[Portman]

Serie A 2006/2007 - Day 25

Milan v Sampdoria

Sunday, 25th of February 2007

Time: 19:30 (UK), 20:30 (IT)

After Glasgow, there's Samp next Sunday night. Flacchi, their best player is suspended for doping (cocaine).

Predictions? I'll go for 2-0.

Forza Milan!

[misha]

Milan - Sampdoria

A re-born Milan will be trying to add three more vital points in their chase for a top four spot when they host an in-form Sampdoria in Week 25 on Sunday night. The Blucerchiati travel to Lombardy hoping to repeat their Week 6 display, when they unexpectedly stopped the Rossoneri 1-1.

In Week 24, Milan won 4-3 at Siena thanks to an injury-time goal by Massimo Ambrosini, while Sampdoria won 1-0 at Parma despite missing a penalty with Sergio Volpi. The Rossoneri are just two points behind Empoli, who are holding on to fourth place with 35. Doria with 30 points are aiming for a UEFA Cup position at the end of the season.

Milan visited Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday and tactician Carlo Ancelotti is likely to make some changes to the starting XI. Former Messina goalkeeper Marco Storari should take the gloves after Ancelotti opted for Zeljko Kalac against Celtic. New-boy Massimo Oddo and Brazilian veteran Marcos Cafu are both right-back options, while Kakha Kaladze and Milan legend Paolo Maldini should play as central defenders.

French youngster Yoann Gourcuff should step in to replace playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who will be given a break by Ancelotti. After his winning goal against Siena, Ambrosini should be reconfirmed. Cristian Brocchi is suspended and Ancelotti may decide to leave Dutch attacking midfielder Clarence Seedorf on the bench give his knee problems.

Milan may have a ‘Made in Brazil’ attack with Kakà, Ronaldo – fresh from his brace at Siena – and Ricardo Oliveira up front.

Sampdoria’s Walter Novellino is satisfied with the team’s recent performances, but the injury list may concern the Coach. Winger Davide Franceschini will be out after getting a muscle injury against Parma. Uruguayan ace Ruben Olivera, veteran Gianluca Berti, towering defender Christian Terlizzi and tireless midfielder Gennaro Delvecchio will also be missing. Emiliano Bonazzoli and Francesco Flachi are not 100 per cent fit and may sit on the bench. Striker Fabio Bazzani should start with Doria’s top scorer Fabio Quagliarella.

Man on fire: Ronaldo (Milan) – The Brazilian ace was impressive against Siena, he scored twice and set up another for Ricardo Oliveira. The Milan No 99 has shown to both the fans and the pundits that he still has plenty to give. Il Fenomeno is back!

Last season: Milan 1-1 Sampdoria

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

Milan (probable): Storari; Oddo, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Gourcuff, Ambrosini; Kakà; Oliveira, Ronaldo

Sampdoria (probable): Castellazzi; Maggio, Falcone, Accardi, C.Zenoni; Quagliarella, Volpi, Palombo, Ziegler; Flachi, Bazzani

Football Italia