2011–12 A.C. Milan season
Encyclopedia
The 2011–12 season is Associazione Calcio Milan
's 78th season in Serie A
, and their 29th consecutive season in the top-flight of Italian football
. Milan are the defending Serie A champions, and will be aiming for their 19th scudetto this season.
As the current Serie A champions, Milan began their season contesting in the Supercoppa Italiana
against Coppa Italia
holders Internazionale
, winning the match 2–1. Milan also compete in the Champions League
and in the Coppa Italia
as well.
on Tuesday, 12 July. The following week, on 20 July, they contested the first friendly, an away match against neighboring side Solbiatese Arno
. The Rossoneri easily won with a score of 12–0.
As part of the Audi Cup
, Milan then played two friendlies against Bayern Munich
and Internacional
at the Allianz Arena
in Munich
, on 26 and 27 July, respectively. The first game finished 1–1. Zlatan Ibrahimović
opened the scoring only for Toni Kroos
to equalise late in the first half; subsequently, Milan lost 5–3 on penalties, with Alberto Paloschi
committing the only, and eventually deciding, error. The second game was a 2–2 draw. Ibrahimović once again opened the scoring, before Leandro Damião
equalised in the 20th minute, and then Milan took a new lead through Alexandre Pato
in the 60th minute only for Andrés D'Alessandro
to tie the game ten minutes from time. The Rossoneri were defeated 2–0 on penalties, being unable to convert any of their four attempts.
After travelling to China
, where they played their first competitive match of the season, a 2–1 win over city rivals FC Internazionale Milano in the Supercoppa Italiana
on 6 August, Milan resumed their pre-season schedule facing Malmö
in Sweden
on 14 August. The Rossoneri took the lead in 27th minute, when Urby Emanuelson
raced into the box and crossed the ball to Antonio Cassano
, who easily headed it in. Malmö equalised nine minutes later through Jimmy Durmaz
, with a curled shot from just outside the penalty area, and three minutes into the second half they also took a 2–1 lead, when Tobias Malm
stole the ball in midfield, combined with Alexander Nilsson
and finally beat Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
. Milan, however, managed to equalised in the last minute of the game, as a cross by Cassano was headed in by youth team
player Kingsley Boateng. With no extra time, the match was to be decided by a 3–kick penalty shoot-out, which Milan won 3–2, as Abbiati pulled off a save on Malmö's third attempt.
Four days later, Milan was back in Italy
to play the TIM Trophy
. They took on Juventus
in the second game of the evening, after the latter had lost the first game to Internazionale
on penalties. Milan took the lead in the 13th minute through Antonio Cassano
, but Juventus fought back equalising eight minutes later with Arturo Vidal
and scoring the winning goal in injury time through Alessandro Matri
. The Rossoneri also lost the third and final game against Inter, with Diego Milito
scoring the lone goal, thus allowing them to win the trophy.
Milan concluded their pre-season with the annual Luigi Berlusconi Trophy
, in which they played against Juventus
at the San Siro
on Sunday, 21 August. Kevin-Prince Boateng
opened the scoring for the Rossoneri in the 9th minute, volleying past Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon
a cross by Ignazio Abate
. Fourteen minutes later, Milan doubled their lead, as Clarence Seedorf
scored with a curled free-kick off the post. In the second half, Milan players looked more tired and Juventus managed to pull one back through Mirko Vucinic
, but the Rossoneri held on to win the game 2–1.
However, following the players' strike that forced the postponement of the first weekend of league fixtures, Milan announced they would play another friendly match, away against Como, on 1 September. The Rossoneri took the lead in the 22nd minute through Massimo Ambrosini
, who was set up by Stephan El Shaarawy, but the hosts equalised two minutes later with a goal from Umberto Miello. In the second half, Urby Emanuelson
converted a penalty to give Milan the final lead.
Champions, Milan kicked their season off with an appearance in the Supercoppa Italiana
, facing Coppa Italia
holders, Internazionale
at the Beijing National Stadium
on 6 August. Inter took the lead after 21 minutes with a 25-yard free kick by Wesley Sneijder
. Later on, the Rossoneri nearly leveled the score when a header by Ibrahimović
struck the post. On the hour mark, anyway, Milan managed to equalise, as Ibrahimović headed into an empty net a cross by Clarence Seedorf
. Ten minutes later, a shot by Alexandre Pato
was deflected by Inter goalkeeper Júlio César
on the post only for Kevin-Prince Boateng
to convert from close range, setting the final score to 2–1. For Milan, it was the sixth time they won the trophy, making them the most successful club in the history of the competition.
season were announced by the Lega Serie A
on 27 July. Milan were to kick-off their schedule away at Cagliari
on Saturday, 27 August, but following a strike declared by Serie A players over the lack of a collective bargaining agreement
, the first day of the league season has been postponed to a future date.
Following another week off for an international break, Milan started their season, playing host to Lazio
on Friday, 9 September. A few minutes into the game, newly-signed Alberto Aquilani
broke into the Lazio penalty area, but one on one with goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri, he fired straight at him. Instead, it was Lazio who took the lead, as in 12th minute Miroslav Klose
took down Stefano Mauri
's cross, turned inside Alessandro Nesta
and beat goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
. Less than ten minutes later Lazio scored again through Djibril Cissé
, who headed in another cross by Mauri. Milan pulled one back in the 29th minute, when Antonio Cassano
, set up by Aquilani inside the box, passed the ball to Zlatan Ibrahimović
for the tap in. Four minutes later, Cassano himself tied the game with a header from a corner. Eighteen minutes into the second half, Cassano went close to find the winning goal, hitting the outside of the left post. Lazio had a chance of his own two minutes later, as Cissé nudged the ball past Abbiati and heading to the goal, before Nesta managed to touch it wide. The match finished in a 2–2 draw.
For the next game, Milan travelled to Naples
to take on Napoli
in the evening of Sunday, 18 September. Both teams had played Champions League
ties in midweek, Milan drawing 2–2 at Barcelona
on Tuesday and Napoli drawing 1–1 at Manchester City
on Wednesday. The Rossoneri were also in the midst of an injury crisis, with as many as seven players out, including the previuos season topscorer Zlatan Ibrahimović
. Nonetheless, Milan took the lead eleven minutes into the game through Alberto Aquilani
, who scored his first goal for the club, heading Antonio Cassano
's cross past Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis
. The hosts reaction came only two minutes later, as Edinson Cavani found the equaliser following a free-kick. Napoli started to press forward and in the 36th minute they went ahead with another goal by Cavani on a fast-paced counter attack. Milan had a chance to pull level when Aquilani was once again set up inside the box by Cassano, but the effort was denied by De Sanctis' save. A few minutes after the break, Cavani completed his hat-trick, making it 3–1 after Milan's defence failed to clear the ball inside the area. The Rossoneri tried to fight back but produced no major threats until the final whistle.
Three days later, Milan took the field again, playing host to unbeaten Udinese
at the San Siro. The Rossoneri lost Alexandre Pato
to an injury in the 21st minute and eight minutes later they went down 1–0, as goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
failed to control a cross by Gabriel Torje
and fumbled the ball to Antonio Di Natale
for an empty net tap in. Moments before the interval Milan nearly leveled the score, when a free-kick from just outside the penalty area by Clarence Seedorf
struck the post to the left of goalkeeper Samir Handanović
. Eighteen minutes into the second half, the Rossoneri did tie the game: Antonio Cassano
set up Stephan El Shaarawy inside the box and the Italian-Egyptian fired home a low drive to the far post. Udinese did not give up and had three chances to win before the final whistle, hitting the woodwork once and then forcing Abbiati to make two crucial saves to preserve the 1–1 tie.
Pato's absence intensified Milan's already deep injury crisis, as he joined strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic
and Robinho
, midfielders Massimo Ambrosini
, Kevin-Prince Boateng
, Gennaro Gattuso
and Mathieu Flamini
and defenders Luca Antonini
, Daniele Bonera
and Philippe Mexes
on the sidelines. Nontheless, on Saturday, 24 September Milan achieved their first league win of the season, beating Cesena
1–0 at the San Siro. Clarence Seedorf
scored the lone goal, firing a 25-yard curled shot, following a corner kick.
After defeating Viktoria Plzeň
in their midweek Champions League
game, Milan travelled to the Juventus Stadium in Turin
to take on a still-unbeaten Juventus
on Sunday, 2 October. The hosts created several scoring chances in the first half and came close to scoring in the 37th minute, as Mirko Vučinić
hit the crossbar with a right-footed shot from the edge of the area. The home side came close to scoring again moments before the break, but Vucinic's drive went just wide of the far post. Juventus kept pressing forward after the break and nearly scored with Leonardo Bonucci
, whose was palmed over the bar by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
. Milan then had an opportunity of their own, but Kevin-Prince Boateng
was denied Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon
. Three minutes from time, however, Juventus eventually took the lead: Daniele Bonera
's clearence deflected off Claudio Marchisio
and into the net. Seconds later, the Rossoneri were left down to ten man with Boateng being sent off for second yellow card. In injury time, Marchisio set the final score to 2–0, as his volley from outside the box went in between Abbiati's legs.
After a break for international, Milan played host to Palermo
on Saturday, 15 October. The Rossoneri were dangerous from the whistle, with Zlatan Ibrahimović
and Antonio Cassano
forcing a couple of saves from opposing goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas
. Tzorvas also denied Robinho
in the 38th minute, parrying an initial shot straight back to the Brazilian and then deflecting the follow-up effort. However, Milan took the lead one minute later: Ibrahimović provided a cross to Alberto Aquilani
, who headed the ball to Antonio Nocerino
for a close range tap-in. Ibrahimović also provided the assist for Milan's second goal in the 55th minute, delivering a pin-point pass to Robinho who beat Tzorvas one-on-one. Eight minutes later, Cassano set the final score to 3–0, firing home a pass from Ignazio Abate
.
After defeating BATE Borisov in their Champions League
game, Milan traveled to the Stadio Via del Mare
on Sunday, 23 October to take on Lecce
, whom they had not beaten away from home in 10 years. Guillermo Giacomazzi
gave Lecce the lead in the 4th minute, with a deft headed flick from Carlos Grossmüller
's inswinging free-kick taking the ball past goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
. Milan had a couple of chances but could not convert them, and in the 30th minute Abbiati was called for a foul on Daniele Corvia
after he spilled a caught ball from a corner, with the referee awarding a penalty, even though replays seemed to show that it was a dive by the player. Former Milan player Massimo Oddo
converted to put Lecce up 2-0. Milan continued to make defensive mistakes when in the 37th minute Luca Antonini
let his blocked ball slip to Grossmüller who fired hom to make it 3-0 for Lecce before halftime. The second half began with Kevin-Prince Boateng
and Alberto Aquilani
replacing Massimo Ambrosini
and Robinho
. These substitutions proved crucial, as Boateng scored an hat-trick within a span of 14 minutes to put Milan level at 3-3, before Mario Yepes
converted a cross by Antonio Cassano
with a header into the top right corner to complete Milan's comeback in the 83rd minute.
