Raduno 2015

“Raduno” is the Italian word for “rally.” More specifically the first time the players return to Milanello for the beginning of a new season. For this season, that happens today. With the changes in the squad being so on point so far this summer, there is a new air of optimism amongst fans. For the first time in at least three years, it feels like we are actually starting a new season, beginning anew. Too bad those spoiled political brats of the Curva Sud might miss out on it, having made a statement that they will not participate as usual prior to Galliani making it rain. I mean it’s not like fans should show up for a rally for their team to kick off the season or anything. Whatever. For the rest of us, this raduno represents hope and healing, a renewal of faith in the team we have not been able to quit these past few years. Benvenuto.

Declining the invitation this year will be the "fans" of the Curva Sud. Their loss.

The players who have been on international duty are not required to be back for another week, including some of our newest signings. But still I expect a lot of positive energy. Renewed faith from more than just the fans, but also those from the team who are returning. A lot of excitement from the players as it will be their first chance to win over the new coach, as well as fans who come to watch the training, which is traditionally open.There are a number of Primavera players who will be training with the first team and likely traveling with them, too, for the upcoming friendlies, again hoping to impress and maybe receive callups, if not now, then later in the season.

There will be a press conference in the morning, at 10:30am CEST, in which Mihajlovic will be presented and he will have a chance to address the press. You can view it live on youtube.com/acmilan and it is often posted the same day, usually with a translation into English, too. The players train at 18:00 CEST, and there will be pictures and video clips of them meeting with the fans and showing up for training, and possibly even training, so feel free to add those kinds of things in the comment section for all of us to enjoy. I am also posting a squad update below since there are so many changes just since Monday morning. If you want a sense of renewal and to be motivated to join the rally, just compare both lists. Hopefully the day’s festivities will reward our newfound sense of optimism and will also be a starting point from which we never look back. Except for Bonera and Muntari. They can sit together at the bar and reflect all they want on their time at Milan. The rest of us are going to move forward now. Forza Milan!

Zaccardo is rolling out the welcome wagon, it's a service to the people of the world.

Squad Update:

New Players:

Ely

Verdi

Bertolacci

Pessina (will likely play for Primavera)

Luiz Adriano

Bacca

Already in squad:

Lopez

Abbiati ** renewed through 2016

Agazzi

Abate ** renewed through 2019

Antonelli

Albertazzi

Alex

De Sciglio

Paletta

Zaccardo

Zapata

Bonaventura

De Jong ** renewed through 2018

Montolivo

Poli

Nocerino (loan with Parma is up)

Suso

Cerci

El Shaarawy

Honda

Mastour

Menez

Matri (loan with Juventus is up)

Niang (loan with Genoa is up) ** renewed until 2019

Petagna (loan with Vicenza is up)

Currently on loan (but owned by Milan):

Gabriel (loan to Carpi renewed until 2016) ** renewed until 2018

Out:

Bocchetti (loan over – back to Spartak Moscow)

Destro (loan over – back to Roma)

Birsa  (bought by Chievo)

Essien (to Panathanaikos as a free agent)

Saponara (loan to Empoli w/right of redemption)

Robinho (contract mutually rescinded)

Bonera (contract expired)

Mexes (contract expired)

Muntari (contract mutually rescinded)

Pazzini (contract expired)

Didac Vila (contract expired)

Van Ginkel (loan over – back to Chelsea

Rami (sold to Sevilla)

This list does not include Milan youth players given contracts or on loan/going on loan

This post inspired by the music of the Beastie Boys “You Gotta Fight For Your Right to Party”