[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]

Serie A Preview: Palermo-Milan

This match is going to be a battle between two sides fighting each other for a top three finish.


When: Wednesday February 28, 15:00 (CET)

Where: Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo, Italy


BACKGROUND

Palermo are currently third place in the Italian Serie A table. They can further increase their numerical advantage over direct challenger Milan with a win in this fixture. It will not be easy, however. The Rosanero have just two wins in the New Year, and they struggled mightily in their 1-1 draw at the weekend against Atalanta.

Their form in 2007 has been especially unimpressive at home. Two losses out of their last three home matches have put them back in the fight for maintaining their position, rather than challenging Roma for second place.

Milan are now eights points back from Palermo, and just one behind Lazio for fourth place. The prospect of basically getting a six-point swing with a win in this match is very tantalizing. Nevertheless, it will be a very difficult encounter for a number of reasons.

First of all, is the injury situation. For most of the season, Milan have fielded a less than full strength side, and that will be the case again. Alessandro Nesta just this week returned to Europe after having spent an extended amount of time in Miami rehabbing. Serginho also remains out, and he is joined by Kakhaber Kaladze, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Cafu in the stands.

The second reason this match will provide a tough test is that Palermo’s attack, despite the long term loss of Amauri to injury, boasts several players with a good goal scoring acumen. Two players who have scored seven goals this season, David Di Michele and Eugenio Corini, return to the lineup after being suspended for the weekend match, and they will most certainly be rested and ready to prevent a further climb by Milan in the table.

CURRENT FORM

Palermo (L D D, 44 points, 3rd place in Serie A)

As previously mentioned, Palermo continue to struggle to attain positive results, and they were quite fortunate to get a point from the match away to Atalanta on Saturday. Four losses from thirteen home fixtures is not a very good return for a side with aspirations of Champions League football, and they must be in top form for this match.

Milan (W W W, 36 points, 5th place in Serie A)

The initial aim at the start of the season was to simply get into fourth place in order to give themselves a realistic chance at playing in the Champions League next season, but that goal is now firmly within reach, and they can go even higher. A terrific run which has seen them win seven of their last eight and without a loss since November gives them great hope of taking away at least a point from this match.

TEAM NEWS

Palermo get back the services of David Di Michele and Eugenio Corini after they were suspended on Saturday, but Mattia Cassani heads in the opposite direction for the same reason. Defensive lynchpin Andrea Barzagli is very doubtful to be fit.

Milan are missing a lot in defense, with Nesta, Serginho, Kaladze, Cafu, Costacurta and Maldini all injured, while Massimo Oddo is suspended for his professional foul and subsequent red card on Sunday. Also, Ronaldo may be rested in this match.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

David Di Michele (Palermo) – With the absence of Amauri, he is the main cog in the attack, and will need to play well in order to stop the poor run of form.

Gennaro Gattuso (Milan) – With all of the missing players in defense, his ability to stop opposing attacks in midfield will be paramount to the Milan cause.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s

Palermo (3-4-3): Agliardi; Diana, Zaccardo, Biava; Pisano, Guana, Corini, Simplicio; Bresciano, Di Michele, Caracciolo

Milan (4-4-1-1): Dida; Brocchi, Bonera, Simic, Favalli; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf; Kakà; Gilardino

PREDICTION

Palermo will have several golden scoring chances, due to the defensive grouping for Milan. However, Milan will also find themselves on the doorstep in certain moments with the absence of Barzagli in the Palermo backline. A draw will suffice for both teams, considering the circumstances.

Palermo 1-1 Milan