*All times CAT (GMT+2)

Football | Italy

Silvio Berlusconi © Gallo Images

Berlusconi visits Milan practice



AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi flew in by helicopter on Friday to give the players a quick pep talk ahead of their Serie A match at Napoli on Saturday.

The former Italian prime minister who arrived at Milanello by helicopter and walked on to the training field, spoke to the players for 10 minutes, Gazzetta dello Sport reported.

He hugged striker Stephan El Shaarawy, who dedicated his first international goal against France on Wednesday to Berlusconi, then shook the hands of all the players and manager Massimiliano Allegri.

Berlusconi told Milan Channel: "If Allegri is here it's because he has my faith in him."

Milan have had a tough season and are in 13th place in Serie A on 14 points.

The side have lost six times in their 12 games and last week were humbled 3-1 at the San Siro by Fiorentina.

On Saturday, they will be without centre back Daniele Bonera who will be out for at least two weeks following a left thigh injury sustained during the defeat to Fiorentina, Il Sole 24 Ore reported.

Shop

Gerrard: My Autobiography
Steven Gerrard is a hero to millions, not only as the inspirational captain of Liverpool FC, but as a key member of the England team.
R118.00
Red: My autobiography
No player has been more synonymous with the glory years of Manchester United Football Club over the past two decades than right-back Gary Neville.
R195.00
The Professor: Arsene Wenger
Idealistic, passionate and scientific, Arsene Wenger led the modernisation of English football
R138.00
FIFA 13
All-new Attacking Intelligence infuses players with the most sophisticated artificial intelligence ever achieved
R564.95


Comments

More expert analysis and opinion from Sport24
The opinions expressed by Sport24 experts and bloggers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily represent those of SuperSport

Live Video Streaming

Thu, 23 May @ 09:55
Thu, 23 May @ 11:00
Thu, 23 May @ 11:30
Thu, 23 May @ 13:55

Sports Talk



Neil Tovey
Why Baxter’s way has worked
When Kaizer Chiefs first announced the appointment of Stuart Baxter, the decision was met with a...

Dr Errol Sweeney
Why are referees explaining their decisions?
Match officials make mistakes because they are like you and me - human. However, in modern...

John Dykes
A day for sentiment, stats and hard cash
The title may have been won weeks ago and the relegation issues settled seven days back but there...

Emeka Enyadike
Beckham, most popular football star
Is David Beckham the most famous football player ever? I tweeted from my @EmekaEnyadike handle and...

Segun Odegbami
Dortmund may surprise favourites
I cannot disguise my interest in Barcelona. I never hide my love for their style of play that is...

Calvin Emeka Onwuka
Not this time Arsenal
The league title is with Robin van Persie and his Manchester United teammates. Man City have...