Serie A: Sampdoria - AC Milan

[Yasser]

Another win is expected. Tougher than Ataltana's game but we can't drop pts here too.

Juve have beaten them away 3-0.. Just few weeks ago, though they have improved since that day but they should be no problem..

[ac_champs]

i agree but i hope that we don't leave it late to score...

[VUGAR]

a predict a 1-4 win for us ;) with sheva hat-trick and a goal from pirlo :D

[ac_champs]

i wouldn't get so illustious but a 2-0 or 3-0 win would certainly be a good result considering that last year the combined score was 6-1 and they were playing much better, but so were we...

[RossoneriBAKU]

Hard game at the most Britain stadion of Calcio :)

We win 3:0 if we could score in first 15 minutes, otherwise we'll have some problems...

[artan]

a win is a must here !

[KONDR]

We played good with Samdoria recently.
By the by, Yasser, have u seen that match of Juve vs Sampdoria, when score was 0-0 and 1-0 Sampdoria had to clear penalties. That would have turned the game completely and I doubt Juve would have won it...

[Yasser]

I saw the game, I remmeber the fuss about a penalty.. So what? Juve controlloed the game and gave Doria almost no chance.. Doria tried and fought but Juve are tough to break.

Hat-trick for Sheva? I hope.. :D Pirlo? Yea he'll definitly shine Vs Sampdoria, just few days later he'll do nothing Vs Barca.. :p

[GattusoKing]

Samp always strike me as being a bit blunt up-front whenever I see them play, so I'm not particularly worried at the risk of conceding, rather our ability to convert the few chances we get.

With JDT currently the in-form partner (with one solitary goal :p ), I'd be inclined to give him the nod alongside Sheva.

[yourmood]

0-2 Sheva both goals :)

[RossoneriBAKU]

Roma didn't help us yesterday and their performance was awful...

Again Luigi Del Neri lost to Juve...

I hope, Chievo can win Juve without Del Neri on Sunday...)

[ac_champs]

Sampdoria v AC Milan: Preview

PA

GENOA, October 28 (Serie A) - AC Milan are five points behind leaders Juventus and will be hoping not to lose any further ground on the Turin giants when they visit a Sampdoria side in fine form.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti took the calculated risk of resting a host of key players for the home match with bottom club Atalanta in midweek and was rewarded when the Rossoneri dismissed the visitors from Bergamo 3-0.

All three goals were scored by players who normally warm the bench - Jon Dahl Tomasson, Kakha Kaladze and Serginho.

That means his players should be refreshed for the match with Samp as they look to ensure that at least the gap does not grow even if Juventus win their weekend match with Chievo.

Despite the heroic performances by his reserve forces, Ancelotti is likely to recall at least some of his first-teamers in Genoa.

Serginho admitted that for fringe players it is essential to seize the rare opportunities they get.

``There are not many chances for those who do not play regularly,'' the Brazilian told a press conference on Thursday.

``You have to understand the situation, keep working and make sure you are ready when you get the call. That's what happened yesterday.

``The team showed a demonstration of strength and all the newcomers to the team looked calm and at ease.

``We are a strong team and we must go onto the pitch as we always do - ready and strong enough to deal with the situation.''

Sampdoria have made a fine recovery after losing their first three matches of the season.

Since that poor start, the Genoa club has won four of its last five matches to move up to seventh in the table, but Milan will be encouraged that the hosts have lost three of their four matches at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Samp's latest triumph - a 2-0 success in Verona - inflicted the first defeat of the season on opponents Chievo and Walter Novellino and his men will be scenting more blood with the visit of Milan.

Samp's Italian international Aimo Diana hailed the spirit shown by his team-mates when he spoke to the media the day after the Chievo match.

``I am happy,'' said Diana. ``I always do well against Chievo and (Chievo goalkeeper Luca) Marchegiani has become my favourite target.''

