Inzaghi Out For 20 Days With Hernia

AC Milan will be without Pippo Inzaghi for around 20 days, as the striker is suffering from an inguinal hernia.

The 34-year-old missed the weekend win over Empoli with the problem, and after a number of medical tests he has been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia.

Fortunately for SuperPippo, he will not require surgery to correct the problem, and will just undergo a 20-day period of rest, therapy and some exercises.

Doctors believe Inzaghi picked up the problem due to a physical imbalance in his body resulting from a recent ankle injury.

He will miss this weekend’s big match with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, as well as the games with Sampdoria, Torino and Atalanta.

The prolific goalscorer should be fit enough to return for the home clash with Cagliari on April 6.

Milan have been hit hard by problems in the striking department this season, with Inzaghi and Ronaldo missing large portions of the season through injury, and Alberto Gilardino continually misfiring.

The Rossoneri are currently in fifth place in Serie A, one point behind Fiorentina in the fourth and final Champions League position.

Paloschi Thanks Inzaghi For Tip

Milan striker Alberto Paloschi impressed yet again in his side's 2-1 defeat against Sampdoria at San Siro on Wedesday evening in the 29th matchday of Serie A.

Despite the Rossoneri's defeat, Paloschi managed to shine and grab a goal in what was otherwise a disappointing evening for his side.

"There is a bit of regret about not managing to win the three points on Wednesday against Sampdoria," declared the young striker to 'Milan Channel'. "For how things went, a draw would have been good, but unfortunately we did not manage it.

“One of my characteristics is that of believing until the end, believing in every ball until the ball goes out or the goalkeeper catches it," he continued.

Looking back on his early days at the club, he added, “I arrived at Milan when I was eight years old. It was a surprise for me because a call-up letter arrived at my club by the Rossoneri’s club together with one from Atalanta.

"I did not expect it and in the end I chose Milan because it would have given me more possibility to play.

"Personally I consider the Primavera as my team. With the young Rossoneri’s formation we started out with the objective of taking something back home, but unfortunately the Coppa Italia and the Torneo di Viareggio did not go well.

"Now we hope in the Italian league."

Back to last Wednesday, Paloschi wanted to thank Filippo Inzaghi.

“On Wednesday, between the first and second half, Pippo Inzaghi suggested to me to play between the two central defenders. His suggestions are always correct and they are very valuable for me," concluded Paloschi.

SuperPippo: No Foreigners!

Filippo Inzaghi has told Milan not to sign any foreign strikers this summer because the Italians they have at their disposal are already good enough.

The Rossoneri have had a miserable season, having crashed out of the Champions League in the last 16, and struggling in fifth position in Serie A.

This summer the club is expected to splash out on a top-class centre forward, and a whole host of overseas stars have been linked, including Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, Dimitar Berbatov and Mario Gomez.

Inzaghi however has called on the Milan hierarchy not to sign any foreigners.

“In my opinion, all that will be sufficient for Milan in the summer is a few modifications,” he said.

“You do not need to make any revolution, much less with regards to the attack.

“Here at Milan we have Pato, Gilardino and Paloschi who are guaranteed. Borriello is doing so well at Genoa, and who I would not hesitate in recalling. He is strong, powerful, and has grown very well this season.

“I repeat: I do not want any foreign bombers. At home Milan already have players stronger than many others, they just need to be given confidence.”

INZAGHI'S CONDITIONS

MILANELLO - After the evaluation made this morning by professor Martens, it's been decided that the problem to the pubic area which is bothering Filippo Inzaghi will be solved by continuing physiotherapy and athletic work. The player's conditions will be evaluated day by day.

Inzaghi: AC Milan doesn't need foreign striker signing

AC Milan striker Pippo Inzaghi has urged management not to buy a new striker from outside Serie A.

Didier Drogba, of Chelsea, has been linked with Milan, but Inzaghi insists: "In my opinion, Milan only need to make a few slight modifications this summer.

"There's no need for any revolution, especially in attack. We already have Alexandre Pato, Alberto Gilardino and Alberto Paloschi guaranteed to be here.

"Marco Borriello is doing so well at Genoa and I would not hesitate in recalling him. He is strong, powerful and has developed very well during the season.

"I repeat - I don't want any foreign marksmen. Milan already have stronger players than many other sides and they just need to be given confidence."

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MILAN-CAGLIARI

GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Kalac;

DEFENDERS:Bonera, Cafu, Favalli, Kaladze, Maldini, Simic;

MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kaka, Pirlo, Seedorf;

STRIKERS: Inzaghi, Pato, Paloschi.

AC Milan 3:1 Cagliari - match report

Scorers: Kaka 8 (M), Inzaghi 31, 69 (M), Conti 49 ©

Kaka and brace hero Pippo Inzaghi marked their comebacks by taking Milan to a sorely needed 3-1 win over Cagliari, but Zeljko Kalac was left red-faced.