Three days later, Milan played host to Parma
at the San Siro
. Milan started the game with confidence, controlling much of the play and in the 30th minute Antonio Nocerino
gave Milan the lead with a left-footed shot into the bottem left corner of the net after the ball rebounded off a Parma player. He doubled his tally 2 minutes later with a left-footed stike from outside the box, making the scoreline 2-0 for Milan. In the 73rd minute Zlatan Ibrahimović
added to Milan's lead with a right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner, assisted by Antonio Cassano with a headed pass following a fast break. Five minutes later though, Sebastian Giovinco
scored a consolation goal for Parma as he threaded the ball through Christian Abbiati
's legs to make it 3-1. Yet, in the dying minutes of the game, Nocerino completed his hat-trick with a headed goal into the bottom left corner of Antonio Mirante
's net to win it for Milan 4-1.
Milan completed a three-game week visiting the Stadio Olimpico
to take on Roma
on Saturday, 29 October. The Rossoneri started the game well, getting ahead in the 17th minute with Zlatan Ibrahimović
who got behind an Alberto Aquilani
cross from the right and placed a headed shot into the right side of Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's net. Roma struggled to break Milan's defence until the 28th minute when Nicolas Burdisso
scored his first goal of the season by running into the six-yard box to meet Miralem Pjanic
's cross with his head and beating Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
. Roma's joy was short-lived though, as Milan went back in front two minutes later: Robinho
's corner was met by Alessandro Nesta
, who nodded past Stekelenburg. In the 65th minute Kevin-Prince Boateng
was sent off right after being substituted for saying something to the fourth official. Roma could not get back on terms, and Milan were soon back on the attack and celebrating their third goal as Ibrahimović headed in a cross by Aquilani into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal. The game was not over yet though, and in the 87th minute Bojan Krkić
struck the ball into the back of the net after Abbiati was unable to hold on to substitute Erik Lamela
's strike. Shortly after, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was sent off for protesting about a throw-in, but the game ended with Milan taking the victory by 3-2.
After drawing 1–1 in their mid–week Champions League
game against BATE Borisov, Milan played host to Catania
on Sunday, 6 November. Seven minutes into the game, Robinho
was brought down by Davide Lanzafame
inside the box and Milan were awarded a penalty, which Zlatan Ibrahimović
converted for the 1–0 lead. The lead was doubled in the 24th minute through Robinho, who beat Catania's goalkeeper Mariano Andújar
on the far post, following a pinpoint pass by Ibrahimović. In the second half, the Rossoneri added other two goals to their tally: in the 69th minute, when Catania's Francesco Lodi
deflected Robinho's shot into his own net, and three minutes later through Gianluca Zambrotta
, whose left-footed strike made it 4–0.
Following a two weeks break for internationals, Milan resumed his league schedule in Florence
to take on Fiorentina
on Saturday, 19 November. The game ended in a scoreless draw, though Clarence Seedorf
had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, despite replays showing that he actually was in line.
directly in the round of 16, as one the eight best seeded teams. They will take on the winner of the fourth preliminary round game between Catania
and Novara
.
campaign in the group stage after winning the 2010–11 Serie A
title. Due to their UEFA coefficient, they were seeded in Pot 2, among the eight second-best teams. Milan were drawn in Group H with title-holders Barcelona
of Spain
, BATE Borisov of Belarus
and Viktoria Plzeň
of Czech Republic
.
For the opening game, Milan travelled to the Camp Nou
to take on Barcelona
, on Tuesday, 13 September. The game got off to a quick start, as Alexandre Pato
opened the scoring just 24 seconds into the game. The hosts nealry equalised when Lionel Messi
's free kick hit the post to the left of goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
. However, in the 34th minute, Barcelona did tie the game through Pedro Rodríguez
, who tapped in a low cross by Messi. Five minutes into the second half, Barcelona also went ahead with a curled 32-yard free kick by David Villa
. In injury time, though, Thiago Silva headed in a corner by Clarence Seedorf
to snap up a 2–2 draw.
Two weeks later, Milan played host to Viktoria Plzeň
at the San Siro. The visitors nearly went ahead after only three minutes, when Václav Pilař
got past Ignazio Abate
and crossed the ball to Marek Bakoš
, whose goalbound header was saved by goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
. Viktoria goalkeeper Marek Čech produces crucial saves of his own during the rest of the first half, repeatedly denying close range efforts by Antonio Cassano
and Zlatan Ibrahimović
. Eight minutes after the break, however, Milan was awarded a penalty kick for a handball by Marián Čišovský; Ibrahimović stepped up and coverted from the spot. Later on, Ibrahimović brought down a lofted pass and played in Cassano, who tucked the ball past Čech and into the net, setting the final score to 2–0.
Milan was at home again for the third game, playing against BATE Borisov on Wednesday, 19 October. The hosts got off to a good start, as Alberto Aquilani
first sent a shot over the bar four minutes into the game and then struck the post following a combination between Kevin-Prince Boateng
and Antonio Cassano
. It was BATE, though, who nearly went ahead when Renan Bressan
intercepted Mark van Bommel
's misplaced pass and was denied by goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
one-on-one. Moments later, however, Milan took the lead through Zlatan Ibrahimović
who fired home a loose ball after Ignazio Abate
's cross was deflected by Artyom Radkov. The Rossoneri scored again in the second half with a strike by Boateng from outside the box, setting the final score to 2–0.
The two sides met again at the Dynama Stadium in Minsk
on Tuesday, 1 November. Milan went ahead after 22 minutes through Zlatan Ibrahimović
following a combination with Robinho
. The Brazilian had a chance to double the lead five minutes before the break, but his effort struck the post after he had dribbled BATE's goalkeeper Alyaksandr Hutar
. Ten minutes into the second half, BATE were awarded a penalty for an unfair challange on Artem Kontsevoy
by Ignazio Abate
and Renan Bressan
converted the spot kick to equalise. Despite Milan's efforts to regain the lead, the game ended in a 1–1 draw, with BATE nearly pulling off a late winner when Maksim Skavysh
fired straight at goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
. However, due to Barcelona
defeating Viktoria Plzeň
in the other game of the night, Milan secured a spot in the knockout stage
of the competition.
Two weeks later, Milan played host to Barcelona
at the San Siro in a game with first place in the group at stake. The visitors took the lead after 14 minutes, as a cross from the left by Seidou Keita was deflected by Mark van Bommel
into his own net. Milan nearly leveled the score soon after when Robinho
turned Kevin-Prince Boateng
's cross over the bar from close range. However, in the 20th minute the Rossoneri did tie the game through Zlatan Ibrahimović
, following a through pass by Clarence Seedorf
. Four minutes later, though, Barcelona were ahead again, as Lionel Messi
converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Xavi Hernandez. Nine minutes into the second half Milan evened the score once again with Boateng, who beat Éric Abidal
with a back-heel before firind past goalkeeper Víctor Valdés
. Seven minutes later Barcelona took the third and final lead as Messi played a ball to Xavi, who finished with a low shot across Christian Abbiati
.
confirmed the acquisition of defenders Philippe Mexès
and Taye Taiwo on free transfers. During the month of May, Milan focused on contract extensions, re-signing Mark van Bommel
, Flavio Roma
, Alessandro Nesta
, Filippo Inzaghi
, Massimo Ambrosini
and Clarence Seedorf
for one more season and Thiago Silva until 2016. This left only three players on expring contract: Andrea Pirlo
, who subsequently joined Juventus
, Marek Jankulovski
and Nicola Legrottaglie
, who later signed for Catania
.
In June, the Rossoneri made several deals with Genoa
: Milan signed outright Kevin-Prince Boateng
, Alberto Paloschi
, Nnamdi Oduamadi
, Rodney Strasser
and Gianmarco Zigoni
, all of whom were in co-ownership
, plus Marco Amelia
, who was on loan; in turn, Milan sold outright Sokratis Papastathopoulos
and the part-ownership of Giacomo Beretta
was renewed. Besides, the Rossoneri took on co-ownership of Stephan El Shaarawy, while Alexander Merkel
joined Genoa still on a co-ownershp deal.
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
's 78th season in Serie A
Serie A
Serie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
, and their 29th consecutive season in the top-flight of Italian football
Football in Italy
Football is the most popular sport in Italy. The Italian national football team has won the FIFA World Cup 4 times , trailing only Brazil . Italy's club sides have won 27 major European trophies, making them the most successful European nation in the subject of football...
. Milan are the defending Serie A champions, and will be aiming for their 19th scudetto this season.
As the current Serie A champions, Milan began their season contesting in the Supercoppa Italiana
2011 Supercoppa Italiana
- References :...
against Coppa Italia
Coppa Italia
The Coppa Italia is an Italian football annual cup competition. Its first edition was held in 1922, but the second champions were not crowned until 1936. Roma and Juventus lead the way with nine wins. Roma has contested more finals, 16, while Torino and Juventus follow with 13...
holders Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
, winning the match 2–1. Milan also compete in the Champions League
2011–12 UEFA Champions League
The 2011–12 UEFA Champions League is the 57th season of the European Cup, Europe's premier football tournament, and the 20th season in its current Champions League format. The final venue will be the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany...
and in the Coppa Italia
2011–12 Coppa Italia
-=First round:=-----=Second round:=-----=Third round:=-----=Fourth round:=-Section 2:-=First round:=---------=Second round:=---------=Third round:=-----=Fourth round:=-Section 3:-=First round:=...
as well.
Pre-season and friendlies
Milan began their pre-season training at MilanelloMilanello
Milanello Sports Centre, commonly referred to as simply Milanello, is the training facility of Italian professional football club Associazione Calcio Milan. Built in 1963, the centre consists of , including a pinewood and a little lake...
on Tuesday, 12 July. The following week, on 20 July, they contested the first friendly, an away match against neighboring side Solbiatese Arno
Solbiatese Arno Calcio
Solbiatese Arno Calcio is an Italian association football club located in Solbiate Arno , Lombardy.In the 2010-11 season, the club has been relegated from Serie D group B to Eccellenza Lombardy.-History:...
. The Rossoneri easily won with a score of 12–0.
As part of the Audi Cup
Audi Cup
The Audi Cup is a two-day pre-season football tournament that features four teams, and is staged at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, before the start of the Bundesliga season. The competition's first edition in 2009 was organised and promoted by car manufacturer Audi AG to celebrate their...
, Milan then played two friendlies against Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups....
and Internacional
Sport Club Internacional
Sport Club Internacional is a Brazilian football team and multi-sport club from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, founded on April 4, 1909, and are one of the only five clubs to have never been relegated, along with Santos, São Paulo, Flamengo and Cruzeiro. They play in red shirts, white shorts and...
at the Allianz Arena
Allianz Arena
The Allianz Arena is a football stadium in the north of Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The two professional Munich football clubs FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 München have played their home games at Allianz Arena since the start of the 2005–06 season...
in Munich
Munich
Munich The city's motto is "" . Before 2006, it was "Weltstadt mit Herz" . Its native name, , is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks' place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence the monk depicted on the city's coat...
, on 26 and 27 July, respectively. The first game finished 1–1. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
opened the scoring only for Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos is a German international footballer who plays for Bayern Munich as an attacking midfielder. He is the older brother of Werder Bremen forward Felix Kroos.-Early career:...
to equalise late in the first half; subsequently, Milan lost 5–3 on penalties, with Alberto Paloschi
Alberto Paloschi
Alberto Paloschi is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Chievo, on loan from Milan.-Milan:Paloschi won Allievi Nazionali in 2006–07 season...
committing the only, and eventually deciding, error. The second game was a 2–2 draw. Ibrahimović once again opened the scoring, before Leandro Damião
Leandro Damião
Leandro Damião da Silva dos Santos , commonly known as Leandro Damião, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Internacional. He has been capped at international level by Brazil....
equalised in the 20th minute, and then Milan took a new lead through Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva , commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco...
in the 60th minute only for Andrés D'Alessandro
Andrés D'Alessandro
Andrés Nicolás D'Alessandro is a left-footed Argentine footballer who currently plays for Sport Club Internacional in Brazil. He is best known for his dribbling and his short passing ability.-Early career:...
to tie the game ten minutes from time. The Rossoneri were defeated 2–0 on penalties, being unable to convert any of their four attempts.
