Ancelotti out to get even with Juventus
Friday 12 December 2008 14:00
Carlo Ancelotti in Father Christmas guise would certainly be an arresting sight in the lead up to the Christmas break.
With his ever-expanding girth and drooping jowls, the AC Milan boss would play the part of old Santa to perfection.
Speaking to satellite broadcaster Sky Sports Italia, cuddly Carlo revealed that if he had a sack of goodies sitting in front of him it would contain: an appointment with the barber for Ronaldinho, a pen for Jose Mourinho and a Milan shirt with No.10 on the back for Alessandro Del Piero – still his favourite player, apparently.
"Great goal... now get a bloody hair cut!"
What he won’t be handing out is the gift of three points to Claudio Ranieri this weekend.
It is a meeting between Juventus and the Rossoneri that neither side can afford to lose or the fat lady could well be belting out a ditty or two on where the title is heading.
As it stands, Juve and Milan are currently six points behind Inter who are scheduled to have a kick-around against bottom side Chievo.
In Turin, it’s much more serious and, on a personal level, especially for Ancelotti who was never accepted as one of their own by the Bianconeri followers when he was in charge.
He was fired for 'only' finishing second and even six years down the road that bruising experience of his time in charge of the Old Lady still gets to someone who, on the whole, is a very affable fellow.
Just this summer when the sides met in a friendly, he flicked the Juve fans the one-fingered salute as they baited him mercilessly about his ample appetite.
No doubt a considerable section of the home support will once again be asking 'who ate all the pies', but he has promised he won't turn the other cheek this time around.
The sight of Carlo’s ever-expanding frame waddling towards his tormentors would make for strangely compelling viewing.
Milan seem to have come up with a pressie of sorts for their coach although he won’t be able to unwrap it until next season.
It’s another Brazilian in the shape of Thiago Silva from Fluminense, who unbelievably does not possess a European passport.
Thiago Silva: Next stop... somewhere in Italy
So with the Rossoneri overstocked with non-EU members, the 24-year-old will more than likely be loaned out to Sampdoria or Fiorentina come January.
Milan have also been linked with William Gallas, but the ever-reliable Tuttosport claim that now they have cover in central defence it leaves the path clear for Juventus to swoop in and sign the Arsenal defender in the New Year.
But all such issues will be put to one side for the main event come Sunday evening when Carlo sets out to feast on those who have previously mocked him.
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About Richard Whittle
Despite the name,
Richard Whittle is so at home in Italy that some call him Riccardo Rossi. He has lived and worked in Italy for the last 15 years as a football journalist and works as Italian soccer commentator for the English-speaking world covering Serie A, Champions League, Europa League and Italian Cup matches as well as Italy internationals. With Paul Visca, Richard concocts the regular
Calcio & Coffee podcast.