Latest Serie A News

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CASTILLO REVELS IN SWITCH

Jose Castillo is delighted after completing his move to Fiorentina and admits he can hardly believe his luck.

The 33-year-old, who made his Serie A debut with Lecce last season, has been training with La Viola over the past few days while he waited for the deal to go through.

Castillo has now penned a two-year deal at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, where he is set to play understudy to Alberto Gilardino and the striker was officially unveiled as a Fiorentina player today.

"I have always played in average, low-profile clubs," he said. "Now I want to try to win.

"I thank the club for the unique opportunity they have given me. Fiorentina have extraordinary fans.

"I know the role I am coming in to cover, for me it's an honour, But with three competitions, and in a very long season I can carve out my space.

"I'm not setting targets for myself, I will try to do the best possible."

Castillo added: "I know Tuscany well, it's one of the regions where you live best in Italy.

"I am sure it will not be difficult to get used to life in Florence.

"I'm going to be 34 soon. It was a surprise to be called by Fiorentina, At the beginning I didn't believe it. They had to confirm to me it was true.

"To be here is something exceptional."

Castillo has spent most of his career in Italy in Serie D since his move from Argentina in 2001 due to his lack of a European Union passport but, with an impressive scoring record, swiftly shot up the divisions once he was granted citizenship in 2005.

 

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GALLIANI RULES OUT BECKS SWOOP

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani insists the Rossoneri will not buy David Beckham.

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder impressed during a loan spell at the San Siro last season, so much so that Milan put a lot of effort into successfully extending his stay until the end of the campaign.

Beckham is likely to return to Milan on another loan deal in January but speculation is mounting he could leave the Galaxy sooner than expected as his relationship with the club's fans continues to grow sour.

The England international was roundly booed in yesterday's friendly against Milan and had an ugly confrontation with supporters during half-time in what was his first home game since his return from Italy.

However, Galaxy would likely demand close to 13million euros for the 34-year-old and Galliani admits they are not prepared to pay that amount.

"There's no possibility for him to come sooner," the Milan chief told reporters. "David knows that the doors of Milanello are always open for him, his lawyers also know that.

"I hope he returns in January, but before then he won't because that's when the market reopens even though he finishes there at the end of November.

"There are insurmountable financial obstacles.

"The most likely hypothesis is that Beckham plays for us from January until the end of the season and then returns to America without all the fuss that happened last March.

"Before January there's no possibility."

Galliani added: "I saw him on TV playing very well.

"Not to repeat the same things always but I remember how he was described a year ago.

"Now everyone realises that he is a great player."

Tottenham and Chelsea, now managed by Carlo Ancelotti, the man who brought Beckham to the San Siro in the first place, are also reportedly interested in the former Manchester United player.

However, Beckham claims there is only one destination for him come the end of the Major League Soccer season.

"I hope to return to play for Milan," he told the club's website. "They have remained in my heart and honestly I am confident I will greet them again in November.

"(Milan coach) Leonardo wants me in rossonero immediately? It's really pleasing to see that I have left good memories."

 

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AGENT: INTER NEAR ETO'O SWOOP

Samuel Eto'o's agent has revealed that negotiations are progressing well over a possible move to Inter Milan.

The Serie A champions are keen to land the Barcelona striker as part of a swap deal that that would see Zlatan Ibrahimovic head to the Nou Camp in exchange.

Eto'o's representative Josep Maria Mesalles has met with Inter officials to discuss personal terms and is hopeful that a transfer can be finalised.

More talks will be needed but Mesalles believes there could be developments in the near future.

"The discussions are going well but now we're trying to iron out the little details," Mesalles told reporters.

"There will be no more meetings today (Tuesday), I'm going back to Spain but maybe I'll come back again tomorrow (Wednesday)."

 

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MILAN'S FABIANO DEAL 'DEAD'

Luis Fabiano's agent does not expect the forward to join AC Milan from Sevilla.

The Rossoneri have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian this summer but the two clubs have not been able to agree on a fee.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani stated earlier this week that he would only pursue his interest in the 28-year-old if Sevilla lowered their asking price.

