[arivanjj]

Milan - Atalanta -- Football Italia preview

Fresh from their derby defeat, Milan must win another local clash to continue the march on a Champions League spot.

Despite Ronaldo gaining some semblance of revenge over his old Inter teammates, Sunday still saw the Rossoneri’s 15-match unbeaten run come to an end against their most hated rivals. That left them six points adrift of fourth place, so getting back on track immediately is essential to maintain any hope of reaching the Champions League.

Il Fenomeno is again expected to start upfront, although Kaka could be aided by a second striker such as Alberto Gilardino or Ricardo Oliveira. Pippo Inzaghi, left in the stands for the derby, is further down the pecking order in Carlo Ancelotti’s mind.

The big changes will be in midfield, as the absence of the suspended Andrea Pirlo and Marco Borriello – as well as long-term injuries for Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Kakha Kaladze and Serginho – could see Yoann Gourcuff given a creative role with Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso out wide.

Hailing from nearby Bergamo, Atalanta have caused a few problems for the Rossoneri in recent years, drawing three of their last four visits to San Siro, including the epic 3-3 result on March 2, 2003 – a game the Orobici had been winning 3-0. Earlier this season they were defeated 2-0 at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia with Nicola Ventola and Andrea Soncin on target. It was their first victory in that fixture since 1985 and remains Milan’s only away loss to date this year.

However, Stefano Colantuono’s boys are in shaky form at the moment, without a win in seven and sliding down the standings. As Christian Vieri is yet to make his first appearance for the club, there are serious problems upfront. Both Nicola Ventola and Riccardo Zampagna are major doubts, so Marino Defendi could be given a chance after his debut Serie A goal in the 1-1 with Parma last week. Adriano and Simone Loria return from a ban.

Man on fire: Ronaldo (Milan) – Some thought he was finished, but there is still life left in Ronaldo. Although not yet physically at his best, he’s already scored three goals since his Real switch and came back to haunt Inter last week.

Last season: Not Played

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Milan (probable): Dida; Oddo, Bonera, Simic, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Gourcuff, Seedorf; Kaka; Ronaldo

Atalanta (probable): Calderoni; Rivalta, Talamonti, Loria, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Migliaccio, Donati, Ariatti; Doni; Defendi


Channel4

[Darunia]

Milan should really play with 2 strikers at home, like last time against Chievo. Gila and R9 should start, with Ambro or Gourcuff in pirlo's role.

[Rossoneri7]

It will be interesting to see how Milan will play without Pirlo; I would like to see who Carlo would play in his role.

Though, I think Carlo would change the formation as non of our players can handle Pirlo's role. Maybe Seedorf, but still, Pirlo is Pirlo

[dst]

Pirlo=Pirlo => 1979 Pirlo=1979 Pirlo, ..., 2006 Pilro=2006 Pirlo, 2007 Pirlo=2007 Pilro but that doesn't mean that 2006 Pirlo=2007 Pilro! You get it?? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

I'm quite certain Pirlo will not be missed against Atalanta. Not more than he's been missed all season long!

[Jack Sparrow]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Pirlo was super cool in the first half against Inter. Easily the best player on the pitch. He was almost back to Azzuri best.

[han2503]

I think we'll probably see the sh!tty 4-4-1-1 thing again or the 4-3-1-2 with either a midfield combo of:

Rino--Seedorf--Ambro (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

or

Rino--Seedorf--Yoann (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

[LaPalma]

Pirlo=Pirlo => 1979 Pirlo=1979 Pirlo, ..., 2006 Pilro=2006 Pirlo, 2007 Pirlo=2007 Pilro but that doesn't mean that 2006 Pirlo=2007 Pilro! You get it?? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

I'm quite certain Pirlo will not be missed against Atalanta. Not more than he's been missed all season long!

Who is this Pilro you're talking about?

[dst]

Who is this Pilro you're talking about?