After travelling to China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, where they played their first competitive match of the season, a 2–1 win over city rivals FC Internazionale Milano in the Supercoppa Italiana
2011 Supercoppa Italiana
- References :...
on 6 August, Milan resumed their pre-season schedule facing Malmö
Malmö FF
Malmö Fotbollförening, also known simply as Malmö FF, are a Swedish professional football club based in Malmö. The club is affiliated with Skånes Fotbollförbund and play their home games at Swedbank Stadion. The club colours, reflected in their crest and kit, are sky blue and white...
in Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
on 14 August. The Rossoneri took the lead in 27th minute, when Urby Emanuelson
Urby Emanuelson
Urby Vitorrio Diego Emanuelson is a Dutch footballer of Surinamese descent, who plays for Serie A club Milan. He plays as either a left midfielder or left back. Despite playing as a defender, he is best known for attacking attributes such as pace and dribbling.- AFC Ajax :Emanuelson is a product...
raced into the box and crossed the ball to Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
, who easily headed it in. Malmö equalised nine minutes later through Jimmy Durmaz
Jimmy Durmaz
Jimmy Durmaz, formerly known as Jimmy Touma, is a Swedish footballer, currently playing for Malmö FF. He is an ethnic Syriac. His relatives Sharbel Touma and David Durmaz are also known footballers.-Malmö FF:...
, with a curled shot from just outside the penalty area, and three minutes into the second half they also took a 2–1 lead, when Tobias Malm
Tobias Malm
Tobias Malm is a Swedish footballer. He is currently playing for Malmö FF in Allsvenskan.-Malmö FF:Malm made his Allsvenskan debut in a match against Elfsborg on 24 April 2011...
stole the ball in midfield, combined with Alexander Nilsson
Alexander Nilsson
Alexander Nilsson is a Swedish footballer. He is currently playing for Malmö FF in Allsvenskan.-Malmö FF:Nilsson made his debut for Malmö FF in 2008 only 15 years of age. On 24 May 2010 he made his debut in the starting 11 and scored two goals in the game...
and finally beat Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
. Milan, however, managed to equalised in the last minute of the game, as a cross by Cassano was headed in by youth team
A.C. Milan Primavera
Associazione Calcio Milan Primavera are the under-20 team of Italian professional football club Associazione Calcio Milan. They play in the Group B of the Campionato Nazionale Primavera. They have been champions only once, back in 1965...
player Kingsley Boateng. With no extra time, the match was to be decided by a 3–kick penalty shoot-out, which Milan won 3–2, as Abbiati pulled off a save on Malmö's third attempt.
Four days later, Milan was back in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
to play the TIM Trophy
TIM Trophy
The TIM trophy is a yearly football pre-season tournament played by 3 Italian football teams. The competition usually consists of the squads of Juventus, Inter and Milan. This is an unofficial tournament that has been held yearly in August since 2001...
. They took on Juventus
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
in the second game of the evening, after the latter had lost the first game to Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
on penalties. Milan took the lead in the 13th minute through Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
, but Juventus fought back equalising eight minutes later with Arturo Vidal
Arturo Vidal
Arturo Erasmo Vidal Pardo is a Chilean footballer who plays as defensive midfielder for Juventus and Chile. Although usually deployed as a defensive midfielder, Vidal is a versatile box-to-box midfielder capable of playing in a more attacking role as well.- Early life :Vidal was born in San...
and scoring the winning goal in injury time through Alessandro Matri
Alessandro Matri
Alessandro Matri is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Juventus and the Italian national team.-Milan:...
. The Rossoneri also lost the third and final game against Inter, with Diego Milito
Diego Milito
Diego Alberto Milito is an Argentine footballer who plays as a striker for the Italian Serie A team Internazionale. He also plays for the Argentine national team. A prolific and consistent center-forward, Milito has statistically averaged just over a goal every two appearances, over the course of...
scoring the lone goal, thus allowing them to win the trophy.
Milan concluded their pre-season with the annual Luigi Berlusconi Trophy
Trofeo Luigi Berlusconi
The Trofeo Luigi Berlusconi is an annual friendly football match. It is organized by Italian club Milan, and takes place in August at the San Siro, their home stadium....
, in which they played against Juventus
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
at the San Siro
San Siro
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, originally and commonly referred to as the San Siro because of its location, officially given its current name on 3 March 1980, is a football stadium located in the San Siro district in Milan, Italy. It is the home of both A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale Milano...
on Sunday, 21 August. Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
opened the scoring for the Rossoneri in the 9th minute, volleying past Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Ufficiale OMRI , is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Juventus and the Italian national team. He has won the FIFA World Cup and is widely considered by fans and experts to be one of most dominant and successful goalkeepers in history...
a cross by Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a fullback for Serie A club Milan. He is renowned for his quick sprints down the right wing and accurate crosses.- Early years :...
. Fourteen minutes later, Milan doubled their lead, as Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
scored with a curled free-kick off the post. In the second half, Milan players looked more tired and Juventus managed to pull one back through Mirko Vucinic
Mirko Vucinic
Mirko Vučinić is a Montenegrin footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Juventus. Originally from the city of Nikšić, Vučinić found himself playing for the local team there during his early teen years...
, but the Rossoneri held on to win the game 2–1.
However, following the players' strike that forced the postponement of the first weekend of league fixtures, Milan announced they would play another friendly match, away against Como, on 1 September. The Rossoneri took the lead in the 22nd minute through Massimo Ambrosini
Massimo Ambrosini
Massimo Ambrosini is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder and is the captain of Serie A club Milan. He is well known for his aerial ability and tackling.- Club career :...
, who was set up by Stephan El Shaarawy, but the hosts equalised two minutes later with a goal from Umberto Miello. In the second half, Urby Emanuelson
Urby Emanuelson
Urby Vitorrio Diego Emanuelson is a Dutch footballer of Surinamese descent, who plays for Serie A club Milan. He plays as either a left midfielder or left back. Despite playing as a defender, he is best known for attacking attributes such as pace and dribbling.- AFC Ajax :Emanuelson is a product...
converted a penalty to give Milan the final lead.
| Date | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 July 2011 | Solbiatese Arno Solbiatese Arno Calcio Solbiatese Arno Calcio is an Italian association football club located in Solbiate Arno , Lombardy.In the 2010-11 season, the club has been relegated from Serie D group B to Eccellenza Lombardy.-History:... |
A | 12 – 0 | Seedorf Clarence Seedorf Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007... , Viscomi , Cassano Antonio Cassano Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November... , Valoti Mattia Valoti Mattia Valoti is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Milan.- Early career :... , Flamini Mathieu Flamini Mathieu Flamini is a French professional footballer of Italian descent who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Milan..-Marseille:... , Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Paloschi Alberto Paloschi Alberto Paloschi is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Chievo, on loan from Milan.-Milan:Paloschi won Allievi Nazionali in 2006–07 season... , Zambrotta Gianluca Zambrotta Gianluca Zambrotta is a world cup winning Italian footballer who currently plays as a full back for Serie A club Milan.Zambrotta was decorated as Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2000 and he was made an Officer of the same order in 2006.-Como:Zambrotta began his... , Emanuelson Urby Emanuelson Urby Vitorrio Diego Emanuelson is a Dutch footballer of Surinamese descent, who plays for Serie A club Milan. He plays as either a left midfielder or left back. Despite playing as a defender, he is best known for attacking attributes such as pace and dribbling.- AFC Ajax :Emanuelson is a product... , Inzaghi Filippo Inzaghi Filippo Inzaghi, Ufficiale OMRI commonly known as Pippo, is a World Cup and UEFA Champions League-winning Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan.... , Comi |
4,500 |
| 26 July 2011 | Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups.... |
A | 1 – 1 (3 – 5p) |
Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... |
n/a |
| 28 July 2011 | Internacional Sport Club Internacional Sport Club Internacional is a Brazilian football team and multi-sport club from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, founded on April 4, 1909, and are one of the only five clubs to have never been relegated, along with Santos, São Paulo, Flamengo and Cruzeiro. They play in red shirts, white shorts and... |
N Allianz Arena The Allianz Arena is a football stadium in the north of Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The two professional Munich football clubs FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 München have played their home games at Allianz Arena since the start of the 2005–06 season... |
2 – 2 (0 – 2p) |
Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Pato Alexandre Pato Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva , commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco... |
n/a |
| 14 August 2011 | Malmö Malmö FF Malmö Fotbollförening, also known simply as Malmö FF, are a Swedish professional football club based in Malmö. The club is affiliated with Skånes Fotbollförbund and play their home games at Swedbank Stadion. The club colours, reflected in their crest and kit, are sky blue and white... |
A | 2 – 2 (3 – 2p) |
Cassano Antonio Cassano Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November... , Ki. Boateng |
23,180 |
| 18 August 2011 | Juventus Juventus F.C. Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont... (45 mins) |
N Stadio San Nicola The Stadio San Nicola is a multi-use all-seater stadium designed by Renzo Piano in Bari, Italy. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Associazione Sportiva Bari. It hosted the 1991 European Cup Final, won by Red Star Belgrade. The stadium itself resembles a... |
1 – 2 | Cassano Antonio Cassano Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November... |
n/a |
| 18 August 2011 | Internazionale F.C. Internazionale Milano Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always... (45 mins) |
N Stadio San Nicola The Stadio San Nicola is a multi-use all-seater stadium designed by Renzo Piano in Bari, Italy. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Associazione Sportiva Bari. It hosted the 1991 European Cup Final, won by Red Star Belgrade. The stadium itself resembles a... |
0 – 1 | n/a | |
| 21 August 2011 | Juventus Juventus F.C. Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont... |
H | 2 – 1 | K.P. Boateng Kevin-Prince Boateng Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A... , Seedorf Clarence Seedorf Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007... |
41,302 |
| 1 September 2011 | Como | A | 2 – 1 | Ambrosini Massimo Ambrosini Massimo Ambrosini is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder and is the captain of Serie A club Milan. He is well known for his aerial ability and tackling.- Club career :... , Emanuelson Urby Emanuelson Urby Vitorrio Diego Emanuelson is a Dutch footballer of Surinamese descent, who plays for Serie A club Milan. He plays as either a left midfielder or left back. Despite playing as a defender, he is best known for attacking attributes such as pace and dribbling.- AFC Ajax :Emanuelson is a product... |
3,500 |
Supercoppa Italiana
As Serie A2010–11 Serie A
The 2010–11 Serie A was the 79th season since its establishment, the first under a league committee separate from Serie B. It began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 22 May 2011...
Champions, Milan kicked their season off with an appearance in the Supercoppa Italiana
Supercoppa Italiana
The Supercoppa Italiana is a pre-season football competition held the week before the season begins in Italy every year. It is contested by the winners of the Serie A and the Coppa Italia in the previous season, as a curtain raiser to the new season. It is usually played at the home of the Serie A...