However, Fabiano's representative Jose Fuentes does not believe that is likely to happen and claims negotiations have come to an end.

"In football you can never say never but I've not heard from Milan in a week," Fuentes told Sky Italia.

"Everyone knows that for this deal to go through there needs to be a higher offer than the 14million euros proposed by Milan. For me the deal is dead."

Galliani, meanwhile, has dismissed reports suggesting that Milan are interested in swapping striker Marco Borriello for David Trezeguet at Juventus.

Milan are determined to bring in a new forward but Galliani maintains that Borriello will not be going anywhere.

"Marco Borriello is not on the market and therefore he will never be used in any negotiations," he told the club's official website.

"Milan is confirming that he is definitely not for sale."

 

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MILAN'S FABIANO DEAL 'DEAD'

Luis Fabiano's agent does not expect the forward to join AC Milan from Sevilla.

The Rossoneri have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian this summer but the two clubs have not been able to agree on a fee.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani stated earlier this week that he would only pursue his interest in the 28-year-old if Sevilla lowered their asking price.

However, Fabiano's representative Jose Fuentes does not believe that is likely to happen and claims negotiations have come to an end.

"In football you can never say never but I've not heard from Milan in a week," Fuentes told Sky Italia.

"Everyone knows that for this deal to go through there needs to be a higher offer than the 14million euros proposed by Milan. For me the deal is dead."

Galliani, meanwhile, has dismissed reports suggesting that Milan are interested in swapping striker Marco Borriello for David Trezeguet at Juventus.

Milan are determined to bring in a new forward but Galliani maintains that Borriello will not be going anywhere.

"Marco Borriello is not on the market and therefore he will never be used in any negotiations," he told the club's official website.

"Milan is confirming that he is definitely not for sale."

 

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MELO HAS EYES ON THE PRIZES

Juventus new boy Felipe Melo is targeting a wealth of silverware after completing his move from Fiorentina.

Melo was officially unveiled as a Juve player on Thursday, a week after the Bianconeri shelled out 25 million euros for the Brazilian midfielder.

The 25-year-old, who has signed a five-year deal at the Stadio Olimpico, has vowed to propel Juve to glory.

"I am here to work hard and to improve still further," he said. "Am I similar to Dunga or Emerson? They were champions and won so much.

"Only when I have also won like them can I be compared to them.

"I am a happy man today because I have arrived at a huge club who immediately made me feel important and with whom I have the possibility of playing to win the Scudetto and the Champions League.

"This is a club that can win everything."

Melo is Juve's third summer signing, after Diego and Fabio Cannavaro, as the Bianconeri build a team to challenge four-time reigning champions Inter Milan.

Inter are currently dominating the headlines as they try and negotiate a swap deal involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

And Melo believes if the deal comes about it could be to the benefit of Inter's rivals.

"With or without Ibrahimovic they will remain very strong," he added. "But we have to think only about ourselves and do our own work, showing the true worth of Juventus.

"Ibra is more dangerous than Eto'o, who is a great footballer, but Ibra is better."

 

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POULSEN COULD MAKE MOVE TO ENGLAND

Juventus director of football Alessio Secco has revealed Christian Poulsen could join a club in England this summer.

The Denmark midfielder appears surplus to requirements at Stadio Olimpico and has been linked with Fulham, Portsmouth and Tottenham.

Juventus are keen to sell in order to finance a move for Barcelona defender Martin Caceres, while Poulsen is eager for first-team football in a World Cup season.

European champions Barcelona have made tentative enquiries regarding the 29-year-old, but Secco claims there has also been interest from clubs in England.

"Christian understands the situation, Secco said in Tuttosport.

"He also knows that he wants to play in the World Cup. We are working to find a solution that suits us and him.

"What is new? Something has happened in England."

 

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NAPOLI CHIEF HITS OUT LAVEZZI

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has slammed wantaway striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

The Argentina forward seems increasingly likely to be heading for the door after his demands for an improved contract were rejected by Napoli.

