The AC Milan Offside - Serie A Preview: The Milan Derby!The Home for AC Milan Tifosihttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46633/acmilanoffside-fave.png2013-12-20T21:00:04+01:00http://acmilan.theoffside.com/rss/stream/49912532013-12-20T21:00:04+01:002013-12-20T21:00:04+01:00Last But Not Least...
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<figcaption>Claudio Villa</figcaption>
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<p>My Derby Preview!</p> <p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>1. Favorite Derby Memory?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>There has a been a lot over the years. As Avia said the 6-0 is a cliche, but for me the CL quarters and semis were magical. Hugely important home and away knock out matches, both played at the San Siro! The games were hotly contested affairs and even the pitch couldn't handle it! It needs to be said my memories are fond because Milan always made it through! The 3-0 in the Scudetto season though was my recent favorite and a statement game if there ever was one! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>2. State of the Opposing Club?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>It is a sad day when as a Milan fan I have to say Inter is headed in the right direction while Milan is not. Both Milan Clubs were effectively monarchies with Moratti and Berlusconi. Moratti had an epic final run with the Special One at the helm but realized it was unsustainable. The Count never had a good eye for players buying more on pomp and circumstance than talent and it left a hole in his wallet, so he sold, and with that Inter seem to have a plan. It is early, but Milan's King has not given us a reprieve and his Princess will surely run us into the ground. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>3. Exciting Player to Watch this Derby?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>I am a big fan of Kuzmanovic, but he hasn't made the impact I expected at Inter. Interesting that Inter has evolved a bit in player scouting a predominately Argentine group now has a good mix. Same can be said for Milan as a once Brazilian base is now mixed. Not sure what to make of this at this time for either Club. Now we wait and see if Handanovic can do what JC did against Milan.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>4. Player that Needs to be Stopped to Secure a Win?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>Palacio may have a horrible rat tail, but nine goals is nothing to laugh at. The man to stop was Alvarez but thanks to suspension Milan get's off easy. Oddly Milan has struggled historically against Mazzari sides due to the width so this will prove an interesting match.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>5. Prediction?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>I rarely predict scorelines, in fact I don't even like to predict lineups anymore! One thing to consider, not predict, is the derby has seen its fair share of red cards over the years...do we see one this weekend? Both teams need a win so it may be more open than cagey. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><i>Want to say a quick thank you to our friends at the <a href="http://inter.theoffside.com/">SBNation Inter Offisde</a> who joined us for this, it was a lot of fun and gives a different perspective for all us. Who says we can't be friends!? Then again, let's talk after the Derby!</i></p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2013/12/20/5227410/serie-a-preview-the-milan-derbyGianfranco2013-12-20T15:00:02+01:002013-12-20T15:00:02+01:00It's All Good...
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<figcaption>Claudio Villa</figcaption>
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<p>Our second Interista, SonoTuttoBene, gives her Derby preview!</p> <p></p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText"><b>SonoTuttoBene gives her Derby Preview!</b></p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText">1)<span> </span>What is your favorite Derby memory:<span> </span>In recent memory, definitely the August 29, 2009 Derby.<span> </span>I remember feeling so anxious about this match.<span> </span>It was Wes' first match and he had arrived barely 24 hours before.<span> </span>All worries about how he was going to fit was completely gone by full time and if anything, he fit like a custom made glove.<span> </span>Thiago and Deki had gorgeous goals and Il Principe opened his derby goal account.<span> </span>It was nearly a perfect game to my recollection.<span> </span>To me, this started our march to the Treble.<span> </span>It emphasized how special this squad was and will always hold personal memories for me!</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText">2)<span> </span>State of the Opposing Club: While the majority of people have been making fun of Milan, I won't go down that route (that's a whole different story that can be saved for another time.)<span> </span>Even with the not so behind the scenes power struggle, Milan are always a force to be reckoned with.<span> </span>Think about it; Milan have internal problems, a coach many don't like, a roster not as talented as before... yet they are the only Italian club to progress in Champions League.<span> </span>They will also slowly march up the league table during the second half of the season, as they always do. Mark my words.</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText">3)<span> </span>Exciting Player to Watch this Derby:<span> </span>Easy.<span> </span>Ricky Alvarez.... OH WAIT. HE'S SUSPENDED.<span> </span>Gee, thanks, Tagliavento.<span> </span>I'm thinking/hoping that Rodrigo Palacio and/or his Argie striker brethren of Mauro Icardi and Diego Milito will give Interisti a reason to get up out of their seats come Sunday.</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText">4)<span> </span>Player that needs to be stopped to secure a win: Is it anyone else besides Mario?</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText">5)<span> </span>Predictions:<span> </span>I don't do predictions.<span> </span>It's one of my many superstitions.<span> </span>I will say, though, that I voted for Option E in the latest Inter Poll.</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText">On a tangent, I would like to say that the unity shown by the Curva Sud with the Curva Nord over the ban is much appreciated, as are the words by Galliani.<span> </span>I hope the decision is overturned, as it really isn't a derby without the tifosi.</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2013/12/20/5227396/serie-a-preview-the-milan-derbyGianfranco2013-12-19T22:00:01+01:002013-12-19T22:00:01+01:00Our First Interista!
