February 17, 200718 yr Ronaldo set for first AC Milan start Brazil striker Ronaldo is poised to make his first start as AC Milan look to maintain their rapid rise up the Serie A standings when they visit Siena on Saturday.The three-times FIFA World Player of the Year, who completed a 7.5million-euro (5 million pounds) move from Real Madrid last month, made his debut last weekend as a substitute for the final half hour of a 2-1 win over Livorno.He produced a lively performance, capped by three shots on goal, one a dipping drive from outside the area that was tipped around the post."It's probable that Ronaldo will play against Siena from the start," coach Carlo Ancelotti told the club's Web site on Wednesday."He's working well, his physical condition has improved, and he is very motivated. He's also the most talented player we've got."Ronaldo's arrival has coincided with a revival of Milan's domestic fortunes.Languishing in the bottom half at the start of December, five wins in their last six games have lifted Milan to sixth, two points behind Empoli, who occupy the fourth and final berth for next season's Champions League.Siena's 16,000-seater Artemio Franchi stadium is one of the few Italian grounds fully in line with the safety regulations imposed by the new anti-hooligan plan and so should be full for the game.Ancelotti is expected to field an attacking line-up, with Ronaldo starting alongside Italy international Alberto Gilardino.
February 17, 200718 yr Ronaldo promises "many goals"Having made his first appearance in Italy for five years, Milan striker Ronaldo has assured his new club the goals will soon follow.The Brazilian made his debut in a Rossoneri shirt last weekend, when he came on as a substitute for nearly half an hour against Livorno, but he is set for his first start against Siena on Saturday afternoon."It was a great experience," said the former Inter ace of last Sunday's game. "You have to forget the past and look to the future with optimism."I felt really comfortable. There is still a lot of work to do, I have to adapt to my team-mates just as they have to adapt to my play."I know that the goals will come and there will be many," he said.The three-time World Player of the Year is likely to be partnered by compatriot Ricardo Oliveira at the Stadio Artemio Franchi as coach Carlo Ancelotti axes his preferred early season pairing of Alberto Gilardino and Pippo Inzaghi.Ancelotti said: "Ronaldo is really motivated and he is giving so much in training. I think we will soon see the best Ronaldo, he just needs more playing time."
February 17, 200718 yr SIENA-MILANGOALKEEPERS: Fiori, Kalac, Storari. DEFENDERS: Bonera, Cafu, Grimi, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Oddo, Simic. MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà , Pirlo. STRIKERS: Gilardino, Ricardo Oliveira, Ronaldo.
February 17, 200718 yr Siena 3:4 Milan Goals: 16' RONALDO :hell yea!: 20' VERGASSOLA 29' OLIVEIRA 30' MACCARONE 81' RONALDO 89' MACCARONE 90'+4 MOLINERO
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