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| Silvio Berlusconi |
AC Milan All-Time Team
AC Milan All-Time Italian Team
AC Milan All-Time Foreign Player Team
AC Milan Brazilian Best XI
This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for AC Milan under the leadership of Silvio Berlusconi. The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.
AC Milan had a glorious history throughout the 1960's, winning two European Cups. However, by the time Silvio Berlusconi bought the club in 1986, it had fallen into disarray. Berlusconi turned the club around. From 1986 to 2017, the club would win 5 European Cups, making it the second most successful club in Europe after Real Madrid.
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| 2007 Champions League |
Team
GK: Sebastiano Rossi (Italy) During a 21-year professional career, Rossi appeared in 346 Serie A games, most notably representing A.C. Milan (12 seasons) with which he won 12 major titles, including the 1994 Champions League. Rossi held the record for the longest streak without conceding a goal in Serie A history. In an 11-match span, he kept a clean sheet for 929 consecutive minutes. He was never capped by Italy.
GK: Dida (Brazil)
In the early 1990s, Dida played with Vitória before moving to Cruzeiro and Corinthians. He was mainly remembered for his 10 seasons with AC Milan. He was the hero of the 2003 Champions' League Final when he helped Milan to win the penalty shootout against Juventus. He became the first Brazilian keeper to be nominated for Ballon d' Or that year. He went to three World Cup Finals and started in 2006 for the Seleção. He was capped 91 times between 1995 and 2006.
GK: Giovanni Galli (Italy)
In a professional career which spanned nearly two decades, he played in 496 Serie A games, mainly with Fiorentina (nine seasons) and Milan (four). He also started in Milan's back-to-back European Cup conquests, in 1989 and 1990. Galli appeared with Italy in the 1980 European Championship; he was an unused member of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup and served as Italy's starting goalkeeper at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
RB: Mauro Tassotti (Italy) Sebastiano Rossi (Italy)
After making his Serie A debut with Lazio, Mauro Tassotti went on to play with Milan for 17 years. He won 17 major titles with Milan, including five Serie A championships and three UEFA Champions League tournaments, reaching five finals in total. He was a part of both Arrigo Sacchi's and Fabio Capello's AC Milan. He also went to the World Cup in 1994, where Italy came second.
RB: Cafu (Brazil)
Cafu is the all-time cap record holder for Brazil with 142. He is the only man to play in three World Cup Finals, winning in 1994 and 2002. He was the captain of the national team as they won the World Cup in 2002. With Brazil, he also took part in four editions of the Copa América, winning the title twice, in 1997 and 1999. He played with Sao Paulo, Roma and AC Milan. He was South American Player of the Year in 1994.
CB: Alessandro Nesta (Italy)
Alessandro Nesta is considered one of the best defender of his generation. He was the Serie A defender of the Year for 4 times. He started his career with Lazio. Later, he played with AC Milan where he won two Champions' league. He also played in MLS. For Italy, he earned 78 caps. He played on the 2006 WC winning team, but injured in the third game of the tournament. He also went to 1998 and 2002 World Cup Finals as well as the European Championship in 1996, 2000 and 2004.
CB: Alessandro Costacurta (Italy)
Alessandro Costacurta was Baresi's partner at central defense for both club and country. He was a part of 5 Champions' League winning team for AC Milan. However, he only played 59 times for Italy because largely of injuries. He went to two World Cup Finals (in 1994 and 1998), as well as a European Championship in 1996. With Italy, he managed to reach the 1994 World Cup Final, which was lost against Brazil on penalties.
SW: Franco Baresi (Italy)
Franco Baresi was considered Italy's greatest libero. He was capped 82 times between 1982 and 1994. He led the Azzurri to the semifinal of the World Cup in 1990 and then, the Final in 1994. However, he missed most of the tournament in 1994 through an injury, playing in the Final. He was a part of the 1982 World Cup winning team, but he did not play a single match. He was a one club man with AC Milan. He is their captain for 15 years, where he won three European Cups and 6 Serie A titles.
