Bunga bunga on Broadway

Kids love meeting the manager.

Just like all of the other cool clubs, AC Milan have been spending part of their summer in America.

In these days of crazy football finances expanding your global brand over the offseason is a no-brainer and it has the added benefit of giving already die-hard fans the chance to see their favorite squads live and up close.

Hell, it doesn’t even have to be your favorite squad. I once got to geek out (with dignity of course) in the presence of some of those bastards from Manchester United.

Getting in on the U.S. outreach action, the Rossoneri recently visited the adidas store in Manhattan for a meet and greet and autograph signing for Tri-State Area tifosi. The team is in the Big Apple to face Real Madrid in the new Yankee Stadium.

In addition to the signing, there was also a special offer which would guarantee the first 150 people who purchased $75 worth of Milan merchandise from the store a special wristband and the chance to meet the team.

$75 isn’t all that cheap, but when you consider the gear is about to be filled with signatures, you have to assume that’s actually a pretty good value.

Now, me being in Boston, I could have easily hopped on a train or more likely a Chinatown bus (Fung Wah baby) and gotten the type of access to the team that I will rarely ever be offered again.

But I’m actually holding out for a much more exclusive wristband, and it’s going to take a lot more than 75 bucks.

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The plundering of Serie A and why it’s good for Italian football

Is that the Eiffel Tower or an oil tower?

I’m finally back from my post-Euro soccer hangover.

It was great to watch Italy’s surprising run to the final. And while they came up short in the end, it was gratifying as an Italian football supporter to see the Azzurri shut up so many of the critics who had written them off yet again.

But while I was away, Paris Saint-Germain pillaged Italy’s clubs yet again, giving new rise to many questions about the strength and relevance of Serie A.

Now obviously there is a big difference and tenuous connection between a nation’s international squad and its domestic league (a post for another day) but the ease with which the Ligue 1 outfit have plundered Italy’s top flight is a cause of concern for calcio supporters.

But it may also be a blessing in disguise.

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Pleasing Ibra

This is how he smiles.

He’s won domestic titles in the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy, multiple kinds of Supercups, and numerous personal accolades.

With a Serie A leading 19 goals, 5 assists, and 5 Champions League tallies, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had another great season on the pitch.

But this guy is always pissed off!

The big Swede is only recently back from his annual suspension for striking an opponent, the “victim” this year Napoli’s Salvatore Aronica.

He picked up right where he left off setting up Nocerino and blasting a screamer of his own to climb into the lead for Serie A Capocannoniere (Top scorer).

He’s enjoying his best form for Milan. He’s a huge star. Paid handsomely. Married to a Swedish model.

But DON’T F**KING LOOK AT HIM!!!

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Orr’s Serie A Weekend Preview

Arsenal's former EPL foes came back to bite them at the San Siro.

What a week for the Rossoneri.

Still injury depleted and without a suspended Ibrahimovic, Allegri’s men willed their way to a victory away to Udinese on Saturday.

Goals from new signing Maxi Lopez and rising star Stephan El Shaarawy nullified the immortal Di Natale’s early opener and sent Milan back to the top of the Serie A table (a position they still hold due to yet another Juventus draw against Parma midweek).

Though the Bianconeri still have a game in hand, it was a big victory for Milan and with a straightforward trip to Cesena up this week I expect them to remain top until their Serie A rematch with the Old Lady in 2 weeks time.

And of course there was that glorious Champions League match at the San Siro.

Much will be made of Arsenal’s woeful defending, and rightly so. But Milan showed the killer instinct, the ability to run rampant that their manager strives for and their fans have been waiting to see all season.

The second half of February could prove to be a real turning point for Il Diavolo.

Oh, and there are 19 other clubs in Serie A. Join me for a quick peek into their worlds after the jump.

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