I bring gifts.
Dida sure of "improving" Milan
Source: Football Italia
Nelson Dida is full of confidence in his side ahead of two highly significant fixtures in Milan’s season. "We’re improving with every game," he said.
Milan have some very difficult ties coming up, starting with back-to-back away trips at Fiorentina and then Fenerbahce in the Champions League.
Both could determine the Rossoneri’s season. Defeat to the Viola, who are flying high in third place, will deflate the confidence that has grown over the course of the season and culminated in the recent win over League leaders Juventus and then the 5-1 thrashing of Udinese.
Defeat in the Champions League, meanwhile, will threaten their European campaign and deprive Carlo Ancelotti’s men of the opportunity to amend the wrongs of last May’s penalty shoot-out pain in Istanbul.
But losing is not something Dida or his teammates are contemplating, nor is the return to Turkey. As far as he is concerned, his side is on the up and taking every game one at a time.
"First, we’ll think about the match against the Gigliati, which will be a tough one," he said. "We will go there, as always, with the intention of winning, which won’t be easy.
"The same goes for the Champions League," he added. "We really, really want to stay in that incredible competition."
In order to get off to a winning start in Florence, Dida will have to contend with their in-form Italy striker Luca Toni. Tonigol is the leading scorer with 13 Serie A goals already this season and, crucially, his side have never lost when he has netted.
"We know that he’s done well for them and is still playing well," agreed the goalkeeper. "But we are very confident."
Milan’s defence may be the oldest in the League but, after Juventus, it is the best in the Division and the South American shot-stopper is most happy when they are keeping him out of the action.
"I prefer to be a spectator and cheer my teammates on," laughed the Brazilian. "If there aren’t any shots coming at me it means everyone is happy - my teammates, the Coach and the fans.
"Obviously, it’s down to me to be ready when the ball does come in my direction."