Clarence Seedorf

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Seedorf: Maldini Proves Age Is Not Important

Clarence Seedorf has hit back at those who say that Milan are too old, and says that Paolo Maldini proves that age is not important.

Seedorf was talking to UEFA.com about Holland’s chances at this summer’s European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.

Holland have a very young squad, in contrast to Milan, who consist of players mostly above the age of 30.

“We will have to see because there are a lot of talented players who could become champions,” Seedorf said when asked about the Holland youngsters.

“Only a few of them actually do make it. For example, at Milan we have Alexandre Pato and we need to ensure that he develops away from pressure. He needs space to grow and learn from his mistakes.

“However, age isn’t a key factor – the desire to be competitive is. Look at Paolo Maldini – he’s 40 and is still the best.

Holland have been drawn in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ at Euro 2008, and will play Italy in their opening game.

Seedorf will come up against a number of his club colleagues, including the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Oddo.

“At the moment I really don’t know how it will be to face my teammates, but it will certainly be good to take part in the tournament,” he explained.

“We were knocked out of the World Cup and didn’t win our European Championships qualification Group so we are fully aware that it will be difficult.”

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AC Milan 1:2 Sampdoria - match report

Scorers: Maggio 12 (S), Delvecchio 25 (S), Paloschi 71 (M)

Milan tumbled to a shock home defeat that sees Sampdoria close to within a point and the Champions League dreams perhaps evaporate completely.

Few would have expected it at the start of the season, but this was effectively a head-to-head for UEFA Cup football. Just two points divided the teams going in. Milan were still smarting from their 2-1 loss at Roma and were without Ronaldo, Pippo Inzaghi, Marcos Cafu, Serginho and Yoann Gourcuff. Antonio Cassano continued to sit out his five-match ban and was joined by Daniele Franceschini on the naughty step.

Samp had not won here since a 3-2 result on February 2, 1997. Zeljko Kalac recovered from injury to start this game and took the sting out of an early Emiliano Bonazzoli attempt.

Milan were forced to change their tactics when Kaka limped off after just 10 minutes to make way for teenage striker Alberto Paloschi.

The Blucerchiati were more confident and took a deserved lead after 12 minutes. The Milan defence was caught napping, as the ball took two touches from Sampdoria players in the box before Christian Maggio's tap-in from five yards.

Massimo Ambrosini had penalty appeals waved away for a Maggio shirt tug and Paloschi fired wide of the near post from Clarence Seedorf's pass.

Instead, Sampdoria doubled their lead. Seedorf's backheel for Alexandre Pato was intercepted and they completed a classic counter-attack with Gennaro Delvecchio's finish.

Sergio Volpi's fierce free kick flashed across the face of goal with several Samp players flying in to get the decisive touch.

Alessandro Nesta had a rare crack at goal from 30 metres that was not too far off the target, then Seedorf was flagged offside - incorrectly - and fired wide anyway with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Maggio could so easily have made it 3-0 on the counter only to blast over the bar.

A well-timed Daniele Gastaldello tackle stopped Paloschi from scoring just inside the box. Alberto Gilardino came off the bench at half-time for a more attacking formation and with his first touch had a header deflected over from a corner. Gila also felt he deserved a penalty for a Stefano Lucchini challenge.

Milan were unlucky not to re-open the game as Pirlo's free kick smacked the base of the upright thanks to a Castellazzi fingertip save.

The Rossoneri finally got a goal back through their liveliest and most effective player - 18-year-old Paloschi - who got a glancing header to a Pato cross on 71 minutes.

Kakha Kaladze had more penalty appeals for a shirt-tug and Giuseppe Favalli's snapshot flashed past the near post.

Lucchini saw red in stoppages for a second bookable offence and Pirlo's free kick took a series of deflections in front of the goal.

Gennaro Gattuso was so nearly the San Siro hero with the captain's armband on, but Castellazzi did well to palm his shot out for a corner.