However, Diana admits that Milan will present stiff opposition on Saturday.

``Milan are a great team,'' said Diana. ``Our inability to beat a great team is something that is rankling with us and it is high time we did something about it.

``The fact that they rested players against Atalanta is something to be proud of because it shows they respect us.''

soccernet.com

they have a poor home record and we have and excellent away record.... mmm who will win???:D:D:D

this should be like last year but you can never know, we have to be concentrated and no focus on the barca game until we finish off samp...

[ac_champs]

Sampdoria - Milan

Stadio Marassi

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Italian champions Milan are looking to keep the pressure on leaders Juventus but face a potentially tricky trip to Genoa on Saturday. Although the San Siro giants seem to be getting back to their best, Sampdoria – bossed by former Rossoneri player Walter Novellino – are a side not to be underestimated.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is likely to make a host of changes to his starting XI from the men who comfortably beat Atalanta in midweek. Alessandro Nesta will return to the defence after he was rested against their Lombard cousins but the trio of Kaladze, Brocchi and Rui Costa could retain their places after excellent performances. However, Jaap Stam and Pippo Inzaghi are again set to miss out due to their fitness issues. At least one or both could be back for the Champions’ League trip to Barcelona next Tuesday.

Quite which Sampdoria turns up at the Stadio Marassi remains to be seen. They lost their first three games of the campaign only to win their next three, before incredibly losing at home to Week 7 opponents Brescia. However, Doria got back to winning ways by becoming the first team to beat Chievo during Wednesday’s 2-0 win in Verona. They’ll still be without the injured Max Tonetto though.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sampdoria (probable): Antonioli; Zenoni, Pavan, Falcone, Pisano; Diana, Volpi, Palombo, Doni; Flachi, Bazzani

Milan (probable): Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kaka; Crespo, Shevchenko

channel4.com

[ac_champs]

REFEREE FARINA APPOINTED FOR SAMPDORIA-MILAN
29 October 2004 11:30


MILAN - Referee Stefano Farina will take charge of the Serie A game between Sampdoria and Milan at the Marassi stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 6pm CET). Below are all the appointed referees for the 9th round:

Fiorentina-Lecce: Morganti from Ascoli Piceno
Inter-Lazio: Trefoloni from Siena
Juventus-Chievo: Pieri from Genoa
Livorno-Brescia: Ayroldi from Molfetta
Messina-Reggina: Racalbuto from Gallarate
Parma-Atalanta: De Marco fromi Chiavari
Roma-Cagliari: Rosetti from Turin
Sampdoria-Milan: Farina from Novi Ligure
Siena-Bologna: Paparesta from Bari
Udinese-Palermo: Brighi from Cesena


GATTUSO: 'Beware of the teams with many foreign players...'
29 October 2004 10:31


MILAN - 'Il Giornale' asked Rino Gattuso about the excessive presence of foreign players in football, following to the debate raised by the Azzurri in basket. The midfielder said: 'On this subject you must be clear and precise. There is no will to come back and change the present EU regulation. The question is different: if you continue to create Serie A teams with most of the players coming from abroad, you cannot then complain if the National team are not impressive. The problem is not with the stars. It is not Kaka who makes the system collapse. The problem is when average foreign players take the place of Italian ones who are obliged to move abroad. The real alarm is always in defence. All along, the Italian football has been a good school of defenders, but now, apart from two or three top elements, it is always difficult to create a whole defensive package for the Azzurri.'


OFFICIAL AC MILAN RELEASE
28 October 2004 21:13


MILAN - A.C. Milan have announced that Filippo Inzaghi has had a consultation with professor Martens who has requested that further examinations be carried and these will be taken in the next few days when the striker travels to Antwerp. However, the player will continue to rest in the meantime.
Jaap Stam also underwent an examination and the defender will continue to undego physiotherapy for another week.


all from acmilan.com

[rei]

I hope Carlo will give Sheva a rest before Barca and Roma...

