AC Milan Talk: Episode 15
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00:00 [Music]
00:18 Hello Rossoneri, this is AC Milan talk. We are ready for a new weekly episode with all the goings on of our favourite team, our favourite club, both on and off the pitch.
00:28 But first of all, as always, let me introduce my two friends, starting with Sheridan Bird. Hi Sheridan, welcome.
00:33 Hi Nisha, hi everybody watching. Great to be back.
00:36 And welcome also to Adriano Del Monte. Hi Adriano, how are you?
00:39 Ciao guys, great to be back as always and going very well as always as well.
00:45 Well done guys. So we have plenty of talking points today. As always, let's start with Stefano Pioli's side with our Man's First team.
00:53 [Music]
00:56 Ok, no, I'm not talking.
00:58 Our Rossoneri didn't have a lucky performance on Saturday night against Bologna. Nevertheless, they showed some great skills and plenty of determination.
01:11 But first of all, I would like to focus on what happened on the 16th minute of the clash between AC Milan and Bologna as the match came to a momentary standstill, showing that the Rossoneri stand against discrimination.
01:27 Among the 71,000 of attendees, every single fan actively participated in the initiative, switching on their torches on their smartphones.
01:39 And this act accompanied the production of a very important and significant quote by Martin Luther King on the green screen.
01:48 So a very important and significant moment during the 19 minutes Sheridan.
01:52 Yes, it was a really good way to show solidarity with Mike Mignon, but not only with just the campaign worldwide against any kind of prejudice or discrimination, as you said, or racism.
02:06 And it was the best demonstration, Mr. Pioli applauding it in that shot as well.
02:12 And it was sad that the club have decided I had to do this. The incidents that led up to it obviously were very distressing.
02:21 But this was a nice this was a very nice moment and everybody was unified.
02:26 Bologna fans, Milan fans. And it was a special moment.
02:30 A special moment, Adriano, and a special message.
02:35 Absolutely special and powerful as well. We discussed it last week in a lot of depth.
02:40 But the unfortunate reality is that moments like this, that the point needs to be made clearer than ever before.
02:48 And I was very strong in my thoughts on that last week.
02:51 And no surprise whatsoever that the club have taken these steps, of course, to, of course, defend our player, but also ensure that this issue is made clear that it's simply unacceptable.
03:04 And we cannot see a repeat of this going forward.
03:06 So obviously the focus here on the issue at a greater level and hopefully we don't see a repeat of it.
03:13 But great to see the fans and the players coming together and supporting us.
03:17 But now let's focus on what happened on the pitch for the game against Bologna.
03:23 Something went wrong because our roster fought until the end, until the final minutes of the match.
03:29 But there was a draw, only one point for our roster.
03:34 Yes, that's right. We did speak about Bologna's impressive record last week and we were aware that they're a good team.
03:42 We were fully aware that under Thiago Mota, they're making incredible progress this season.
03:47 So it was never going to be an easy match and one or two very, very dangerous players.
03:53 And it was just one of those afternoons or evenings where one or two things obviously of Milan's own making didn't quite go right.
04:01 I'm talking naturally about the penalties, which we will work, we will discuss, I'm sure, in a bit more detail.
04:08 But it was just a match in which the margins were very fine. Bologna were very well prepared.
04:14 There were some good moments though. And again, I know we're going to speak about Milan's goal scorer a little bit later on.
04:21 But there were positives. But in the cold light of day, the day after when you realize that you've drawn 1-1 against Bologna at home,
04:30 there is some disappointment, but it's not all bad news, I would say.
04:34 Adriano, a balanced match or AC Milan dominated that game? What do you think about it?
04:39 Look, it was a very interesting match. I think that's the word to describe it.
04:45 Of course, they're also leaving with the late penalty to ensure that points were shared.
04:50 I think in the end, in a match where you have the opportunities that the team had and of course missing two penalties as well,
04:57 it is a very tough pill to swallow. We saw the standings before.
05:01 Of course, at the moment, well and truly clear in third place.
05:06 Of course, a lot of distance between third and fourth, but dropping a couple of points there won't help maintain the pace
05:12 we did to advance us in the top two places.