LB: Kakha Kaladze (Georgia)
Kakha Kaladze started with Dinamo Tbilisi in Georgia. He was also a part of Dynmamo Kyiv that dominated the domestic league and reached the semifinal of the Champions' league in the 1990's with Andriy Shevchenko. He also played for AC Milan, where he won two Champions' League in 2003 and 2007. He was Georgian Player of the Year for 5 times. He played 83 timed for Georgia. He is one of Georgia's greatest players.
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| Dida |
In a professional career which spanned nearly two decades, he played in 496 Serie A games, mainly with Fiorentina (nine seasons) and Milan (four). He also started in Milan's back-to-back European Cup conquests, in 1989 and 1990. Galli appeared with Italy in the 1980 European Championship; he was an unused member of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup and served as Italy's starting goalkeeper at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
RB: Mauro Tassotti (Italy) Sebastiano Rossi (Italy)
After making his Serie A debut with Lazio, Mauro Tassotti went on to play with Milan for 17 years. He won 17 major titles with Milan, including five Serie A championships and three UEFA Champions League tournaments, reaching five finals in total. He was a part of both Arrigo Sacchi's and Fabio Capello's AC Milan. He also went to the World Cup in 1994, where Italy came second.
RB: Cafu (Brazil)
Cafu is the all-time cap record holder for Brazil with 142. He is the only man to play in three World Cup Finals, winning in 1994 and 2002. He was the captain of the national team as they won the World Cup in 2002. With Brazil, he also took part in four editions of the Copa América, winning the title twice, in 1997 and 1999. He played with Sao Paulo, Roma and AC Milan. He was South American Player of the Year in 1994.
CB: Alessandro Nesta (Italy)
Alessandro Nesta is considered one of the best defender of his generation. He was the Serie A defender of the Year for 4 times. He started his career with Lazio. Later, he played with AC Milan where he won two Champions' league. He also played in MLS. For Italy, he earned 78 caps. He played on the 2006 WC winning team, but injured in the third game of the tournament. He also went to 1998 and 2002 World Cup Finals as well as the European Championship in 1996, 2000 and 2004.
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| Alessandro Nesta |
Alessandro Costacurta was Baresi's partner at central defense for both club and country. He was a part of 5 Champions' League winning team for AC Milan. However, he only played 59 times for Italy because largely of injuries. He went to two World Cup Finals (in 1994 and 1998), as well as a European Championship in 1996. With Italy, he managed to reach the 1994 World Cup Final, which was lost against Brazil on penalties.
SW: Franco Baresi (Italy)
Franco Baresi was considered Italy's greatest libero. He was capped 82 times between 1982 and 1994. He led the Azzurri to the semifinal of the World Cup in 1990 and then, the Final in 1994. However, he missed most of the tournament in 1994 through an injury, playing in the Final. He was a part of the 1982 World Cup winning team, but he did not play a single match. He was a one club man with AC Milan. He is their captain for 15 years, where he won three European Cups and 6 Serie A titles.
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| Franco Baresi |
Kakha Kaladze started with Dinamo Tbilisi in Georgia. He was also a part of Dynmamo Kyiv that dominated the domestic league and reached the semifinal of the Champions' league in the 1990's with Andriy Shevchenko. He also played for AC Milan, where he won two Champions' League in 2003 and 2007. He was Georgian Player of the Year for 5 times. He played 83 timed for Georgia. He is one of Georgia's greatest players.
CB/LB: Paolo Maldini (Italy)
Paolo Maldin was considered the greatest leftback of all-time. He won 26 trophies in his 25 year career with AC Milan, including 5 Champions' league trophies. With the Azzurri, Maldini took part in three European Championships, and four World Cups. Although he did not win a tournament with Italy, he reached the finals of the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000, and the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1988, and was elected into the all-star teams for each of these tournaments. He was capped 126 times for Italy.
Paolo Maldin was considered the greatest leftback of all-time. He won 26 trophies in his 25 year career with AC Milan, including 5 Champions' league trophies. With the Azzurri, Maldini took part in three European Championships, and four World Cups. Although he did not win a tournament with Italy, he reached the finals of the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000, and the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1988, and was elected into the all-star teams for each of these tournaments. He was capped 126 times for Italy.