, facing Coppa Italia
2010–11 Coppa Italia
-=Second round:=-----=Third round:=-----=Fourth round:=-Section 2:-=First round:=---------=Second round:=---------=Third round:=-----=Fourth round:=-Section 3:-=First round:=-=Second round:=--------...
holders, Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
at the Beijing National Stadium
Beijing National Stadium
Beijing National Stadium, also known officially as the National Stadium, or colloquially as the Bird's Nest , is a stadium in Beijing, China. The stadium was designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.-History:...
on 6 August. Inter took the lead after 21 minutes with a 25-yard free kick by Wesley Sneijder
Wesley Sneijder
Wesley Sneijder is a Dutch footballer playing as an attacking midfielder for Internazionale. He was named UEFA midfielder of the season as well as one of the three best midfielders in the world for 2010 by FIFA....
. Later on, the Rossoneri nearly leveled the score when a header by Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
struck the post. On the hour mark, anyway, Milan managed to equalise, as Ibrahimović headed into an empty net a cross by Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
. Ten minutes later, a shot by Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva , commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco...
was deflected by Inter goalkeeper Júlio César
Júlio César Soares Espíndola
Júlio César Soares de Espíndola , commonly known as simply Júlio César, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Internazionale of the Italian Serie A...
on the post only for Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
to convert from close range, setting the final score to 2–1. For Milan, it was the sixth time they won the trophy, making them the most successful club in the history of the competition.
| Date | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 August 2011 | Internazionale F.C. Internazionale Milano Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always... |
N Beijing National Stadium Beijing National Stadium, also known officially as the National Stadium, or colloquially as the Bird's Nest , is a stadium in Beijing, China. The stadium was designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.-History:... |
2 – 1 | Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Boateng Kevin-Prince Boateng Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A... |
70,000 |
Serie A
The fixtures for the 2011–12 Serie A2011–12 Serie A
The 2011–12 Serie A is the eightieth season since its establishment, and the second under a league committee separate from Serie B. It began on 9 September 2011 and will end on 13 May 2012. The league was originally scheduled to start on 27 August, but this was delayed due to a strike by the players...
season were announced by the Lega Serie A
Lega Serie A
The Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A , commonly known as Lega Serie A , is the governing body that runs the major professional football competitions in Italy, most prominently the Serie A.It was founded on 1 July 2010...
on 27 July. Milan were to kick-off their schedule away at Cagliari
Cagliari Calcio
Cagliari Calcio is an Italian football club based in Cagliari, Sardinia. The club was formed in 1920 and currently plays in Italian Serie A, having spent a large part of recent years mainly in Serie A and Serie B....
on Saturday, 27 August, but following a strike declared by Serie A players over the lack of a collective bargaining agreement
Collective bargaining
Collective bargaining is a process of negotiations between employers and the representatives of a unit of employees aimed at reaching agreements that regulate working conditions...
, the first day of the league season has been postponed to a future date.
Following another week off for an international break, Milan started their season, playing host to Lazio
S.S. Lazio
Società Sportiva Lazio, commonly referred to as Lazio, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. The team, founded in 1900, play in the Serie A and have spent most of their history in the top tier of Italian football...
on Friday, 9 September. A few minutes into the game, newly-signed Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan on loan from Liverpool. He is also part of the Italian national team. Aquilani is a central midfielder, who can operate in a holding position or an attacking position in the hole behind the strikers...
broke into the Lazio penalty area, but one on one with goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri, he fired straight at him. Instead, it was Lazio who took the lead, as in 12th minute Miroslav Klose
Miroslav Klose
Miroslav Josef Klose is a German footballer who plays as a striker for Lazio in the Serie A. Since bursting onto the international stage at the 2002 World Cup, he has become well known for his knack of scoring headers, front-flip goal celebrations, and decisive short passing.Klose holds German...
took down Stefano Mauri
Stefano Mauri
Stefano Mauri is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Lazio. An attacking midfielder/winger, his key attributes are dribbling and passing. He is predominantly left-footed but is also skilled with his right.-Club career:Mauri started his career at 16 years of age with...
's cross, turned inside Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta, Ufficiale OMRI , is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan. Considered by many as one of the best centre backs to have ever played the game, he is a four-time member of the annual UEFA Team of the Year.-Early life:Nesta was raised in...
and beat goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
. Less than ten minutes later Lazio scored again through Djibril Cissé
Djibril Cissé
Djibril Aruun Cissé is a French international footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Lazio as a striker. He is noted particularly for his speed and acceleration. Since 2005, he has held the title of Lord of the Manor of Frodsham....
, who headed in another cross by Mauri. Milan pulled one back in the 29th minute, when Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
, set up by Aquilani inside the box, passed the ball to Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
for the tap in. Four minutes later, Cassano himself tied the game with a header from a corner. Eighteen minutes into the second half, Cassano went close to find the winning goal, hitting the outside of the left post. Lazio had a chance of his own two minutes later, as Cissé nudged the ball past Abbiati and heading to the goal, before Nesta managed to touch it wide. The match finished in a 2–2 draw.
For the next game, Milan travelled to Naples
Naples
Naples is a city in Southern Italy, situated on the country's west coast by the Gulf of Naples. Lying between two notable volcanic regions, Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, it is the capital of the region of Campania and of the province of Naples...
to take on Napoli
S.S.C. Napoli
Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, commonly referred to as Napoli, is a professional Italian football club based in Naples and founded in 1926. The club has spent most of its history in Serie A, where it currently plays its 2011–12 season....
in the evening of Sunday, 18 September. Both teams had played Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
ties in midweek, Milan drawing 2–2 at Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
on Tuesday and Napoli drawing 1–1 at Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
on Wednesday. The Rossoneri were also in the midst of an injury crisis, with as many as seven players out, including the previuos season topscorer Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
. Nonetheless, Milan took the lead eleven minutes into the game through Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan on loan from Liverpool. He is also part of the Italian national team. Aquilani is a central midfielder, who can operate in a holding position or an attacking position in the hole behind the strikers...
, who scored his first goal for the club, heading Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
's cross past Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis
Morgan De Sanctis
Morgan De Sanctis is an Italian football goalkeeper who currently plays for Serie A club Napoli and the Italian national team.-Club career:...
. The hosts reaction came only two minutes later, as Edinson Cavani found the equaliser following a free-kick. Napoli started to press forward and in the 36th minute they went ahead with another goal by Cavani on a fast-paced counter attack. Milan had a chance to pull level when Aquilani was once again set up inside the box by Cassano, but the effort was denied by De Sanctis' save. A few minutes after the break, Cavani completed his hat-trick, making it 3–1 after Milan's defence failed to clear the ball inside the area. The Rossoneri tried to fight back but produced no major threats until the final whistle.
Three days later, Milan took the field again, playing host to unbeaten Udinese
Udinese Calcio
Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and currently plays in the Serie A. Founded in 1896, Udinese is the second oldest club in the Serie A, after Genoa....
at the San Siro. The Rossoneri lost Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva , commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco...
to an injury in the 21st minute and eight minutes later they went down 1–0, as goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
failed to control a cross by Gabriel Torje
Gabriel Torje
Gabriel Andrei Torje is a Romanian footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Udinese. He is a versatile right winger with the ability to swap onto the left side of the field during games.- Politehnica Timişoara :...
and fumbled the ball to Antonio Di Natale
Antonio di Natale
Antonio Di Natale is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Udinese.A versatile striker with a lethal eye for goal, Di Natale can play anywhere in the front line, as a lone striker or out wide in an attacking trident. He is notable for his dribbling skills, pace and for his ability to...
for an empty net tap in. Moments before the interval Milan nearly leveled the score, when a free-kick from just outside the penalty area by Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
struck the post to the left of goalkeeper Samir Handanović
Samir Handanovic
Samir Handanovič, is a Slovenian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Italian club Udinese and the Slovenian national team. He is well known for his ability to save pentalies...
. Eighteen minutes into the second half, the Rossoneri did tie the game: Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
set up Stephan El Shaarawy inside the box and the Italian-Egyptian fired home a low drive to the far post. Udinese did not give up and had three chances to win before the final whistle, hitting the woodwork once and then forcing Abbiati to make two crucial saves to preserve the 1–1 tie.
Pato's absence intensified Milan's already deep injury crisis, as he joined strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
and Robinho
Robinho
Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan...
, midfielders Massimo Ambrosini
Massimo Ambrosini
Massimo Ambrosini is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder and is the captain of Serie A club Milan. He is well known for his aerial ability and tackling.- Club career :...
, Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
, Gennaro Gattuso
Gennaro Gattuso
Gennaro Ivan Gattuso, Ufficiale OMRI is an Italian footballer, who plays for Serie A club Milan. He mainly plays as a defensive midfielder. Gattuso is an aggressive, hard tackling player and in his prime, was widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world...
and Mathieu Flamini
Mathieu Flamini
Mathieu Flamini is a French professional footballer of Italian descent who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Milan..-Marseille:...
and defenders Luca Antonini
Luca Antonini
Luca Antonini is an Italian footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan.- Early career :Antonini started his career at Milan, originally as a winger, playing for 11 years in their youth teams...
, Daniele Bonera
Daniele Bonera
Daniele Bonera is an Italian footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan.-Brescia:Bonera started his career for Brescia Calcio, making his first team debut in 1999–2000, in Serie B league...
and Philippe Mexes
Philippe Mexès
Philippe Mexès is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Italian Serie A club Milan and for the French national team.-Auxerre:...
on the sidelines. Nontheless, on Saturday, 24 September Milan achieved their first league win of the season, beating Cesena
A.C. Cesena
Associazione Calcio Cesena is an Italian football club based in Cesena, Romagna. The club was formed in 1940 and won the first promotion to Serie A in 1973. Since then, the club have been in the Italian Premier League for a total of in 11 seasons, reaching the best achievement in 1976 with the 6th...
1–0 at the San Siro. Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
scored the lone goal, firing a 25-yard curled shot, following a corner kick.
After defeating Viktoria Plzeň
FC Viktoria Plzen
FC Viktoria Plzeň is a Czech professional football club based in Plzeň. They currently play in the Gambrinus liga, the top division of football in the country....
in their midweek Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
game, Milan travelled to the Juventus Stadium in Turin
Turin
Turin is a city and major business and cultural centre in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the left bank of the Po River and surrounded by the Alpine arch. The population of the city proper is 909,193 while the population of the urban area is estimated by Eurostat...
to take on a still-unbeaten Juventus
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
on Sunday, 2 October. The hosts created several scoring chances in the first half and came close to scoring in the 37th minute, as Mirko Vučinić
Mirko Vucinic
Mirko Vučinić is a Montenegrin footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Juventus. Originally from the city of Nikšić, Vučinić found himself playing for the local team there during his early teen years...
hit the crossbar with a right-footed shot from the edge of the area. The home side came close to scoring again moments before the break, but Vucinic's drive went just wide of the far post. Juventus kept pressing forward after the break and nearly scored with Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci is an Italian footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Juventus and the Italian national team.-Internazionale:Bonucci started his career at Viterbese but was loaned to Internazionale in the summer of 2005. He played a number of pre-season friendlies for Inter first team...
, whose was palmed over the bar by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
. Milan then had an opportunity of their own, but Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
was denied Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Ufficiale OMRI , is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Juventus and the Italian national team. He has won the FIFA World Cup and is widely considered by fans and experts to be one of most dominant and successful goalkeepers in history...