Milan: Kalac; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski (Favalli 55); Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini (Gilardino 46); Kaka (Paloschi 10), Seedorf; Pato

Sampdoria: Castellazzi; Lucchini, Gastaldello, Accardi; Maggio, Sammarco, Volpi, Palombo, Pieri (Zenoni 74); Delvecchio (Ziegler 88), Bonazzoli (Bellucci 76)

Ref: Banti

Sent off: Lucchini 91 (S)

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TORINO-MILAN

GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac,

DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic,

MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf,

STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

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Torino 0:1 AC Milan - match report

Scorer: Pato 66 (M)

Alexandre Pato grabbed a decisive goal as Milan get back on track following two defeats on the trot, but relegation is becoming a real threat for the Granata.

These were desperate times for both teams after two straight losses. The Rossoneri's midweek home defeat to Sampdoria not only left them four points adrift of fourth place, but also put their UEFA Cup spot under pressure. Toro had Nikola Lazetic suspended and Matteo Sereni injured, while Kaka, Pippo Inzaghi, Ronaldo, Marcos Cafu and Serginho were sidelined.

Milan had not lost in Turin since November 2001, winning both their following visits. Torino had the first chance when Roberto Stellone held off Kakha Kaladze to thump the side-netting.

At the other end Alberto Maria Fontana beat away a deflected Andrea Pirlo free kick, then he flew to palm Clarence Seedorf's set play out from under the bar.

Another Pirlo free kick tested Fontana as he seemed to know little about the trajectory, while Seedorf's impressive scissor-kick was palmed round the near post.

Paolo Maldini dribbled down the left channel for his cross to be touched on by Alberto Gilardino, but Alexandre Pato's shot was deflected over the bar. From the resulting corner a looping Alessandro Nesta header hit the roof of the net.

Gilardino should have done better on the counter, but went for glory rather than rolling to the unmarked Pato.

Alessandro Rosina had a great chance smothered by Kakha Kaladze's perfectly timed challenge from eight yards. At the other end Fontana did well at full stretch to smother a deflected cross for Pato that came off Marco Di Loreto.

Seedorf was totally unmarked from nine yards for a right-foot sweeping shot on the volley that cracked against the underside of the crossbar from Pato's assist.

Gilardino wasted another golden opportunity when one-on-one with Fontana.

Milan finally broke the deadlock on 66 minutes. Gilardino gathered Seedorf's pass and with his back to goal managed to draw out the goalkeeper and swing across for Pato to prod the ball over the line. He was not in an offside position, as the Brazilian was clearly behind the ball.

Pato went forward and set up Seedorf, bringing a tough save out of Fontana's outstretched leg.

Toro threw on Alvaro Recoba and Nicola Ventola in a bid to get level. They went close too on 77 minutes, but Zeljko Kalac rushed out to flap the ball of Stellone's feet and Ventola fired the follow-up wide.

Torino: Fontana; Diana, Natali, Di Loreto, Pisano; Rosina, Corini (Ventola 70), Grella, P Zanetti; Stellone, Di Michele (Recoba 73)

Milan: Kalac; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Maldini; Gattuso (Brocchi 66), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf; Pato, Gilardino

Ref: Saccani

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Player Ratings: Torino 0-1 Milan

Carlo Garganese rates the players on show at the Stadio Olimpico this afternoon.

Kalac – 6.0: Did not have too many saves to make all game, but was largely reliable when called upon.

Oddo - 7: Oddo has been one of Milan’s most impressive players in recent weeks, and he was again up-and-down the right like a train this afternoon.

Nesta – 6.5: Sound performance from Nesta, who was a calming influence at the back.

Kaladze - 7.0: A few nervy moments, but he made one simply brilliant tackle to deny Rosina at the beginning of the second half.

Maldini – 7.5: Yet again defied his years with a wonderful performance. He was granted a standing ovation when he was replaced on 80 minutes.

