MILANELLO - Carlo Ancelotti looked ahead to the Palermo game in the afternoon press conference but first spoke about Milan's situation: 'This is an important part of the season. We have three games, home to Palermo, then Inter and Roma with Anderlecht in between. We have to try and get back points on the teams at the top. We can't think about the arbitration process, we have to do what we can on the pitch. If we show the same enthusiasm as we did in the second half against Anderlecht then we can do it. Milan have the potential to do well in the league and Champions League. However, we can still reach a good level of play as we had to increase the intensity at the start of the season. I thought we would have more problems, we are defending the goal well.'

Regarding the age of the team: 'The objectives are important and it's important not to lose enthusiasm. In football things are always different.' As for Palermo: 'They have shown to be a solid side away from home and they will be in the mix at the end of the season. They have bought some good players and I think the enthusiasm of the home fans drives them forward.'

Looking at allowing the players stay at home on the eve of the game: 'I will stay at Milanello. I think some players will also stay. I know it's something new in Italian football. It's an intense moment in the season and it's useful to spend some time at home with the family. It's something we discussed with the players. We'll do it for the evening games not the three o'clock kick-offs and probably not the derby. It's no risk as the players are great professionals. The retreat allows them to relax and prepare well for the game, that's all. It's no big deal as has been written, it's absurd to suggest Sunday's outcome will depend on this. The important thing is to pass a relaxed evening. In the past, we had retreats that were much longer but times change. When we lost we had a double retreat.'

In closing: 'I see nothing strange in Adriano asking Inter if he can go to Brazil for a few days. I would allow Gilardino if he asked me. Adriano is a great player and he's just going through a delicate moment which will be resolved soon. We are working on Gilardino's situation, he's fit and the goals will come. As for the line-up, Cafu will be back, Jankulovski will play in midfield. There are some doubts about the central defence and the attack. We have to look at Favalli and Simic to see if they are fit. Ambrosini, Gourcuff and Serginho are definitely out while Maldini is fine.'

Maldini is fine !! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Jankulovski in midfield !!?? hmm ... never though of it, may prove a fabulous move !! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) Yeah I'm so excited to see this, it would give us some speed !! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

hmm.. interesting so this means Maldini will play as left-back. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

He can play equally in both position.
It's a good idea. Last year he was Seedorf's replacement in the left side of the midfield and this year it will be good idea to let him play there and to put Seedorf to the bench for a couple games

I always thought that it was his natural position, and was playing as LB only cos our LM position was filled by Seedorf (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Kaladze will probably play on the left with Nesta and Maldini in the middle.



He plays both positions, in his NT he plays as a LB also, the only time I can remember when he played in the midfield for us is against Messina (I think) last season, when he came on and scored a goal.

He will definately add more speed to our game since he is a winger and will probably drift wider then Seedorf usually would

This post has been edited by han2503: Oct 22 2006, 08:28 AM

works either way (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

This post has been edited by arivanjj: Oct 22 2006, 11:35 AM

And still the Gazzetta, which is my favorite amd most reliable source gives us this team for tonights match.

(IMG:http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9422/milanpalermosv3.jpg)

Nesta is favoured 70-30% to start ahead of Maldini while it still is a bit unsure if Oliveira och Inzaghi will start, although it looks better for Inzaghi.

No that's Serginho ... Janku can defend too !! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Just as I and the gazzetta said. jankulovski at the LB!

MILAN-PALERMO OFFICIAL LINE-UPS
10/22/2006

MILAN (4-3-1-2): Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kakà; Gilardino, Inzaghi.

PALERMO (3-5-2): Fontana; Biava, Barzagli, Zaccardo; Diana, Simplicio, Corini, Guana, Bresciano; Di Michele, Amauri. | |

I love when I am right (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

Gila and Pippo together (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I have a feeling we'll get all 3 points today (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

I amost always have that feeling but I was hoping for Gila- Oliveira

Well, Oli is on the bench ... Not sure .. But if he is, then it's no prob, lets see what Carlo is trying to prove