In a shock move this Saturday evening, Chelsea have agreed to terms to send Ukranian striker Andriy Shevchenko back to Milan.

Shevchenko moved from the San Siro to Stamford Bridge two seasons ago, but was never able to settle in with his new club.  During his 7 years with Milan, Shevchenko scored 127 goals in 208 games and collected a variety of awards.  His failure to carry this form over to Chelsea attributed to his lack of consistent playing time.

This move comes as such a large suprise because earlier this week reports confirmed that the deal was all but dead.  In an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Rossoneri coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the situation.

“For the past two years I have been disappointed at his departure from Milan,” Ancelotti said. “Now all I can say is that he is a Chelsea player.”

The terms of the deal have not yet been revealed.  Milan’s official website states that the terms are confidential.  Shevchenko will be in Milan on Monday to undergo a medical.

Milan

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Location: Milan
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Ground: San Siro (Capacity 83,955)

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Pre-Season Training Began July 16 in Milanello
Friendlies Played: Milan 0-0 Cremoneese (July 23); Milan 0-0 Inter & Milan 2-2 Juventus (Trofeo TIM, July 29); Milan 0-1 Sevilla & Milan 0-5 Chelsea (Moscow Tournament, August 1-3)
Friendlies Scheduled: Manchester City (August 9); Trofeo Berlusconi w/ Juventus (August 17); Trofeo Birra Moretti w/ Napoli and Juventus (August 21); Sporting Gijon (August 24)

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In: Mattieu Flamini (M, Arsenal); Marco Borriello (S, Genoa); Christian Abbiati (G, Atletico Madrid); Gianluca Zambrotta (D, Barcelona); Luca Antononi (M, Empoli); Ronaldinho (S, Barcelona); Mathias Cardacio (M, Nacional Montevideo); Tabare Viudez (M, Defensor Sporting)

Out: Alberto Gilardino (S, Fiorentina); Yoann Gourcuff (M, Bordeuax); Marcos Cafu (D, Santos); Seginho (D, Contract Expire); Willy Aubameyang (S, Digione); Ronaldo (Contract Expire); Valerio Fiori (G, Contract Expire)

Negotiating For: Andriy Shevchenko (S, Chelsea)

Transfer Rating: 7.5

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After a poor finish to the 2007-08 season and failing to obtain a Champions League qualifying spot, Milan has had a rough start to their new campaign.  2008 has been a summer riddled with injuries and absences for the Rossoneri.  They made the biggest splash in the summer market by bringing in Ronaldinho from Barcelona, but the Brazilian fantasista is currently training with his home country for the Olympics.

Milan were recently humiliated in a friendly with Chelsea by a score of 5-0.  Not only were they missing Ronaldinho and youngster Pato at the Olympics, but the aforementioned injuries might also be blamed, as experimental tactics were used to make up for these absences.

Marco Borriello is out for two months and Kaka is out a least a couple weeks with a tendonitis problem in his knee.  Kaka’s injury is even worse than originally expected.  Milan released an official statement confirming he would be undergoing a specialist training schedule over the next few days due to “a persistent inflammation of the left knee.”

Milan’s attacking situation is such trouble right now that the only fit striker is youngster Alberto Paloschi, the 19-year-old who was  practically set to join another Serie A club on loan to gain some top flight experience.  It turns out he may get this experience without leaving the San Siro.  Milan had announced that their summer shopping was officially over, but due to these circumstances they are said to be looking for another striker.  Who do you think they would turn to other than former hero Andriy Shevchenko, currently with Chelsea.  Shevchenko has struggled to make an impact with the London giants since moving from Milan a couple seasons ago.  Milan are rumored to have made a bid for the Ukranian striker, but the deal has practically fallen through.

“I want to bring Shevchenko back to Milan and it is very likely I’ll achieve it,” Vice President Silvio Berlusconi said.  “It would be good for him to return to us. The fans know he’d be the ideal choice.”

Despite these setbacks, Berlusconi remains confident over the important signings they have made throughout the summer. Mattieu Flamini from Arsenal, Gianluca Zambrotta from Barca, and Ronaldinho are three signings that could help them be more of a force in Serie A this season.

