Berlusconi gives up on Scudetto

Adrian Mills
Wednesday 17 December 2008 13:00 GMT
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AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has written off his club’s chances of challenging for the Serie A title and has switched his focus to Champions League qualification.

The Rossoneri have had to settle for UEFA Cup football this term and Berlusconi does not want to see a repeat of that next term.

He commented: “Has the Scudetto slipped from our grasp? Well, nine points is a lot.

“In any case, we will try to reduce the gap because that is essential for us, so we can return to fighting it out in Europe in the Champions League.

“The Champions League place is our objective and I think we are able to achieve that.”

Meanwhile, the medical staff who operated on Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso have confirmed that the Italy international will take six months to recover fully from a serious knee injury.

Assistant surgeon Krystel De Reycke told Sky Italia: “The recovery period is in the region of six months and it is just not possible to reduce it.

“He will wear a protective cast for a month and that will give him normal mobility without limits. He’ll then walk with crutches for ten days.

“Another protective device is needed up for another month, but after four months he can start running again.”

Meanwhile, newly-appointed coach Giuseppe Pillon is excited about the challenge of trying to help Reggina avoid relegation from Serie A.

Pillon's only previous top-flight experience came during a stint in charge of Chievo Verona and the 52-year-old is relishing the opportunity presented by Nevio Orlandi's sacking.

He told the club's official website: “I am coming to an important club who have given me the chance to work in Serie A.

“It is something that I have wanted so much since my experience with Chievo.

“I want to make the most of my chance. I like the team I have seen and I think they have the potential to do really well.

“I really believe in the objective of survival and I will try and achieve it at all costs.”

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