Gattuso - 5: Gattuso is clearly on a downward spiral. He just does not have the energy he used to have. Time for Roberto Donadoni to axe him from the Italy starting XI.

Ambrosini – 6: Battled well in midfield, without really showing too much quality. An average game but nothing more.

Pirlo – 6: Pirlo had his spells during the match, but he still is struggling. Looks mentally tired, as well as physically.

Seedorf – 8: Linked the play between midfield and attack, and with a bit of luck could have had a hat-trick. Hit the crossbar, was twice denied by Fontana, and also helped set-up the winner.

Pato – 8: Given time this player is going to be one of, if not, the best forward in the world. Still needs to mature, but his potential is frightening. Unstoppable at times today, and scored the crucial goal.

Gilardino - 7: I feel so happy to be able to give Gilardino a positive mark. Struggled in the first half, but was pivotal after the break, created Pato’s goal, and was also denied himself by a great Fontana save.

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Seedorf: What Negative Season?

Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf doesn't think his side have had a negative season, he was also delighted with the way his Rossoneri side bounced back with a convincing win against Torino.

The San Siro based outfit got back to winning ways against the Granata with a 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico courtesy of an Alexandre Pato wonder strike.

Seedorf doesn’t believe his side have had a negative season and he is happy with his side’s reaction following their recent dip in form.

“I really like the Milan side I saw today, it was a good reaction and I saw the spirit which won us so many trophies in the last few years,” Seedorf told Sky Sport Italia.

“We played much better than Torino and we have obtained a good result. I must admit this is the toughest Serie A season in the last ten years.

“I don’t think we have had a negative season, just look at what we have won. I won't accept the thoughts of how we are better away than at home.

“I don’t want to think about the past, we don’t need it, I think this league is made like that.”

Milan keep in the hunt for the remaining Champions League places but they are still four points behind the Viola after their victory over ten man Lazio.

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MILAN-ATALANTA

GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Kalac;

DEFENDERS: Bonera, Favalli, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic;

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

STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

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AC Milan 1:2 Atalanta - match report

Scorers: Floccari 32 (A), Langella 42 (A), Maldini 84 (M)

Andrea Pirlo's last-gasp penalty was saved as another disastrous Milan home performance further dampened their Champions League hopes.

The Rossoneri lost to local rivals Atalanta in January's rescheduled game and were desperate to avoid a similar outcome with the Champions League spots four points away going into this weekend. Kaka, Ronaldo, Pippo Inzaghi, Marcos Cafu, Emerson, Marek Jankulovski and Serginho were in a packed treatment room, while Moris Carrozzieri and Coach Gigi Del Neri sat out bans for the visitors. Atalanta's last Serie A victory here was a 1-0 result on March 17, 1991.

Gennaro Gattuso scored against Atalanta in January and almost did it again after eight minutes, but he blasted a poor clearance over the bar from the D.

Alberto Gilardino nodded over when Massimo Ambrosini was in a better position behind him, then Gattuso flicked on an Alexandre Pato cross a little too long for Clarence Seedorf to go clear on goal.

Gilardino had not scored at San Siro in nearly a year and chested down the ball to test Fernando Coppola at the near post.

Instead, Atalanta took the lead with their first real chance. Ferreira Pinto got away down the right and rolled across for the unmarked Sergio Floccari to come sliding in. Zeljko Kalac got a touch to the first effort, but could do nothing on the second as the Milan defence was caught ball-watching. Massimo Oddo claimed he had been fouled in the lead-up, but the linesman and referee waved play on.

Thomas Manfredini replaced the injured Leo Talamonti, but the San Siro crowd was jeering a dreadful Rossoneri performance. Andrea Pirlo tested Coppola with a free kick, but they had precious little to offer.

In an almost identical move to the one Sampdoria scored in their 2-1 win here a fortnight ago, Atalanta struck again on the counter. Floccari drew three defenders and passed for Antonio Langella to beat an Oddo challenge and fire past Kalac at the near post!