. Three minutes from time, however, Juventus eventually took the lead: Daniele Bonera
Daniele Bonera
Daniele Bonera is an Italian footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan.-Brescia:Bonera started his career for Brescia Calcio, making his first team debut in 1999–2000, in Serie B league...
's clearence deflected off Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Juventus and the Italian national team. A product of the Juventus youth system, he has spent his whole career thus far at his hometown club, with the exception of a season-long loan spell at Empoli...
and into the net. Seconds later, the Rossoneri were left down to ten man with Boateng being sent off for second yellow card. In injury time, Marchisio set the final score to 2–0, as his volley from outside the box went in between Abbiati's legs.
After a break for international, Milan played host to Palermo
U.S. Città di Palermo
Unione Sportiva Città di Palermo is an Italian football club from Palermo, Sicily which currently plays in Serie A, the top level of Italian football. Formed in 1900 as Anglo Panormitan Athletic and Football Club, the club had various names before assuming its final form in 1987 and is currently...
on Saturday, 15 October. The Rossoneri were dangerous from the whistle, with Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
and Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
forcing a couple of saves from opposing goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas
Alexandros Tzorvas
Alexandros Tzorvas is a Greek goalkeeper currently playing for Palermo and Greece national football team.-Early career:...
. Tzorvas also denied Robinho
Robinho
Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan...
in the 38th minute, parrying an initial shot straight back to the Brazilian and then deflecting the follow-up effort. However, Milan took the lead one minute later: Ibrahimović provided a cross to Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan on loan from Liverpool. He is also part of the Italian national team. Aquilani is a central midfielder, who can operate in a holding position or an attacking position in the hole behind the strikers...
, who headed the ball to Antonio Nocerino
Antonio Nocerino
Antonio Nocerino is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Milan and the Italian national team.-Juventus and early career:...
for a close range tap-in. Ibrahimović also provided the assist for Milan's second goal in the 55th minute, delivering a pin-point pass to Robinho who beat Tzorvas one-on-one. Eight minutes later, Cassano set the final score to 3–0, firing home a pass from Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a fullback for Serie A club Milan. He is renowned for his quick sprints down the right wing and accurate crosses.- Early years :...
.
After defeating BATE Borisov in their Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
game, Milan traveled to the Stadio Via del Mare
Stadio Via del Mare
Stadio Via del Mare is a multi-purpose stadium in Lecce, Italy. It is mostly used for football matches and is the home of U.S. Lecce. The stadium was built in 1966 and holds 33,876. It takes its name from the street leading to the sea.-History:...
on Sunday, 23 October to take on Lecce
U.S. Lecce
Unione Sportiva Lecce or simply U.S. Lecce is an Italian football club based in Lecce, Apulia who play in the Italian Serie A. After being crowned Serie B champions in 2009–10, the team successfully managed to avoid relegation in 2010-11....
, whom they had not beaten away from home in 10 years. Guillermo Giacomazzi
Guillermo Giacomazzi
Guillermo Gonzalo Giacomazzi Suárez is a Uruguayan footballer who plays for the Italian side Lecce. He also played for the Uruguayan national team....
gave Lecce the lead in the 4th minute, with a deft headed flick from Carlos Grossmüller
Carlos Grossmüller
Carlos Javier Grossmüller is a Uruguayan footballer. He plays as a midfielder for Serie A side Lecce.-Career:...
's inswinging free-kick taking the ball past goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
. Milan had a couple of chances but could not convert them, and in the 30th minute Abbiati was called for a foul on Daniele Corvia
Daniele Corvia
Daniele Corvia is an Italian footballer, who plays as a forward for Lecce in the Italian Serie A.Corvia joined Siena for €200K after the co-ownership deal with Ternana terminated with Roma favour. In June 2007, Siena bought him outright for another €350K. In summer 2009 he started his second...
after he spilled a caught ball from a corner, with the referee awarding a penalty, even though replays seemed to show that it was a dive by the player. Former Milan player Massimo Oddo
Massimo Oddo
Massimo Oddo, Ufficiale OMRI, is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Lecce, on loan from Milan. He was part of the Italian squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup.-Club career:...
converted to put Lecce up 2-0. Milan continued to make defensive mistakes when in the 37th minute Luca Antonini
Luca Antonini
Luca Antonini is an Italian footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan.- Early career :Antonini started his career at Milan, originally as a winger, playing for 11 years in their youth teams...
let his blocked ball slip to Grossmüller who fired hom to make it 3-0 for Lecce before halftime. The second half began with Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
and Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan on loan from Liverpool. He is also part of the Italian national team. Aquilani is a central midfielder, who can operate in a holding position or an attacking position in the hole behind the strikers...
replacing Massimo Ambrosini
Massimo Ambrosini
Massimo Ambrosini is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder and is the captain of Serie A club Milan. He is well known for his aerial ability and tackling.- Club career :...
and Robinho
Robinho
Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan...
. These substitutions proved crucial, as Boateng scored an hat-trick within a span of 14 minutes to put Milan level at 3-3, before Mario Yepes
Mario Yepes
Mario Alberto Yepes Díaz is a Colombian professional footballer, who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan. He has also been the captain of the Colombian national team since 2008.- Club career :...
converted a cross by Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
with a header into the top right corner to complete Milan's comeback in the 83rd minute.
Three days later, Milan played host to Parma
Parma F.C.
Parma Football Club , commonly referred to as just Parma, is an Italian professional football club based in Parma, Emilia–Romagna that will compete in Serie A for the 2011–12 season, having finished in twelfth position last season. Founded as Verdi Foot Ball Club in July 1913, the club changed its...
at the San Siro
San Siro
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, originally and commonly referred to as the San Siro because of its location, officially given its current name on 3 March 1980, is a football stadium located in the San Siro district in Milan, Italy. It is the home of both A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale Milano...
. Milan started the game with confidence, controlling much of the play and in the 30th minute Antonio Nocerino
Antonio Nocerino
Antonio Nocerino is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Milan and the Italian national team.-Juventus and early career:...
gave Milan the lead with a left-footed shot into the bottem left corner of the net after the ball rebounded off a Parma player. He doubled his tally 2 minutes later with a left-footed stike from outside the box, making the scoreline 2-0 for Milan. In the 73rd minute Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
added to Milan's lead with a right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner, assisted by Antonio Cassano with a headed pass following a fast break. Five minutes later though, Sebastian Giovinco
Sebastian Giovinco
Sebastian Giovinco is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Parma and the Italian national team. Giovinco is an attacking midfielder with noted dribbling skills, play-making skills and he is known for his freekicks....
scored a consolation goal for Parma as he threaded the ball through Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
's legs to make it 3-1. Yet, in the dying minutes of the game, Nocerino completed his hat-trick with a headed goal into the bottom left corner of Antonio Mirante
Antonio Mirante
Antonio Mirante is an Italian footballer who currently plays for Parma F.C.- Career :...
's net to win it for Milan 4-1.
Milan completed a three-game week visiting the Stadio Olimpico
Stadio Olimpico
The Stadio Olimpico is the main and largest sports facility of Rome, Italy. It is located within the Foro Italico sports complex on the north of the city. An asset of the Italian National Olympic Committee, the structure is intended primarily for football...
to take on Roma
A.S. Roma
Associazione Sportiva Roma, commonly referred to as simply Roma, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. Founded by a merger in 1927, Roma have participated in the top-tier of Italian football for all of their existence but one season in the early 50s...
on Saturday, 29 October. The Rossoneri started the game well, getting ahead in the 17th minute with Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
who got behind an Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan on loan from Liverpool. He is also part of the Italian national team. Aquilani is a central midfielder, who can operate in a holding position or an attacking position in the hole behind the strikers...
cross from the right and placed a headed shot into the right side of Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's net. Roma struggled to break Milan's defence until the 28th minute when Nicolas Burdisso
Nicolás Burdisso
Nicolás Andrés Burdisso is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a central or right defender for A.S. Roma. He also holds European Union nationality.-Boca Juniors:...
scored his first goal of the season by running into the six-yard box to meet Miralem Pjanic
Miralem Pjanic
Miralem Pjanić is a Bosnian football player who plays for Italian club Roma in Serie A. He plays as an attacking midfielder and has been described as an "old-fashioned playmaker with huge technical qualities"....
's cross with his head and beating Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
. Roma's joy was short-lived though, as Milan went back in front two minutes later: Robinho
Robinho
Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan...
's corner was met by Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta, Ufficiale OMRI , is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan. Considered by many as one of the best centre backs to have ever played the game, he is a four-time member of the annual UEFA Team of the Year.-Early life:Nesta was raised in...
, who nodded past Stekelenburg. In the 65th minute Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
was sent off right after being substituted for saying something to the fourth official. Roma could not get back on terms, and Milan were soon back on the attack and celebrating their third goal as Ibrahimović headed in a cross by Aquilani into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal. The game was not over yet though, and in the 87th minute Bojan Krkić
Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkić Pérez known as just Bojan, is a Spanish footballer who currently plays as a forward or winger for Italian Serie A club Roma.- Early years :...
struck the ball into the back of the net after Abbiati was unable to hold on to substitute Erik Lamela
Erik Lamela
Erik Manuel Lamela is an Argentine footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Roma.-River Plate:Lamela made his first team debut for Club Atlético River Plate on 14 June 2009, in a game against Tigre for the 2009 Clausura tournament. He entered the field on the 80th minute, substituting...
's strike. Shortly after, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was sent off for protesting about a throw-in, but the game ended with Milan taking the victory by 3-2.
After drawing 1–1 in their mid–week Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
game against BATE Borisov, Milan played host to Catania
Calcio Catania
Calcio Catania is an Italian football club founded in 1908 and based in Catania, Sicily. The club has spent much of its history in Serie B, gaining promotion to Italy's top league Serie A five times...
on Sunday, 6 November. Seven minutes into the game, Robinho
Robinho
Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan...
was brought down by Davide Lanzafame
Davide Lanzafame
Davide Lanzafame is an Italian football striker/winger, who currently plays for Calcio Catania, in a co-ownership with Palermo, in the Italian Serie A.-Juventus:...
inside the box and Milan were awarded a penalty, which Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
converted for the 1–0 lead. The lead was doubled in the 24th minute through Robinho, who beat Catania's goalkeeper Mariano Andújar
Mariano Andújar
Mariano Gonzalo Andújar is an Argentine football goalkeeper. He currently plays for Calcio Catania in the Italian Serie A.-Club Atlético Huracán:...
on the far post, following a pinpoint pass by Ibrahimović. In the second half, the Rossoneri added other two goals to their tally: in the 69th minute, when Catania's Francesco Lodi
Francesco Lodi
Francesco Lodi is an Italian footballer, who plays for Calcio Catania in the Italian Serie A. He is a free-kick and penalty specialist.-Empoli F.C.:...
deflected Robinho's shot into his own net, and three minutes later through Gianluca Zambrotta
Gianluca Zambrotta
Gianluca Zambrotta is a world cup winning Italian footballer who currently plays as a full back for Serie A club Milan.Zambrotta was decorated as Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2000 and he was made an Officer of the same order in 2006.-Como:Zambrotta began his...
, whose left-footed strike made it 4–0.