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| Paolo Maldini |
CB/DM: Marcel Desailly (France)
Marcel Desailly was considered to be one of the greatest defensive players during the 1990's. He played 116 times for France, winning the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000. He was the first player to win the European Cup in consecutive seasons with different clubs, when he won it with Marseille in 1993 and AC Milan the following year.
DM: Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
Gennaro Gattuso was a highly regarded destroyer in his prime. He spent 13 years with AC Milan, forming a famous partnership with Andreas Pirlo. At the club level, he also played for Rangers, Perugia and Sion. He won two Champions' League with the club. For the Azzurri, he earned 73 caps between 2000 and 2010. He went to three World Cup Finals, winning the 2006 World Cup Finals, playing along side Pirlo again.
ST: Filippo Inzaghi (Italy)
He is one of the most prolific goalscorers of all time, fifth in Italy, with 313 goals scored in official matches. He is currently the fourth-highest goal scorer in European club competitions with 70 goals. With AC Milan, he won two UEFA Champions League titles (2003, 2007). he made his national team debut in 1997. He went to all major tournaments from 1998 to 2006. He won the World Cup in 2006, but only played in one match.
ST: Marco Van Basten (Netherlands)
Marco Van Basten was probably the second best Dutch player and among the best striker in football's history. He won the Ballon d'Or three times. He led Oranje to the victory at the European Championship 1988 scoring 5 goals at the tournament. It was Holland's first victory in a major tournament. His goal in the Final is considered one of the best in history of the tournament. He started his career with Ajax. He also won two European Cups with AC Milan, a club side that was considered the best ever.
Honorable Mention
Christian Abbiati (Italy), Thiago Silva (Brazil), Cristián Zapata (Colombia), Filippo Galli (Italy), Leonardo (Brazil), Serginho (Brazil), Marek Jankulovski (Czech Republic), Christian Panucci (Italy), Massimo Ambrosini (Italy), Angelo Colombo (Italy), Rui Costa (Portugal), Roberto Baggio (Italy), Alberigo Evani (Italy), Oliver Bierhoff (Germany), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Denmark), Zlatan Ibrahimović' (Sweden), Daniele Massaro (Italy), Marco Simeone (Italy).
DM: Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
Gennaro Gattuso was a highly regarded destroyer in his prime. He spent 13 years with AC Milan, forming a famous partnership with Andreas Pirlo. At the club level, he also played for Rangers, Perugia and Sion. He won two Champions' League with the club. For the Azzurri, he earned 73 caps between 2000 and 2010. He went to three World Cup Finals, winning the 2006 World Cup Finals, playing along side Pirlo again.
CM: Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands)
Frank Rijkaard was one of Netherlands' most important player. Capped 73 times. He won the 1988 European Championship in West Germany. He notably played for Ajax and AC Milan. He spent 5 seasons with AC Milan when Milan was considered the greatest club team in the world. He won two European Cup with them. In 1995, he led a young Ajax team to their famous Champions' League victory. That team is also considered one of the greatest club sides ever.
CM: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy)
Carlo Ancelotti began his career with Parma, but he made his name with AS Roma where he played between 1979 and 1987. He won the Serie A title in 1982-1983 and 4 Italian Cup's with them. In 1987, he joined AC Milan and became a part of the team that won two European Cup. He retired in 1992 with Milan. He was capped 26 times for Italy. He narrowly missed the World Cup Finals in 1982, but went to the World Cup Finals in 1986 and 1990.
CM: Demetrio Albertini (Italy)
Demetrio Albertini was the deep-lying playmaker of the great AC Milan team of the 1990's. He won 5 league titles in the 1990's and the Champions' League title in 1994. He played for his country 79 times. He went to the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, Euro 96, and Euro 2000. He was voted into the team of tournament at Euro 2000. He also played for Atletico Madrid Lazio, Barcelona and Atalanta after he left AC Milan.
CM: Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Andrea Pirlo started as an attack midfielder with Inter Milan without success before becoming a regista. He redefined the regista role in the modern game. He had 116 caps for Italy. He won the World Cup in 2006 and took Italy to the Final of Euro 2012. For his club career, he was known for his career with AC Milan. He played over 280 matches for them, winning two Champions' League titles. He switched to Juventus late in his career and played for New York City FC.
