[Portman]

Serie A - Day 13

Milan v Messina

Saturday, 25th of November '06

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

If we don't win this one, we don't deserve to be in Europe next season.

Forza Milan!

This post has been edited by Portugal: Nov 18 2006, 08:11 PM

[arivanjj]

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Milan - Messina

In this topsy-turvy season Messina will face Milan at the San Siro as equals – at the very least. Between the Calciopoli deductions and the Rossoneri’s disappointing start to the season they currently find themselves six points behind their Sicilian opponents going into this game.

Unfortunately for Milan, and in particular Alberto Gilardino, Ricardo Oliveira and Filippo Inzaghi, it has been their inability to hit the back of the net that has landed them in trouble and their Coach’s job in jeopardy. They have scored just once in their last four matches – and that was during the 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Roma.

Add to that the losses to Atalanta, AEK Athens in the Champions League and Inter in the all-important Derby della Madonnina, and the Diavoli have managed to earn just one point in five matches. While it is hardly championship form, under-pressure boss Carlo Ancelotti was quick to take the positives when they finally earned that point against Empoli last week.

However, on top of all his other worries Ancelotti also has an injury crisis to contend with. Massimo Ambrosini, Serginho, Kakha Kaladze, Gennaro Gattuso, Giuseppe Favalli and Alessandro Nesta will all miss out through their ailments, meaning the likes of Cristian Brocchi and Daniele Bonera should get another chance to prove their worth for the Rossoneri. There are also doubts over goalkeeper Nelson Dida, Marcos Cafu and Dario Simic after their Greek fitness issues in midweek.

Messina’s injury problems are much less severe with only Mathew Olorunleke out, but defender Marco Zanchi is still suspended after his red card against Torino. Veteran Mark Iuliano should continue in his place, but their 4-1 thrashing by Lazio last week showed that his presence is sorely missed at the back.

The Giallorossi have already seen their excellent start to the season begin to be erased in recent weeks. Their slight loss in form has made the difference between a win and a draw and as a result they now find themselves slipping down the table. A win over Milan at the San Siro would be a huge confidence boost whatever their form and they won’t be afraid to push forward with the Rossoneri’s poor recent strike record.

Man on fire: Christian Rigano (Messina) – With nine goals in 12 games Rigano is Serie A’s surprise top scorer. It may have taken him a while to prove he is up to the task of playing in the top flight, but he’s showing no signs of letting up just yet.

Last season: Milan 4-0 Messina

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

Milan (probable): Dida (Kalac); Simic, Costacurta, Maldini, Jankulovski; Brocchi, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kaka; Oliveira, Gilardino

Messina (probable): Storari; Zoro, Iuliano, Rea, Parisi; Alvarez, De Vezze, Cordova, Coppola, Masiello; Rigano


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