Following a two weeks break for internationals, Milan resumed his league schedule in Florence
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area....
to take on Fiorentina
ACF Fiorentina
ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A...
on Saturday, 19 November. The game ended in a scoreless draw, though Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, despite replays showing that he actually was in line.
| Date | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance | League position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 September 2011 | Lazio S.S. Lazio Società Sportiva Lazio, commonly referred to as Lazio, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. The team, founded in 1900, play in the Serie A and have spent most of their history in the top tier of Italian football... |
H | 2 – 2 | Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Cassano Antonio Cassano Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November... |
48,543 | 10th |
| 18 September 2011 | Napoli S.S.C. Napoli Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, commonly referred to as Napoli, is a professional Italian football club based in Naples and founded in 1926. The club has spent most of its history in Serie A, where it currently plays its 2011–12 season.... |
A | 1 – 3 | Aquilani Alberto Aquilani Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan on loan from Liverpool. He is also part of the Italian national team. Aquilani is a central midfielder, who can operate in a holding position or an attacking position in the hole behind the strikers... |
51,025 | 17th |
| 21 September 2011 | Udinese Udinese Calcio Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and currently plays in the Serie A. Founded in 1896, Udinese is the second oldest club in the Serie A, after Genoa.... |
H | 1 – 1 | El Shaarawy | 37,592 | 16th |
| 24 September 2011 | Cesena A.C. Cesena Associazione Calcio Cesena is an Italian football club based in Cesena, Romagna. The club was formed in 1940 and won the first promotion to Serie A in 1973. Since then, the club have been in the Italian Premier League for a total of in 11 seasons, reaching the best achievement in 1976 with the 6th... |
H | 1 – 0 | Seedorf Clarence Seedorf Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007... |
39,225 | 12th |
| 2 October 2011 | Juventus Juventus F.C. Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont... |
A | 0 – 2 | 37,281 | 15th | |
| 15 October 2011 | Palermo U.S. Città di Palermo Unione Sportiva Città di Palermo is an Italian football club from Palermo, Sicily which currently plays in Serie A, the top level of Italian football. Formed in 1900 as Anglo Panormitan Athletic and Football Club, the club had various names before assuming its final form in 1987 and is currently... |
H | 3 – 0 | Nocerino Antonio Nocerino Antonio Nocerino is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Milan and the Italian national team.-Juventus and early career:... , Robinho Robinho Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan... , Cassano Antonio Cassano Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November... |
44,992 | 13th |
| 23 October 2011 | Lecce U.S. Lecce Unione Sportiva Lecce or simply U.S. Lecce is an Italian football club based in Lecce, Apulia who play in the Italian Serie A. After being crowned Serie B champions in 2009–10, the team successfully managed to avoid relegation in 2010-11.... |
A | 4 – 3 | Boateng Kevin-Prince Boateng Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A... , Yepes Mario Yepes Mario Alberto Yepes Díaz is a Colombian professional footballer, who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan. He has also been the captain of the Colombian national team since 2008.- Club career :... |
13,295 | 7th |
| 26 October 2011 | Parma Parma F.C. Parma Football Club , commonly referred to as just Parma, is an Italian professional football club based in Parma, Emilia–Romagna that will compete in Serie A for the 2011–12 season, having finished in twelfth position last season. Founded as Verdi Foot Ball Club in July 1913, the club changed its... |
H | 4 – 1 | Nocerino Antonio Nocerino Antonio Nocerino is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Milan and the Italian national team.-Juventus and early career:... , Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... |
35,753 | 5th |
| 29 October 2011 | Roma A.S. Roma Associazione Sportiva Roma, commonly referred to as simply Roma, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. Founded by a merger in 1927, Roma have participated in the top-tier of Italian football for all of their existence but one season in the early 50s... |
A | 3 – 2 | Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Nesta Alessandro Nesta Alessandro Nesta, Ufficiale OMRI , is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan. Considered by many as one of the best centre backs to have ever played the game, he is a four-time member of the annual UEFA Team of the Year.-Early life:Nesta was raised in... |
43,978 | 4th |
| 6 November 2011 | Catania Calcio Catania Calcio Catania is an Italian football club founded in 1908 and based in Catania, Sicily. The club has spent much of its history in Serie B, gaining promotion to Italy's top league Serie A five times... |
H | 4 – 0 | Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Robinho Robinho Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan... , Lodi Francesco Lodi Francesco Lodi is an Italian footballer, who plays for Calcio Catania in the Italian Serie A. He is a free-kick and penalty specialist.-Empoli F.C.:... , Zambrotta Gianluca Zambrotta Gianluca Zambrotta is a world cup winning Italian footballer who currently plays as a full back for Serie A club Milan.Zambrotta was decorated as Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2000 and he was made an Officer of the same order in 2006.-Como:Zambrotta began his... |
44,091 | 3rd |
| 19 November 2011 | Fiorentina ACF Fiorentina ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A... |
A | 0 – 0 | 33,295 | 3rd | |
| 27 November 2011 | Chievo A.C. ChievoVerona Associazione Calcio Chievo Verona is a professional Italian football club named after and based in Chievo, a suburb of 2,800 inhabitants in Verona, Veneto, and owned by Paluani, a cake company and the inspiration for their original name, Paluani Chievo... |
H | 4 – 0 | Thiago Silva , Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Pato Alexandre Pato Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva , commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco... |
51,078 | 2nd |
| 2 December 2011 | Genoa Genoa C.F.C. Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria... |
A | ||||
| 11 December 2011 | Bologna Bologna F.C. 1909 Bologna Football Club 1909, known simply as Bologna, is an Italian Football League club based in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, formed in 1993. The club are nicknamed the rossoblù because of the red and blue striped shirts they wear. Red and Blue are the official colours of the town.During its history... |
A | ||||
| 18 December 2011 | Siena A.C. Siena Associazione Calcio Siena is an Italian football club based in Siena.The club currently plays in Serie A, having gained promotion from Serie B at the end of the 2010-2011 season.... |
H | ||||
| 21 December 2011 | Cagliari Cagliari Calcio Cagliari Calcio is an Italian football club based in Cagliari, Sardinia. The club was formed in 1920 and currently plays in Italian Serie A, having spent a large part of recent years mainly in Serie A and Serie B.... |
A | ||||
| 8 January 2012 | Atalanta Atalanta B.C. Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, commonly known as just Atalanta, Atalanta Bergamo or the abbreviation Atalanta BC, is an Italian football club based in Bergamo, Lombardy.They are nicknamed the Nerazzurri and the orobici... |
A | ||||
| 15 January 2012 | Internazionale F.C. Internazionale Milano Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always... |
H | ||||
| 22 January 2012 | Novara Novara Calcio Novara Calcio is an Italian football club based in Novara, Piedmont.-History:In December 1908 the F.A.S. was created by eight students of Liceo Carlo Alberto, aged between 15–16 years; among them an engineer, Gianni Canestrini, and a lawyer, Piero Omodei Zorini... |
A | ||||
| 29 January 2012 | Cagliari Cagliari Calcio Cagliari Calcio is an Italian football club based in Cagliari, Sardinia. The club was formed in 1920 and currently plays in Italian Serie A, having spent a large part of recent years mainly in Serie A and Serie B.... |
H | ||||
| 1 February 2012 | Lazio S.S. Lazio Società Sportiva Lazio, commonly referred to as Lazio, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. The team, founded in 1900, play in the Serie A and have spent most of their history in the top tier of Italian football... |
A | ||||
| 5 February 2012 | Napoli S.S.C. Napoli Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, commonly referred to as Napoli, is a professional Italian football club based in Naples and founded in 1926. The club has spent most of its history in Serie A, where it currently plays its 2011–12 season.... |
H | ||||
| 12 February 2012 | Udinese Udinese Calcio Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and currently plays in the Serie A. Founded in 1896, Udinese is the second oldest club in the Serie A, after Genoa.... |
A | ||||
| 19 February 2012 | Cesena A.C. Cesena Associazione Calcio Cesena is an Italian football club based in Cesena, Romagna. The club was formed in 1940 and won the first promotion to Serie A in 1973. Since then, the club have been in the Italian Premier League for a total of in 11 seasons, reaching the best achievement in 1976 with the 6th... |
A | ||||
| 26 February 2012 | Juventus Juventus F.C. Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont... |
H | ||||
| 4 March 2012 | Palermo U.S. Città di Palermo Unione Sportiva Città di Palermo is an Italian football club from Palermo, Sicily which currently plays in Serie A, the top level of Italian football. Formed in 1900 as Anglo Panormitan Athletic and Football Club, the club had various names before assuming its final form in 1987 and is currently... |
A | ||||
| 11 March 2012 | Lecce U.S. Lecce Unione Sportiva Lecce or simply U.S. Lecce is an Italian football club based in Lecce, Apulia who play in the Italian Serie A. After being crowned Serie B champions in 2009–10, the team successfully managed to avoid relegation in 2010-11.... |
H | ||||
| 18 March 2012 | Parma Parma F.C. Parma Football Club , commonly referred to as just Parma, is an Italian professional football club based in Parma, Emilia–Romagna that will compete in Serie A for the 2011–12 season, having finished in twelfth position last season. Founded as Verdi Foot Ball Club in July 1913, the club changed its... |
A | ||||
| 25 March 2012 | Roma A.S. Roma Associazione Sportiva Roma, commonly referred to as simply Roma, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. Founded by a merger in 1927, Roma have participated in the top-tier of Italian football for all of their existence but one season in the early 50s... |
H | ||||
| 1 April 2012 | Catania Calcio Catania Calcio Catania is an Italian football club founded in 1908 and based in Catania, Sicily. The club has spent much of its history in Serie B, gaining promotion to Italy's top league Serie A five times... |
A | ||||
| 7 April 2012 | Fiorentina ACF Fiorentina ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A... |
H | ||||
| 11 April 2012 | Chievo A.C. ChievoVerona Associazione Calcio Chievo Verona is a professional Italian football club named after and based in Chievo, a suburb of 2,800 inhabitants in Verona, Veneto, and owned by Paluani, a cake company and the inspiration for their original name, Paluani Chievo... |
A | ||||
| 15 April 2012 | Genoa Genoa C.F.C. Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria... |
H | ||||
| 22 April 2012 | Bologna Bologna F.C. 1909 Bologna Football Club 1909, known simply as Bologna, is an Italian Football League club based in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, formed in 1993. The club are nicknamed the rossoblù because of the red and blue striped shirts they wear. Red and Blue are the official colours of the town.During its history... |
H | ||||
| 29 April 2012 | Siena A.C. Siena Associazione Calcio Siena is an Italian football club based in Siena.The club currently plays in Serie A, having gained promotion from Serie B at the end of the 2010-2011 season.... |
A | ||||
| 2 May 2012 | Atalanta Atalanta B.C. Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, commonly known as just Atalanta, Atalanta Bergamo or the abbreviation Atalanta BC, is an Italian football club based in Bergamo, Lombardy.They are nicknamed the Nerazzurri and the orobici... |
H | ||||
| 6 May 2012 | Internazionale F.C. Internazionale Milano Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always... |
A | ||||
| 13 May 2012 | Novara Novara Calcio Novara Calcio is an Italian football club based in Novara, Piedmont.-History:In December 1908 the F.A.S. was created by eight students of Liceo Carlo Alberto, aged between 15–16 years; among them an engineer, Gianni Canestrini, and a lawyer, Piero Omodei Zorini... |
H |
| Team | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Lazio S.S. Lazio Società Sportiva Lazio, commonly referred to as Lazio, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. The team, founded in 1900, play in the Serie A and have spent most of their history in the top tier of Italian football... |
11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 8 | 22 | |
| 3 | Milan A.C. Milan Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others... |
11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 23 | 14 | +9 | 21 |
| 4 | Udinese Udinese Calcio Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and currently plays in the Serie A. Founded in 1896, Udinese is the second oldest club in the Serie A, after Genoa.... |
11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 13 | 6 | 21 |
Coppa Italia
For the 13th season in a row, Milan will start the Coppa ItaliaCoppa Italia
The Coppa Italia is an Italian football annual cup competition. Its first edition was held in 1922, but the second champions were not crowned until 1936. Roma and Juventus lead the way with nine wins. Roma has contested more finals, 16, while Torino and Juventus follow with 13...
directly in the round of 16, as one the eight best seeded teams. They will take on the winner of the fourth preliminary round game between Catania
Calcio Catania
Calcio Catania is an Italian football club founded in 1908 and based in Catania, Sicily. The club has spent much of its history in Serie B, gaining promotion to Italy's top league Serie A five times...
and Novara
Novara Calcio
Novara Calcio is an Italian football club based in Novara, Piedmont.-History:In December 1908 the F.A.S. was created by eight students of Liceo Carlo Alberto, aged between 15–16 years; among them an engineer, Gianni Canestrini, and a lawyer, Piero Omodei Zorini...