And De Laurentiis has launched a scathing attack on Lavezzi, saying he is not worth more money.

"We are equipped to deal without Lavezzi, partially too," he said. "Lavezzi wants to re-examine his financial position but that is not possible because it's not as if he got us into the Champions League or Europa League, so what does he want?

"Sport should be an image of manners and serve as an example and what image are we giving if then these values are betrayed?

"And for what, for seven goals? Lavezzi scored seven goals, it's not as if he scored 27.

"He's a sporadic player. He's not the new Maradona and his return does not help the team, him or the result.

"For the moment the club remains on its position, we haven't made a mistake, it's who leaves the squad to go away who makes the mistake; if an actor had behaved like him he would have been eaten."

 

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MILAN'S HOPES FADE ON FABIANO DEAL

AC Milan coach Leonardo has revealed the Rossoneri are close to giving up on signing Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano.

The Rossoneri have long been linked with the Brazil forward and have reportedly had a 14million euro bid turned down by Sevilla.

The Primera Division side are said to be holding out for an offer close to Luis Fabiano's 26 million euro release clause, a figure Milan are not prepared to pay.

"The moment has come to decided yes or no," Leonardo told Sky Italia. "And we are very close to no.

"We started with the idea to bring in a heavyweight forward such as (Edin) Dzeko or a real winger and at the moment the only who one can play on the wing is Ronaldinho.

"It's true that we haven't been reinforced, but I honestly believe that this squad can have a good season."

 

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LIVORNO EYE SHORT-TERM DONOVAN DEAL

Livorno president Aldo Spinelli is confident Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan will move to the Stadio Armando Picchi.

Spinelli has been in talks with Donovan's agent and sponsors with a view to signing the 26-year-old.

However, any deal would likely be a short-term one.

"I think at this point it will be done for next season only, seeing as the sponsors Nike and Gatorade don't want the player to leave America now," Spinelli told Tuttomercatoweb.it.

If the move goes through it could pit Donovan against his LA Galaxy team-mate David Beckham, who looks set to return to AC Milan in January.

The pair recently had to hold clear-the-air talks after Donovan publicly criticised the England midfielder's commitment to the Galaxy.

 

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JUVE CLOSE IN ON CACERES

Barcelona defender Martin Caceres has reached an agreement with Juventus regarding a move to Stadio Olimpico, according to the player's agent.

The former Villarreal ace only moved to Camp Nou in 2008, but he found first-team opportunities hard to come by as Barca won an unprecedented Treble last season.

Caceres' representative, Daniel Fonseca, now claims that Juventus want to bring the 22-year-old Uruguay international to Italy and that an arrangement is in place.

"Martin has reached a transfer agreement with Juventus," Fonseca told Radio Carve.

"There are still a few details to be resolved. But the agreement between the team and the player exists.

"For Barcelona, the difficulties are that they paid nearly €10million (£8.6m) and don't want to let Martin go on a loan. Therefore, everything seems to have been arranged."

Juventus, though, admit that they need to raise funds in order to complete any deal and midfielder Christian Poulsen could be sold in order to finance a move.

The Dane appears surplus to requirements and has been linked with Fulham, with Juventus president Giovanni Coboli Gigli acknowledging the 29-year-old may leave.

"It (a Caceres bid) is more than just rumours but it is also linked to Poulsen and the fact that we have to bring money in," said Coboli Gigli.

 

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ETO'O ON BRINK OF INTER MOVE

Samuel Eto'o is set to put pen to paper on a five-year deal with Inter Milan after agreeing terms with the Serie A champions on Thursday afternoon.

Inter have been in negotiations with Eto'o and his agent for the past few days after Barcelona had an offer of 45 million euros plus the Cameroon striker for Zlatan Ibrahimovic accepted. Alexander Hleb will also join Inter on loan.

And, after Thursday's meeting with the Serie A champions, Josep Maria Mesalles revealed his client will finalise his move to the San Siro shortly.

"There's complete agreement with Inter," he told Radio Radio. "The negotiations are complete but it's not possible to say that the footballer now belongs to Inter because his release from Barcelona has not been resolved yet.

