[han2503]

Chievo - Milan

Serie A - Week 8 - 2006/2007

Wednesday 25th October 2006

Time: 20:30 (Italian time) 19:30 (UK time)

[misha]

Chievo - Milan

Gigi Del Neri will be looking to continue his positive return to the Chievo hot seat, but can expect another tough test when Milan visit the Stadio Bentegodi determined to get back on track after a shock defeat at the hands of Palermo.

Last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico ended the run of four consecutive defeats that cost Bepi Pillon his job and gave the Clivensi faithful hope that the Flying Donkeys may only be temporarily grounded. While the Veronese minnows are bottom of the sides not facing a Calciopoli handicap and will be outsiders to wrestle a point from their more illustrious opponents, they upset the Rossoneri last term and may make life difficult for a side struggling to get out of first gear.

The pressure is mounting on Milan. Last weekend’s defeat at home to Palermo ended a 23-game unbeaten home record and has left Carlo Ancelotti’s men 11 points behind their city rivals. With the crucial derby looming at the weekend, a win here is also essential to boost the Diavolo’s fragile confidence. The Rossoneri know that they need at least four points from the fortnight if they are to keep the boo-boys at bay. One man who will be feeling extra pressure is Alberto Gilardino. The Azzurri hitman’s sluggish start to the season has certainly not gone unnoticed and has been a key factor in Milan’s costly goal drought.

The hosts continue to suffer from a shortage of defensive options. Marco Malagò has a left thigh problem and is joined on the sidelines by Andrea Mantovani – who limped off against Roma with a muscular complaint – while Giuseppe Scurto is still out of action. It remains to be seen whether Del Neri will stick with Vincenzo Sicignano in goal after the ex-Lecce man impressed against Roma or whether Lorenzo Squizzi will get the nod. Nigerian striking prodigy Victor Obinna remains banned from football until December due to his illegal transfer to the club.

A weakened Milan side makes the journey east. Serginho, Giuseppe Favalli and French youngster Yoann Gourcuff are all injured. Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo and Pippo Inzaghi may be left on the bench, handing Christian Brocchi and Ricardo Olivera places in the starting line-up. Daniele Bonera returns from suspension.

Man on fire: Sergio Pellissier (Chievo) – In a season where everything has gone wrong for the Ceo, the ex-Torino marksman knows where the goal is and netted a third – albeit dubious – goal against Roma last weekend.

Last season: Chievo 2-1 Milan

Form guide: Chievo (L L L L D) Milan (W D D D L)

Chievo (probable): Squizzi; Moro, Mandelli, D’Anna, Lanna; Luciano, Brighi, Zanchetta, Sammarco, Semioli; Pellissier

Milan (probable): Dida; Bonera, Maldini, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Brocchi, Seedorf, Kaka; Gilardino, Oliveira

Ref: Rizzoli
Football Italia

[Portman]

Last season: Chievo 2-1 Milan

Form guide: Chievo (L L L L D) Milan (W D D D L)

Hope they remember what happened last season. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)