Emphatic Milan Win Derby Della Madonnina

Goals from Alex, Carlos Bacca and Mbaye Niang give AC Milan the bragging rights tonight in the Derby della Madonnina.

It was a very lively start in the Milan derby with both sides really trying to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. Inter debutant Eder had a great chance when a cross was flashed across the six yard box, but he couldn't hit the target with his header.

Juraj Kucka troubled the Inter back line with a surging run into the box. His driven cross tried to find Mbaye Niang, but Samir Handanovic got down low to intercept. Eder and Ivan Perisic were finding joy down the Milan right with a lovely flick releasing Perisic. The Croatian tried to find Jovetic but excellent positioning from Alex cleared the ball.

Ignazio Abate flashed a ball across the box, with Keisuke Honda in the box, but the Japanese international couldn't supply the finish and the ball was cleared for a corner. Moments later, Honda delivered a cracking cross to be met by the head of Alex and the big Brazilian nodded into the back of the net to break the deadlock.

At half time, both sides had plenty to reflect on. Inter were getting joy down the Milan left with Luca Antonelli often being left exposed while the Nerazurri did have chances to score in the opening half but were often fluffed wide. For the Rossoneri, they looked threatening on the counter attack and the next half would play into their hands as they would not have to commit bodies forward.

From the first whistle of the final half, young goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma got entangled with Eder and after shouts for a penalty were dismissed, Inter coach Roberto Mancini was sent to the stands. The referee performed admirably, as he respected the occasion and tried to let the game flow through playing advantage. He didn't brandish the first yellow card until the latter stages of the second half.

As the half progressed, Inter began to force the game more leading to more and more sloppy errors. Their hosts seemed comfortable as they hadn't created a meaningful chance in the 20 minutes however they got a golden chance from the spot minutes later. Mauro Icardi got a shot off from inside the box that forced a terrific save from Donnarumma in nets. On the rebound, the official behind the goal adjudged Alex to have fouled the Inter captain. From the spot, the 16 year old stood strong and watched Icardi thump the post with his shot.

The game was put further out of reach in the 73rd minute. Niang had the ball on the right flank and delivered a sumptuous ball into the 6 yard box which Carlos Bacca was happy to deflect past Handanovic in nets. Bacca had not really got into the game up until this point but popped up when required to provide the home side with a cushion.

The game was put out of Inter's sight with less than 15 minutes. Giacomo Bonaventura dispossessed Davide Santon to give Milan a three on two counter in the Inter half. The ball was shifted to Mbaye Niang, who dispatched the ball on the second attempt past Handanovic. Milan were more clinical than their rivals while Inter often squandered their opportunities.

AC Milan were simply terrific on the counter attack and thoroughly deserve their win. The game could have easily been a different story if Mauro Icardi had converted the penalty just before Milan's second goal. It's a massive three points for the Rossoneri as they continue their push for a top three finish. 

Alexandre Pato - A New Hope?

I struggle to recount a player that has fallen off the scale as big as Alex Pato. Injuries during his stint at AC Milan thwarted him from fulling his potential as one of the most exciting prospects in world football, but now aged 26, could he be about to return to the big stage?

Rumours sparked at the start of the transfer window that the former wonder kid was on his way to the red side of Merseyside. Recently however, Pato has attracted some attention from Chelsea with various outlets describing the announcement as 'imminent'.

Milan signed Alexandre Pato from Brazilian side Internacional after he impressed in his first competitive season, scoring 6 goals in 11 matches. He scored within 60 seconds on his debut for the Brazilian side at just 17 years of age, meaning that he was touted as the next Ronaldinho after leaving the field that day to a standing ovation.

His first season in Italy was very good, especially for an 18 year old. He continued his tradition of debut goals and then went on to score another 10 in all competitions. In his early years, Pato was talked up and rightly so, as he had a lot of talent, it's a pity that the injuries wrecked his chances of really making the big jump. 

He featured in every game bar two in his second season, notching 18 goals in 42 games. He also formed one third of the famous trident that tortured Serie A defences for so long in the league. The 2009-2010 season saw him make less appearances, but still record a respectable 14 goals in all campaigns.