The Rossoneri were in dire straits with consecutive home defeats to Sampdoria and Atalanta, while they were missing the suspended Alessandro Nesta and injured Alexandre Pato, Ronaldo, Alberto Gilardino, Emerson, Serginho, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski. Carlo Ancelotti opted for a 4-4-2 system despite the fact he had no wide men in the squad. Cagliari are staging an incredible comeback in a four-match unbeaten run, but had not won here in 11 years.

Ancelotti demanded a strong start and he got it, as in 25 seconds Gennaro Gattuso fired over.

Kaka made his comeback after a calf problem and immediately made the difference. The World and European Player of the Year sprinted forward surrounded by Cagliari shirts for around 20 metres and smashed a right-foot finish into the near bottom corner.

Massimo Ambrosini was tripped right on the line and the referee awarded a free kick, although technically the line is part of the area and so it could well have been a penalty.

Kakha Kaladze was booked and will be suspended for the Juventus game, as will Nesta.

Pippo Inzaghi has been out injured for two months, but marked his comeback with a goal, too. A corner kick was whipped in for Inzaghi's header from seven yards that bounced off the ground to beat Marco Storari, but the marking from Cagliari was poor.

Gattuso was so close to a third goal moments later. Kaka and Clarence Seedorf spread the play for Gattuso to come tearing in, but two Cagliari defenders flung themselves at his feet to act as human shields and deny a certain goal.

Milan passed the ball around quickly and Kaka stung Storari's palms with a powerful right-foot strike from Andrea Pirlo's assist. Kaka also curled a left-foot gem inches wide of the far top corner, as he was spreading his range all across the final third.

Cagliari made two changes at the break for a more attacking formation, but it was a Milan player who handed them a goal. Zeljko Kalac's howler allowed a Daniele Conti free kick to squirm out of his hands and under his body when the ball was already in his grasp!

Moments later both Conti and Parola had shots charged down, then Kalac pushed a Pasquale Foggia shot out for a corner from a tight angle.

At the other end Inzaghi volleyed a Seedorf cross off target, but Cagliari nearly returned Kalac's favour as Diego Lopez's header back to his 'keeper almost turned into an own goal and floated inches past the post.

Former Milan youth product Alessandro Matri's overhead kick was wide, but there was more bad news for the Rossoneri as Giuseppe Favalli limped off with a suspected thigh strain. Marcos Cafu came on, moving Daniele Bonera to left-back.

Cagliari threatened an equaliser as Matri got in front of Cafu to meet a Foggia cross, but scuffed his shot from seven yards.

Gattuso was stretchered off with a bruised knee and was replaced by Cristian Brocchi, but was able to walk off the field after treatment.

Milan restored their two-goal cushion with a goal of sheer determination from Super Pippo Inzaghi. He sprung the offside trap and dribbled round Storari. The goalkeeper got a touch to it and he lost his footing, but he got back up, turned and steered the ball into the net despite three Cagliari defenders in his path.

Kaka sent Seedorf clear on goal, but the Dutchman slipped up and the chance went begging. The strain was starting to show on Milan, as Pirlo was the final player substituted, but Kaka and Ambrosini were both asking to be taken off.

Robert Acquafresca almost made the most of a weak backpass, while Storari smothered a Daniele Bonera strike. Kalac did better on another Conti free kick this time, capturing it at the near post.

Kaka almost completed his brace too in stoppages, a splendid right-foot curler palmed out of the top corner by Storari.

Milan: Kalac; Bonera, Kaladze, Maldini, Favalli (Cafu 61); Gattuso (Brocchi 66), Pirlo (Gourcuff 75), Ambrosini; Seedorf; Kakà, Inzaghi

Cagliari: Storari; Ferri, Lopez, Canini, Agostini; Fini (Parola 46), Conti (Acquafresca 74), Biondini; Cossu (Jeda 46); Foggia, Matri

Ref: Rosetti

RIGHT REACTION

At the end of the game against Cagliari, the Rossoneri were satisfied with the performance of the team, but especially they were happy with the great reaction of the group - THE ROSSONERI'S DECLARATIONS –

MILAN – These are the declarations of the Rossoneri players at the end of Milan-Cagliari 3-1:

KAKA':

“I’m very happy personally to have managed to score a goal in the last three games I played. It’s a thing which charges me up greatly as it’s always a pleasure. Tonight I felt well and managed to do the things I wanted. It was a good return. On the move of the goal, Pippo was very good as he allowed me the necessary space to score. It was a nice move. We started out well, with the right motivation and different spirit to the previous three games. We played a good first half and only for 15 minutes we had slowed down a bit in the second half, but the game was all in our hands. With Atalanta and Sampdoria I had to watch the game as a spectators and therefore the only thing that I could do is support the team, but the will to be there and help my team –mates was really a lot, therefore tonight I celebrated a lot this goal. I think that this will be the game from where we start again to reach the fourth place. These have been 20 difficult days in which I had to stay out, but now I’m fine and hope in this final part of the season to reach the fourth place. Hearing the Curva sing after my goal always gives a great emotion, really special.”