05:14 So I think disappointment in the end, irrespective of the positives, irrespective of some of those positive individual performances.
05:21 But still, look, in the end against a really strong opponent who again, as Sheridan and I discussed last week,
05:27 an opponent who not long ago were really dreaming of a top four finish,
05:31 so an opponent that had to be respected.
05:33 But they need to respond and of course another tough test awaits this weekend.
05:38 But I think in the end, it is a lot of disappointment and hopefully a response in the next few days.
05:43 Keeping our focus on the match, our head coach Stefano Pioli and his post-match reaction. Let's listen.
05:52 It was a really strange, complicated, difficult match.
05:57 We suffered a few things but we created a lot.
06:00 But yes, we made two mistakes.
06:05 We weren't as careful because we managed to take the lead.
06:13 In the situation where we conceded the penalty to Bologna, we were clearly ahead of the table.
06:18 It's a shame because it would have been a very important win.
06:22 Of course we gave everything we had but unfortunately we didn't manage to win.
06:27 We are producing a lot, both in terms of chances and in terms of offensive forcing.
06:33 We are creating a lot and Rupes has those qualities.
06:37 He has the technical and physical qualities to be in the opponent's area and to fill the opponent's area well.
06:42 Because he is a player who can be dominant, especially in the offensive phase.
06:46 He has to continue to fill the area and to be a dangerous and offensive player because he has the qualities to do so.
06:54 Many regrets during the 90 minutes against Bologna, especially two.
07:00 Yes, certainly. I think it's often you might miss one penalty in a match.
07:06 But I think to miss two is regrettable but it happens occasionally.
07:11 We've spoken, particularly Adriano, I know he's a huge fan of Olivier Giroud.
07:16 Olivier has scored so many penalties, important penalties in the red and black shirt.
07:22 But he missed one, he's a human, humans make mistakes, we know that.
07:25 Then Teo Hernandez had a go and obviously the rebound didn't count because no one touched the ball between him and the post and the woodwork.
07:36 So he momentarily would say he forgot the rules and his goal rebound didn't count.
07:41 But it happens, people make mistakes, we know that.
07:44 It's just part of life and develop from it, grow from it and next time put the penalties away with a stronger mentality.
07:53 Adriano, Loftus' sixth brace wasn't enough for the game but as Stefano Pioli said in the post-match reaction,
08:01 he's living a great growth in Rossonero and his goals scored on last Saturday were so important
08:09 because they were the first ones in a home match at San Siro.
08:14 Of course, very special and Loftus' Chief, one of the special stories of the season,
08:20 not only for this club but also in Saniha.
08:22 Really a revelation, it's been a wonderful acquisition for the club and for the league and such a brace at home.
08:31 It was an important match so he certainly played his part and he's getting the plaudits,
08:35 receiving the praise and deservedly so. His performances have been remarkable over the course of the campaign.
08:41 Remember he was suffering a bit of injury early on so initial start was a little delayed
08:46 but he's really found himself now and really playing a high level of football.
08:50 And the reason why Milan brought him in so great to see him get the praise of Mr Pioli.
08:55 Then I love the manager's words there in the post-match.
08:58 Saying it as it is, obviously regretting the missed penalties, if you don't put them away it's always going to be a big group.
09:03 But Loftus' Chief, certainly one of those positive performances again on the night.
09:07 And as we go into the second half of the campaign, of course we're still in with a shot at competing for the top places in the league,
09:15 no doubt about that. But of course Europa League to come back very soon.
09:18 The depth will come back very soon as well. We know there are some players returning
09:22 but it is really important that a player like Loftus' Chief can maintain this level so the club can compete in all competitions.
09:29 Important results and performances from Ruben Loftus' Chief,
09:34 something that is perfectly reflected on his stats for his first season in Rosso Nero Sheridan.
09:40 Yeah, he's basically delivering everything that was hoped for and more.
09:44 He's scored some important goals and some excellent goals as well.
09:48 This was the one that opened his account and it was basically a really good powerful drive.
09:54 But he's also scored a few in the other team's penalty area.