[yourmood]

ANCELOTTI: 'No secrets about Inzaghi and Stam'

MILANELLO - Carlo Ancelotti also focused on the injury list. About Jaap Stam and Pippo Inzaghi, he said: 'To be precise you must speak with the doctors. The players underwent examination yesterday. For the moment, I am just looking at the players available for the trip to Sampdoria. There are no secrets about Stam and Inzaghi, you just need to speak with the medical staff.'
The coach was then asked about rotation. He said: 'Some players who took the pitch on Wednesday will not be fielded in Genoa, and others who were out against Atalanta will have a chance. I think it is the best solution at the moment. Sheva? He is one of the candidates to be rested, although it is not certain that he will do it tomorrow.'


acmilan.com

[yourmood]

THE SQUAD LEAVING FOR GENOA

MILANELLO - Carlo Ancelotti has named a 21-man team for the trip to Genoa, where Milan will face Sampdoria tomorrow at 6pm CET. It reads as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Abbiati, Dida e Fiori

DEFENDERS: Cafu, Coloccini, Costacurta, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Pancaro

MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Kaka, Pirlo, Rui Costa, Seedorf, Serginho

FORWARDS: Crespo, Shevchenko, Tomasson


acmilan.com

[Yasser]

It seems our problems with Pippo will never be solved.. I wonder, was Stam signed injured too?

Someone have to wonder, how come we start the season with only 2 fit strikers and 2 injured.. Weird decision! Hopefully things will be solved soon!

[yourmood]

Yasser we must get a forward in the new year

what i'm seeing Tevez is the best option for us he's good but there is better players but they played in CL or Uefa :(

so we must think about him, Inzaghi is not looking good with his injure and Crespo 100% he's back to his team

[Leffe]

Stam wasn't injured, De Meersman rejects players who aren't fit, we have just bad luck again like always, remember Rui when he played his first game ....

I hope he's 100% fit soon, we'll need him :)

Pippo .... I'm so sad, I thought finaly he's back and now this again .... :(

Sheva needs to rest but not whole game, I would say first half Sheva - JDT
Second half Crespo - JDT

FORZA MILAN

[yourmood]

i hope Carlo give Sheva last 15min not more

[Santi]

A tough game at a very tought venue to play in.
Milan has had success against Sampdoria in recent games for sure, but every game is different.

I would be tempted to give Sheva a rest ahead of the game for the CL...but don't think Carlo will go that way. Maybe give Maldini a rest as well.

Too bad about Stam and Pippo, they could really be usefull now...hope at least Stam is avaliable for the CL match. If Crespo is given a chance to play, hope he starts to take advantage of his chances...if not maybe go all out and get a star striker in January. Hope for a solid perfomance here again...not matter who plays, and certainly not look ahead. :)


FORZA MILAN!!!

[Call Me 7 Cups]

CRESPO - TOMASSON
should be the starting duo :)
GOOOO VALDANITO GOOOOOO

[Qasá]

Well now that we somewhat know it will be crespo tomasson upfront, that just about wraps it up, however personally i would like to see milan try a pure 4231 again, we've only tried it once and it wasn't the biggest of succeses (celta 0-0)

================DIDA================
CAFU===NESTA===========MALDINI===POPS
=========GATTUSO=====PIRLO===========
======RUI========KAKÁ======SERGINHO===
=================JDT=================

[rei]

FORZAAAA CRESPOOOO!!!!
and congratulate Sheva for the new born baby :heartpump

according to most newspaper, Cafu and Pirlo will get a rest too

probable line-up: Dida; Costacurta, Nesta, Maldini, Pancaro; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf; Kakà; Tomasson, Crespo

[yourmood]

i dont want Ambro start :(

[Yasser]

Oh this was the kind of matches Pirlo shines.. Bad!

I hope we see Pancaro as RB and Kaladze as LB, some consistency for Kaladze will improve him.. And he's not tired already!