CM/LM: Clarence Seedorf (Netherlands)
Seedorf is the first player to win three Champion League titles with 3 different clubs. He was a member of the Golden Generation from Ajax that won Champions League in 1995. In 1996, he moved to Real Madrid, where he quickly established himself as a star. He would win two Champions League title there. He later played for both AC Milan and Inter Milan. He would win two more with them. He was a key player for the Dutch national team. he played 87 times for them.
LW: Roberto Donadoni (Italy)
Roberto Donadoni was one of Italy's greatest wingers. He was a vital part of AC Milan's squad under both Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups, four Italian Supercups, three European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups during his time at Milan. Between 1986 and 1996, he earned over 60 caps for Italy. He went to the World Cup Finals in 1990 and 1994, and the European Championship in 1988 and 1996.
AM/CM: Kaka (Brazil)
Kaka started his career with Sao Paulo in Brazil before moving to AC Milan in 2003. He was the star player who helped Milan to win the Champions' League in 2007 and he himself won he Ballon d'or on the same year. In 2009, he left Milan for Real Madrid. At the end of his career, he played for Orlando City in the MLS. For Brazil, he was capped 92 times. He was a young and seldom used player at the World Cup in 2002. He was a key player after the World Cup Finals in 2002.
AM/RM: Dejan Savicevic (Montenegro)
Dejan Savicevic was a part of the Red Star Belgrade team that won the 1990–91 European Cup before joining A.C. Milan in 1992. With Milan, he won three Serie A titles and the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League. His international career was limited due to sanction placed on his country. He did not play in a major tournaments at the peak of his career. However, he represented Yugoslavia at the 1990 and 1998 World Cups. He had over 50 caps.
AM: Ruud Gullit (Netherlands)
Ruud Gullit was the iconic captain of Netherlands 1988. In 1987, he moved from PSV Eindhoven to A.C. Milan for a world record transfer fee. He was an important player for AC Milan during the 1980's where they won two straight European Cups. He was the European Footballer of the Year in 1987 and the World Soccer Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989. He spent one season with Sampdoria winning the Italian Cup in 1994. He later played for Chelsea as a sweeper.
FW: George Weah (Liberia)
In terms of individual awards, no African player wins more awards than George Weah. He was was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or in 1995. He won African Footballer of the Year: 1989, 1994, 1995. He was voted African Player of the Century in 1996. He had great careers with AC Milan where he won two Serie A titles. He also played for Monaco, PSG, Chelsea, etc. In 2017, Weah was elected as the President of Liberia.
ST: Andrei Shevchenko (Ukraine)
Andrei Shevchenko is considered one of the greatest Ukrainian player in history. He won the Ballon D'Or in 2004 and came 3rd on the World Player of the Year. He started his career with Dynamo Kyiv. He was best remembered for his stint with AC Milan, winning the Champions' League in 2003. He also played for Chelsea. He won 111 caps and scored 48 goals for the Ukraine. He led Ukraine to qualify for the World Cup Finals in 2006, where they reached the quarterfinal.
Frank Rijkaard was one of Netherlands' most important player. Capped 73 times. He won the 1988 European Championship in West Germany. He notably played for Ajax and AC Milan. He spent 5 seasons with AC Milan when Milan was considered the greatest club team in the world. He won two European Cup with them. In 1995, he led a young Ajax team to their famous Champions' League victory. That team is also considered one of the greatest club sides ever.
CM: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy)
Carlo Ancelotti began his career with Parma, but he made his name with AS Roma where he played between 1979 and 1987. He won the Serie A title in 1982-1983 and 4 Italian Cup's with them. In 1987, he joined AC Milan and became a part of the team that won two European Cup. He retired in 1992 with Milan. He was capped 26 times for Italy. He narrowly missed the World Cup Finals in 1982, but went to the World Cup Finals in 1986 and 1990.