09:59 And it just shows that he's recovered from the minor injury he had earlier on this season
10:05 and set it into a new league, a new championship.
10:09 But now he looks very much at home and he's up to five goals in the league,
10:14 which is a really good return, a really good tally for his first campaign in red and black.
10:19 And as people often say, if you have a midfielder who can get into double figures
10:24 and maybe try and score between 10 and 15 goals in a season, it's really important.
10:30 And any team that really does well, that really wins big trophies or makes an impact,
10:34 it always has a midfielder who contributes.
10:37 And this was his goal that he scored before the match at home against Bologna.
10:43 And it was at Bologna where he finally scored at San Siro with a really good strike as finished there.
10:49 To get his first goal at home, you can see what it meant to Mr Pjali and the fans.
10:53 And he went one better because he scored another goal in that match.
10:58 And it's just really good to see and it's so important going forward.
11:01 And this is the headed goal he scored just to show his repertoire.
11:06 He really has got everything you want from an attacking midfielder.
11:09 This is a fantastic header and he just looks so at home here.
11:13 Fans love him, opponents fear him and Mr Pjali is really starting to realise
11:19 and enjoy the value that the Englishman is delivering.
11:23 Our number 8 with a great performance also on Saturday night against Bologna.
11:29 After the 90 minutes on the pitch, he shared his post-match reactions with Milan TV cameras.
11:34 Let's listen.
11:37 Disappointed coming into the changing room after that.
11:40 We played some good football.
11:43 They were a good team, they played well as well.
11:46 But I think we need to be better at seeing out games in the second half.
11:50 That mentality to see out games after being in front.
11:57 I think we've done it too many times as a team.
12:00 We let other teams back in the game in the second half.
12:03 I think that's what we need to be better at.
12:06 We work on that in training.
12:10 We improved but we need to move on from this and focus on the next ones.
12:15 I was waiting for the first one in San Siro after scoring away a few times.
12:22 It was magical, the feeling in front of the fans.
12:27 And then to get another one.
12:30 It was amazing.
12:31 It's just a shame we didn't get the win on top of that.
12:36 That's all I can say. We move on.
12:39 Let's change topic.
12:42 Looking at the weekend for the 23rd Serie A matchday.
12:47 The scheduled one for AC Milan is the win match against Frosinone.
12:51 A team with plenty of talent.
12:53 Which period are they leaving?
12:56 And what about the possible difficulties for our scenario against them?
13:00 They're having not a bad run of form.
13:03 They're unbeaten in two.
13:05 Previous to that they lost a lot of matches.
13:08 But they seem to have steadied the ship.
13:10 They've got 10 first team players out for the match against Milan.
13:14 Obviously Milan have got injuries too.
13:16 So this time of the season you're often nursing lots of injured players in the physios room.
13:22 But 10 is a lot.
13:23 So it's tough times for them.
13:25 And their highly rated manager, Ucebiotti Francesco.
13:29 I know I say every week that I respect the manager of every team.
13:32 But I mean it.
13:33 And particularly with Ucebiotti Francesco.
13:36 But he's doing a good job in very difficult circumstances.
13:39 And Frosinone, they must be respected.
13:42 Adriano, we remember very well what happened on 1st December of 2023.
13:47 With a great important positive result for our scenario.
13:50 Always against Frosinone.
13:52 But now we're living in a different period of the season.
13:55 Correct.
13:57 This was a nice match.
13:59 A 3-1 finish in this one.
14:01 And the players, the squad will take confidence from that.
14:04 But this is a Frosinone team who, yes, Sheridan is correct.
14:08 There are without a couple of strong players in that squad.
14:12 But this is a team who have been very, very strong at home.
14:15 And have been very tough to beat.
14:17 So they certainly as every team must be respected away from home.
14:22 And of course Milan needed to respond from the result last weekend.
14:26 Francesco with a lot of experience knows exactly what it takes to compete
14:31 with the very biggest and best right across Europe.
14:33 So this will not be an easy one against a team with some players
14:37 in really strong form, particularly goal scoring form as well.