Anyway, 3 pts matters the most now.. Juve have lots of probz and might draw tomorrow..

[yourmood]

SAMPDORIA-MILAN: OFFICIAL LINE-UPS

SAMPDORIA: Antonioli; C.Zenoni, Pavan, Falcone, Sacchetti; Diana, Volpi, Palombo, Doni; Flachi, Bazzani

Subs: Turci, Carrozzieri, Pisano, Edusei, Donadel, Kutuzov, Rossini

Coach: Novellino

MILAN: Dida; Costacurta, Nesta, Maldini, Pancaro; Gattuso, Seedorf, Ambrosini; Kakà; Tomasson, Crespo

Subs: Abbiati, Cafu, Kaladze, Pirlo, Rui Costa, Serginho, Shevchenko

Coach: Ancelotti


acmilan.com

[Yasser]

So Crespo gets another great chance to shine.. Let's hope he does well, we are really in need of his form of 3 yrs ago..

[GattusoKing]

He started very well against Inter, so, hopefully, we'll see a productive full 90minutes this time round, preferably with a goal, dedicated to Mau no doubt :p


Forza Milan! :diavolett :kingnew:

[Yasser]

Uhm Crespo got 4.5 from Gazzetta.. Vs Inter, nevermind.. Today's another match.. And Gazzetta were harsh on him and lean on other players..

[yourmood]

i didnt like the 1st half

3 shoot's all half :(

[yourmood]

i'm sure KK will do better than Ambro, why is he playing???????

[Yasser]

Cafu Piro Sergino Sheva.. 2 of them will come in at least..

[yourmood]

Billy i think he will go out so Colo or Cafu will come in, Sergino i hope he comes in :)

[Qasá]

Serginho and SHeva in, with about 25 mins to make an impact...that's enough time imo :)

[yourmood]

1-0 Sheva

[GattusoKing]

Sheva!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :clap: :clap: :diavolett

Cue Bebeto celebrations :thumb:

[Yasser]

I cao do a good coach wether some members likes it or not :p every match I get the right changes.. :p

Serginho looks in fine form this last few days, pherhaps he should start playing more..

[Qasá]

**** scary that!"


just talking to roddie online...i

Roddie says:
yeah im hoping for a typical late winner
FEZ - day 8 says:
im thinking good ol sheva
Roddie says:
yeah most likley
Roddie says:
i've read theyre hard to break down
FEZ - day 8 says:
especially with ol' jordan in the crib


and wat do u know....he scores!


bam am i the oracle or what ;) :D

nah seriously tho...u bring him on and he scores straight away...what a player :)

also - before yass jumps in....i think it does show that sheva is exremely vital to milan :P but who honestly didn't know that before!

[Walker]

Sheva!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KONDR]

Oh my god! SHEVAAA! I was starting to get VERY worried!

[Call Me 7 Cups]

I cao do a good coach wether some members likes it or not :p every match I get the right changes.. :p



then u do the same changes as Ancelotti, and you dont like them
:p

[Ian]

:lol: :D

[Yasser]

then u do the same changes as Ancelotti, and you dont like them
:p

Ssshhhhhh, we'll talk on MSN :p

Billy Costacurta made all kind of fouls and is yet to recieve a card LOL.. :D

[Call Me 7 Cups]

Ssshhhhhh, we'll talk on MSN :p


:rolleyes: :cool: ;)

[Walker]

Sheva misses a golden opportunity!

[Yasser]

130 for Sheva now!

:cool: :cool: :cool: :D

[Yasser]

also - before yass jumps in....i think it does show that sheva is exremely vital to milan :P but who honestly didn't know that before!

Some said he was the reason we conceded 5 goals this season.. Some said Pirlo is more vital.. Hell, the Ukrainian takes us to another level, the most important part of Milan.. :D

[GattusoKing]

A superb 3points to maintain the pressure on this Juve express, courtesy of the absolute phenomenon that is Sheva. Truly one of Milan's greats :kingnew:

For those lucky enough to see the game, could you give us a brief rundown on the performance and perhaps player ratings?

