Berlusconi opens wallet and new era for AC Milan

BY ANTHONY LOPOPOLO

Follow Anthony Lopopolo on Twitter at @SportsCaddy

ON THE FIRST day of the transfer window this year, AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi must’ve mapped out a methodical, sure-fire plan that would help snatch both strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho in less than a week – the final week no less. Either that, or he’s better than any negotiator Priceline could ever offer.

Many thought the acquisition of Ibrahimovic was a feat in itself, but Robinho too? Milan’s attacking options lived and died on the feet of Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato in the past few years, but injuries and coaching changes often decimated their form and scoring ability.

Their crop of strikers is now ripe with seasoned players, veterans and youth alike, making for a wide buffet Milan fans and coach Massimiliano Allegri can choose from.

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The Bills should’ve stayed in Buffalo

BY ANTHONY LOPOPOLO

Follow Anthony Lopopolo on Twitter at @SportsCaddy

SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN why Toronto has inherited the Buffalo Bills as their home team. Halfway through Rogers’ reported $75-million, five-season deal that will show three more regular-season games, the Bills have ravaged wallets without so much exposing Canada’s true fervour for the NFL.

The Bills, beating the Indianapolis Colts 34-21 last night in a pre-season friendly, made a high-scoring game seem boring once the first-quarter entered the past.

Peyton Manning seemed relatively unenthusiastic with himself or playing as he started and closed out the first 15 minutes for the Colts, tossing one interception and no touchdown throws for 95 yards.

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No more will for hunting Tomas Kaberle

BY ANTHONY LOPOPOLO

Follow Anthony Lopopolo on Twitter at @SportsCaddy

ALMOST A THIRD of the league was reported to be interested in prying defenseman Tomas Kaberle away from the Toronto Maple Leafs. At times, Kaberle appeared as nothing more than a burden, that he was a jagged piece sticking out of a stacked blue line.

He complained, his agent said, about becoming the mascot of the NHL’s rumour mill. Some feared he would leave Toronto just as Mats Sundin did, being squeezed out of an organization that turned their shoulder.

But Leafs GM Brian Burke didn’t release him to the highest bidder and instead honoured Kaberle’s value more than any of the proposed offers did. Kaberle and his no-trade clause now wear the pants in the Air Canada Centre – and Burke just gave him the belt.

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