[han2503]

I know people have been dieing to talk about this, which is why I didn't open it ahead of the Lazio thread since we'd camp here most likely (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I'm not optimistic and I'l consider a draw like a win. The defence today showed some major vulnerabilities, if we have to play Antonini at LB once again then I wouldn't exclude a mauling (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Allegri picking Ambro for the midfield is worrying and Im 99.9% sure that this will be the case. Seedorf will most likely take Aquilani's spot, even if I thnk Aqui deserves his spot, even just for his amazing corners, I mean when was the last time we scored off one of those??

So my team would be

Abate--Nesta--Thiago--Zambro
Nocerino--VB--See/Aqui
Boateng
Ibra--Pato

I'd prefer it if Boateng was moved back on the left, but I don't think there's the slightest chance of seeing that one happen

What Allegri will pick (cue a million (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) here)

Abate--Nesta--Thiago--Zambro
Ambro--VB--Seedorf
Boateng
Ibra--Pato

Don't know if Zambro will be fit but I'm seriously on my knees praying for it, we simply cannot go into it with Antonini playing there, play Yepes and make him stay back if you have to but please, no Antonini against Messi & Co. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[d'Arc.LP]

MILAN - Below is the list of 21 players called up by Massimiliano
GK's - Abbiati, Amelia, Roma.
Defenders - Abate, Antonini, Bonera, Nesta, Taiwo, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta, Yepes.
Midfielders - Ambrosini, Aquilani, Boateng, Emanuelson, Nocerino, Seedorf, Van Bommel.
Forwards - Cassano, Ibrahimovic, Pato.


Massimiliano Allegri held a press conference at Milanello before the last training session ahead of the match against Barcelona in the Champions League.

MILANELLO - This is what Massimiliano Allegri said during the press conference: "The team has trained very well after the Lazio game, we are ready to play this game, it is the first game of the Champions League and we want to start well. We will have to be careful in defence and do well up front. At the moment they are the team that plays the best football, they have so much quality both individually but also as a team, but we also have some great players, we are a very good side, we are Milan so we have to play with courage. You never know what can happen in football. I will change some players who played against Lazio, I will decide after this morning's training session. We must concentrate throughout the entire match, we have to respect Barcelona. We have to try and play a good game then we'll see what happens. It is the second time that I go to Barcelona after the Gamper Trophy but I am calm about tomorrow night, it isn't a final, just the first match of the group stages. We are playing against a side that has won so much but our aim is to get through the group stages.

"We have to play a different game to the first 20 minutes against Lazio, we were too spread out and we cannot afford to play like that for 20 minutes against Barcelona. Then we did well to come back against Lazio and we almost won the game...
The game against Barcelona will highlight the kind of shape we are in at the moment. Compared to last season we have played less friendlies, and that is how I wanted it. We don't have to be scared tomorrow and we can't play like the first 20 minutes against Lazio. We have to be well balanced knowing that we have a tough task on our hands. Ibra will play up front then I still haven't decided between Pato and Cassano even if Pato is the favourite. Then I also have a doubt about Nocerino or Ambrosini. We are doing checks on Robinho but I don't think he will come to Barcelona.
The first matches of Serie A? Palermo-Inter was a great game, Palermo did really well but Inter also showed what they can do despite the defeat. Pirlo? Everyone knows that Andrea is quality and I am happy that he played a great game, it isn't as of he has forgotten to play football just because he has left Milan.

"Ibra showed that he is world class at Barcelona and he is still showing it now. We have to have respect for Barcelona but not be scared of them. We have to try and make our quality count on the pitch. Cassano? He played a great game against Lazio and he will do very well this year and in the last 20 days he has reached a good level of fitness. Tomorrow I will have to choose between Pato and Cassano but I think this type of game suits Pato more. Pato's average goal tally for Milan is very high, my choices will not be based on how many goals they have scored in the Champions League. Pato is 22, he can improve a lot and if he plays tomorrow then I am sure he will do very well. Barcelona always play in the same way, they are technically very gifted and the almost always dominate their matches with possession but they can have moments when they lose their concentration."

BIG BAD NEWS : Ibrahimovic got injured during the training and will not travel for Spain. He is going to miss the game against Barcelona and is in doubt for Napoli !


Even Emanuelson tweeted about this on his official account :

Urby28
Yeah.. Onfortunately Ibra is out.. RT @P_Niko_: @Urby28 It's true that Ibra did not start with you???
"

Arrrrrr :@

This post has been edited by d'Arc.LP: Sep 12 2011, 02:22 PM