World Soccer has a lengthy interview with AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, who despite widespread criticism in Italy, says he gets “a distinctly positive feeling” when he thinks about the season ahead. “We start off every season wanting to win everything but the Champions League is something special; it’s part of our DNA,” Ancelotti says, lending credence to the suggestion that Milan saves its best performances for the Champions League.
As usual, the defending European champ is off to a strong start in the Champions League, but the club’s domestic form in Serie A has been dreadful. Ancelotti is unconcerned, however. “The gap between us and Inter of last season has been wiped out,” he says, referring to the eight-point deduction the club received for its part in the Calciopoli scandal of 2006. “Right now, Inter, Milan and Roma could all win the title, while Juventus, too, could yet play a role.” Inter is currently 11 points ahead of Milan in the Serie A table.
Ancelotti has come under intense scrutiny this season for his team’s failure to score — particularly at home. Alberto Gilardino is out of form, Pippo Inzaghi is now another year older, and the injured Ronaldo still hasn’t played — although he may make his season debut against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League Tuesday. Ancelotti says the future of Milan’s attack lies with new signing Alexandre Pato, who will be able to play after Jan. 1, and Kaka, the player who many feel deserves the Golden Ball (former European Player of the Year) and World Player of the Year Awards.