[KONDR]

Yasser, stop being that stupid. U r only making fun of yourself. Like we should have several penalties because os Sheva's handling in a wall last year, the same way he lost his man during set-pieces in the beginning of the season.
but that doesnt question his attacking abilities baby ;) He is still great and one of our best players for sure :)

[KONDR]

BTW, Yasser or yourmood, do u want to comments on substitutions by Carlo? They all worked ;)

[Yasser]

Smartie, I still dunno what channel showed you that crap..

If it was true, he would have been criticized in the papers..

And he's our BEST player..

@ Simon:

Dida - Made 1 very good save.
Billy - Made all type of fouls you want, strange he didn't get a card.
Maldini - Fine game.
Nesta - Same as Maldo.
Pancaro - Done efforts but resulted nothing.
Ambrosini - Done nothing right in the game, not even one single tackle.
Rino - Umm, poor to his standards.
Seedorf - Was slow and his passes weren't good.
Kaka - Made very good runs but lacked support.
Crespo - Lacked support, he had 2-3 chances I think.
Tomasson - Not a good starter, the best sub on earth though.

Serginho - His entry changed the game, the only player from Milan who runs with a ball or without it.
Sheva - Goal scorer, fought with the defenders, almost had another.
Pirlo - Despite he's skinny and poor defensivly, he's surely better than Ambrosini even in defending.. He managed to slow and kill the game when Sampdoria tried to attack.

Overall, it's just a win.. Not a match to remmeber though.. A very normal win but it's a win as now we have Barca next.

[Yasser]

BTW, Yasser or yourmood, do u want to comments on substitutions by Carlo? They all worked ;)

Almost every game this season before Carlo does his changes, Yasser says them.. You don't need to be a genius to expect some changes dude.. Things are obvious in the football pitch.. But it's good that it's working, I won't be sad if changes made are right you know.. ;)

[Yasser]

Talking about Barca..

Deco got a knock and might be subbed for Iniesta.. Eto'o scored but Bilbao equalized.. 1-1!

[Call Me 7 Cups]

if we come out of Barcelona with at least a draw we can do very well this season

[GattusoKing]

Thank you good Sir :thumb:

So, a little more of Serginho and a lot less of Max.

[KONDR]

U named 4 out of our 6 substitutes (excluding Abbi) and said that someon will come in. Good work :) Even a child would have done that ;)

[Qasá]

U named 4 out of our 6 substitutes (excluding Abbi) and said that someon will come in. Good work :) Even a child would have done that ;)

i second that......

come on bro, most substitutions by most managers are predictable!

like juve roma...everyone knew...ADP out...ok Zalayeta in that was like for like aswell?!

what about Zebina... i knew pessotto in etc etc etc Mancini aswell come on...its not rocket science...its common sense!

thats why u dont take exams for being manager, u take exams for coaching, and then with experience u become a manager :)

[rei]

Congratulations to papà Sheva!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

btw, Sheva Rules, who on earth said Pirlo is more vital than Sheva?

ah, forgot the HL
Match Highlights (http://media.acmilan.com/file_stream/9673_str200.asf)

Anyone could tell me where to post the pictures and video?

[VUGAR]

good win...we dominated for the whole game... subs used by the great coach were all successful as always! :) . a win to remember ! Sergio/Sheva/Pirlo brought another level to a game!
by the by, Yassi...everyone in Milan team is vital!