It should have been 0-3 in stoppages, but Ferreira Pinto ballooned over totally unmarked from Langella's cross. Carlo Ancelotti made two changes with Alberto Paloschi and Kakha Kaladze coming on.

Seedorf was already celebrating an equaliser after the restart when Coppola palmed Paloschi's shot into his path, but the Dutchman was flagged offside. However, replays suggest Langella was keeping Seedorf in play.

Soon after Coppola parried a Gattuso effort and Pato passed straight to the goalkeeper from Paloschi's headed assist. Milan looked like a different team and were pouring forward in waves, but this left space for the counter-attack and Cristiano Doni incredibly fired over when totally clear on goal from nine yards on Ferreira Pinto's assist.

Paolo Maldini had to clear from six yards when Langella was allowed all the space and time he wanted to go on the counter, while Kalac was at full stretch to deny another shot from the former Cagliari winger.

Pato scuffed a volley and Seedorf's shot was deflected out for a corner. Massimo Ambrosini thought he had got them back into it on 77 minutes with a header from a corner kick, but it was disallowed for a push on goalkeeper Coppola. Ambrosini was also booked for dissent.

Soon after Ambrosini nodded over the bar, but the goal came with six minutes to go. It was an unusual scorer, as Maldini got a free header from eight yards on a corner that squirmed through Coppola's hands at the near post.

Yet Simone Inzaghi went on the counter and brought a difficult save out of Kalac. It was a chaotic finale, as Alessandro Nesta was sent off for dissent and moments later Ambrosini was brought down by a Guarente sliding tackle. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation and Pirlo stepped up, but his penalty was well saved by Coppola!

Milan: Kalac; Oddo (Brocchi 59), Nesta, Maldini, Favalli (Kaladze 46); Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf; Pato, Gilardino (Paloschi 46)

Atalanta: Coppola; Rivalta, Pellegrino, Talamonti (Manfredini 33), Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Tissone, Guarente, Langella (Padoin 69); Doni; Floccari (S Inzaghi 82)

Ref: Brighi

Sent off: Nesta 87 (M)

Missed penalty: Pirlo 89 (M)

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Player Ratings: Milan 1-2 Atalanta

Milan suffered yet another home defeat as their Serie A season goes from bad to worse. Atalanta took the honours at San Siro with a 2-1 win. Goal.com's Salvatore Bianchi rates the players' performances.

Kalac 7 – Milan can be thankful to the Aussie that they didn’t concede more than two.

Oddo 5 – Poor game, the lowlight of which was the ease in which Langella skipped past him for the second goal.

Maldini 6.5 – The best of the back four and Milan looked better at left-back once he switched there in the second half.

Nesta 6 – Started very well, making some great interceptions, but played his part in the two goals and was foolishly sent off late on

Favalli 4.5 – Really bad. It’s no surprise he was hauled off at half-time. Majorly at fault for the first goal.

Gattuso 6 – Showed his class on occasion but it was all too rare.

Pirlo 5 – What’s happened to Pirlo of late? He was that poor in this game that the penalty miss wasn’t even a shock.

Ambrosini 7 – The only Milan midfielder who really looked to have any fight in him.

Seedorf 5.5 – Really didn’t feature enough and it showed in Milan’s lack of creativity.

Pato 6 – His pace was always a threat, his movement and play dropping deep was generally good, but he forgot his shooting boots.

Gilardino 5 – Another poor display and surely another nail in the coffin of his AC Milan career

Subs

46mins Paloschi 6.5 – Looked extremely bright immediately after coming on but his influence then subsided. Still, a vast improvement on Gilardino.

46mins Kaladze 5 – Milan didn’t concede after he came on but the Georgian hardly looked sturdy at the back, lunging in early and getting beaten several times.

59mins Brocchi 5.5 – Didn’t really have the desired impact on the game.

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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.

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