Champions League: So Many Strikers!

By: Martha | May 21st, 2007

As was dramatically announced last weekend with a fairly frightening Thunderdome-related headline, barring an explosion of clumsiness both Pippo Inzaghi and Alberto Giladrino look set to be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League Final. And, since Milan only play one at a time in the Ronaldo-free world that is Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti is going to have to make a choice between the two. (According to the British press, he’s got it all figured out — said the gaffer: “One possibility, which depends on how the game develops, is to start with Gilardino and replace him with Inzaghi during the game or vice-versa.” So … it’s either Gila or Pippo, then? Brilliant!)

Typically, Herr Berlusconi has offered his ever-helpful take on the situation, despite the fact that there’s no one’s advice Ancelotti wants less. If the decision was up to the president, he “would start with Gilardino as centre-forward and then bring on Inzaghi when the Liverpool defense is a little more tired.” So, since — as incredibly depressing as it is — what Berlusconi says about the lineup tends to go, don’t be surprised to see Gila out there running around and falling down for the first 60-70 minutes, only to be replaced by a thinner, darker-haired guy who will run around and fall down in his stead until the final whistle. (And I say “fall down” with tremendous love.)

Really, I’m not sure it matters. Unleashing Pippo on a team late makes sense, as his frenzied activity and overpowering drama probably work better when they explode all over tired, emotionally vulnerable opponents. I’m just concerned about starting Gila because, despite his surprisingly high goal total, he’s not exactly covered himself with glory as of late. That said, however, since it’s one of them or Ricardo Oliveira, I’m just going to keep my mouth shut and be happy the Useless Brazilian isn’t playing.

Category: AC Milan, Champions League, Rumors & News, Serie A

Tags: AC Milan, Berlusconi, Champions League, Gilardino, Pippo Inzaghi, Rumors -amp; News, Serie A

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Comments  

• Ashley |  May 21st, 2007 at 1:51 pm

  
  
  

  what’s up with the pic?

  Posted from United States

  

• Martha |  May 21st, 2007 at 1:57 pm

  
  
  

  It’s Herr Berlusconi himself, Ashley, on some sort of naughty holiday! (Though hopefully wearing less than he does while speaking with the press.)

  Posted from United States

  

• Ian |  May 21st, 2007 at 2:02 pm

  
  
  

  I agree with the decision to put Pippo in later. Frankly, with Kaka in the match, you have a striker and midfielder in one, and with his recent form, I’m not sure much will hinge on who the official point man is. Kaka’s the one the Reds will be fearing.

  Posted from United States

  

• dahri |  May 21st, 2007 at 3:23 pm

  
  
  

  i can only hope Gilardino put more concentration on his head instead of burden on his sholder.

  Posted from Australia

  

• roswitha |  May 22nd, 2007 at 5:03 am

  
  
  

  MY EYES. MY EYES.

  Were you trying to make some sort of sneaky Interista viewpoint about the emperor’s new clothes? Because - point taken. So taken. *weeps*

  Posted from United States

  

• Lisa |  May 22nd, 2007 at 6:54 am

  
  
  

  Bloody hell, Martha!
  WHY? All the attractive footballers in Serie A to choose from and you put up a naked picture of Silvio Berlusconi??

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

• Martha |  May 22nd, 2007 at 10:22 am

  
  
  

  HHAHA! I’m sorry, it came up in a search (not for “attractive footballers,” clearly) and I just couldn’t resist.

  Posted from United States

  

• Muddia Dome |  May 22nd, 2007 at 12:46 pm

  
  
  

  Couple this pic with the lack of WAG last week, do we get a double WAG of the Week? It has only happened once since the inception of the post.

  Posted from United States

  

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