[yourmood]

BTW, Yasser or yourmood, do u want to comments on substitutions by Carlo? They all worked ;)


:)

9/10 for his sub's this game, IMO

[yourmood]

Anyone could tell me where to post the pictures and video?


you can post them Here (http://forum.devilsmania.com/showthread.php?t=8041) :)

[yourmood]

SAMPDORIA 0-1 MILAN, NEW DAD SHEVA SCORES


Andriy Shevchenko came off the bench to score the only goal of the game to give Milan a valuable victory at Sampdoria. It was a double celebration for the Ukrainian who had become a father for the first time on Friday evening.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti once again shuffled his pack, bringing in Alessandro Costacurta at right-back, Rino Gattuso, Massimo Ambrosini and Clarence Seedorf back into midfield while Jon Dahl Tomasson formed a new partnership in attack with Hernan Crespo.

The game got off to a bright start as both sides looked to get players into advanced positions and after just three minutes Kaka was on one of his trademark runs into the area only to be halted by a last-ditch tackle. Milan dominated possession but could not find a way through the home side content to keep ten men behind the ball. The first chance came on 17 minutes when Crespo chipped a cross to the back post which just evaded Tomasson and then at the other end Ambrosini did well to block a Cristiano Doni shot on the edge of the area.
On 34 minutes, Tomasson hit a powerful drive from 20 metres which Samp goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli dived to his right to push away for a corner. Kaka continued to cause the home defence problems and Stefano Sacchetti was booked for pulling the young Brazilian back on the edge of the area. Kaka then tried a volley from a Costacurta cross but it was mis-directed and struck a surprised Crespo before cannoning away from danger. The Argentine then set up Kaka inside the area but Antonioli got down to smother the shot as the first half ended with the Rossoneri encamped in the Samp half.

Ancelotti made no changes in the interval and Crespo had the first chance of the second period but just failed to keep his left-footed shot down from just inside the area. On 50 minutes, Crespo then attempted an acrobatic bicycle-kick on the left side of the area but the ball ricochetted off defender Christian Zenoni. Serginho replaced Seedorf on 60 minutes and that was followed by the introduction of Shevchenko in place of Tomasson. Nelson Dida had to react smartly to block a Francesco Flachi shot and Milan broke from the back only for the final pass from Serginho to run behind Crespo at the other end. Ancelotti made his final subsitution on 73 minutes as Andrea Pirlo took over in midfield from Gattuso.
Shevchenko broke the deadlock two minutes later when Serginho played a smart one-two with Crespo on the edge of the area only to see his run and shot blocked by Antonioli but 'Super Dad' slammed home the rebound. Three minutes from time, Shevchenko could have increased the lead when he stole the ball 30 metres out to run through on goal but Antonioli read the attempted chip and palmed the ball away for a corner.

SAMPDORIA 0-1 MILAN (0-0)

Goalscorers: 76' Shevchenko (M)

SAMPDORIA: Antonioli; C.Zenoni, Pavan, Falcone, Sacchetti; Diana (87' Rossini), Volpi, Palombo, Doni (81' Kutuzov); Flachi, Bazzani.

Subs not used: Turci, Carrozzieri, Pisano, Edusei, Donadel.

Coach: Novellino
MILAN: Dida; Costacurta, Nesta, Maldini, Pancaro; Gattuso (73' Pirlo), Ambrosini, Seedorf (65' Serginho); Kaka; Tomasson (65' Shevchenko), Crespo.

Subs not used: Abbiati, Cafu, Kaladze, Rui Costa.

Coach: Ancelotti

REFEREE: Farina (Novi Ligure)

YELLOW CARDS: 38’ Sacchetti (S)

ADDED TIME: 1’fh, 6’sh


acmilan.com

[Yasser]

U named 4 out of our 6 substitutes (excluding Abbi) and said that someon will come in. Good work :) Even a child would have done that ;)

Yeah, a typical reply from you..

See all matches threads that we weren't winning then won (Celtic, Shakitar.. etc) then come and discuss.. TIll then your opinion is nothing..

Where was your opinions on changes?