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| Carlo Ancelotti |
Demetrio Albertini was the deep-lying playmaker of the great AC Milan team of the 1990's. He won 5 league titles in the 1990's and the Champions' League title in 1994. He played for his country 79 times. He went to the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, Euro 96, and Euro 2000. He was voted into the team of tournament at Euro 2000. He also played for Atletico Madrid Lazio, Barcelona and Atalanta after he left AC Milan.
CM: Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Andrea Pirlo started as an attack midfielder with Inter Milan without success before becoming a regista. He redefined the regista role in the modern game. He had 116 caps for Italy. He won the World Cup in 2006 and took Italy to the Final of Euro 2012. For his club career, he was known for his career with AC Milan. He played over 280 matches for them, winning two Champions' League titles. He switched to Juventus late in his career and played for New York City FC.
CM/LM: Clarence Seedorf (Netherlands)
Seedorf is the first player to win three Champion League titles with 3 different clubs. He was a member of the Golden Generation from Ajax that won Champions League in 1995. In 1996, he moved to Real Madrid, where he quickly established himself as a star. He would win two Champions League title there. He later played for both AC Milan and Inter Milan. He would win two more with them. He was a key player for the Dutch national team. he played 87 times for them.
LW: Roberto Donadoni (Italy)
Roberto Donadoni was one of Italy's greatest wingers. He was a vital part of AC Milan's squad under both Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups, four Italian Supercups, three European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups during his time at Milan. Between 1986 and 1996, he earned over 60 caps for Italy. He went to the World Cup Finals in 1990 and 1994, and the European Championship in 1988 and 1996.
AM/CM: Kaka (Brazil)
Kaka started his career with Sao Paulo in Brazil before moving to AC Milan in 2003. He was the star player who helped Milan to win the Champions' League in 2007 and he himself won he Ballon d'or on the same year. In 2009, he left Milan for Real Madrid. At the end of his career, he played for Orlando City in the MLS. For Brazil, he was capped 92 times. He was a young and seldom used player at the World Cup in 2002. He was a key player after the World Cup Finals in 2002.
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| Kaka |
Dejan Savicevic was a part of the Red Star Belgrade team that won the 1990–91 European Cup before joining A.C. Milan in 1992. With Milan, he won three Serie A titles and the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League. His international career was limited due to sanction placed on his country. He did not play in a major tournaments at the peak of his career. However, he represented Yugoslavia at the 1990 and 1998 World Cups. He had over 50 caps.
AM: Ruud Gullit (Netherlands)
Ruud Gullit was the iconic captain of Netherlands 1988. In 1987, he moved from PSV Eindhoven to A.C. Milan for a world record transfer fee. He was an important player for AC Milan during the 1980's where they won two straight European Cups. He was the European Footballer of the Year in 1987 and the World Soccer Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989. He spent one season with Sampdoria winning the Italian Cup in 1994. He later played for Chelsea as a sweeper.
FW: George Weah (Liberia)
In terms of individual awards, no African player wins more awards than George Weah. He was was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or in 1995. He won African Footballer of the Year: 1989, 1994, 1995. He was voted African Player of the Century in 1996. He had great careers with AC Milan where he won two Serie A titles. He also played for Monaco, PSG, Chelsea, etc. In 2017, Weah was elected as the President of Liberia.
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| George Weah |
Andrei Shevchenko is considered one of the greatest Ukrainian player in history. He won the Ballon D'Or in 2004 and came 3rd on the World Player of the Year. He started his career with Dynamo Kyiv. He was best remembered for his stint with AC Milan, winning the Champions' League in 2003. He also played for Chelsea. He won 111 caps and scored 48 goals for the Ukraine. He led Ukraine to qualify for the World Cup Finals in 2006, where they reached the quarterfinal.
ST: Filippo Inzaghi (Italy)
He is one of the most prolific goalscorers of all time, fifth in Italy, with 313 goals scored in official matches. He is currently the fourth-highest goal scorer in European club competitions with 70 goals. With AC Milan, he won two UEFA Champions League titles (2003, 2007). he made his national team debut in 1997. He went to all major tournaments from 1998 to 2006. He won the World Cup in 2006, but only played in one match.
