By Anna Italia



                              It's official guys!  The "New AC MILAN ERA" in the international level starts today with coach Leonardo.  The moment awaited for AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi to see once again the splendor of the rossoneri.  Leonardo who just passed his exam on Wednesday, July 17 on the "Course Professional UEFA coaches of the 2nd category," has the moment to put in practice his new vision, a new formation.   AC Milan will play against LA Galaxy on Sunday, July 19 and then continue their USA tour playing in the 2009 World Football Challenge.

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Far from looking tired after an 11-hour flight,  players look super awake. They must have slept almost during the entire flight because they were alert considering that they arrived in Los Angeles around 5 p.m our local time and 2 am. in the morning Italian time. In case you were wondering if they had some break, you are dead wrong.  Milan went directly  from the LAX Airport to the UCLA for their first training in the Centro Sportivo Spaulding Field.

First thing I wanted to ask Leonardo was about the situation of forward Marco Borriello and whether or not he was still in Milan's plans or not. "Sure, Marco is in Milan's plan. Last season he could not play much for injury but certainly Borriello fits in my project.  After a fabulous year  in Genoa, it was bad he could not play last season," said Leonardo.

Rumors still going on whether Brazil forward Luis Fabiano will join AC Milan.  Leonardo just said that nothing is clear yet.  When Sky Italia asked Leonardo about Van Nilsteroy, Leonardo flatly said there was no negotiation. However, when he was asked about Luis Fabiano, again he reinforced that "it was an interesting name."  

Leonardo continue saying that  being here in the United States brought him good memories "I remember the 1994 World Cup. The memories of the final. Though, today, I am concentrated on the squad, my personal things are in second place."



AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato is still in honeymoon and was not present in the trainings. Yet, Leonardo mentioned that Pato being only 20 years old can be in shape soon. Leonardo has all his idea on the "New ERA" so clear. I think this 2009 World Football Challenge  will be his best roadmap towards the fulfillment of his vision....

Let me tell you that the training of the Rossoneri was done without showing any sign problems about time's difference.  Imagine that just when they were about to start training, the happy smile from Ronaldinho saluting and he was ready to train.  "We are here to work and want to do well.," said Dinho.

I like that Ronaldinho is not afraid of being the leader of the squad as AC  Milan president Silvio Berlusconi highlighted.  Ronaldinho just gives an open friendly smile he gets the same question on whether he is ready  to be the leader after the transfer from Kaka.  Dinho has all the will and dedication to reach his maximum condition to win not only the Scudetto, but also the Champions League and best footballer.



I love to see this optimistic Ronaldinho ready to bring samba and goals for the rossoneri plus being  energetic and positive. It is a good sign because he will be leading the team as a point of reference just as Berlusconi wanted and even Leonardo is giving him much confidence..  Dinho was happy sharing with us, it was like giant AC Milan gathering!

Imagine that even the golden boy David Beckham came to visit and greet his former teammates!!!  You bet all of  the rossoneri were happy to see him too.


When Leonardo was asked about whether David Beckahm might return to AC Milan sooner than he was expecting after being "booed" in the game against Red Bulls, Leonardo just emphasized the mutual affection.  Wow, it means that Leonardo who was glad to see Beckham visiting them, is counting also on the return of Beckham. "David is without doubt a very intelligent player and to say he could have been part of my plans is not strange at all, because he can play in any system."

Beckham shared a good moment with his teammates after the training.  Also, interesting to see how Inzaghi was happily surprised to see Beckham in the field.

On the formation playing against LA GALAXY, Leonardo did not reveal ... as expected.  However, he gave some hints, though putting aside for the moment maybe Andrea Pirlo and Gianluca Zambrotta who returned to the squad after playing for Italy National team and having a rest time. I saw Pirlo fit and running well.  I am sure Pirlo and Zambrotta will  gain their strengths back.

Question guy, as also highlighted by Leonardo is on the recovery of Gennaro Gattuso, Daniele Bonera and Kakha Kaladze.  Gee, Milan need their defenders now.

Ronaldinho also was happy to see Beckkham. "Next days will be important to continue our preparation which started two weeks ago.. I was glad to see him again. Beckham is a great friend and and a great teammate. We will see each other tomorrow i the field. He is a nice person."

Guys, there are reasons to be positive also about the "roaring lion" Gennaro Gattuso!   I saw him trained with the same grinta as being already fit.  Kakha Kaladze and Gattuso were doing some separate routine which included aerobics and running. Gattuso is a running motor and even while not at his best you can see him with that strong motivation which inspires his teammates too.

Another great news is seeing our "Sleepy Prince" Andrea Pirlo reaching his best condition. I asked Pirlo how he saw the future of  this new Milan and with his trademark "sleepy voice," just said that Milan is competitive and that they will try to improve what they did last season.