I mentioned Serginho Pirlo Sheva Cafu.. As you can see Smartie, Pirlo as DM, Sheva the scorer and one of Cafu Serginho as wide players.. But there you come, a man with no brains.. :)

And did I say his changes were bad? Such a pathetic kid you are.. Just see what Yasser says and quote him.. Quote forever.. Doesn't matter.. The changes were the same as I liked and wanted and were posted before it was done anyway.. So I was in full support of the changes.. BLINDIE!

[KONDR]

Yasser, I said WOULD U LIKE TO COMMENT on his substiutions. So u could use Quotes as well baby ;)

[ac_champs]

good game, at least when our happy dad came on!!!!!
not every game can be entertaining, but as long as milan win it's all the entertainment i need!!!

now we need to focus on our next match against barca and a happy homecoming to sheva who likes this stadium very much, after he scored a fabulous hattrick there with dynamo kiev the year before he came to us!!! let's just hope that history repeats itself!!!!

Forza Milan!!!!
Forza Sheva!!!

[ac_champs]

Sampdoria 0-1 AC Milan: FT Report

PA

GENOA, October 30 (Serie A) - Andriy Shevchenko came off the bench to earn AC Milan a narrow win against Sampdoria on Saturday evening.

The Ukrainian striker's 76th-minute goal was all that separated the sides after Carlo Ancelotti rotated his side for the second time in a week.

The Milan coach rested Shevchenko, Andrea Pirlo and Cafu ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match away at Barcelona, having also made a number of changes for the midweek win over Atalanta.

But after seeing his side frustrated for long periods, Ancelotti introduced Shevchenko and Serginho in the 65th minute, and the duo combined to provide the cutting edge up front.

With Shevchenko starting on the bench, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Hernan Crespo led the line for the champions in the first half, and Crespo had the visitors' best chance of the first half, poking his shot wide from Clarence Seedorf's pass in the 17th minute.

Moments later Sampdoria also missed their best chance when Massimo Ambrosini stretched out a leg to deflect Cristiano Doni's right-foot shot narrowly wide of the post for a corner.

Other chances fell to Kaka and Tomasson, but Francesco Antonioli was largely untroubled in the Sampdoria goal.

For the home side, Fabio Bazzani had the best of the opportunities, volleying the ball high over the bar from Christian Zenoni's cross after good work from Italian international Aimo Diana.

Earlier in the game, Diana had failed to pick out Bazzani in an unmarked position, over-hitting his cross after Francesco Flachi had created the opening.

In the second half, Milan retained the slight upper hand, but despite long periods of pressure they struggled to create real chances in front of goal.

More worrying for the champions, the longer they struggled in the final third, the more Sampdoria played their way into the game. In the 59th minute, Zenoni's delightful left-footed cross found Doni, but his effort at full stretch went just over the bar.

Doni then headed the ball on to Flacchi who turned and shot, producing a good save from Dida.

Ancelotti was moved to make the changes. Shevchenko replaced Tomasson and Serginho came on for Seedorf.

The pair then combined to find the breakthrough in the 76th minute.

Serginho played a quick one-two with Crespo to carve open the Sampdoria defence. The Brazilian then shot on goal but as Antonioli was only able to parry, the ball fell to Shevchenko who made no mistake from close range.

Late on, Milan might have extended their lead when Shevchenko sought to lob Antonioli in the 87th minute, but the keeper managed to back-pedal and tip the ball over the bar.

Sampdoria can be disappointed that they didn't take one of their chances, but overall Milan were worth the win.

With Juventus not playing until Sunday, they close the gap at the top to two points for 24 hours at least.

from soccernet.com

[ac_champs]

Sampdoria 0 - 1 Milan
Shevchenko 76 (M)
Stadio Marassi

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Substitute Andriy Shevchenko keeps Milan in the title race with a victory away to Sampdoria just hours after the birth of his son.