ST: Marco Van Basten (Netherlands)
Marco Van Basten was probably the second best Dutch player and among the best striker in football's history. He won the Ballon d'Or three times. He led Oranje to the victory at the European Championship 1988 scoring 5 goals at the tournament. It was Holland's first victory in a major tournament. His goal in the Final is considered one of the best in history of the tournament. He started his career with Ajax. He also won two European Cups with AC Milan, a club side that was considered the best ever.
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| Marco Van Basten |
Christian Abbiati (Italy), Thiago Silva (Brazil), Cristián Zapata (Colombia), Filippo Galli (Italy), Leonardo (Brazil), Serginho (Brazil), Marek Jankulovski (Czech Republic), Christian Panucci (Italy), Massimo Ambrosini (Italy), Angelo Colombo (Italy), Rui Costa (Portugal), Roberto Baggio (Italy), Alberigo Evani (Italy), Oliver Bierhoff (Germany), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Denmark), Zlatan Ibrahimović' (Sweden), Daniele Massaro (Italy), Marco Simeone (Italy).
Squad Explanation
-- Kaka, Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Marcel Desailly, Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, Alessandro Nesta, Andrei Shevchenko, Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Donadoni, Dejan Savicevic, Mauro Tassotti and Sebastiano Rossi are on my AC Milan All-Time Team. That is sixteen out of 25 players on that team.
-- Kaka, Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Marcel Desailly, Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, Alessandro Nesta, Andrei Shevchenko, Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Donadoni, Dejan Savicevic, Mauro Tassotti and Sebastiano Rossi are on my AC Milan All-Time Team. That is sixteen out of 25 players on that team.
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| Ruud Gullit |
-- In total, Silvio Berlusconi's AC Milan won eight Scudetto titles, one Coppa Italia, the Supercoppa Italiana seven times, five European Cups/Champions Leagues, two Intercontinental Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup and five European/UEFA Super Cups. Most players on this team has at least won a single European Cup/Champions league trophy. George Weah was the only player who did not win this trophy over here, but he won two scudettos.
-- Silvio Berlusconi was in charge of the club for 31 years. He took over the club in February, 1986 and sold it in 2017.
-- The rise of the club began in 1987 when Silvio Berlusconi hired Arrigo Sacchi, who was in charge of Parma in the second division. Sacchi was not well-known, but Parma did beat Milan in the Coppa Italia. The fans did not endorse Silvio Berlusconi's hiring of him in the beginning.
-- In summer of 1987, Carlo Ancelotti, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten joined the club. Alessandro Costacurta also came back from a loan return. It was Silvio Berlusconi's second summer in charge of the club.
-- Franco Baresi, Paulo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, Filippo Galli and Mauro Tassotti were playing for AC Milan before Silvio Berlusconi took over.
--Alessandro Nesta was another undisputed selection for a central defender, forming a formidable unit alongside Baresi and Costacurta. However, this team boasted not just three, but five players capable of excelling in that position. Towards the end of his career, Maldini adapted to the role while Desailly also possessed the ability to perform admirably in that position.
-- The rise of the club began in 1987 when Silvio Berlusconi hired Arrigo Sacchi, who was in charge of Parma in the second division. Sacchi was not well-known, but Parma did beat Milan in the Coppa Italia. The fans did not endorse Silvio Berlusconi's hiring of him in the beginning.
-- In summer of 1987, Carlo Ancelotti, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten joined the club. Alessandro Costacurta also came back from a loan return. It was Silvio Berlusconi's second summer in charge of the club.
-- Franco Baresi, Paulo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, Filippo Galli and Mauro Tassotti were playing for AC Milan before Silvio Berlusconi took over.
Goalkeepers
-- Sebastiano Rossi, despite receiving two call-ups, never made an appearance for the national team. However, he played a crucial role as a vital player in Fabio Capello's "Invincibles" team, which remained undefeated and won the Champions League. He once held the league record for the longest streak without conceding a goal (929 minutes). He currently holds the Serie A record for fewest goals conceded in a single 34-game season (11). He spent over a decade with the club
-- Dida was an easy choice for the second keeper. He played over 300 games for Milan. Giovanni Galli beat out Christian Abbiati as the third keeper. Abbiati made more appearance for Milan than any other goalkeeper in history, but Galli won back-to-back European Cups. He also spent 15 seasons with AC Milan. I selected him because of his service to the club.