.
| Date | Round | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 or 13 December 2011 or 11 January 2012 | Round of 16 | Novara | H |
Group stage
Milan began their UEFA Champions League2011–12 UEFA Champions League
The 2011–12 UEFA Champions League is the 57th season of the European Cup, Europe's premier football tournament, and the 20th season in its current Champions League format. The final venue will be the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany...
campaign in the group stage after winning the 2010–11 Serie A
2010–11 Serie A
The 2010–11 Serie A was the 79th season since its establishment, the first under a league committee separate from Serie B. It began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 22 May 2011...
title. Due to their UEFA coefficient, they were seeded in Pot 2, among the eight second-best teams. Milan were drawn in Group H with title-holders Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
of Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, BATE Borisov of Belarus
Belarus
Belarus , officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital is Minsk; other major cities include Brest, Grodno , Gomel ,...
and Viktoria Plzeň
FC Viktoria Plzen
FC Viktoria Plzeň is a Czech professional football club based in Plzeň. They currently play in the Gambrinus liga, the top division of football in the country....
of Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
.
For the opening game, Milan travelled to the Camp Nou
Camp Nou
Camp Nou , sometimes called "the Nou Camp" in English, is a football stadium in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The stadium, located in the west of the city, has been the home of FC Barcelona since its construction in 1957....
to take on Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
, on Tuesday, 13 September. The game got off to a quick start, as Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva , commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco...
opened the scoring just 24 seconds into the game. The hosts nealry equalised when Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi is an Argentine footballer who plays for FC Barcelona and captains the Argentina national team, mainly as a striker. Messi received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21, and won in 2009 and 2010...
's free kick hit the post to the left of goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
. However, in the 34th minute, Barcelona did tie the game through Pedro Rodríguez
Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma
Pedro Eliezer Rodríguez Ledesma , commonly known as Pedro or Pedrito, is a Spanish footballer who plays for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, as a forward or winger....
, who tapped in a low cross by Messi. Five minutes into the second half, Barcelona also went ahead with a curled 32-yard free kick by David Villa
David Villa
David Villa Sánchez , nicknamed , is a Spanish footballer who currently plays as a striker for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national football team. He can also operate as a winger....
. In injury time, though, Thiago Silva headed in a corner by Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
to snap up a 2–2 draw.
Two weeks later, Milan played host to Viktoria Plzeň
FC Viktoria Plzen
FC Viktoria Plzeň is a Czech professional football club based in Plzeň. They currently play in the Gambrinus liga, the top division of football in the country....
at the San Siro. The visitors nearly went ahead after only three minutes, when Václav Pilař
Václav Pilař
Václav Pilař is a Czech football player who currently plays for FC Viktoria Plzeň on loan from Hradec Králové. On 4 June 2011, he made his debut for the Czech Republic national team....
got past Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a fullback for Serie A club Milan. He is renowned for his quick sprints down the right wing and accurate crosses.- Early years :...
and crossed the ball to Marek Bakoš
Marek Bakoš
Marek Bakoš is a Slovak footballer who currently plays as a striker for the Gambrinus liga club FC Viktoria Plzeň.-Club career:...
, whose goalbound header was saved by goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
. Viktoria goalkeeper Marek Čech produces crucial saves of his own during the rest of the first half, repeatedly denying close range efforts by Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
and Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
. Eight minutes after the break, however, Milan was awarded a penalty kick for a handball by Marián Čišovský; Ibrahimović stepped up and coverted from the spot. Later on, Ibrahimović brought down a lofted pass and played in Cassano, who tucked the ball past Čech and into the net, setting the final score to 2–0.
Milan was at home again for the third game, playing against BATE Borisov on Wednesday, 19 October. The hosts got off to a good start, as Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan on loan from Liverpool. He is also part of the Italian national team. Aquilani is a central midfielder, who can operate in a holding position or an attacking position in the hole behind the strikers...
first sent a shot over the bar four minutes into the game and then struck the post following a combination between Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
and Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November...
. It was BATE, though, who nearly went ahead when Renan Bressan
Renan Bardini Bressan
Renan Bardini Bressan is a Brazilian footballer.-Career:He has played for FC Gomel since April 2007. On 28 January 2010, he signed with BATE Borisov....
intercepted Mark van Bommel
Mark van Bommel
Mark Peter Gertruda Andreas van Bommel is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Milan and captains the Netherlands national team as a midfielder....
's misplaced pass and was denied by goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
one-on-one. Moments later, however, Milan took the lead through Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
who fired home a loose ball after Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a fullback for Serie A club Milan. He is renowned for his quick sprints down the right wing and accurate crosses.- Early years :...
's cross was deflected by Artyom Radkov. The Rossoneri scored again in the second half with a strike by Boateng from outside the box, setting the final score to 2–0.
The two sides met again at the Dynama Stadium in Minsk
Minsk
- Ecological situation :The ecological situation is monitored by Republican Center of Radioactive and Environmental Control .During 2003–2008 the overall weight of contaminants increased from 186,000 to 247,400 tons. The change of gas as industrial fuel to mazut for financial reasons has worsened...
on Tuesday, 1 November. Milan went ahead after 22 minutes through Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
following a combination with Robinho
Robinho
Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan...
. The Brazilian had a chance to double the lead five minutes before the break, but his effort struck the post after he had dribbled BATE's goalkeeper Alyaksandr Hutar
Alyaksandr Hutar
Alyaksandr Hutar ; born 18 April 1989 in Minsk) is a Belarusian professional footballer. As of 2009, he plays for BATE Borisov.During the 2011 Belarusian Premier League season, he established himself as BATE's first choice goalkeeper, following the departure of Syarhey Vyeramko.Hutar was the...
. Ten minutes into the second half, BATE were awarded a penalty for an unfair challange on Artem Kontsevoy
Artem Kontsevoy
Artem Kontsevoy is a football player from Belarus. He plays as a striker for BATE Borisov and the Belarus national team.-External links:...
by Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a fullback for Serie A club Milan. He is renowned for his quick sprints down the right wing and accurate crosses.- Early years :...
and Renan Bressan
Renan Bardini Bressan
Renan Bardini Bressan is a Brazilian footballer.-Career:He has played for FC Gomel since April 2007. On 28 January 2010, he signed with BATE Borisov....
converted the spot kick to equalise. Despite Milan's efforts to regain the lead, the game ended in a 1–1 draw, with BATE nearly pulling off a late winner when Maksim Skavysh
Maksim Skavysh
Maksim Skavysh is a Belarusian footballer playing currently for FC BATE.Skavysh began his playing career with BATE's reserve team, and joined the first team during the 2008 season when the club won the league....
fired straight at goalkeeper Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
. However, due to Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
defeating Viktoria Plzeň
FC Viktoria Plzen
FC Viktoria Plzeň is a Czech professional football club based in Plzeň. They currently play in the Gambrinus liga, the top division of football in the country....
in the other game of the night, Milan secured a spot in the knockout stage
2011–12 UEFA Champions League knockout phase
The knockout phase of the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League will begin on 14 February 2012 with the round of 16, and conclude on 19 May 2012 with the final at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany....
of the competition.
Two weeks later, Milan played host to Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
at the San Siro in a game with first place in the group at stake. The visitors took the lead after 14 minutes, as a cross from the left by Seidou Keita was deflected by Mark van Bommel
Mark van Bommel
Mark Peter Gertruda Andreas van Bommel is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Milan and captains the Netherlands national team as a midfielder....
into his own net. Milan nearly leveled the score soon after when Robinho
Robinho
Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan...
turned Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
's cross over the bar from close range. However, in the 20th minute the Rossoneri did tie the game through Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
, following a through pass by Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
. Four minutes later, though, Barcelona were ahead again, as Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi is an Argentine footballer who plays for FC Barcelona and captains the Argentina national team, mainly as a striker. Messi received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21, and won in 2009 and 2010...
converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Xavi Hernandez. Nine minutes into the second half Milan evened the score once again with Boateng, who beat Éric Abidal
Éric Abidal
Éric Sylvain Abidal is a French footballer who plays as a left or central defender for FC Barcelona and the France national team.-Club career:...
with a back-heel before firind past goalkeeper Víctor Valdés
Víctor Valdés
Víctor Valdés i Arribas is a Spanish football goalkeeper who currently plays for FC Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga.He is the most successful goalkeeper in Barcelona's history and is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having won a total of 17 titles including five...
. Seven minutes later Barcelona took the third and final lead as Messi played a ball to Xavi, who finished with a low shot across Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati
Christian Abbiati is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Milan:His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi...
