Goal.com: Milan-Messina
Milan dominated this fixture last season (with a brace from the now departed Andriy Shevchenko), 4-0, but that certainly cannot be expected this time around. The attacking third has been the dead zone for Milan this season, and things do not look to be improving.
The strikers were again not able to do their jobs last weekend, in the scoreless draw away to Empoli. However, Ricardo Oliveira did hit the frame of the goal twice, so he cannot necessarily be faulted too much, at least for last weekend’s result.
In fact, Milan have hit the woodwork twelve times this season, a staggering number for a side thought to have several dead-aim shooters at their disposal.
Messina have fared much better this term, sitting in twelfth place, six points ahead of Milan. They have been led by Serie A top scorer Christian Rigano. Although, the results have started to escape from their grasp recently. Their form is slipping, but they can still feel good about their chances against Milan, who are struggling in all departments right now.
CURRENT FORM Milan (L L D, 8 points)
The Rossoneri are in fifteenth place in the Serie A table, which is no surprise considering they have not won in a full month. Not only that, but they have been losing their recent matches, and things don’t really seem to be improving, despite finally getting a point in the draw at Empoli last Saturday.
While the offense is non-existent, the defense has also become leaky, after starting the season playing well. Milan have now allowed more goals (12) than they scored(11).
Messina (D D L, 14 points)
The Giallorossi are too struggling at the moment, without a victory since the end of October. The goals have only been coming from one person, Christian Rigano, and he will need some assistance if they are to stay around mid-table before the winter break.
TEAM NEWS The casualties just continue to pile up for Milan. Names such as Massimo Ambrosini and Serginho have been missing in action for most of the season. Add to that the likes of Gennaro Gattuso and Giuseppe Favalli, who are both out until 2007. Further possible absentees are Alessandro Nesta, Marcos Cafu and Kakhaber Kaladze.. The worst piece of news for Milan is the injury suffered by goalkeeper Nelson Dida, who will be out for around 8-12 weeks.
The only major injury for Messina is Mathew Olorunleke. However, Marco Zanchi is out through suspension.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Kakà (Milan) – He is the only squad member who has been able to score with any regularity this term. Therefore, his play will be essential to a positive result.
Christian Rigano (Messina) – Who else? He has scored nine goals this season, and could be a revelation this year like Luca Toni was last season.
POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s Milan (4-3-1-2): Kalac; Simic, Costacurta, Maldini, Jankulovski; Brocchi, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kakà ; Oliveira, Gilardino
Messina (4-5-1): Storari; Zoro, Iuliano, Rea, Parisi; Alvarez, De Vezze, Cordova, Coppola, Masiello; Rigano
PREDICTION Hmm, this is a real head scratcher. Convention would say to select Milan, but they have been anything but themselves this season. Messina also have been tough to predict, because of their recent problems.
Milan 1-0 Messina