Ronaldo - O Fenomeno

AC Milan continue to mix convincing UEFA Champions League form with disappointing results – especially at home – in Serie A. However, Ronaldo’s expected return from injury at Cagliari Calcio on Sunday could give Carlo Ancelotti’s side the impetus needed to revive their Scudetto challenge.

‘I’m ready’
“I’m ready, but it’s up to the coach to decide whether I play or not,” said Ronaldo. “I really want to play. I have been training hard, but a game is a different matter.” The 31-year-old Brazilian striker suffered what looked like a minor injury on 31 July, but a series of complications since have kept him out for nearly four months.

Poor home form
Ronaldo, who arrived from Real Madrid CF last January, scored seven goals in 14 league appearances last term. In his subsequent absence, the Rossoneri have won three of their five away games, scoring 15 goals, yet have earned only four points from six matches at San Siro, scoring three goals. “I’m sure this campaign can still change very much,” Ronaldo added.

Falling behind
Milan, however, require a quick recovery as they are eleven points behind Serie A leaders FC Internazionale Milano. “Inter are playing well,” said the former Nerazzurri forward. “However, the season is still very long. I think there are several sides who are more less on the same level. We have big ambitions.” Although they lie eleventh in Italy, Ancelotti’s men continue to set the pace in UEFA Champions League Group D.

Inter boost
Meanwhile Inter, who host Atalanta BC on Saturday, may also welcome back a key man from a thigh injury as defender Marco Materazzi seems ready for his first league outing of the campaign. “It was a very painful injury,” the Italian international said. “I could hardly sleep for a month because of the pain. But I have overcome the problem and am ready to finish the season strongly with Inter and Italy.”

-Source Uefa.com

Ronaldo has yet to play this season due to injury, however he is now fully recovered and would have come on as a substitute on Sunday against Atalanta had the match not been abandoned after eight minutes.

“Ronaldo is a world-class player and as such when he’s fit he gives the team that something extra in terms of technique and personality,” said Maldini.

“Let’s hope he’s back quickly to contribute. He has innate scoring awareness because he has a unique ability to transform every ball he touches into a scoring opportunity.”

Maldini only recently returned himself after a long spell on the sidelines and he admits that he has some way to go to reach peak fitness ahead of next month’s FIFA World Club Cup.

“My physical condition is not ideal because I still feel pain due to long months of inactivity,” explained the 39-year-old legend.

“I need to play a few matches if I am to arrive in Japan at my best. Ronaldo is in the same condition as me.”

Source - Goal.com

Atalanta have been one of the surprises of the season, and having lost just one game out of 11, they sit in a magnificent sixth position in Serie A, four points above Milan.

“They are consistent, very dynamic, organised, strong and pacy on the wings,” said Ancelotti.

“They are a team forged in the image of their Coach, Luigi Del Neri, and I believe Atalanta can comfortably challenge for a UEFA Cup place.”

Ancelotti has been boosted by the recent return to fitness of star striker Ronaldo, and El Fenomeno may even start the game from the first minute.

“Ronaldo has not played for three months, but he is in good physical shape and we can now rediscover a player who last season gave an important contribution. His quality can really help us out,” said Carletto.

“He is not quite in good enough condition to start, but I haven’t actually decided yet. He can play either as a finisher or in a deeper role.”