[Portman]

Serie A 2006/2007 - Day 26

Palermo v Milan

Wednesday, 28th of February 2007

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

After the late win against Samp, Milan fly to Sicily to play against Palermo, the 3rd in Serie A.

Oddo, red-carded against Samp won't be available for this trip.

Prediction: 0-1

[han2503]

Palermo - Milan

Stadio Barbera

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Milan make the trip to Palermo’s Stadio Renzo Barbera for what is set to be a mouth-watering encounter in the race for Champions League football.

After a superb start to the campaign, Palermo have lost their way a little. While the Sicilians showed spirit to fight back and earn a 1-1 draw away to Atalanta last weekend in a game they could easily have lost, they have only won once in their last five outings.

Although outspoken club President Maurizio Zamparini has been quick to publicly criticise his side, the Rosanero still have a nine-point cushion in the Champions League qualification zone and could hardly have asked for more. Second-placed Roma’s eight-point advantage may be unassailable, but it’s crucial that Francesco Guidolin gets the best from his men here against a Milan side hot on their heels.

Milan are on scorching form and will see this clash as a great chance to reduce Palermo’s lead and heap pressure on Lazio. After a shaky start to the campaign, the Rossoneri are back on track and have racked up seven wins from their last eight games in an unbeaten run that stretches back to November.

The Diavoli’s recent success has seen a number of unlikely heroes emerge. Czech wing-back Marek Jankulovski is enjoying a purple patch and super-sub Massimo Ambrosini made decisive contributions against Sampdoria and Siena. Carlo Ancelotti will have been delighted that his men managed to swipe maximum points against Samp with 10 men on Sunday evening, but must be concerned at how draining their recent schedule has been.

Palermo shocked Milan 2-0 at the San Siro in Week 7 but Milan were a little unfortunate as they hit the woodwork twice. Not only are the San Siro side on excellent form, they also have an enviable away record having lost just once on their travels and conceded only 10 times.

Guidolin has a shortage of defensive options for the test as Andrea Barzagli is injured and Mattia Cassani is suspended after picking up a caution against Atalanta. Aimo Diana is likely to move back into defence to cover, but young Argentine wing-back Paolo Dellafiore is an option. Eugenio Corini and David Di Michele return after serving suspensions. Goalkeeper Alberto Fontana will undergo a late examination after suffering whiplash following a collision with Simone Loria.

Milan’s injury problems continue. Serginho, Kakha Kaladze and Alessandro Nesta are joined in the stands by Paolo Maldini who has a knee problem. Cristian Brocchi is suspended as is Massimo Oddo who was dismissed for a professional foul against Sampdoria. Ancelotti is likely to field an all-Brazilian strike line of Ronaldo and Ricardo Oliveira again leaving Alberto Gilardino and Pippo Inzaghi to cool their heels on the bench.

Man on fire: Mark Bresciano (Palermo) – The Australian midfielder injected life into a sluggish Rosanero side last weekend and deserved a goal to show for his efforts.

Last season: Palermo 0-2 Milan

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


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Palermo (probable): Agliardi; Diana, Zaccardo, Biava; Pisano, Guana, Corini, Simplicio; Bresciano, Di Michele, Caracciolo

Milan (probable): Dida; Cafu, Bonera, Simic, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kaka; Ronaldo, Oliveira

Ref: To follow...