14:41 But Frosinone have proven they can concede.
14:44 And we've seen they concede 41 goals conceded.
14:47 A lot of them coming in the second half.
14:49 This is a team that if you do get in behind, there will be chances.
14:53 The difference, unlike the Bologna game, must take those chances.
14:56 I think there will be three points up for grabs here.
14:59 Which will be an important three points again to maintain the pace
15:02 with the top two who of course will meet this weekend as well.
15:05 So a big opportunity for Milan to close that gap between Inter
15:10 and/or Juventus in the top two.
15:12 Well done. That's all for Stefano Pioli's side.
15:16 And now let's move on with our women's team.
15:19 First of all, let's focus on what happened on the pitch.
15:22 The goalless draw against Pomigliano.
15:25 What about the match, Sheridan?
15:27 It was a bit frustrating, I have to be honest,
15:29 because after the recent positive strides that the ladies had made,
15:33 it was a goalless draw, which is, you know, regrettable.
15:37 And one or two moments where Milan weren't quite clinical enough.
15:42 But they were able to get the ball back.
15:44 And one or two moments where Milan weren't quite clinical enough.
15:48 But it must be said, it must be said,
15:50 that Pomigliano is a really tough place to go.
15:53 Now you might look at the table and think that that's nonsense.
15:56 But they are at home, they're very competitive,
15:59 they're very streetwise.
16:01 It's not an easy place to go and to dominate them.
16:05 So it was a tough match.
16:07 They had a plan and their plan worked.
16:09 They frustrated Milan.
16:11 Milan's key players weren't quite able to really get things going.
16:16 Milan had the lion's share of the chances.
16:19 They produced more than their hosts
16:22 down in the region of Naples in the sunshine.
16:25 But it just wasn't to be, and they fought so hard, Pomigliano.
16:29 They really did battle for every inch.
16:32 And you have to give them credit for that
16:35 and just say that Milan perhaps could have just been a bit sharper.
16:38 That was Valentina Bergamaschi, captain Berga,
16:41 with a decent effort but went over the bar.
16:44 And it was just a frustrating afternoon, as I previously said.
16:50 But Pomigliano, they're a really awkward customer,
16:53 so there shouldn't be too much regret.
16:55 Adriano, after Pomigliano, then the next fixture, a tough fixture,
17:00 the one against Fiorentina,
17:02 the team that is now sitting in the third place of the table.
17:05 What should we expect?
17:07 Well, another tough match, but again, as we know,
17:12 we are running out of matches as we get towards that cut-off in the season,
17:16 the breakaway between the Championship Group and the Relegation Group.
17:19 So, as were Pomigliano, but another opponent where a result is an absolute must
17:26 just to maintain that pace.
17:28 We saw the results from the last matchday, Sassuolo picking up
17:31 a really important win away to Cornwall.
17:34 So, that just puts the pressure on.
17:37 There are three or four clubs chasing that fifth spot,
17:39 that all-important fifth spot.
17:41 So, Fiorentina, certainly, they're in with a chance of really competing
17:45 for the top positions.
17:46 They have Champions League dreams for next season
17:48 with a lot of pressure on the side coming in.
17:50 But another 90 minutes, another three points up for grabs.
17:53 OK, then, would you like to add something about the next game?
17:58 Yes, certainly.
17:59 I think it's worth mentioning that Fiorentina are third place,
18:02 as Adriano pointed out.
18:04 And they're the team that are trying to break the stranglehold
18:08 on the women's Scudetto of Roma and Juventus.
18:12 And that, you know, I honestly feel that should be Milan.
18:15 Milan should be the team that are trying to get the, wrestle the title from
18:20 or give a really strong challenge to Juventus and Roma.
18:24 You know, it should be Milan.
18:26 It hasn't been for various reasons, but now, hopefully,
18:29 they're back on the right path with Davide Corti,
18:32 as we saw a few moments ago, the new head coach or manager, if you prefer.
18:36 So, Fiorentina will be a tough match.
18:38 They're the team, I think, the benchmark for Milan for this season.
18:42 They're the team that are actually doing really well
18:44 and pressurising the big clubs at the top.