It was the 2010-2011 season when all started to unravel for Pato. He featured in 33 games in all competitions for Milan, suffering achilles and thigh problems, as well as being out for a short stint at the start of the season courtesy of a tear in the abductor muscle. He featured in even less the following season, just 18 times before being sold to Sao Paulo in January 2013.

In his first season back in Brazil he amassed 38 appearances, fighting his way back to full fitness, but never won over the fans at Corinthians and struggled to appear interested on the pitch. They cited his poor attitude as the reason they failed to relate to him and even the players found it hard to get on with him, considering his high weekly wage - the biggest in the club. Relations were not helped with his penalty miss in the 2013 Brazilian Cup quarter final loss to Gremio.

Currently, Corinthians cannot wait to get rid of the playmaker as they he is widely regarded as one of the clubs worst ever signings for the club. With the club financially unstable, getting their highest paid player off the wage bill would prove beneficial. Step forward potential suitors.

While Alex Pato will never reach the heights that were once touted of him, he is still only 26 and will be a useful player for Chelsea if they sign him. Playing in a wide role in his younger days, the injuries have affected his pace, so is normally deployed up front. He has the ability to play on the shoulder of the defence and will cause trouble for the players.

Joining Sao Paulo on loan, the Brazilian had a 2015 to remember with the goals returning in abundance. 23 to his name as Sao Paulo finished fourth in the Brasileriao and again 4th in the Paulista.

With Diego Costa as Chelsea's first choice striker and prone to the odd suspension, Alex Pato would be a player that Guus Hiddink could take a calculated risk upon. Radamel Falcao is struggling just as bad as he did last season at Old Trafford and Loic Remy could be soon departing Stamford Bridge. His price is currently a fuzzy area with various media outlets reporting that the £8m is required to buy his services while others believe that Corinthians are looking towards $20m.

It's hard to believe that Pato is still just 26 years of age, but to completely write the player off would be foolish. I tip the Brazilian to get back to where he was envisaged he'd be at this point in his career.

Juventus Maintain Winning Run at Samp Expense

Two of Italy's inform sides met in Genoa, but it was Juventus who came out on top to cut their gap to two points just behind Napoli at the top of Serie A

Juventus controlled the play early on with high pressing and got their reward when Paul Pogba used his chest to control before guiding into the back of the net. The Old Lady continued to threaten with Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner getting further forward from the wing back positions and in turn, pinning Sampdoria's full backs in their defensive third.

Paulo Dybala was lively and often created space in the Samp defence. Allegri had given the little Argentine a free role and he was looking threatening from the home side's point of view. Dybala whipped a brilliant free kick in from far out on the right which was crying out for a flick by a Juventus player, instead, it missed everyone and forced a stretching save from goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano.

Towards the end of the first half, Sampdoria had a good spell of possession. A free kick on the edge of the box was unable to beat the wall but Samps were beginning to string a few passes together and looked dangerous. Pressure off the ball made Juventus hurry and often concede possession. Nevertheless, it remained 1-0 to the away side at the break.

It took just over a minute into the second half for Juventus to score and it was Sami Khedira who poked the ball past the onrushing Sampdoria keeper. Paulo Dybala threaded a beautiful ball through to the German World Cup winner who supplied the finish. Juventus now looked comfortable and Sampdoria had a mountain to climb.

Juventus looked like adding to their score while Sampdoria struggled to pose any kind of a threat to the Juve defence at all. The home side had a glorious chance to get themselves back in the game when Antonio Cassano stood a love ball up to the back post, but Samp top scorer Eder couldn't hit the target. It really should have ruffled the back of the net.

Dybala had a strike bound for the bottom corner of the net expertly saved by the Sampdoria goal keeper which would have sealed the game. The home side gave the ball away cheaply in the midfield to Paul Pogba and they will be punished in the future.

Antonio Cassano halved the deficit in the 64th minute when he found the back of the net. This gave the home side momentum and confidence to grab the equaliser. Sampdoria continued to press, but Juve got possession of the ball and begun to take all of the momentum and pace out of the game.

Sampdoria were getting opportunities in the last 5 minutes of the game. Ervin Zukanovic just headed over from a free kick while Buffon plucked a dangerous cross out of the air shortly after. The comeback died when Niklas Moisander lunged in on Simone Zaza and was sent for an early shower in somewhat controversial circumstances. It looked a definite yellow, but the brandished straight red card left me perplexed as to what the logic of the referee was.

