Milan - Parma --
Football ItaliaMilan have been bogged down in mid-table this season, but a win against Parma at the San Siro on Sunday could be the springboard they need to get themselves back into contention for a Champions League place. Parma will want to keep their positive streak going for as long as possible. Getting out of the bottom three is more than possible, provided the result is right for them this weekend.
The home side have been uncharacteristically unpredictable this term, and their League position shows it. Goals have been hard to come by and the back four are beginning to show unquestionable signs of age, which even the presumed imminent arrival of Massimo Oddo may not solve. The draw against Lazio last Sunday is a case in point, no real penetration in attack means no three points in a kind of game the Rossoneri were once accustomed to winning in style.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will not want to stay in this mediocre situation for long. His search for a truly reliable goalscorer within his own ranks looks set to continue. It is in that position that the only change to the line up seems likely to happen, with Alberto Gilardino making way for the veteran Filippo Inzaghi. The two world champions between them do not seem to have managed to replace Andriy Shevchenko. Elsewhere Cristian Brocchi looks immovable in midfield, while Daniele Bonera and Paolo Maldini, now 38, should be the central defensive pairing.
The away side on the other hand have much more to celebrate. Coach Stefano Pioli has been walking a tightrope in recent weeks. The return of Giuseppe Rossi must feel like the safety net he has been longing for. Parma have often played good football this term but have lacked that killer instinct – the youngster might just provide them with it now.
The Gialloblu are far from a one-man team however, and their victory against Torino last time out was down to all of them closing down the space superbly. This time, buoyed by that result, they will be optimistic about their trip to Milan. Maurizio Ciaramitaro could replace Damiano Ferronetti and Daniele Dessena may start in place of Jorge Bolano. This strategy promises a tight midfield but one with the potential to push up and support the super kid Rossi and striker Igor Budan.
Man on fire: Giuseppe Rossi (Parma) – A goal worth three points in his first game. He combined speed, dribbling and deadly finishing to give Parma the win. He might just be the saviour they have been waiting for.
Form guide: Milan (D W W W D) Parma (L D L L W)
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Milan (probable): Dida; Cafu, Bonera, Maldini, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Brocchi, Seedorf, Kakà ; Inzaghi
Parma (probable): Bucci; Couto, Perna, Paci, Castellini; Grella, Ciaramitaro, Dessena, Morfeo; G. Rossi, Budan
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This post has been edited by arivanjj: Jan 24 2007, 11:43 AM