Debut
When 80,000 fans are screaming, and more than a million more watching on T.V, what better place to debut a new soccer cleat? That’s exactly what Nike’s marketing team are thinking. They plan to have Ronaldinho debut his newest signature cleat’s colorway at the Derby della Madonnina. The Brazilian superstar will sport the new AC Milan colorway of the Dois at the heated Inter-AC Milan Derby. This latest addition to the 10R family matches his home and away jerseys for AC Milan, hence the name. Ronaldinho scored the winner last derby in September in the Dois, but can he do the same now? What makes the debut an even bigger deal is that Ronaldinho is probably going to be handed a rare starting position, as fellow countryman Kaka is out with a strained left foot.
We recently wrote a post about another new colorway to the Dois collection, the Yellow, and here is a picture we took of Ronaldinho sporting the Yellow colorway. The Yellow signified Ronaldinho’s passion for his home country, Brazil, and the way he plays soccer with that samba flair of his.
Specs:
Premium craftsmanship and superior quality Kangaroo leather combine for a professional level soccer cleat.
UPPER: Super-soft Kangaroo leather with a unique natural and raw finish. Innovative lozenge quilting for maximum support and minimum stretch.
MIDSOLE: Molded sockliner with full-length foam inserts for enhanced cushioning and great in-shoe comfort.
OUTSOLE: Lightweight TPU with three forefoot flex zones and textured stud tips for 360 degree ball control.
Details:
Derby Match:
Inter
Manager Jose Mourinho has a nearly full squad to choose from except for Mario Balotelli, who is suspended. However, they have no serious concerns in the first team regarding injuries.
Cristian Chivu and Nicolas Burdisso are one caution away from receiving a suspension.
Possible Formation (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Materazzi, Samuel, Santon; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari; Stankovic; Ibrahimovic, Adriano
Milan
Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Marco Borriello, Giuseppe Favalli, Emerson and Kaka are all sidelined. Kakhaber Kaladze could return to the squad by featuring in this match, but he faces a suspension if he gets cautioned in this fixture.
Andrea Pirlo returns from suspension, but Daniele Bonera is out of this match due to the yellow card he received last Saturday.
Possible Formation (4-3-2-1): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski; Beckham, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf, Ronaldinho; Pato
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Inter
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is leading Inter with goals, as he is the only player in the squad that has scored in double figures this season. The Swede gets a lot of criticism for not showing up in the big games, but look for him to show up on Sunday. Adriano hasn’t played as much as he would like this season under Jose Mourinho, but reports have said that the Brazilian will feature in Inter’s starting XI. He is always a threat as a lurking striker, and has the ability to see and execute critical passes.
Milan
Although David Beckham has been followed by rumours on whether he will return to LA and the MLS, or stay with AC Milan in the Serie A, he’s been in excellent form, scoring two goals in the last five games with the club. For AC Milan to win, it’s essential that Beckham is on his best form this weekend. Alexander Pato has also had a good string of form lately for the Rossoneri, so expect to see the Brazilian teen cause havoc in the Inter backline.
PREDICTION
This is probably the most important fixture of the season, and is a must win for both sides. Inter need the win to keep Milan and Juventus at bay, and Milan need 3 points to have a chance at the Scudetto.
Look to see defensive soccer played by both clubs, as a loss for either team will complicate things a whole lot more. However Milan will pull of the win with two late goals to come from behind for the victory.
Inter 1-2 Milan
