The Difference between 5-0 and 4-1

Hey ... best stat in this whole thread, if you ask me. Pity the media hasn't picked on it. Kudos!

What can I say that hasn't already been said. This happens all the time before a big UCL match. The nerves are high, emotions flooding, anxiety ... you name it. Just imagine whats going on in the players' minds; especially youngsters like Pato, Hunter, Abate and Antonini. Think they'll get much sleep? Doubt it ... especially one man: Leo.

Hard to believe that, not a year's gone by since he graduated from coaching school, he's up there against a veteran. Highly acclaimed, Knighted even by the Queen, Sir Alex. Imagine what's going through Leo's head, especially considering he seems more of a planner than one who works on instinct, like Carlo. He must be doing the calculations, making sure everything is perfect, choosing from his options ... I really feel for him. I hope he does well, and if not, make it a good learning experience.

On the actual game, I just have a few points to make. Yes, I also think Milan is a more technical side than United. We have a lot of skill, a lot of naturally gifted players, brilliance, flair, etc. I remember back in 07 when we beat Munich ... Khan and Beckenbauer were the first to actually come out and say that Milan were the favorites that year. You could argue it was because we had just beaten them, but the fact that they talked about our technical ability may suppose otherwise.

They talked about how almost every Milan player, irregardless of their position, looked very comfortable on the ball ... gave us that much more time to construct and create, while making it harder for them to impose their game.

While I wouldn't exactly say we're as technically gifted as we were then, we are not far off. And this certainly is part of our character as a team, and we will have to use it if we're to do well.

That said, sadly, nowadays football isn't only about technical ability - what you can do on/with the ball. It is also about space, tempo and pace. In these aspects, I think United have an edge. And considering that they now are probably as experienced as us (with the big European nights) this could be the difference in their favor.

Good news is, these attributes aren't natural ... in the sense that, technical ability isn't taught - well at these levels. You don't expect Gattuso to suddenly come up and start distributing the ball like Pirlo, or assisting like Dinho. These can't be learnt in a short period of time. And the fact that we arguably have an edge in this department makes me ever so slightly optimistic.

Why? Because our players can give more tomorrow - work harder, close down gaps quicker, make challenges when they normally wouldn't, etc - and if they do, there exists a possibility that we may be able to match United for pace, for space and match their tempo. And this makes me slightly optimistic.

If we up our game, give it our very best, show HUNGER for the win, then I'm sure the lads will not let us down. Let us not forget we're in a bit of a transition, and even though our enviable record against them is at stake, I'd be content with the team making me proud.

FORZA MILAN! WIN FOR US!

Grande Paolo!

Although there may have been some sentiment attached to presenting Paolo the best defender award, that with his fifth European Champion's Cup - as many as Liverpool - and a living example as to what an almost perfect footballer should be off the pitch - an ambassador of football if I may, he did play an important role in the eventual winner's path to victory. Missing only one game in the knockout stages, he was also the man behind Pippo's opener (assist) against AEK that kick-started Milan's campaign.

He deserved it in every sense of the word.

But unfortunately, time does move on and a worthy replacement beckons. Younger players that come to mind are Mexes and Kolo Toure - with Darmain reportedly impressive in the Primavera squad. A few seasons alongside the classy Nesta may deem them capable to cover the Rossoneri backline until a new chapter is opened in the Maldini legacy.

On the Table: Henry, Eto'o, Alves

After winning the coveted Champion's League, it is only natural for other players to find it easier to relate to a great team like AC Milan. A team that was disgraced thanks to Juventus' antics with the refereeing staff on Serie A matches in the previous seasons.

Henry, Samuel Eto'o, and Daniel Alves all have been strongly linked with AC Milan in the recent past, along with the likes of Ronaldinho and Emerson. Some say we have already signed Emerson, and Galliani says they have already signed Ronaldinho (proverbially). Anyhow, there is this much needed realization amongst the management of the club that the team has aged since it's second last UCL win in 2003 and there is a need for fresher blood in the team. Without compensating the traditional style AC Milan has been so successful with, signing now would ensure that we have a stronger 2007/2008 Serie A season.

As Henry has stated his displeasure in the fact that Arsenal are very biased in terms of age when signing a new player, and that they need experience in the team to win anything in the league of Europe. Which is true, as the last time Arsenal won anything was solely due to the presence of the likes of Patrick Vieira, and Sol Campbell. He has his point, and Wenger needs to listen, or risk losing their talismanic forward in Henry.

Samuel Eto'o is pure champion's material. He's a Cameroonian who has played for Real Madrid and Mallorca before coming to Barcelona. He has scored 61 goals at Barca with only 87 appearances, an average of 0.70. A goal in every other game! That is an amazing record. He is fairly young, pacey, skillful and amazing finishing with both his feet. He is the thing AC Milan needs in their attack next season.

Daniel Alves however is a right back with amazing attacking skills. His last two seasons at Sevilla have seen them win the UEFA cup twice in a row. He scores goals going forward, has amazing passing and amazing crossing. Yet, Milan have Oddo. An Italian rightback signed from Lazio in the winter of 2006. not only has he brough the much needed defensive prowess on our right flank, he has amazing attacking vision and good pace. At Lazio, he used to be their captain and their penalty taker. Do we really need Alves right away? I don't think so.

With clubs like Bayern, ManYoo, and Lyon already making their signings, its time Milan made a move with those competition money and gave the fans a dream signing.