Summer mercato 2012

[Ryo]

Kastriot, you got in ahead of me lol

Anyway, shirt numbers are out (see http://www.milannews.it/?action=read&idnotizia=86705 ) and to me they are quite significant in many ways.

First thing, Taiwo and Didac are not included. Meaning it's safe to assume these guys will be sold if they aren't already pretty much out of the door. I'm surprised Mesbah has been given number 15 (his number from last season?), but I'm going to guess that's because he's been difficult to sell until now and could remain.

De Sciglio is our number 2, although this has been announced before. This doesn't necessarily mean much, but I would like to believe that he's number 2 and not some random number in double digits because the club see him as a big part of our future. We know Tassotti and Allegri like him, so there's hope that he will make his name with that number.

Acerbi, as we know, is number 13 which was Nesta's number. This isn't particularly significant, but does mean he got his idol's number.

Montolivo is 18. Again, nothing too significant, but if I'm correct it's been his favourite number through his career.

Nocerino is now number 8. This one is significant in a few ways. Firstly, Gattuso personally asked Nocerino to take it, meaning it has some weight and significance. To Rino, Nocerino's his natural successor at the club in terms of giving weight to the colours valuing and upholding the club's traditional values. This also should mean that Nocerino is seen as a valuable asset in the club and will be one of the key players for our future. It also means Nocerino no longer wears 22, Kaka's old number, potentially meaning the Brazilian might return to take his old number.

Pato is number 9. I think it's his favoured number, but it could also give an indication that the club intend to use him as a prima punta in the future, as our main goalscorer. The reason I feel this way is it's a bit odd to me as to why he changed his number 7 for 9, as both hold great importance, particularly in Milan.

Finally, and imo the most symbolic, is Boateng's the new number 10. This to me is a massive thing, as number 10 is traditionally one of the most significant numbers a player can have. You're talking about Pele, Maradona, Baggio, Platini and at Milan Rui Costa, Seedorf, Rivera and Gullit. For Boateng to be given this number means a few things to me. First and most important, it's the biggest show of faith I think the club has shown in Boateng, as they wouldn't just give it to anyone. Secondly, it shows that Boateng's role in this squad and size is more important than ever, as now, I think he's valued as a leader on the pitch. Finally, it could also maybe mean he stays in an advanced role and won't return to midfield. Truth is, this number could have been given to Cassano, Robinho or some big new signing and it would have been fairly normal, but I think in this choice the club have made a big statement.

Also means we are on the lookout for a new 7, 11, and 33

I seriously don't understand why they just won't give Didac a chance. I watched the boy at the U-21 Euros like a year or two back and he was damn stable on the left, put in perfect crosses for Spain's strikers, and defended quite decently too.

This prejudice against Spanish players, regardless of how they didn't work out for us in the past is just frustrating. If we were so damn superstitious, we should just change our home jersey to all white!
I have this gut feeling that he's going to be thrown out on loan if we don't use him. Not sold, but out on loan again.



54 Bryan CRISTANTE
56 Simone Andrea GANZ
57 Mattia VALOTI
60 Edoardo PAZZAGLI
61 Philipp PROSENIK
Think we'll see them in the squad come August?