HISTORIA DEL IVIII-AIM
IVI1LAM'S HISTORY
Milan Cricket and Football Club
was in December 1899, largely by
Englishmen working in Milano, an im
portant city of Italy. Unlike Genoa, of
Italy. Unlike Genoa, however, there
was no bar against Italians, several of
whom took part in the foundation. One
to do this, Piero Pirelli, later held the
Presidency for many years.
During the Fascist era, Milan were
obliged to change their name to Milano,
but they changed it back again to Milan
after the war; "II Mee-lan", if you wish
to be phonetic.
Nine times winners of the Italian
Championship, their strongest team
must be a matter for debate; but, the
one of 1962/63 was probably as good
as any other. However, the brillant
team of the early fifties, with its so-
-called Grenoli, consisting of the three
Swedes, Gunnar Gren, Gunnar Nordahl
and Nils Liedholm, is specially remem
bered.
Liedholm, a marvellously versatile
Player, became a right-half in 1954,
and played on till he was 37. As Milan
look after their players, Liedholm re
ceived a gold medal and has waorked
as a coach in the club.
Milan reached the European Cup
Final twice before. For the first time,
in 1958, when they were terribly
unlucky to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid, in
Brussels. Liedholm was in brillant form
at inside-left, and had a shot gone in,
late in the game, instead of hitting the
bar, Milan would probably have won.
Second time was in May 22 nd, 1963 at
Wembley, and then they have beaten
glorious Benfica of Portugal. Altafini
scored two goals against Eusebio one
only.
The club has been remarkably
successful in developing young talent.
Such players as Radice, Pelagalli, Tra-
pattoni, Trebbi, Salvadore (the interna
tional centre half, now with Juventus)
and Rivera, (il bambino d'oro) have all
been with the club since their Junior
years.
Indeed, a football village has been
constructed on the outskirts of the
city, called Milanello.
Milan are not afraid to spend huge
sums on players, but the backbone of
the side is ensured by their youth
development policies.
A first class football team will be
this afternoon at the Barnabeo Stadium
to present a hors-serie show to the
Spanish supporters and doing their best
to regain the European Cup.
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