"But that won't be a problem.

"The deal is for five years, the player is happy."

Eto'o has spent his entire professional career in Spanish football since joining Real Madrid in 1997.

The 28-year-old has had a successful five seasons at Barca but the cracks started to appear last summer when he was transfer-listed by new coach Pep Guardiola.

The Barca boss made it clear his feelings were still the same despite Eto'o lashing in 30 goals in 36 Primera Division games as the Catalan giants stormed to the treble.

And Mesalles is confident Eto'o will continue firing in the goals in Italy.

"Eto'o has been an important player in Spanish football," he added. "A player who wants to remain at big clubs.

"Did Guardiola undervalue the Cameroon striker? It's true that with the change of coach at Barcelona it was difficult for the player to do well.

"The player then showed a good performance.

"The contract will be for five years, the player wants to do well at Milan at Inter showed a lot of interest for Eto'o. The player is happy.

"I don't think Serie A is very different from La Liga.

"Eto'o has shown since the first moment of his debut in Spain that he can do well. There won't be any problems in Italy either.

"Maybe there will be a few days or months of adapting, also to life in Milan, but everything will change at the first game."

The agreement will probably give the green light for Ibrahimovic's move in the opposite direction although his agent insisted earlier that the Sweden striker will not finalise his move to the Nou Camp on Thursday.

And Mesalles claims that even if Ibrahimovic remains at Inter it will have no impact on Eto'o.

"The performance of one is different to that of the other," he said. "They are important players, each has to give his most for his club.

"Samuel is Samuel, he had a brilliant performance both in the league and the Champions League and now he wants to do well at Inter.

"His deal was completely independent to that of Ibrahimovic."

Inter president Massimo Moratti was unwilling to confirm a deal had been done for Eto'o, but revealed it could go through as early as Thursday evening.

Responding to Mesalles' comments that Eto'o had all but signed, Moratti told Inter's official website: "I repeat what I said this morning. I like everyone's interviews, but I prefer to wait until it's official."

When then asked if a deal had been done, he replied: "Almost, so let's wait.

"I don't know (when the deal will be completed). Hopefully today. When it arrives, it arrives, but it's not as if it's a race against time."

Moratti also sought to play down reports the deal had created a rift between himself and coach Jose Mourinho, who last season often voiced his admiration of Ibrahimovic's talents.

"I also read about it this morning. Reading the papers frightened me too... No, it's not true (that there is a rift with Mourinho) at all," he said.

"To me it seems that we have done everything that we established together with him.

"As for the Ibrahimovic and Eto'o matter it was something that he knew could happen. Mourinho clearly made it understood that he didn't think Ibrahimovic could go to another team, but he admires Eto'o so much that he was satisfied and very pleased with this possibility, with this swap.

"So I really don't think there are any problems."

 

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MILAN'S HOPES FADE ON FABIANO DEAL

AC Milan coach Leonardo has revealed the Rossoneri are close to giving up on signing Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano.

The Rossoneri have long been linked with the Brazil forward and have reportedly had a 14million euro bid turned down by Sevilla.

The Primera Division side are said to be holding out for an offer close to Luis Fabiano's 26 million euro release clause, a figure Milan are not prepared to pay.

"The moment has come to decided yes or no," Leonardo told Sky Italia. "And we are very close to no.

"We started with the idea to bring in a heavyweight forward such as (Edin) Dzeko or a real winger and at the moment the only who one can play on the wing is Ronaldinho.

"It's true that we haven't been reinforced, but I honestly believe that this squad can have a good season."

 

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LIVORNO EYE SHORT-TERM DONOVAN DEAL

Livorno president Aldo Spinelli is confident Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan will move to the Stadio Armando Picchi.

Spinelli has been in talks with Donovan's agent and sponsors with a view to signing the 26-year-old.

However, any deal would likely be a short-term one.

"I think at this point it will be done for next season only, seeing as the sponsors Nike and Gatorade don't want the player to leave America now," Spinelli told Tuttomercatoweb.it.