18:48 So, it's going to be a difficult match, but a victory,
18:51 a positive result against the Viola would be a really good positive sign
18:56 for the new Rossoneri.
18:59 And talking about the new Rossoneri, good news for them.
19:03 We're talking about new signings because Nadia Nadim joins AC Milan club.
19:08 She is 36 and she plays as a centre-forward.
19:13 She was born in Afghanistan, but she holds the Danish citizenship.
19:19 So, welcome to Nadia.
19:21 Adriana, I would like to start with you for a comment on her
19:24 and this new player among our Rossoneri.
19:28 Of course. I know Nadia Nadim very, very well.
19:32 And I can tell you at any level of football, anywhere around the world,
19:36 she is one of the most incredible stories.
19:39 We could dedicate a whole programme to who she is, what she's done,
19:42 where she's been and what she's gone through to get to where she is.
19:45 But as a footballer, a very, very talented footballer,
19:48 has played and has had success all across the planet.
19:52 She's won a title in the US, won a title in France, Paris Saint-Germain recently.
19:56 A player full of quality and full of experience.
19:59 You mentioned 36, but 36 years young offers a lot
20:02 and hopefully can be the signing to get this team back into that top five.
20:06 So, really excited to see how she fares in these early stages of her Milan career.
20:11 Also, because she travelled a lot during her career,
20:16 she played for Portland, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and many others.
20:21 So, she also is a key figure of the Danish national team,
20:28 a very important figure for our Sonnera.
20:30 Absolutely. She's very cosmopolitan, very well travelled.
20:34 She's a polyglot. I think she speaks eight or nine languages.
20:37 So, she'll be able to communicate with everybody in the dressing room.
20:40 I'm sure in about three weeks, she'll be speaking perfect Italian.
20:43 If she doesn't already, she'll just add something to the training ground.
20:47 She's a winner as well.
20:48 I think you want to have people like that in your squad,
20:51 you want to have people like that in the organisation.
20:53 She'll be very welcome on and off the pitch.
20:56 The future is bright.
20:58 With this really important addition, I think it's all steam,
21:03 or full steam ahead for the Rossoneri.
21:05 Now, let's continue with Nadia Nadim to relive her first moment at Casa Milani Rossonero.
21:11 Let's listen.
21:12 Super excited to be here.
21:16 It's AC Milan, it's a legendary club and being a part of it
21:22 and seeing how everything's working around meeting the people is amazing.
21:27 AC Milan has such a way to it when you say it.
21:32 Some of the best players in the world have played here.
21:35 And then, having the opportunity to play here, play to Italy,
21:39 which is really new for me, excited me.
21:41 I'm always keen to start new adventures, to learn,
21:46 and I think this adventure will give me that opportunity.
21:50 My role is just being myself, open, open and be me.
21:57 And also, be curious about other people and their personalities.
22:02 Usually, that's never a problem, to bond with the players on and off the field.
22:07 And in terms of what my impact is going to be,
22:11 I want to be a part of the team as soon as possible.
22:13 I want to help the team to achieve their goals on the field and outside the field.
22:18 Being one of the more experienced players who has a lot of international games in my luggage,
22:26 I hope that I can help the younger players to develop.
22:30 So we grow together to achieve the goals that we as a club, or the club has.
22:36 I know a lot of the players, some of them better than the others.
22:44 I also know Aslani, a big admirer of her.
22:48 I think the way she plays is amazing.
22:50 I'm excited to play with her, because I actually played against her once,
22:56 or played against AC Milan.
22:58 Generally, there are a lot of players that I'm looking forward to bond with on the field.
23:04 I graduated as a doctor two years ago.
23:09 A proud moment for me and my family.
23:11 It wasn't an easy journey.
23:13 But there's a saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way."
23:17 And that's literally the motto of my life.
23:22 I think I really want to do both.
23:24 It's important.
23:26 I want to be in a position where I can help and have an impact on people's lives.
23:29 I think I can do that as a doctor.
23:31 How I balance it, don't ask me. I don't even know.
23:35 And how I'm going to continue doing this.
