[m1ke]

Serie A 2006/2007 - Day 24

Siena v Milan

Saturday, 17th of February 2007

Time: 14:00 (UK), 15:00 (IT)

Final game before our CL tie with Celtic, and it's the first time this season we can move into a CL spot if the results go our way.

I think Gourcuff has to start, but it'll be interesting to see what Carlo does up front. It would make sense to start Ronaldo since he's cup tied, but I don't think he's fit enough to last 90 minutes...

[arivanjj]

goal.com Serie A Preview: Siena-Milan

BACKGROUND

The town of Siena, highly regarded around the world for its yearly horse race, the Palio, will get a brief view of some thoroughbreds from Milan, by way of Brazil. The Rossoneri attack should be something special to witness, with three Brazilians storming the Siena goal. This attacking trio is Kakà, Ricardo Oliveira, and Ronaldo.

So often this season, Kakà has been seemingly alone in creating the scoring opportunities, and has been forced to hit almost impossible shots from distance, due to the lack of movement up front from his strikers. This should no longer be a problem, however. Kakà will pull the strings and attempt to provide Ronaldo with adequate service, with Oliveira serving as support to both players in the attacking movements. Oliveira himself had struggled so far this term, but the addition of Ronaldo will make him feel a little more at home, and he should begin to play better. Ronaldo is not yet up to full fitness, but getting the start in this match will be enough motivation for him to continue working toward full fitness.

The Siena goal they will be attempting to set afire will be manned by Alex Manninger, and he spoke of the significance of this match, saying: “Playing against Milan is unique because we will play against one of the three or four most powerful teams in the world. It’s an honor to play a game like this. We have always played good games against the Rossoneri and we will hope to gain some points on Saturday as well. Ronie (in reference to Ronaldo) is the kind of player that can make things difficult at any moment.”

Manninger’s words may well ring true on Saturday, especially given his side’s defensive record. The Bianconeri defense has given up the same number of goals in their home stadium as they have scored, which is twelve. The Siena net minder has seen his team draw at home more often than any other result obtained, and they will be lucky to get that this weekend.

CURRENT FORM

Siena (W L D, 25 points, 12th place in Serie A)

Despite their inability to win matches this term, Siena find themselves in mid-table placing, by virtue of drawing half of the twenty-two matches played so far this season. The winter addition of Massimo Maccarone from Middlesbrough in the transfer market will help get the side more victories, especially if he can mesh well with Mario Frick, who is the side’s leading scorer with six goals.

Milan (D W W, 30 points, 7th place in Serie A)

The Rossoneri have not lost since November, and are improving constantly. This match will not see a full first team squad, as several players will not be fielded in view of the Champions League match in Scotland against Celtic on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the Milan midfield and attack should be able to control most of the possession.

TEAM NEWS

Siena is missing Abdoulay Konko, who is out with a knee injury. Enrico Chiesa is battling the flue, but may be able to play. Mario Frick had a dental procedure carried out during the week, but he should be fine to play in this match.

Milan, yet again, have a long list of injuries. Alessandro Nesta, Serginho, Giuseppe Favalli are missing from the backline, with Cristian Brocchi and Clarence Seedorf being doubts in the midfield. Also, Nelson Dida will not be in goal, but Marco Storari showed himself to be a good replacement between the posts in his debut last weekend.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Massimo Maccarone (Siena) – He will be relied upon heavily in this match, as he will need to do a lot of the attacking work on his own up front. However, he will be going against a Milan defense which has been pieced together, so he could well get a goal or two.

Ronaldo (Milan) – He looked lively in his debut last Sunday when coming on as a substitute, and almost scored from distance. Getting to play from the first kick will give him a better chance to become involved in the rhythm or even dictate it himself. If that rhythm just so happens to resemble the samba, then he could set alight the Siena nets.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s

Siena (4-3-1-2): Manninger; Bertotto, Portanova, Rinaudo, Molinaro; Antonini, Codrea, Vergassola; Cozza; Frick, Maccarone

Milan (4-3-1-2): Storari; Oddo, Bonera, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Gourcuff; Kakà; Oliveira, Ronaldo (IMG:http://www.coolsmilies.net/gestures/yes.gif)

PREDICTION

This match will be full of scoring chances for Milan, despite the trio of Kakà, Ronaldo, and Oliveira not having too much experience together. Siena will be on their heels most of the time, but the ability they have to grind out results should keep this as a low scoring affair.

Siena 0-2 Milan