One unsettled situation for Milan this year remains at the goalkeeper position.  Nelson Dida seems like the third choice option behind Australian keeper Zeljko Kalac and Christian Abbiati.  Abbiati is an experienced keeper who was once Milan’s first choice keeper before losing his job to Dida back in 2002.  Abbiati spent last season on loan with Atletico Madrid before returning to Milan this season.  Kalac, on the other hand, was Milan’s go-to keeper last season after Dida fell out of favor.  Head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently stated that Kalac would be the first choice, with Abbaiti second, but he could reconsider these statements after Kalac was in the net during the 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea.

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Prediction: UEFA Cup (5th-7th place).  The final CL qualifying spot will be up in the air, but Milan will come up just short yet again.  Too many unanswered questions about this club.

Probable Formation: 4-3-2-1
Abbiati; Jankulovski, Kaladze, Nesta, Zambrotta; Flamini, Pirlo, Gattuso; Ronaldinho, Kaka; Pato

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New Kit For 2008-09:

Reggina are hoping to land a loan deal for Milan striker Alberto Paloschi.  Reggina president Lillo Foti was in Milan to meet about the young talent.

“Paloschi is a player I like very much,” Foti said. “I met this afternoon with Milan.”

Paloschi, who scored just 15 seconds upon making his Serie A debut with Milan, is wanted by a Reggina side that are in desperate need of a goal scorer.  Milan vice president Adriano Galliani had made it known earlier in the year that they were willing to loan out Paloschi for some first team experience in the top flight, but only if other reinforcements were to arrive in his place.

Reggina are also reportedly very close to a deal with Manchester City to bring out of favor striker Bernardo Corradi to the southern side.  The Amaranto recently lost hero Nicola Amoruso to Torino and are hoping Corradi can fill those large boots.

A weekly recap of all the latest happenings in Italy, including transfer news and rumors.

Florence

We begin our trip with a Fiorentina side that has been rather busy in the last few days. The Viola have recently confirmed three important signings. First, the signing of Peruvian national Juan Manuel Vargas has finally been made official. Vargas caught the eye of many clubs around Europe with his dazzling play for Serie A minnows Catania. A move to a bigger club was inevitable, with Fiorentina eventually beating out Real Madrid for the services of the left back. Fiorentina have also strengthed their back line with another important signing, Gianluca Comotto from Torino. Comotto was captain of Toro during this past season, but injury troubles kept him out for most of the second half. And to top it off, Brazilian wiz-kid Jefferson has signed a five-year contract with the Viola, but he will likely be loaned out to a Serie B team to gain some Italian footballing experience.

Rome

After Nicola Amoruso’s move to the eternal city fell through, Lazio have picked up U-21 Argentine starlet Mauro Zarate. Zarate, who spent last season on loan at Birmingham City, is said to be playing a key role in the upcoming season for the Bioncolesti. Lazio president Claudio Lotito coined the young striker as the most important signing of the season. In addition, Lazio have picked up another young forward in 19-year-old Czech talent Libor Kozak. Meanwhile, Swiss winger Valon Behrami has reiterated his intent to leave, but has shrugged off rumors linking him to West Ham. Behrami hopes for a move to the Bundesliga.

Milan

Drama continues over Frank Lampard’s possible move to Inter. The Italian champions are hoping to make three big signings to reinforce their club and defend their title. They have apparently sent their final offer for Lampard, who is described by a source as being 60/40 in favor of a move to San Siro. Inter are also turning their attention to Roma’s Brazilian ace Mancini. Roma have lowered their initial demands from 15 million euros to 13 million. Inter initially offered 10, but are hoping that a 12 million dollar bid might satisfy the high demands of their rival club. To round up their high profile signings, Jose Mourinho is hoping to bring in Porto midfielder Ricardo Quaresma. While sources say Quaresma’s move to Inter is imminent, Porto prsesident Pinto da Costa has denied receiving any offers for the Portuguese national.

AC Milan are also still hoping to land a big summer signing, but have made a stance that they will not overpay. The Rossoneri have been chasing Premiership stars Emmanuel Adebayor and Didier Drogba. Sources say they are not out of the running just yet for either of the two. As Milan continue their search for one of Europe’s top marksmen, they deny that their star Brazilian Kaka is going anywhere, after reports surfaced that Chelsea prepared a giant 94 million euro bid for Kaka’s services.