DANIELE BONERA:

“It’s been a few games that we didn’t manage to win at San Siro and this win pleases me a lot. Personally I always try to put myself available for the coach and the team and I must thank Mauro Tassotti who is a great teacher for me and that when I played in this role he was a great champion. Physically I feel well, at times I do unthinkable things and find the space in a squad where there are great champions like Maldini and Kaladze feels me with pride because it’s difficult and I always try to adapt to the needs of the team.

“During the week, the coach was good to spur us and make us feel calm, and tonight we proved that at Milanello the environment is serene."

FILIPPO INZAGHI:

“The embrace there was between myself and Ricky, following the goal, was dedicated to the entire squad because this group tonight played a great game. Even with the coach we have a really special rapport because he awarded us a lot of emotions. During the week we watched with him the things that didn’t go well and together we were able to improve.

“I was unavailable for one month, but now I’m fine and there are just seven games until the end of the season which will be fundament to reach the fourth place. I’m happy to have played for ninety minutes even though I felt cramps at the end of the game, but at my age, after spending a month away from the playing pitch I’m happy with condition.

“Before the game I was watching our team because nine or ten players from tonight’s team was the same that won at Yokohama the Club World Cup and a Champions League at Athens. We must not forget what we have done.

“On my second goal, Cristian was very good to make the assist. He’s also a great friend. He was exceptional and deserves to have these satisfactions.

“”Next week we shall meet Juve. It will surely be a great game, but even though we will have some important elements in defence missing, we shall go to Turin to win.”

CLARENCE SEEDORF:

“This win is fundamental for the morale, for the entire environment and especially it was important how we won it. I’m very happy for the nice reaction of the team. After their goal we reacted in a positive way, managing to score the third one. It was a great Milan for ninety minutes.

“Tonight I also had the support of the crowd who I wanted to thank with an applause. I know what the fans expect from me and I’m the first one not to be happy when I don’t give my contribution. From my part, I always give my utmost effort.

“Let’s hope that this period of highs and lows is over. Next week we have a great appointment and I’m convinced that we shall face a great Italian derby.”

Player Ratings: AC Milan 3-1 Cagliari

Carlo Garganese rates the players on show in Milan's 3-1 win over Cagliari at San Siro tonight...

Kalac 4 – Had virtually nothing to do in the first half, but was guilty of a quite horrendous gaffe to allow Daniele Conti to score. This hysterical howler proves that Milan need a new number one for next season.

Bonera 7 – One of the surprises of the night. Bombed up and down the right flank, causing Agostini no end of problems. Troubled a little by Foggia in the second half, but still a very encouraging display.

Maldini 6 – The 39-year-old had his cigar and slippers out in the first 45 minutes, although he was made to work more after the interval.

Kaladze 6 – Similar analysis to that of Maldini. The Georgian picked up a yellow card which will rule him out of next week’s game with Juventus. Alessandro Nesta will also miss the trip to Turin.

Favalli 6 – Defensively had little to do, although he did not contribute too much as an offensive weapon.

Gattuso 6.5 – Never stopped running, Gattuso was biting into tackles, and certainly seemed to find an extra half-a-yard before going off injured.

Pirlo 7.5 – Pirlo has been dreadfully poor recently and has looked extremely tired, however tonight he was back to something approaching his best. Dictated the tempo and created Inzaghi’s first goal.

Ambrosini 7 – Playing in a more defensive role tonight, Ambrosini succeeded in keeping the dangerous Foggia quiet in the first half. Overall an impressive performance.

Seedorf 7 – Occupying his favorite trequartista position, Seedorf played at a much higher tempo tonight, with many classy one-touch passes.

Kaka 8.5 – Back to the kind of form that saw him crowned as European and World Footballer of the Year in 2007. Scored a cracking goal, and was at times unstoppable.

Inzaghi 9 – Rolled back the years tonight with some brilliant movement and two clinical strikes to lead Milan on their way to victory.

Subs - Cafu 6, Brocchi 6.5, Gourcuff N.A

Inzaghi Dedicates Goals To Entire Squad

Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi was back in action on Saturday evening in the best possible fashion, scoring two goals to lead his team to a 3-1 win against Cagliari in the 32nd matchday of Serie A.

Inzaghi’s goalscoring qualities never seem to fade away as the player proved on Saturday evening after a month of absence. There he scored two important goals during the Rossoneri’s win against the Sardinian side.

“The embrace between myself and Ricky [Kaka] following the goal was dedicated to the entire squad because the group played a great game tonight,” explained the former Juventus ace when asked about his goals.

“Even with the coach we have a really special rapport because he gave us a lot of emotional feeling,” he continued.

“During the week we studied under him the things that didn’t go well, and together we were able to improve.

“I was unavailable for one month, but now I’m fine and there are just seven games until the end of the season which will be fundamental to reach fourth place.

“I’m happy to have played for ninety minutes even though I felt cramps at the end of the game, but at my age, after spending a month away from the playing pitch I’m happy with condition.

“Before the game I was watching our team because nine or ten players from tonight’s team were the same that won at Yokohama the Club World Cup and a Champions League at Athens. We must not forget what we have done.

“Next week we shall meet Juve. It will surely be a great game, and even though we will have some important elements in defence missing, we shall go to Turin to win,” concluded Inzaghi.