paloschi -Kaka. Pato passes to Paloschi and there he comes Musica and Magia Kakà with a right footed shot from the center of the box directly to the bottom right corner after the great assist of young striker Alberto Paloschi sealing Milan's victory.
Empoli 1 - 3 AC Milan
Referee Stefano Farina grants 3 minutes stoppage time.
Milan accomplished the challenge to win the first "final" of their 12th matches as pointed out by Galliani. Each match for Milan is a final, no time to lose points but to win and secure the fourth position for a spot in the UEFA Champoins League next season. Well done guys! Now, 11 more matches, or 11 more finals!
Assistants: Calcagno, Griselli;
Fourth Official: Velotto
EMPOLI
Goalkeeper: Bassi;
Defenders: Raggi (Tosto 63), Felice Piccolo, Pratali, Antonini;
Midfielders: Abate (Marianini 51), Antonio Buscè, Marchisio, Budel; Sebastian Giovinco (Giacomazzi 57);
Forwards: Luca Saudati
Booked: Pratalli (E), Saudati(E), Favalli (M)
EMPOLI 1 - 3 AC MILAN 23' Antonio Busce 19' Alexandre Pato
86' Massimo Ambrosini
89' Kaka
Substitutions: 51' Ignazio Abete out, Francesco Marianini in 46' Yoann Gourcuff out, Cristian Brocchi in
57' Sebastian Giovinco out, G. Giacomazzi in 46' Massimo Oddo out, Daniele Bonera in
63' Vittorino Tosto, Andrea Raggi 79' Alberto Gilardino out, Alberto Paloschi in
After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League AC MILAN 0 - 2 ARSENAL and risking not participating next year, challenge for Milan was to win this match, period. There are only 11 more matches and Milan must reach the 4th position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The Battle for the 4th Position is tied between Milan and Fiorentina. Luckily for Milan, Fiorentina lost today.
A great Brazilian combination between AC Milan midfielder KAKA and striker Alexandre Pato with a couple of passes culminating in goal.
Though, in the 18th minute, Kaka's shot was saved by Empoli goalkeeper Bassi.In the 19th minute, Milan defender Massimo Oddo sends a cross from the right, Empoli goalkeeper Bassi loses the ball.
Milan striker Alberto Gilardino to serve an assist and PATO was there to smash the net from the center of the box to the bottom right corner! Empoli 0 - 1 AC Milan
This was an important goal for the morale of the team.
The joy of PATO was immense and went directly to the bench celebrating with his Brazilian teammate Emerson.
Gosh, happiness for the rossoneri lasted only four minutes.In the 23rd minute, Empoli equalized the score with midfielder Antonio Busce.
Defender Antonini sends a cross from the left and Milan goalkeeper Kalac misses the ball finding Buscé ready to blast the net with a right footed shot from the right side of the box to the top right corner. Empoli 1 - 1 AC Milan
What an agonizing match for Milan and for Empoli. Both need this victory for different reasons, Milan to reach the 4th position and Empoli to leave the relegation zone.
In the 25th minute, Referee Stefano Farina sends off Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani for protesting against the Fourth Official Velotto.
Milan battles constantly with the objective to grasp the three points.
It was not an easy match because Empoli was not giving in. Yet, the rossoneri were also fighting against the clock with the vision to win the match.
Three minutes later, in the 26th minute, Pato had the chance to score with a right footed shot from outside the box after an assist by midfielder Massimo Ambrosini only to be blocked.
In the 33rd minute, great chance for striker Alberto Gilardino with a right footed shot from the center of the box to the top left corner after an assist by Andrea Pirlo. Gee, it was saved!
First half ends 1-1. It was up to both coaches to find the right substitutes in the second half. The pressure for the rossoneri must have been high knowing the risk of ending with a draw or even losing the match.
Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti starts the second half with two substitutions.
Yoann Gourcuff out, Cristian Brocchi in.
Massimo Oddo out, Daniele Bonera in.
In the 47th minute, immediate chance for Milan to take the lead when young striker Pato header from the center of the box to the bottom left corner after an assist by defender Daniele Bonera. Great save by Empoli goalkeeper Bassi.
In the 51st minute, Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani makes his first substitution: Ignazio Abete out, Francesco Marianini in.
In the 57th minute, Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani makes his second substitution: Sebastian Giovinco out, Giacomazzi in.
In the 60th minute, midfielder Cristian Brocchi tries a right footed shot from outside the box after a backward pass from Andrea PIrlo only to be blocked by Empoli midfielder Marianini.
In the 63rd minute, Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani makes his third substitution: Vittorino Tosto out, Andrea Raggi in.
In the 64th minute, Alberto Gilardino and Pato try to deliver a winning goal for Milan. Stopping the action is Empoli defender Piccolo committing foul on Pato.