-- In 2015, Gianluigi Donnarumma became the second-youngest goalkeeper ever to debut in Serie A, aged 16 years and 242 days. But his career did not really start until the departure of Silvio Berlusconi.
Defenders
-- In the 1993-94 season, Milan accomplished an extraordinary feat by securing their third consecutive Serie A title, conceding a remarkable total of only 15 goals. They also won the Champions' League that season with a convincing victory over Barcelona. Their defense during this era is widely regarded as the best in the history of the game. Individually, Paulo Maldini is known as the greatest ever leftback , while Franco Baresi is recognized as one of the finest liberos ever to grace the sport. Alessandro Costacurta primarily played as a center back but exhibited versatility across the entire defensive line. Mauro Tassotti might not be the greatest rightback ever. But he had a long service to the club. He spent 17 seasons during Milan's greatest eras. Marco Desailly mainly played as a defensive midfielder, ad he was one of the greatest ever in this position.
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| Alessandro Costacurta |
-- Thiago Silva was named twice on the UEFA Team of the Year as a Milan player. In his time, Filippo Galli was overshadowed by his teammates Baresi, Maldini, Costacurta, Tassotti, Panucci, etc. During his 15 seasons with the club, he won five Serie A titles and three UEFA Champions League titles, among other trophies. They made honorable mentions.
-- Cafu and Mauro Tassotti kept Christian Panucci off the team. For the left-back position, my choice fell upon Kakha Kaladze as the backup. Paulo Maldini had firmly established himself in that role for a significant duration, making it an arduous task to fill his shoes. Nonetheless, Kaladze rose to the challenge and successfully assumed the role of Milan's starting left-back. I also placed Serginho and Marek Jankulovski on honorable mentions.
Midfielders/Wingers
-- For the deep defensive position, I first took Frank Rijkaard and Marco Desailly. Frank Rijkaard played a crucial role in the team's success during the late 1980s and early 1990s, including winning back-to-back European Cups. Marcel Desailly, on the other hand, joined Milan in 1993 and became an integral part of the team's defense. Both were two of the greatest defensive midfielders ever played in the game.
-- Andreas Pirlo is one of the most underrated players in history. He was critical to the successes of AC Milan. His departure to Juventus changed the balance of power in Serie A. And I have to reunite him with Gennaro Gattuso. Their complimentary playing styles allowed them to control the midfield effectively. Pirlo's ability to find pockets of space and distribute the ball seamlessly was supported by Gattuso's relentless energy and defensive work rate. This pair was perhaps the most iconic midfield duet in the history of AC Milan. I had to reunite them here even through I already have Desailly and Rijkaard who could cover the midfield defensively. The inclusion of Gattuso kept Massimo Ambrosini off the team. He spent 18 years with the club. His longevity certainly played a big role.
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| Andrea Pirlo |
-- Demetrio Albertini won five league titles and two UEFA Champions League titles with the club. He would be the perfect backup for Pirlo. Carlos Ancelotti was a box-to-box midfielder. The team might need his type of player. He was the unsung hero of the team during the late 1980's.
-- Ray Wilkins who played as a regista in Italy could have been an excellent choice, but I ultimately opted to choose other players. Wilkins' years in Milan occurred during a period when AC Milan faced financial difficulties, with the club being on the verge of bankruptcy before its rescue through Silvio Berlusconi's purchase. He played for just one season under Berlusconi's ownership and missed out on the subsequent glamorous periods that followed after his departure. He went "trophyless" in Milan.