Juventus notched their ninth straight win in Serie A and now move to within two points of league leaders, Napoli. For Vincenzo Montella's Samps, they remain in 13th, eight points off relegation.

What will 2016 have in store for football?

We've got all of the 'New Year, new me' pleasantries, where we announce our plans to hit the gym more often or be a better person. Now that those are all out of the way, what will 2016 have in store for us football fanatics?

The headline act will be the European Championships in France commencing on the 10th June. It won't be the same as any other competition mostly down to the extra teams added. For me, this will be the second international tournament that I will have covered, having done the World Cup over a year and a half ago. Unfortunately I'll have to settle to watching it from the comfort of my living room, due to other commitments but it promises to be an intriguing competition. The world champions, Germany will undoubtedly be favourites, however they did suffer several set backs losing to both Poland and the Republic of Ireland in qualifying. France will back themselves on home turf, and rightly so, while Spain will also be up there and will look to bounce back after a poor World Cup. Although not at a match, I will be in Marseille for the end of the tournament so will be rooting for the French if Northern Ireland are shocked and dumped out in the early rounds. My opinions on the group stage are available here...

Probably not so special to 2016, but the Champions League is not failing to live up to expectations. Barcelona are bidding to be the first side to retain the trophy and are looking very strong. I am crying out for a Barcelona v Bayern final. Pep Guardiola will be after revenge for last years semi final, while the Bavarians are looking imperious in the league. If the sides do meet, neither leg will be as one sided as the match at the Camp Nou last season. For the English sides, Man City look the most likely to progress and could be flying the flag for the Premier League at the conclusion of the last 16 ties, while Juventus have their work cut out if they are to replicate their exploits of last season. A few dark horses have emerged and could possibly trouble the bigger sides in the later rounds. I tip Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid and possibly Benfica to do just that. Check out my prediction for the last 16 here.

Looking at the Premier League, we are treated to another enthralling season. This year, we have seen Leicester City capitalise on the inconsistencies of the top 6. It will be interesting to see if The Foxes can keep up their title charge and finish in the top 4. While the Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez grab all of the headlines, all the team have been doing their bit. Defensively they have been very solid with Wes Morgan a rock, and Kasper Schmeichel producing wonderful performances. While Leicester look good, the rest of the 'big sides' have work to do if they are to come out victorious in May. Arsenal have the inform Mesut Ozil, but lack consistency, a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton evidence of this. Liverpool are in the process of rebuilding under Jurgen Klopp while City are struggling to grab the bull by the horns. United don't look like they will mount a title challenge yet and Chelsea are recovering after sacking Jose Mourinho. The quality of football leaves somewhat to be desired but it sure is exciting.

Serie A is also shaping up nicely. Internazionale lead proceedings with 39 points while Fiorentina and Napoli follow in second and third respectively a point behind. Fourth sees holders Juventus on 36 points while Roma are a further 3 adrift. Sassuolo are performing beyond all expectations in sixth place despite the sales of Simone Zaza and Jasmin Kurtic in the summer transfer window. Juventus took only nine points from their first eight games but have recovered and are currently in the middle of an eight match win streak since their defeat against Sassuolo. The champions are back and will probably remain favourites to lift the Scudetto at the end of the season. I've watched quite a few Inter matches this season and have been very impressed with the style of football Mancini's men are playing. I wrote a piece on both Milan sides earlier in the season, but since then AC Milan have drifted down the table. They don't score many goals, but they're defensively solid, conceding only 11 goals in the league to date. Napoli are playing a very attractive brand of football but lack consistency and this was evident in their 2-1 victory over Torino.

I would have normally published an article on the Ballon D'Or at the start of December, however this got postponed due to various educational reasons. The finalists this year are again, quite predictable. Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be the favourite to win his fifth Ballon D'Or award. The Argentine forward contributed 43 league goals to his side's victorious La Liga season another 10 as he secured Barcelona's Champions League title. Barca team mate, Neymar joins Messi on the short list, but is most likely there to make up the numbers. Nevertheless the 23 year old Brazilian has had super 2015. Despite in Messi's shadow, Neymar scored 39 goals in 51 games and has frightened many defences with his dribbling and pace. Cristiano Ronaldo topped the La Liga goal scoring charts with 48 and did tie with Messi for Champions League goals, however the Argentine received the award for top marksman due to his superior number of assists. Ronaldo also surpassed the great Alfredo di Stefano and Raul to become Real Madrid's top goal scorer.