23:39 Right now, I'm going to be all focused on football.
23:42 Because it's a limited time, you can't be a professional football player.
23:47 So all my energy and focus is going to be on that.
23:50 And then, once I'm really done with playing football,
23:53 then I'll try to be the best surgeon I can be.
23:56 Ciao to all the fans.
24:00 I'm here, I'm super excited to be a part of the club.
24:03 And hopefully we can achieve big things together.
24:06 Ci vediamo presto. Forza Milan!
24:09 So welcome and good luck to Nadia Nadim for her new experience in Rossoneri.
24:14 And good luck to our Rossoneri for the matchup against Fiorentina.
24:19 But now let's change topic and let's talk about our Under-19s.
24:23 UNDER-19S
24:25 -Che no vedo che... -Che no vedo che...
24:28 A goal in a straw for a better side, the one against Roma.
24:33 But considering that it was a difficult one to take, it's a good result.
24:38 Now they are completely focused on the next match, the one against Cagliari.
24:42 Sheridan, a summary comment.
24:44 Cagliari are kind of floating around in mid-table.
24:47 They're in eighth place.
24:49 But they haven't won in their last two matches.
24:52 So I would think that Milan could get the better of them.
24:56 However, it's worth remembering that the opposite fixture,
24:59 when we met the team from Sardinia earlier on in the season,
25:03 was a 4-2 victory for them.
25:05 So I think Mr. Abate and his young players will want to extract a measure of revenge.
25:11 This is that match I was talking about.
25:13 It started so well for the Rossoneri.
25:16 This is the match against Roma, which was quite tense.
25:22 Not too many chances.
25:23 That was probably the best chance for Alexander Simelhak,
25:26 who put it straight at the keeper.
25:28 It was a tense match.
25:30 I think both sides, as the match went on,
25:33 were more determined not to concede a shock goal or a late goal.
25:38 It was actually the second match of the weekend I did a commentary on,
25:42 which was 0-0, including the women.
25:45 So I was desperate for a goal in one of these matches,
25:48 as were the fans and as were the team.
25:50 But it just didn't quite happen.
25:52 Adriano, a little comment on the match against the Giallorossi
25:56 and then your expectations from Cagliari.
26:00 Firstly, I must say, fine commentary by Sheridan, as always.
26:05 Well done.
26:06 But it's a tough time, which we've discussed each and every week in recent times.
26:12 So many of these players transitioned to the first team,
26:16 coming on and off the bench for Mr Piolli and Mr Rabate without them.
26:20 It is going to be tough, but what's most impressive is that the results are still coming.
26:25 Against Roma, another strong team, they're still right up there at the standings.
26:29 And of course, with Cagliari, despite not being in form on their own right,
26:33 they are a team that are having their issues, but certainly still up there as well.
26:37 It's the quality across the board in the country at youth level.
26:40 So, look, another challenge this weekend.
26:42 We are getting closer to my favourite competition,
26:44 Sheridan, the return of the UEFA Youth League.
26:47 And look, every minute is valuable for these players going forward.
26:50 It's valuable for the manager, it's valuable for everyone involved in the Primavera set-up.
26:54 So, look, hopefully they can respond and pick up a win.
26:57 And look, hopefully in the not-too-distant future,
26:59 for the sake of some first-team players returning,
27:02 Mr Rabate's young men can be back in full strength as well very soon.
27:08 Well done, guys. So, with the focus on our Under-19s,
27:11 we come to the end of this episode.
27:14 Let me say thank you to my two friends.
27:17 Thanks to Adriano Del Monte. Bye-bye, Adriano. See you next week.
27:20 Bye-bye, Licia. Bye-bye, Sean. See you next week.
27:24 And thanks also to Sheridan Bird. Have a nice weekend, Sheridan.
27:28 Thank you. You too, Licia. Thanks to everyone for watching.
27:30 And hopefully we'll have Adriano back with us soon in person.
27:35 Adriano, we are waiting for you. Dear Rationeri, thanks for following us.
27:39 And see you in the next episode of our AC Milan Talk. Ciao!
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28:01 [BOOM]