If the move goes through it could pit Donovan against his LA Galaxy team-mate David Beckham, who looks set to return to AC Milan in January.

The pair recently had to hold clear-the-air talks after Donovan publicly criticised the England midfielder's commitment to the Galaxy.

 

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HLEB NOT KEEN ON INTER SWITCH

Alexander Hleb has threatened to scupper one of this summer's biggest transfer deals by insisting he does not want to leave Barcelona.

The Belarus international has been included as a makeweight by Barcelona as they bid to land Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Barca have offered 45 million euros and striker Samuel Eto'o for Ibrahimovic. Hleb was also due to join the Nerazzurri on a season-long loan.

But the former Arsenal midfielder is determined to remain at Barca and prove he is worthy of a starting place at the Nou Camp.

"I have a contract with Barcelona and am currently preparing for the new season with the team," he told Germany's Sport Bild magazine.

"My aim is to make the breakthrough here and be successful with this club."

Hleb's agent has even denied being contacted about a switch to Inter.

"Nobody has spoken to me or Alex about a possible transfer to Inter Milan," said Uli Ferber.

"We are all a bit surprised about the recent press reports, which we cannot confirm."

The move appeared set to go through in the next few days with Eto'o's agent confirming on Thursday that the Cameroon international had agreed personal terms with Inter while Sweden star Ibrahimovic has left Inter's pre-season tour of the United States to open talks with Barca.

 

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FIORENTINA EYE EBOUE DEAL

Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle has expressed a desire to sign Emmanuel Eboue from Arsenal.

The Ivory Coast international emerged as a transfer target for Fiorentina earlier in the summer when the Gunners were keen to take Felipe Melo in the opposite direction.

A swap deal involving the two players was proposed by the Serie A side but ultimately failed to materialise, with Melo securing a move to Juventus.

Fiorentina have now rekindled their interest in the 26-year-old, although Della Valle admits it will be difficult to prise him away from Emirates Stadium.

"Arsenal's Eboue is a really good player and it won't be easy to take him to Florence," he told the Italian press.

 

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IBRAHIMOVIC AGREES TO JOIN BARCA

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has agreed personal terms with Barcelona as he edges ever closer to joining the European champions from Inter Milan.

The two clubs have worked out a swap deal involving Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o, with Alexander Hleb also reportedly being offered to the Italian club on top of a cash payment of 40million euros.

Inter confirmed on Thursday they were on the verge of signing Eto'o and Barca have now stated that Ibrahimovic is close to coming to moving to the Nou Camp.

"There are agreements in principle with the player and with Inter and the documents are being drawn up," sporting director Txiki Begiristain told Barca TV.

He added that only a few details remained to be worked out and Ibrahimovic could be presented as a Barcelona player as early as Monday.

One potential problem could be Hleb's desire to stay at Barca and fight for a place in Pep Guardiola's side.

"I have a contract with Barcelona and am currently preparing for the new season with the team," the Belarus international told Sport Bild.

"My aim is to make the breakthrough here and be successful with this club."

Hleb's agent has also denied being contacted about a switch to Inter.

"Nobody has spoken to me or Alex about a possible transfer to Inter Milan," said Uli Ferber.

"We are all a bit surprised about the recent press reports, which we cannot confirm."

The Catalan giants announced on Friday evening that Ibrahimovic is due to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday before undergoing a medical on Monday.

Barca have also given permission for Eto'o and Hleb to travel to Milan to undergo medicals with Inter.

 

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DUO INSPIRE BLUES VICTORY

A wonder strike from Didier Drogba and a goal for debutant Yuri Zhirkov allowed Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti to get the better of his former club AC Milan in Baltimore.

Drogba produced a stunning shot from distance with just seven minutes on the clock which was cancelled out by Clarence Seedorf before half-time.

Russian Zhirkov then restored Chelsea's lead midway through the second half and this time there was no way back for their Italian opponents.

Juliano Belletti gave Milan a scare with just three minutes on the clock, unleashing a shot from outside of the box which forced a save from Zeljko Kalac.