-- Zvonimir Boban and Dejan Savicevic were instrumental in AC Milan's victory in the 1994 Champions' League. In the momentous Final, Milan positioned Boban on the left side of midfield while Roberto Donadoni occupied the right. Savicevic, on the other hand, took up a prominent position at the forefront alongside Daniele Massaro. This tactical arrangement resulted in a resounding 4-0 triumph over Barcelona's "Dream" team. Savicevic's performance in the Final was considered to be one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the tournament. Despite his exceptional talent, he remained underrated, primarily due to his inability to participate in a significant international tournament during his prime due to the ban on Yugoslavia. This unfortunate circumstance resulted in him being overlooked as one of the all-time greats of the game. One can't help but speculate about the immense potential that would have unfolded if Yugoslavia, with Boban and Savicevic in their lineup, had participated in the 1994 World Cup FinalsYugoslavia, with Boban and Savicevic in their lineup, had participated in the 1994 World Cup Finals just a month after the Champions League Final.
-- Kaka's outstanding performances in the 2006-2007 Champions' League led to him winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. Rudd Guilt was also an attack midfielder so this team had four attack midfielders.
-- Dejan Savicevic and Rudd Guilt also operated on the right. So I did not need a true winger. Being a major contributor to AC Milan's greatest era in history, Roberto Donadoni was an undisputed selection on the left. He also played on the right. Alberico Evani played 393 official matches for Milan. He won 3 Serie A titles, 2 UEFA Champions League titles and 2 Intercontinental Cup titles. He played as a leftback until the emerge of Paulo Maldini, where he was transformed into a left winger. He scored the winning goal in the 1989 Intercontinental Cup. However, I decided to pick Clarence Seedorf who was a left midfielder and playmaker. He also played 10 seasons in Milan winning two Champions League titles. He was not a wide player, but he played on the left side of the "Diamond" midfield formation under Carlos Ancelotti that also featured Gattuso, Pirlo, and Kaká.
-- Roberto Baggio is probably Italy's greatest trequartista, but his career with AC Milan was uneventful. While he won a Serie A title in his first season, he had a series of disagreement with different managers in his second season. His playing time was limited as a result.
Forwards
-- Unlike most of my other selection squad, this team is not loaded with strikers. I only took Inzaghi, Shevchenko and Van Basten. My squad was loaded with midfielders.
-- Filippo Inzaghi is the All-time Milan's top goal scorer in Europe. He also spent over 10 seasons in Milan. He also won many trophies including the 2007 UEFA Champions League where he won the Man of the Match in the Final.
-- Daniele Massaro probably should belong to this team. He had a decorated career with the club, but his career was overshadowed by his strike partners. I only put him on honorable mention.
-- During his time at AC Milan, Marco van Basten achieved numerous individual awards. He won the Ballon d'Or award in 1988, 1989, and 1992. In addition, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992. His teammate Ruud Guilt also needed no introduction. He was named World Soccer Player of the Year twice, and the 1989 award was related to his performance in Milan.
-- Andriy Shevchenko, also enjoyed a remarkable career and garnered numerous individual accolades during his time in Milan. In 2004, he was honored with Ballon d'Or award. In Serie A, he was recognized as the Foreign Footballer of the Year in 2000. He also clinched the Serie A top scorer title in the 1999-2000 season with 24 goals and repeated the feat in the 2003-04 season.
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| Andriy Shevchenko |
-- George Weah became the first and only African player to win the Ballon d'Or, the Onze d'Or, and the FIFA World Player of the Year accolades while he was a Milan player. However, it is important to note that his remarkable accomplishments were primarily attributed to his exceptional performances during his previous tenure at PSG. Nevertheless, Weah was one of the best players in the world while in Milan.
Formation
The formation is the Christmas tree used by Carlos Ancelotti. The starting lineup is almost the same as the one on my AC Milan All-Time team. Shevchenko and Kaka were added to the starting lineup. Dejan Savicevic could have started instead of Kaka. On Ancelotti's team, Seedorf played on the left, but I put Gullit on the right. Gullit played on the right side before. He is versatile enough to play a deeper role. Rijkaard adopted the role of Gattuso.
The formation is the Christmas tree used by Carlos Ancelotti. The starting lineup is almost the same as the one on my AC Milan All-Time team. Shevchenko and Kaka were added to the starting lineup. Dejan Savicevic could have started instead of Kaka. On Ancelotti's team, Seedorf played on the left, but I put Gullit on the right. Gullit played on the right side before. He is versatile enough to play a deeper role. Rijkaard adopted the role of Gattuso.
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