Oh my gosh, special mention about our beloved AC Milan forward Clarence Seedorf!  Guys, Seedorf is so optimistic, full of energy and his face glows when talking about the future of Milan.  We started talking in Italian then switching to English and Spanish.  Seedorf immediately noticed the big photo poster I was carrying from the 2004-2005 season and said, "Hace tanto tiempo de esto, dejame ver." (in English:  wow, it's been a long time since that happened, let me see it."  He looked at the big page dedicated to him and was clearly enjoying reliving the moment and with a big smile  autographed it.  I was so glad  to see him happy!  Thumbs up for Seedorf.

I was glad to see our Brazilian goalkeeper DIDA training. Yet, in the first part he had to laid down on the grass for stretching ... a mild problem...  after, Dida recovered and continue the training.  Guys, Zeljko Kalac also recovering from injury but training.  The one fit seems to be goalkeeper Marco Storari!!!!!   Hey, it was a super smiley Storari!

Just by observing Storari's training makes me feel optimistic on the new AC Milan.  After the training Storari commented that he was ready to play for AC Milan. Guys, you bet he must be ready.  It was too bad that last season Storari was mostly a bench warmer with Fiorentina, not having enough playing time. I hope now Storari can be available at his best shape in case Dida and Kalac don't recover.

As for defenders, it seems that Alessandro Nesta will rock big time again!  He look so good and fit.   Milan must rely on their top defenders and the arrival of USA defender Oguchi Onyewu might be a good investment.  Onyewu was not in the training today.

hello, hello, hello, Super Filippo Inzaghi is showing good physical condition guys!  In the training, I noticed him super fast, sharp, alert!  



At the end of the training session, our AC Milan players send their greetings to all their friends from Italian Soccer Serie A by signing the greeting card.


Here are the photos from the First Official training of AC MILAN in the USA on Saturday, July 18, 2009. 

All photo credits: Italian Soccer Serie A.


Photo: Italian Soccer Serie A

AC Milan players doing stretching before the aerobic training. Leonardo taking a closer look and observing Ronaldinho and Zeljko Kalac.  You can also see Clarence Seedorf, Borriello, and Massimo Ambrosini.



Awesome guys, here are our ROSSONERI doing their cardio exercises by running.. .go guys!!!!




The Rossoneri continue running... hey, is Zambrotta saying something to Alessandro Nesta?  Look at Andrea Pirlo  like saying "Concentrate and let's keep running."



It's time to work  as if they were in Milanello. Though, here AC Milan is doing their first training in the USA  to be ready tomorrow Sunday, July 19 for the friendly game against LA Galaxy.






Filippo Inzaghi and Massimo Ambrosini in the lead of the jogging - running  training section .... go guys....


Photo: Italian Soccer Serie A

I am taking notes on the training session in UCLA observing our AC Milan players getting fit for the game against LA GALAXY on Sunday, July 19, 2009.


Photo: Italian Soccer Serie A

 
Photo: Italian Soccer Serie A

Here is the complete list of  AC Milan friendlies for the 2009 Summer:

International Friendly Match

LA GALAXY vs AC MILAN
The Home Depot Center
Carson, CA
Sun, Jul 19, 2009 07:00 PM
Buy your tickets now: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. AC Milan Tickets

2009 World Football Challenge
AC Milan - Club America
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Georgia Dome
Atalanta, Georgia
7 p.m. USA Eastern time
Buy your tickets now:AC Milan vs. Club America Tickets

2009 World Football Challenge
Chelsea FC v AC Milan
Friday, July 24, 2009
M & T Stadium
Baltimore, Maryland
8 p.m. USA Eastern time
Buy your tickets now: 
Chelsea FC vs. AC Milan Tickets

2009 World Football Challenge
AC Milan - Inter Milan
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts
5 p.m. USA Eastern time

Buy your tickets now:  AC Milan vs. Inter Milan Tickets

AUDI CUP 2009 FOOTBALL
Bayern Munich - AC Milan
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Allianz Arena
Munich, Germany

Buy your tickets now: Bayern Munich - AC Milan tickets Audi Cup 2009
Seated Tickets Category 1 and 2

AUDI CUP 2009 FOOTBALL
Winner of Manchester United / Boca Juniors versus winner of Bayern Munich / AC Milan
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Allianz Arena
Munich, Germany
Buy your soccer tickets now: Manchester United/Boca Juniors - Bayern Munich/AC Milan


EUSEBIO CUP Second Edition
Benfica - AC Milan
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Lisbon, Portugal
Buy your soccer tickets: Benfica tickets

Trofeo TIM 9th Edition
AC Milan - Inter Milan - FC Juventus
Friday, August 14, 2009
Pescara, Italy
Buy your soccer tickets : AC Milan tickets

TROFEO LUIGI BERLUSCONI 19th Edition
AC Milan - FC Juventus
Monday, August 17, 2009
San Siro Stadiumbr>Milan, Italy
Buy your soccer tickets: AC Milan tickets

SANTIAGO BERNABEU TROPHY
Real Madrid - AC Milan
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Madrid, Spain
Buy your soccer tickets: Real Madrid Tickets

Do you think AC Milan will be a competititve squad with Leonardo, yes, no , and why?  How about David Beckham, should he return to AC Milan yes, no, and why?






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