There was little the Milan goalkeeper could do to stop Drogba's opener four minutes later, however.

The Ivory Coast striker took everyone by surprise with a sublime strike from around 35 yards out which blazed into the top left corner.

It took a while for Milan to recover from the blow, but they slowly worked their way into the contest and Petr Cech made his first save after 19 minutes, using his feet to turn away Ronaldinho's effort.

The alarm bells really started to ring for Chelsea 10 minutes later when a lovely passing move set up Seedorf for a chipped shot which came back off the crossbar.

And the Serie A side were back on level terms after 37 minutes thanks to Seedorf, who hit a first-time strike from Ronaldinho's lay-off which sailed into the net from 18 yards.

Milan hit the woodwork for the second time after 57 minutes with Ronaldinho unlucky not to add his name to the scoresheet.

But Chelsea kept their heads, and their patience was rewarded 11 minutes later when

Zhirkov capped his first appearance with a goal.

The Russian capitalised on a game of pinball in the Milan area which began when Andriy Shevchenko's shot was parried by Kalac to Frank Lampard.

His effort was also cleared by the Milan defence but only as far as Zhirkov who finished the job from the edge of the area.

Milan could have snatched a draw in stoppage time but Cech tipped Filippo Inzaghi's effort over the bar.

 

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REDKNAPP WAITING ON VIEIRA NEWS

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is waiting for developments in his efforts to sign former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan.

Redknapp's priority at the moment is for cover at centre-back but he is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and the club have made an enquiry to Real Madrid about Lassana Diarra.

"Patrick was someone I was interested in but I'm not sure where that's gone. It's not developed," Redknapp said.

Vieira's wages are thought to be the main obstacle if a move is to be agreed and it would also be a controversial signing after the 33-year-old spent nine years at rivals Arsenal.

Regarding his interest in Diarra, whom Redknapp signed for Portsmouth from Arsenal, the Spurs boss added: "We spoke to Real Madrid and made an enquiry but there was nothing doing."

Redknapp has signed Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker from Sheffield United already this summer, while Didier Zokora has left for Sevilla.

Redknapp has played down suggestions David Beckham could arrive on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.

He told dailymail.co.uk: "David's a great player and a great professional but we have players in that position so nothing will happen there."

 

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DUO INSPIRE BLUES VICTORY


A wonder strike from Didier Drogba and a goal for debutant Yuri Zhirkov allowed Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti to get the better of his former club AC Milan in Baltimore.

Drogba produced a stunning shot from distance with just seven minutes on the clock which was cancelled out by Clarence Seedorf before half-time.

Russian Zhirkov then restored Chelsea's lead midway through the second half and this time there was no way back for their Italian opponents.

Juliano Belletti gave Milan a scare with just three minutes on the clock, unleashing a shot from outside of the box which forced a save from Zeljko Kalac.

There was little the Milan goalkeeper could do to stop Drogba's opener four minutes later, however.

The Ivory Coast striker took everyone by surprise with a sublime strike from around 35 yards out which blazed into the top left corner.

It took a while for Milan to recover from the blow, but they slowly worked their way into the contest and Petr Cech made his first save after 19 minutes, using his feet to turn away Ronaldinho's effort.

The alarm bells really started to ring for Chelsea 10 minutes later when a lovely passing move set up Seedorf for a chipped shot which came back off the crossbar.

And the Serie A side were back on level terms after 37 minutes thanks to Seedorf, who hit a first-time strike from Ronaldinho's lay-off which sailed into the net from 18 yards.

Milan hit the woodwork for the second time after 57 minutes with Ronaldinho unlucky not to add his name to the scoresheet.

But Chelsea kept their heads, and their patience was rewarded 11 minutes later when

Zhirkov capped his first appearance with a goal.

The Russian capitalised on a game of pinball in the Milan area which began when Andriy Shevchenko's shot was parried by Kalac to Frank Lampard.

His effort was also cleared by the Milan defence but only as far as Zhirkov who finished the job from the edge of the area.

Milan could have snatched a draw in stoppage time but Cech tipped Filippo Inzaghi's effort over the bar.