[han2503]

First leg of the semi final, I really want to see us get through, try and take the double this season. We need to close this one out in the San Siro, because I can't see us winning away to the cursed Palermo ground, that's a sure loss for us

[kurtsimonw]

Is Zlatan's suspension a domestic ban or league ban, can he play in this?

[X-Offender]

Is Zlatan's suspension a domestic ban or league ban, can he play in this?

Yes, he can.

[acid911]

Agreed with Han's assessment. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) We need to wrap this up in the first leg, and yes, this one is a must win (along with the Scudetto) now that we have got this far in the semis, as well as dropping out of the CL early. Palermo can be a slippery customer, but I believe we'll get the best of them.

2-0 or 3-0 please, and emphasis on the "0". The defense and particularly the CBs have to be extra alert!

[han2503]

Any word on Nesta?

[Fillipo Simone]

I'm 100% sure Allegri will keep Nesta out for this one and get Yepes in.

Also, nobody is mentioning Abbiati? What happened to him?
If Pirlo is ready, I'd rest Seedorf and give Andrea the start as captain, while swapping Gattuso with Flamini as well.

[William405]

Abbiati injured his knee,I'm not sure how long will he stay out.Amelia should be fine.I'd play like this:

Amelia
Abate--Sokratis/Yepes--Thiago--Zambro
Pirlo--Bommel--Urby
Boateng
Ibra--Robinho/Cassano


I just hope Allegri will stick with one defensive midfielder.I'm pretty sure Urby can defend specially since he played in a fullback position with Ajax.Pirlo/Boateng combo or even Seedorf/Boateng will be good to see as usual.I just hope Allegri isn't thinking about putting Pirlo in a defensive midfield position,specially since we have lots of dms.This maybe a game where Strasser can play too.But,since we're out of the CL,we better put our best formations in the serie A and Coppa italia.So,preferably Van Bommel should play.

Also,Ibra has to play these matches,because of his bans.The only question,is Robinho or Cassano.Pretty hard pick...both would do well,I suppose though.

This post has been edited by William405: Apr 17 2011, 12:35 PM

[TriniKing_CE]

I'd opt to play Cassano with Ibra and bring on Robinho later on in the game.

With regards to Pirlo being played 'as a DM' I can hardly recall such a situation, but rather in his usual deep lying player maker role. That being said I would prefer to see him in a more advanced position along side the like of VB.

[TriniKing_CE]

Also, nobody is mentioning Abbiati? What happened to him?

Football-Italia seems to think he should be good enough to make the squad for Wed's game. While I wouldn't put my head on a brick for a FI report, I wouldn't dismiss the idea, as his injury didn't look that serious to begin with.

I am hardly worried about Abiati at this point as I think he will be back before becoming necessary.

[X-Offender]

Amelia
Abate - T. Silva - Yepes - Antonini
Flamini - Pirlo - Emanuelson
Boateng
Cassano - Ibrahimovic

[il_diavolo_mtl]

Amelia
Abate - T. Silva - Yepes - Antonini
Flamini - Pirlo - Emanuelson
Boateng
Cassano - Ibrahimovic

+1
Brilliant formation, though, in typical conservative manor, I would rather see Papa/Leggro start instead of Thiago Silva. I would hate if we go down the strech without Nesta & Thiago. Look what became of Inter without their CBs...

[han2503]

Amelia
Abate - T. Silva - Yepes - Antonini
Flamini - Pirlo - Emanuelson
Boateng
Cassano - Ibrahimovic

Agreed, the only thing I don't agree with is playing Pirlo there. Pirlo has barely played the position this season, he was amazing when he was fit playing in the position Seedorf is currently occupying, and that is where he should be playing, he becomes a liability in the DM position these days, especially now when he's just come back from a long lay off.

I'd go with a Flamini, VB, Pirlo/Seedorf midfield. And I'm hoping really hard for Allegri to go with it, because I have a feeling that he has it in his head where it's an either/or thing with Pirlo and VB, that only one can play who occupies the position in front of the defense and imo that is just BS, we need both in that midfield for this final run in

Aslo, I think I'd give Urby the chance at LB instead of Antonini, who has gone downhill this season

[William405]

A decimated Milan face Palermo for the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday, missing the likes of Alessandro Nesta, Alexandre Pato and Mark Van Bommel.

The Rossoneri claim they are taking this trophy very seriously indeed, but injuries are causing a headache for Coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Those not called up for tomorrow’s match are Gianluca Zambrotta, Mario Yepes, Van Bommel, Christian Abbiati, Massimo Ambrosini, Daniele Bonera, Pippo Inzaghi, Marek Jankulovski, Nesta and Pato.

The absence of Yepes is a particular blow, as he has been the replacement during Nesta’s injury.

It therefore seems as if Sokratis Papastathopoulos or Nicola Legrottaglie will take centre-back roles.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is available, though, as his three-match ban only applies to Serie A. He sat out the first of those three games in the 3-0 win over Sampdoria.

Milan squad: Amelia, Roma, Piscitelli, Abate, Antonini, Legrottaglie, Oddo, Papastathopoulos, Thiago Silva, Boateng, Emanuelson, Flamini, Gattuso, Merkel, Pirlo, Seedorf, Strasser, Beretta, Cassano, Ibrahimovic, Robinho





We shall see sokratis!awesome.Maybe strasser as van bommel replacement.

[Rossoneri7]

I miss Broochi (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Hahah. Šimić, Brocchi, Roque Junior, Tomasson,...those and a few other who would pop out in such occasions and usual play a good game.