A SUNDAY TO REMEMBER
The victory over Livorno wasn’t even the best part about Sunday for the Rossoneri fans took this opportunity to show that they are the best in the world
MILAN – Despite the uncertainty about whether or not fans would be able to attend the Milan-Livorno match, the new entry system operated smoothly as more than 20,00 Rossoneri season ticket holders entered the San Siro. Sunday was a day to remember, it was a splendid day in Milan indeed.
The optical reading system used on the tickets worked normally and allowed each fan to enter the stadium one by one starting at just past noon. Over seventy percent of the turnstiles, which were installed in record-breaking time, worked perfectly. Eight of the twenty-eight experienced brief technical problems.
There were lines but the fans waited patiently. Of course, this will come as no surprise because we all know that the Rossoneri fans are the best in the world. Milan can be proud of their fans, who were an example for all the football world.
Then, there was the minute of silence for those that have fallen: Ermanno Licursi and Filippo Raciti. A moment of respect from those that know they are now responsible carrying on the spirit of the game in the right way.
All the stadium work paid off and the fans can be proud of the victory and the spirit of the game at the San Siro. It is just a start but it is a start in the right direction, as we point together toward the bright future of Italian football.
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CELTIC’S PRIORITY
MILAN – Celtic just signed their twentieth league victory over Hibernian. Next up are three important competitions for the team: a league game against Aberdeen on February 17; the Champions League match against Milan at Celtic Park on Tuesday, February 20 (kick-off 7.45pm local time); and the Scottish Cup against Inverness on February 25.
Coach Gordon Strachan responded when asked about the European encounter at Celtic Park in particular: ‘We have to stay focused on our priority and our priority is to win the league and that gets reinforced all the time. That is the priority.’
Determined Celts stay focused
Gregor Kyle
HAVING been given no end of problems by Hibs in recent encounters, Gordon Strachan recognised the importance of the weekend’s 1-0 victory which takes his league leaders a step closer to a second consecutive championship.
“It was a good game,” said the manager in the wake of the match. “There was never much between the two sides, but with luck, or grit and determination, we managed to come through it.
“It was a good game and everyone got what they expected, people went head to head with each other and it’s a huge result for us.
“I think to beat Hibs at any time is a huge result because we know how well they can play.”
The Easter Road club certainly presented problems for Celtic in the opening 45 minutes, having packed their midfield and broken forward with a series of counter-attacks.
But in a second half which saw Aiden McGeady tee-up Craig Beattie (pictured above)for the only goal of the game, Celtic looked largely in control.
“In the second half I thought we were the better side basically because our left-side joined in the game and the left side really didn’t join in the first half,” commented Strachan.
“We have two very good players out there and they weren’t at their best, but in the second half they got far better.
“We asked them for more and we got more and when you see the cross, that’s pure skill – taking the ball, with the first touch he has opened himself up and then he got the ball in where we can attack it.
“And it was good for Craig because he has had a lot of bad luck lately and I was pleased for him.”
With a UEFA Champions League meeting with AC Milan now just over a week away and a Scottish Cup tie against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the end of the month, the manager and his players will have to deal with a number of challenges in the coming weeks.
But when asked about the European encounter at Celtic Park in particular, the manager reiterated that his players will not lose focus on their main goal - particularly when they have a trip up to Aberdeen to look forward to this Saturday (February 17).
“We have to stay focused on our priority,” he concluded, “and our priority is to win the league and that gets reinforced all the time. That is the priority.”
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