Lecce

We end our trip down south with Lecce, who are back in Seire A after a short absence and have no intention of leaving any time soon. The southern minnows are hoping to land a prolific forward, and they have set their sights on several targets including Emiliano Bonazzoli and unsettled Fiorentina striker Daniele Cacia. Lecce will have competition for both players, with Bonazzoli being linked with a move back to Reggina, as well as Cacia being pursued by Catania. Lecce will have a tough road ahead of them after they decided to part ways with manager Giuseppe Papadopulo, who lead them to their recent promotion. They have decided to hire former Siena boss Mario Beretta.

It’s time for the Wednesday staple that recaps the latest happenings in Italy, from top to toe.

Transfers

Napoli have scored right-winger Christian Maggio from Sampdoria. Maggio’s future had been uncertain in recent weeks, even with a move to Aston Villa being mentioned as a possibility. All rumors can now be put to rest as the 26-year-old pens a five year deal with the Azzurri.

“I’m happy to be able to play for a club as ambitious and prestigious as Napoli,” said Maggio. “I’m looking forward to start the season.”

The actual amount of the transfer fee is said to be in the €10-11 million area. In other transfer news, Udinese have snapped up talented young midfielder Nicolas Corvetto. The Chilean starlet was recently part of the national squad that finished runner-up to Italy in the recent Toulon youth tournament. Corvetto joins an Udine side that already have two other Chileans on their roster.

Rumors

Contrary to prior belief, the agent of David Suazo has ruled out a move away from Inter. A move seemed almost certain for the out of favor striker, who still managed to net 8 goals in only 9 starting appearances this season. The arrival of Jose Mourinho also added fuel to rumors that Suazo could be headed elsewhere, as the tactician is aiming to bring in new talent to the roster of the recent Serie A champions.

Croatian hitman Igor Budan will likely leave recently relegated Parma and return to Serie A. Palermo, Budan’s former club, are searching for a replacement for Amauri and seem to be leading the race for his services. Budan netted 20 goals in 50 appearences for I Crociati since he joined them in 2006. Parma are demanding €5 million for Budan, plus the remaining half of midfielder Davide Matteini’s contract. However, Palermo are only willing to shell out €4.5, plus Matteini.

Serie A Promotion

Lecce have defeated Albinoleffe 1-0 in the first leg of the promotion playoff final. It was an important victory for the southern minnows, who will now get to play the return leg at home with a one goal advantage. Albinoleffe controlled tempo in the first half, but it was Elvis Abruscatto’s goal for Lecce in the 31st minute of the second half that gave the Giallorossi the lead. That one goal proved to be enough and Albinoleffe will have an uphill battle facing them when the return leg is played this Sunday. The winner of this final will join Chievo and Bologna in promotion to Italy’s top flight.

Other News

Milan ace Ricky Kaka is a proud father after his wife gave birth to a baby boy. Kaka was recently unhappy with his club because of their decision to go ahead with knee surgery ahead of the Brazil’s World Cup qualifying matches. Because of his recovery time, he has been omitted from the Brazilian squad for these matches against Paraguay and Argentina. He should, however, return to regular training by the end of the month.

Romanian striking phenom Adrian Mutu could be on his way out of Florence out in the coming days. Reports are that his agent is calling for 4 millions euros per year, a price which is too steep for his current club, Fiorentina. Germany has emerged as a possible destination for Mutu, but he would not rule out a move to Milan. Pantaleo Corvino, director of sports for the Viola, has put an asking price of around 25 to 30 million euros for Mutu’s services. However, a deal could be struck that would send Mutu to Milan for 15 million along with either Cristian Brocchi or Daniele Bonera.

This news come in the wake of Mutu being hit with a 9.6 million pound fine from Chelsea. This fine relates to Mutu’s short tenure in London, when he was kicked off the squad for testing positive for cocaine. He was banned from the footballing world for 7 months as a result of the violation. Mutu is going to contest the overwhelming fine in a civil court.

Milan have made it official that Marco Borriello will return from Genoa. The prolific striker was with the Grifoni last season as part of a co-ownership deal with Milan. He flourished this past season with the Ligurian outfit, scoring 19 goals in 35 appearences. His success has even earned him a call up to the national team. He will likely play in the upcoming Euro 2008 tournament as a sub. This recent deal for the Rossoneri comes in the wake of striker Alberto Gilardino moving to Fiorentina.