.
| Date | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance | Group position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 September 2011 | Barcelona FC Barcelona Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.... |
A | 2 – 2 | Pato Alexandre Pato Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva , commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco... , Thiago Silva |
89,861 | 1st |
| 28 September 2011 | Viktoria Plzeň FC Viktoria Plzen FC Viktoria Plzeň is a Czech professional football club based in Plzeň. They currently play in the Gambrinus liga, the top division of football in the country.... |
H | 2 – 0 | Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Cassano Antonio Cassano Antonio Cassano is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan as a striker. Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia , he is known for his short temper as much as his ability on the pitch, which led to the coining of the neologism Cassanata by his former coach, Fabio Capello, in November... |
66,859 | 1st |
| 19 October 2011 | BATE Borisov | H | 2 – 0 | Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Boateng Kevin-Prince Boateng Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A... |
66,040 | 1st |
| 1 November 2011 | BATE Borisov | A | 1 – 1 | Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... |
29,100 | 2nd |
| 23 November 2011 | Barcelona FC Barcelona Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.... |
H | 2 – 3 | Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain.... , Boateng Kevin-Prince Boateng Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A... |
78,927 | 2nd |
| 6 December 2011 | Viktoria Plzeň FC Viktoria Plzen FC Viktoria Plzeň is a Czech professional football club based in Plzeň. They currently play in the Gambrinus liga, the top division of football in the country.... |
A |
| Team | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 BarcelonaFC Barcelona Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.... |
5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 4 | 13 | |
 MilanA.C. Milan Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others... |
5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 8 |
 Viktoria PlzeňFC Viktoria Plzen FC Viktoria Plzeň is a Czech professional football club based in Plzeň. They currently play in the Gambrinus liga, the top division of football in the country.... |
5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 9 | ||
| 4 | ||||||||
 BATE Borisov |
5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 10 | ||
| 2 |
Squad statistics
As of 23 November 2011.| Player | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2 |  |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 4 |  |
8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 5 |  |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 7 |  |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| 8 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 9 | |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 10 | |
6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| 11 |  |
8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 10 | 1 | 0 | |
| 13 | |
8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 5 | 0 | |
| 16 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 18 | |
10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 0 | |
| 19 | |
5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | |
| 20 | |
10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 22 | |
10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 0 | |
| 23 | (c) |
7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| 25 | |
5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 27 |  |
5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | |
| 28 | |
9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 30 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 32 | |
11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 33 | align="left"| |
10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 52 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 56 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 57 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 70 | align="left"| |
6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| 76 |  |
3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| 77 | |
7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 92 | |
5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 99 | |
9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |
| — | — | align="left"| | — | 1 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 1 | — | — |
| Team total | 11 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 34 | 37 | 2 | ||
Transfers
Milan's first two signings of the 2011–12 season were announced on 10 May 2011, as CEO Adriano GallianiAdriano Galliani
Adriano Galliani is an Italian entrepreneur who has been serving as vice-president and C.E.O. of Italian football club Associazione Calcio Milan since 1986. During his tenure as CEO, Milan have won five European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles and eight Serie A titles among other achievements and...
confirmed the acquisition of defenders Philippe Mexès
Philippe Mexès
Philippe Mexès is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Italian Serie A club Milan and for the French national team.-Auxerre:...
and Taye Taiwo on free transfers. During the month of May, Milan focused on contract extensions, re-signing Mark van Bommel
Mark van Bommel
Mark Peter Gertruda Andreas van Bommel is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Milan and captains the Netherlands national team as a midfielder....
, Flavio Roma
Flavio Roma
Flavio Roma is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan.-Club career:Roma started his career in the youth teams of S.S. Lazio. He was the 3rd goalkeeper behind Luca Marchegiani and Fernando Orsi before leaving the club to play for clubs in Serie B and Serie C1...
, Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta, Ufficiale OMRI , is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Milan. Considered by many as one of the best centre backs to have ever played the game, he is a four-time member of the annual UEFA Team of the Year.-Early life:Nesta was raised in...
, Filippo Inzaghi
Filippo Inzaghi
Filippo Inzaghi, Ufficiale OMRI commonly known as Pippo, is a World Cup and UEFA Champions League-winning Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan....
, Massimo Ambrosini
Massimo Ambrosini
Massimo Ambrosini is an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder and is the captain of Serie A club Milan. He is well known for his aerial ability and tackling.- Club career :...
and Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
for one more season and Thiago Silva until 2016. This left only three players on expring contract: Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo, Ufficiale OMRI , is an Italian World Cup winning footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Juventus, and for the Italian national team. He is usually deployed as a deep-lying playmaker for both Juventus and Italy and is regarded as one of best players in this position...
, who subsequently joined Juventus
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
, Marek Jankulovski
Marek Jankulovski
Marek Jankulovski is a Czech footballer who currently plays for Czech club Baník Ostrava. His former club was Milan. He was voted the 2007 Czech Player of the Year....
and Nicola Legrottaglie
Nicola Legrottaglie
Nicola Legrottaglie is an Italian footballer who plays for Calcio Catania in Serie A, as a central defender.-Early years:...
, who later signed for Catania
Calcio Catania
Calcio Catania is an Italian football club founded in 1908 and based in Catania, Sicily. The club has spent much of its history in Serie B, gaining promotion to Italy's top league Serie A five times...
.
In June, the Rossoneri made several deals with Genoa
Genoa C.F.C.
Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria...
: Milan signed outright Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Kevin Prince-Boateng , is a German-born Ghanaian footballer, who plays as a Midfielder for Serie A club A.C. Milan. He won nine caps from The Black Stars of Ghana after appearing for Germany's under-15s to their under-21s; he retired from international football on 4 November 2011.-Club career:A...
, Alberto Paloschi
Alberto Paloschi
Alberto Paloschi is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Chievo, on loan from Milan.-Milan:Paloschi won Allievi Nazionali in 2006–07 season...
, Nnamdi Oduamadi
Nnamdi Oduamadi
Nnamdi Chidiebere Oduamadi , also known by his shirt name Odu, is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Serie B club Torino on loan from A.C. Milan.- Club career :...
, Rodney Strasser
Rodney Strasser
Rodney Strasser is a Sierra Leonean professional footballer who plays as midfielder for Serie A club Lecce, on loan from Milan.- Club career :...
and Gianmarco Zigoni
Gianmarco Zigoni
Gianmarco Zigoni is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Avellino on loan from A.C. Milan.- Early years :...
, all of whom were in co-ownership
Co-ownership (football)
Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club...
, plus Marco Amelia
Marco Amelia
Marco Amelia, Ufficiale OMRI is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Milan. He was part of the Italian squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup.-Early career:Amelia grew up as part of the Roma youth system...
, who was on loan; in turn, Milan sold outright Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Sokratis Papastathopoulos is a Greek professional footballer who plays for Werder Bremen on loan from Genoa and the Greek national team, as a defender. Since the surname Papastathopoulos cannot fit on his club shirt, his first name Sokratis is usually displayed instead; however, a common nickname...
and the part-ownership of Giacomo Beretta
Giacomo Beretta
Giacomo Beretta is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Serie B club Ascoli, on loan from Genoa.- Club career :...
was renewed. Besides, the Rossoneri took on co-ownership of Stephan El Shaarawy, while Alexander Merkel
Alexander Merkel
Alexander Merkel is a German professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Genoa.- Early career :Born in Kazakhstan to Russian parents of German ancestry, Merkel moved to Germany with them in 1998, aged 6...
joined Genoa still on a co-ownershp deal.
In
| Date | Player | Moving from | Fee | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align=center| | |
Roma A.S. Roma Associazione Sportiva Roma, commonly referred to as simply Roma, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. Founded by a merger in 1927, Roma have participated in the top-tier of Italian football for all of their existence but one season in the early 50s... |
Free | Effective from 1 July | |
| align=center| | |
Marseille Olympique de Marseille Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In... |
Free | Effective from 1 July | |
| align=center| | |
Genoa Genoa C.F.C. Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria... |
Undisclosed | Previously on loan | |
| align=center| | |
Genoa Genoa C.F.C. Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria... |
Undisclosed | Co-ownership Co-ownership (football) Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club... resolved |
|
| align=center| | |
Genoa Genoa C.F.C. Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria... |
Undisclosed | Co-ownership Co-ownership (football) Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club... resolved |
|
| align=center| | |
Varese A.S. Varese 1910 A.S. Varese 1910 is an Italian football club from Varese, founded 22 March 1910. It currently plays in Serie B, ranked one division below Serie A in the Italian football league.-History:... |
Undisclosed | Co-ownership Co-ownership (football) Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club... resolved |
|
| align=center| | |
Genoa Genoa C.F.C. Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria... |
Undisclosed | Co-ownership Co-ownership (football) Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club... deal |
|
| align=center| | |
Siena A.C. Siena Associazione Calcio Siena is an Italian football club based in Siena.The club currently plays in Serie A, having gained promotion from Serie B at the end of the 2010-2011 season.... |
Return from loan | ||
| align=center| |  |
Twente FC Twente FC Twente is a Dutch professional football club from the city of Enschede, playing in the Eredivisie. The club was formed in 1965 by the merger of 1926 Eredivisie Champions, Sportclub Enschede and Enschedese Boys... |
Return from loan | ||
| align=center| | |
Torino Torino F.C. Torino Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is a professional Italian football club based in Turin, Piedmont, that was founded in 1906. The club has spent most of its history in the top tier in Italian football.... |
Undisclosed | Co-ownership Co-ownership (football) Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club... deal |
|
| align=center| |  |
Porto |
Undisclosed | ||
| align=center| | |
 LiverpoolLiverpool F.C. Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups... |
Loan | Option to fully purchase | |
| align=center| | |
Palermo U.S. Città di Palermo Unione Sportiva Città di Palermo is an Italian football club from Palermo, Sicily which currently plays in Serie A, the top level of Italian football. Formed in 1900 as Anglo Panormitan Athletic and Football Club, the club had various names before assuming its final form in 1987 and is currently... |
Undisclosed |
Out
| Date | Player | Moving to | Fee | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align=center| | |
Juventus Juventus F.C. Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont... |
Free | Effective from 1 July | |
| align=center| |  |
Genoa Genoa C.F.C. Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria... |
Undisclosed | Effective from 1 July | |
| align=center| |  |
Genoa Genoa C.F.C. Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria... |
Undisclosed | Co-ownership Co-ownership (football) Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club... deal |
|
| align=center| | |
Unattached | Free | ||
| align=center| | |
Catania Calcio Catania Calcio Catania is an Italian football club founded in 1908 and based in Catania, Sicily. The club has spent much of its history in Serie B, gaining promotion to Italy's top league Serie A five times... |
Free | Joined new club on 25 August | |
| align=center| | |
Sporting CP |
Undisclosed | ||
| align=center| | |
Roma A.S. Roma Associazione Sportiva Roma, commonly referred to as simply Roma, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. Founded by a merger in 1927, Roma have participated in the top-tier of Italian football for all of their existence but one season in the early 50s... |
€10M | Previously on loan | |
| align=center| | |
Torino Torino F.C. Torino Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is a professional Italian football club based in Turin, Piedmont, that was founded in 1906. The club has spent most of its history in the top tier in Italian football.... |
Undisclosed | Co-ownership Co-ownership (football) Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club... deal |
Out on loan
| Date | Player | Moving to | Until | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align=center| | |
Torino Torino F.C. Torino Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is a professional Italian football club based in Turin, Piedmont, that was founded in 1906. The club has spent most of its history in the top tier in Italian football.... |
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| align=center| | |
Espanyol RCD Espanyol Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona is a sports club based in Barcelona, Spain. It is best known for its football team. Espanyol currently play in the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat with seats for 40,500 spectators. It was inaugurated on 2 August 2009... |
|||
| align=center| | |
Torino Torino F.C. Torino Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is a professional Italian football club based in Turin, Piedmont, that was founded in 1906. The club has spent most of its history in the top tier in Italian football.... |
Option to fully purchase | ||
| align=center| |  |
Lecce U.S. Lecce Unione Sportiva Lecce or simply U.S. Lecce is an Italian football club based in Lecce, Apulia who play in the Italian Serie A. After being crowned Serie B champions in 2009–10, the team successfully managed to avoid relegation in 2010-11.... |
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| align=center| | |
Chievo A.C. ChievoVerona Associazione Calcio Chievo Verona is a professional Italian football club named after and based in Chievo, a suburb of 2,800 inhabitants in Verona, Veneto, and owned by Paluani, a cake company and the inspiration for their original name, Paluani Chievo... |
Option to purchase in co-ownership Co-ownership (football) Co-ownership is a system whereby two football clubs own the contract of a player jointly, although the player is only registered to play for one club... |
||
| align=center| | |
Lecce U.S. Lecce Unione Sportiva Lecce or simply U.S. Lecce is an Italian football club based in Lecce, Apulia who play in the Italian Serie A. After being crowned Serie B champions in 2009–10, the team successfully managed to avoid relegation in 2010-11.... |