Shevchenko was only on the bench after driving back from Milan in the morning to be with his wife Kristen at the birth of their first son, Jordan. With Pippo Inzaghi and Jaap Stam out injured and Andrea Pirlo rested, Hernan Crespo forged a new partnership with Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Sampdoria had their confidence boosted by a 2-0 victory away at Chievo midweek and were starting to find their form, although their record against the big clubs over the last year and a half has not been impressive.

Kaka was lively from the start, but his finishing left something to be desired, then Crespo's cross-cum-shot skimmed the far post with Francesco Antonioli beaten.

Milan were dominating early on, but Sampdoria had a great chance when Massimo Ambrosini flung himself at Cristiano Doni's shot from eight yards, then Fabio Bazzani volleyed well over.

The first real save of the game arrived after half an hour, as Kaka threaded through for Tomasson and the Dane's fierce strike was well parried by Antonioli.

Kaka then chested down Billy Costacurta's pass and volleyed only to see it charged down by teammate Crespo. Paolo Maldini then charged forward on a counter-attack that was only scuppered by Cristian Zenoni's foul.

Former Milan goalkeeper Antonioli performed another fine reaction save on Kaka just before the break, but Crespo set him up with a stunning 'rabona' - crossing his legs and striking the ball with the back foot.

The visitors continued to pule on the pressure in the second half with Crespo firing over and just failing to get on the end of Gennaro Gattuso's cross.

But once again Samp were dangerous and Cristiano Doni slid on to Zenoni's low cross only to fire it over the bar.

Carlo Ancelotti made two changes on the hour mark, introducing Serginho and Shevchenko for Clarence Seedorf and Tomasson.

Perhaps the Blucerchiati's best chance of the game so far came moments later, as Francesco Flachi spun round his defender and brought a fantastic save out of Dida.

Milan struck on the counter-attack with Serginho's pace, but his cutback was deflected just past both Crespo and Shevchenko.

The deadlock was eventually broken in chaotic fashion. Serginho combined with Crespo and sprinted into the box, but Antonioli's point blank save only went as far as Shevchenko.

It rounded off a wonderful day for the Ukrainian, who barely slept and only arrived at the Stadium four hours before kick-off after attending the birth of his son, so he performed the classic 'rocking cradle' celebration with his teammates.

Sheva then set up Crespo, but the Argentine's shot was too weak to trouble the goalkeeper, while Flachi took advantage of Costacurta's error and nearly caught Dida unawares.

Milan-owned striker Vitali Kutuzov came on for the closing stages, but Shevchenko challenged him for the ball and his fine lob was slapped out of the top corner by Antonioli.

He was determined to get another goal to dedicate to his son and his angled drive was well blocked at the near post. But Bazzani did his level best to spoil the day with a splendid turn and volley that whistled past the upright, then Sergio Volpi's solo effort was closed down by Maldini.

channel4.com

[Santi]

I thought it was a good solid win, that will give confidence to the team ahead of the game in midweek.

Tough to pick out an individual...of course Sheva was the difference, and Serginho when he came in was very important with his moves. Ambro was much better then the last time he got a chance to play. Seedorf, I dunno if he's injured or tired...he was moving very slowly especially in the 2nd half.

Ancelotti and Tassotti look very elegant wearing Dolce&Gabbana...I liked their jacket's today. ;)

FORZA MILAN!!!!!

[yourmood]

SHEVCHENKO: 'Indescribable emotions'

GENOA - Speaking to the Milan Channel, new dad Andriy Shevchenko commented on a very special evening. He said: 'I want to dedicate this victory to my wife and my baby. The emotion felt tonight and in the last few days are indescribable. Sampdoria closed down in defence very well, it wasn't looking easy to score, then they gave us more space and we made the best of it. It was a pity I was not able to score a second, but [Francesco] Antonioli did very well to deny me. I'm really happy about the victory and the birth of my baby, emotions that I would like to feel again.'


acmilan.com

[RossoneriBAKU]

Another good win... and good job from Carlito! :) I like his tactic of rotation :)