[misha]

Serie A 2007/08 - Day 2

Milan vs Fiorentina

Monday, September 3, 2007

17:00 (UK); 18:00 (IT)

Interesting game after Sevilla. Hope we'd be in a good mood and will bring our fans a present (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[Portman]

Ancelotti fears Fiorentina
 
Monday 3 September, 2007 ::: channel4.com

Carlo Ancelotti has no intention of fielding a weakened squad against Fiorentina just days after their European Super Cup win.

“I am not going to rotate the squad. I am focusing on the same XI that played in Montecarlo, including Gennaro Gattuso. Despite the stitches for that cut over his eye, he is doing fine.”

Milan won the trophy for a record fifth time on Friday evening, beating Sevilla 3-1 with goals from Pippo Inzaghi, Marek Jankulovski and Kaka.

For that reason this Serie A Week 2 clash with the Viola was postponed until Monday at 17.00 UK time, but that doesn’t mean Ancelotti is taking it any less seriously.

“Fiorentina are a side with a tactical system and off the ball movement that is ingrained by now and some talented young players. They have always notched up a lot of points in recent years. I won’t say this is a head-to-head Scudetto battle, but it’s pretty close.”

Another reason for the lack of changes is the injury situation, as Ronaldo is still out of action despite his dramatic weight loss thanks to new thyroid pills.

“We don’t want to play Ronaldo until he is in normal shape. He still has a few twinges and we take that into account. One has to have the patience to wait,” added the Coach.

“Our intentions are to play him in Thursday’s friendly at Dynamo Kiev along with Alexandre Pato. We’ll evaluate his condition, otherwise I think Ronie can happily return after the break for international duty.”

That Ukrainian trip will be Pato’s first ever appearance in a Milan jersey. Although he was signed in the summer, the Brazilian starlet could not legally play for the club until he turned 18.

Pato celebrated his birthday on Sunday, even if he won’t be eligible for official competition until the transfer window re-opens in January 2008.

This post has been edited by Porty: Sep 3 2007, 03:00 AM