[misha]

Serie A 2007/08 - Day 2

Milan vs Fiorentina

Monday, September 3, 2007

17:00 (UK); 18:00 (IT)

Interesting game after Sevilla. Hope we'd be in a good mood and will bring our fans a present (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[m1ke]

C4 preview...

This match was moved to Monday evening due to Milan’s European Super Cup tie with Sevilla on August 31, but Carlo Ancelotti won’t put it in the shade.

These two teams currently share the top spot in Serie A thanks to comfortable Week 1 victories, Fiorentina defeating local rivals Empoli 3-1 and the Rossoneri taking a prestigious 3-0 result away to Genoa. Ancelotti faces a fine line in his tactical choices, as he must preserve sharpness as well as ensure they get full points against a potential front-runner.

Last season they were unable to break their deadlock, drawing 2-2 at the Artemio Franchi and 0-0 at San Siro, but it must be noted Fiorentina have had some terrific thumpings here in recent memory. They lost 3-1 in 2006, a record 6-0 the year before and 5-2 in 2001. In all 67 Serie A trips to Milan the Tuscans emerged with just eight wins, 18 draws and 41 defeats.

Giampaolo Pazzini got off the mark against Empoli and his confidence was no doubt boosted by that goal, taking him out of the shadow of Luca Toni. Teammate Christian Vieri will be eager to get some playing time against the club he only stayed with for six months, netting once in eight appearances.

The real problems for Cesare Prandelli are in midfield, where Franco Semioli is still out injured and could be joined in the stands by Martin Jorgensen and Riccardo Montolivo. The potential loss of the Under-21 international gem would be a particular blow, especially after his sublime chip last Sunday. At least Tomas Ujfalusi returns from a ban.

Over at Milan, Massimo Ambrosini seems to have recovered from his fitness worry, while Ronaldo and Emerson are tipped to feature in the European Super Cup on Friday. If there are no further setbacks, then Paolo Maldini will be the only absentee. Alberto Gilardino could be used as a lone striker backed by Clarence Seedorf and on-form Kaka. The Brazilian had never before netted in Week 1, but got a brace at Genoa.

Keep an eye on: Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina) – If the starlet recovers from his injury concerns, then he can set San Siro alight with his prodigious talents. At the age of 22 he’s ready to step into the limelight, as shown by that fantastic goal in the Tuscan derby.

Last season: Milan 0-0 Fiorentina

Form guide: Milan (- - - - W) Fiorentina (- - - - W)


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Milan (probable): Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kaka, Seedorf; Gilardino

Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Ujfalusi, Dainelli, Gamberini, Pasqual; Donadel, Liverani, Montolivo; Santana, Pazzini, Mutu

Ref: To follow...