2016 is just a week old and we've already had the first managerial casualty. Zinedine Zidane took the poisoned chalice upon himself after Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez, fired Rafa Benitez after a 2-2 draw away to Valencia. A Madridista through and through, Benitez left with dignity, releasing a very emotional statement thanking everyone for the opportunity to manage at his boyhood club. The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager will not have any trouble finding work in the short term due to his decorated CV at different clubs over Europe. At the start of his tenure at Santiago Bernabeu, I thought that he would do a decent job and would bring solidity to a Real Madrid defence that often let them down last season. Instead, he sold Asier Illaramendi and refused to bench some of the Galacticos in order not to upset higher powers at the club, which led to his downfall. Zidane takes the reigns, but don't be surprised if they change hands before the year is out.

Football never fails to throw up a few surprises and I certainly expect many to happen before the close of 2016. Let me know your thoughts on 2016 or any memories that you wont forget from 2015.

Insigne Wonder Goal Helps Napoli to Victory

A sensational strike from Lorenzo Insigne and a goal from captain Marek Hamsik cancelled out Fabio Quagliarella's penalty in a Serie A clash at the Stadio San Paolo.

Going well in Serie A, Napoli had the first good chance of the game, falling to Jose Callejon. Daniele Padelli got down well to stop the former Real Madrid player from breaking the deadlock. The home side were playing some fantastic one touch football in the opening stages and another long shot from Callejon had Padelli at full stretch.

Lorenzo Insigne opened the scoring as the game approached 15 minutes. One touch passing between Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon created space for Insigne, whose looping shot beat Padelli in nets. Napoli weren't letting their visitors have a moments rest, but the Turin side managed to force a fine save out of Pepe Reina when Fabio Quagliarella leaped highest after a cross from Cristian Molinaro.

Quagliarella's 11 game goal drought didn't last too long after that chance when he converted a dubious penalty awarded for a foul on Bruno Peres. It looked as if the ball was rolling harmlessly across the goal line while Faouzi Ghoulam lunged in. The tackle even looked like Peres had flopped over the defender's leg and fooled the referee. Credit must be given to Torino who risked everything by playing out from the back with Padelli dummying Insigne on the edge of his 6 yard box.

Torino's defence was poor for the majority of the opening half, and the match and they couldn't hold on until half time. Insigne found Marek Hamsik in between the centre backs and, despite the very narrow angle, found the back of the net via the legs of the Torino keeper. The dismay on the face of Torino coach, Giampiero Ventura, was a picture that summed up their half.

The second half started in a much slower tempo to the first with both sides not creating as many chances as the first half. 2-1 up, this didn't worry Napoli while Torino would have to throw more caution into the wind as the half progressed. Insigne had a great free kick that hit the cross bar and deflected over. It was a great strike and I don't think Padelli would have got to it had it been several inches lower.

Torino had their best chance of the half, when Maxi Lopez caught Kalidou Koulibaly napping at the back. The 31 year old Argentine surged into the box, but his squared ball was unable to find Afriyie Acquah. With 10 minutes left and still a goal down, Torino still looked unable to gain possession of the ball and therefore unable to throw men forward. Napoli were comfortable and it would be their own undoing if they were to throw their lead away. With exception to chances for substitutes Dries Mertens and Maxi Lopez, neither goal was significantly troubled in the closing moments of the game.

Bruno Peres continued his good form this match with him often beating his opposite number. The Brazilian has pace and trickery and I wouldn't be surprised if he moves to a club with a higher reputation in the future. Gonzalo Higuain had another good game in the sky blue of Napoli, and he will be key for Napoli if they are to win the Scudetto this season.

An excellent first half consisting of aesthetically pleasing football was succeeded by a second half of very patient and dull football. Napoli were content with the 2-1 victory while Torino didn't have the fire power to trouble their hosts.