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<figcaption>Giuseppe Bellini</figcaption>
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<p>We welcome Inter's very own Max. Easy UA3, it's not Max Allegri! </p> <p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><b><span>Max from Inter Offside...</span></b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>1. Favorite Derby<br><br> Inter's 4-0 victory on August 29, 2009 is definitely my favorite derby for a couple of different reasons. That it came so early in the season was a different wrinkle to a rivalry that has featured just about everything. The goals that Thiago Motta and Dejan Stankovic scored were absolute beauties. No deflected goals or tap-ins in this one, just some world-class finishing. The win really set the tone early on as Inter went on to become the first Italian club to ever win the triplete. <br><br> 2. State of the Opposing Club<br><br> I can't say I haven't enjoyed the power struggle between Adriano Galliani and Barbara Berlusconi, which resulted in Uncle Fester's resignation. Usually Inter is the one making the front page of the major dailies for off-the-field drama. It was a welcome change. Milan are struggling right now. The results speak for themselves.<br><br> 3. Exciting Player to Watch this Derby<br><br> I hope Mauro Icardi is given a substantial run out this Sunday. He was starting to come into his own as a super sub of sorts before his injury. If he's fully recovered, from both his hernia operation and his torrid tryst with Wanda Nara, then he could be a thorn in Milan's side. <br><br> 4. Player That Needs To Be Stopped To Secure A Win<br><br> There's never a dull moment with Mario Balotelli and he should provide some more talking points whether positive or negative. I still have s soft spot for Balotelli, I hope he scores a hat trick but Milan loses 4-3.<br><br> 5. Prediction<br><br> Inter are unbeaten in the last five derby's and have won six out of the last 10 but I'm not so confident this time around. I think Inter will blow a late lead when Milan is awarded another late penalty. One of the best penalty takers in the world in Balotelli versus one of the best penalty-stopping keepers in Samir Handanovic. will make for must-see tv.</span></p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2013/12/19/5227356/serie-a-preview-the-milan-derbyGianfranco2013-12-19T15:28:25+01:002013-12-19T15:28:25+01:00Avia Weighs In...
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<p>I start with the Red and Black side of the house!
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>I start with the Red and Black side of the house!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><b><span>The Godfather of the AC Milan Offside Ultras himself Avia...</span></b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><span>1. What is your favorite Derby memory? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-add-space: auto;"><span>(Wow, that’s a tough one tbh) The 6-0 is now folklore I guess. The more recent ones that stand out is the 3-0 in our scudetto winning season as it was pretty comprehensive and it also slapped down all those who said we were Ibra-dependent as he wasn’t even playing! The one I enjoyed even more was in 2008 where Inter were in the ascendancy and we were flailing in the league, we still turned on the style to win with goals from Kaka & Inzaghi! <b><i>Bellissimo</i></b>!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>2. State of the Opposing Club? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>Hmm, that’s such a bad question right now it aint even funny! Ignoring the fact that we have a coach hated by some "fans", unsupported by the Management and is leading a team made up of rejects & last minute signings we are where we deserve to be in the league. Meanwhile, we also have some kind of Game Of Thrones scheming & backstabbing going on between Galliani & Barbara Berlusconi upstairs. After Barbara’s recently attempted coup lead to Galliani threatening to walk the club is effectively split, which is bad when you know the two opposing parties don’t like each other. Inter on the other hand appear to be in the ascendancy again. New owner always brings new enthusiasm & MONEY! Long term will tell if this was a good move tho.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>3. Exciting Player to Watch this Derby? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><b><span>Mario! Mario! Mario!</span></b><span> The guy’s a beast and when he’s on his game he can put the ball where he wants, I’m sure he is going to try to make up for last seasons 1-0 loss. Surely the idea of coming up against him fills all Interista with dread?!?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>4. Player that needs to be stopped to secure a win? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><b><span>Mario! Mario! Mario!</span></b><span> See above. On the Inter side, Handanovic is easily the Inter player I fear most, I honestly see it being between him and Mario as to who walks away with the spoils. Guarin is a guy that I think we should smother……..in a footballing sense of course! J</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>5. Predictions? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>This will be a tight and cagey affair. I expect to see the more open play coming from Inter with Milan trying to grind things down via De Jong & Muntari but keep a lookout for some magic from Ricky & Mario tho. 0-1 to Milan!</span></p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2013/12/19/5227218/serie-a-preview-the-milan-derbyGianfranco2013-12-19T15:22:18+01:002013-12-19T15:22:18+01:00Forget the Holiday Season, it is Derby Season!
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<figcaption>Claudio Villa</figcaption>
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<p>A little bit of love between enemies as the SBNation Inter and Milan contingents talk Derby!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span>For those that don't know the SBNation has a cracking Inter side aptly named the <a href="http://inter.theoffside.com/"><span></span></a><a href="http://inter.theoffside.com/"><span>Inter Offside</span></a></span>. For those who have been around long enough, both blogs migrated over from the Offside and like the true stubborn tifosi we are we kept the names, while some faces have changed the rivalry remains the same!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">In the next few days you will be treated to a Q&A that each of us have filled out, the questions are below and you are more than welcome to tackle them as well. Not the way Montolivo tackes though, we don't need any injuries before the Holiday...ENJOY!</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span><span>1.<span> </span></span></span>What is your favorite Derby memory?</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span><span>2.<span> </span></span></span>State of the Opposing Club?</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span><span>3.<span> </span></span></span>Exciting Player to Watch this Derby?</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span><span>4.<span> </span></span></span>Player that needs to be stopped to secure a win?</p>
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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span><span>5.<span> </span></span></span>Prediction?</p>
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https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2013/12/19/5223176/serie-a-preview-the-milan-derbyGianfranco