Here Milan Captain Paolo Maldini battling with Empoli midfielder Antonio Buscé. In the 68th minute, Maldini heads away a free kick from the edge of the area by Buscé.
In the 79th minute, Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti makes his third substitution: Alberto Gilardino out, Alberto Paloschi in.
Wow, finally! Well done for Gilardino, though not scoring he provided the assist for the first goal. Time for fresh blood though, it is only 10 minutes but it is good for Paloschi to get more experience with the main team. After all, young striker Paloschi is the future of Milan along with Pato and Kaka.
Milan defender Kakha Kaladze.
Hey, my friends, it took Milan almost the entire match to score the second goal. Last 10 minutes agonizing when in the 82nd minute Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo sends a right footed shot going way high. After, it was midfielder Massimo Ambrosini to be offside. Time was running by for the rossoneri.
Three minutes later, pressing paid off for Milan. In the 85th minute, Musica and Magia boy KAKA sends a cross from the left finding Massimo Ambrosini who headed the net blasting Empoli goalkeeper Bassi. The joy exploded among Milan fans seeing their victory closer. Empoli 1 - 2 AC Milan
Milan just needed to hold the victory for 5 more minutes and avoid a late minute draw. Good news were coming from the TUSCAN DERBY with Siena beating Fiorentina.
In the 89th minute, a great combination of the three young rossoneri Pato - Paloschi -Kaka. Pato passes to Paloschi and there he comes Musica and Magia Kakà with a right footed shot from the center of the box directly to the bottom right corner after the great assist of young striker Alberto Paloschi sealing Milan's victory.
Empoli 1 - 3 AC Milan
Referee Stefano Farina grants 3 minutes stoppage time.
Milan accomplished the challenge to win the first "final" of their 12th matches as pointed out by Galliani. Each match for Milan is a final, no time to lose points but to win and secure the fourth position for a spot in the UEFA Champoins League next season. Well done guys! Now, 11 more matches, or 11 more finals! LINEUPS
Week 27 Italian Serie A Tim 2007 - 2008 Twenty Seventh Round Matchday 27
| Serie A Week 27 Twenty Seventh Round Sunday, March 9, 2008 | |||
| Empoli | AC Milan | ||
| 12(2) | Shots (on Goal) | 15(7) | |
| 19 | Fouls | 18 | |
| 3 | Corner Kicks | 1 | |
| 4 | Offsides | 2 | |
| 43% | Ball Possession |
57% | |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 1 | |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | |
| 4 | Saves | 1 | |
Sunday, March 9 2008
EMPOLI 1 - 3 AC MILAN
Carlo Castellani Stadium
Assistants: Calcagno, Griselli;
Fourth Official: Velotto
EMPOLI
Goalkeeper: Bassi;
Defenders: Raggi (Tosto 63), Felice Piccolo, Pratali, Antonini;
Midfielders: Abate (Marianini 51), Antonio Buscè, Marchisio, Budel; Sebastian Giovinco (Giacomazzi 57);
Forwards: Luca Saudati
Coach: Alberto Malesani
Goalkeeper: Zeljko Kalac;
Defenders: Massimo Oddo (Daniele Bonera 46), Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze, Giuseppe Favalli;
Midfielders: Yoann Gourcuff (Brocchi 46), Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini; Kakà;
Forwards: Alexandre Pato, Alberto Gilardino (Alberto Paloschi 79)
Booked: Pratalli (E), Saudati(E), Favalli (M)
Great match for Milan, this result is what we needed for the morale. One point difference with Fiorentina, but a test will be next week against Roma. I am sure we will all be divided with Suri cheering for Roma.
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I am so happy too! Milan is gaining confidence and Ancelotti finally using young striker Paloschi and Pato. The next match will be a tough one. Wow, while we want Roma to beat Inter in the Scudetto race, we want Milan to reach at least the 4th position, so Milan must win.
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Let's hope Inter lose the next match or gets a draw, though Mark won't like it but we all need to shorten the distance especially Roma.
We will have a happy day today celebrating Milan's victory, our guys did well, good for Ancelotti.
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finally we have won!! We didn't play well but a win is a win and that is what counts. Thank you to siena for once again helping Milan. Great to see Ambro and ricky score again after some time.
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hello milanista, I think Milan played well. Sure, it wasn't a terrific match but it was more positive seeing the commitment of every player. Ambrosini and Kaka did well. Kaka seems more calm not tired, i also like Paloschi who might be the unexpected surprise saving Milan. What's your take?
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Paloschi is fanatastic and I think if given more playing tim ehe wil definitely help Milan. Tbh, I didn't se ethe game but I read the commentry and empoi totally dominated from what I gathered until Abate got injured and had to be substituted off.
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I agree on Paloschi being a hope for Milan in the future. He has time to grow and mature as a footballer. Empoli did play well, even Ancelotti admitted it. Milan did well in the second half.
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