Oh come on I only mistyped 3 out of 11 times! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Don't be so harsh on me or else Sirtaki won't be played again in Bochum's stadium! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

Who is this Pilro you're talking about?

He used to play for the merda but then converted to a devil worshiper and was later known as Pirlo (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[arivanjj]

Milan - Atalanta -- goal.com preview

When: Sunday March 18, 15:00 (CET)
Where: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan,Italy


BACKGROUND

Milan have always been one of the heavyweights of Italian football, and have been earning that tag ever since a great run of form which began in November. The attack began to finally gel, and the defense was shored up.

However, losing 2-1 in the Derby della Madonnina to city rivals Internazionale last weekend was a big hit to their Champions League aspirations. The Rossoneri are six points back of fourth place, and must return to winning ways to keep the pressure on Palermo and Lazio.

Atalanta may not be a traditional power, but they have been hitting above their weight class for most of the season. This was clearly evidenced in the 2-0 home win against Milan in early November.

However, they have seen a dip in form recently, without a victory since January. Even without the full allotment of points during this stretch, they have only lost twice.

CURRENT FORM

Milan (D W L, 6th place in Serie A)

Milan will be determined to right the ship, following the loss to Inter last Sunday. They will need to display more defensive focus, though, as Inter was able to find plenty of space around the six yard box on several occasions. Still, they are just a pair of wins from third place, and can feel good about their chances of reaching that position before seasons end.

Atalanta (L L D, 9th place in Serie A)

Atalanta are amazingly in the top half of the table, and this with their poor results as of late. While they have not been letting in many goals, they have also struggled to score, after starting the year with eight in their first two matches of 2007.

TEAM NEWS

Milan must do without defenders Alessandro Nesta, Kakha Kaladze, Serginho and Paolo Maldini, while Marco Borriello and Andrea Pirlo are suspended.

Atalanta do not have any definite injury absences.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ricardo Oliveira (Milan) – With the release of his sister after having been kidnapped, he finally will not have this serious family concern weighing on his mind. He can now focus solely on football, and should start showing the Milan supporters why so much money was spent to acquire his services last summer.

Cristiano Doni (Atalanta) – Once a transfer target for Milan several years ago, he has been reborn this season, with ten goals to his name. Most people thought he was done for sure, but he has proven his critics wrong this term.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s

Milan (4-3-1-2): Dida; Oddo, Bonera, Simic, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Brocchi, Seedorf; Kakà; Oliveira, Ronaldo

Atalanta (4-4-2): Calderoni; Rivalta, Talamonti, Loria, Bellini; Ariatti, Bernardini, Donati, Tissone; Doni, Defendi

PREDICTION

With the season coming down to the final stretch (there are eleven matches remaining), both of these clubs will need to put their respective best feet forward. Milan will be missing some key members of the squad, but still have enough muscle to throw the knockout punch.

Milan 2-0 Atalanta


goal.com

[Darunia]

I would like to see the Brazilian trio again, with Ambro taking Pirlo's place.

[arivanjj]

I would like to see the Brazilian trio again, with Ambro taking Pirlo's place.

i get this feeling that Gourcuff will start this game (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[dst]

i get this feeling that Gourcuff will start this game (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

If he don't start now, he never will! At last Carlo, let the kid play!!!

[LaPalma]

Oh come on I only mistyped 3 out of 11 times!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Don't be so harsh on me or else Sirtaki won't be played again in Bochum's stadium!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

No, please not...not Gakes...not Gakes...not Gakes...

Anyway, it's been such a long time since I've seen another player scoring in Bochum that I don't remember the regular goal music (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Ricardo Oliveira (Milan) – With the release of his sister after having been kidnapped, he finally will not have this serious family concern weighing on his mind. He can now focus solely on football, and should start showing the Milan supporters why so much money was spent to acquire his services last summer.

Yes....he should! FORZA OLI!

[Bluesummers]

No, please not...not Gakes...not Gakes...not Gakes...

Anyway, it's been such a long time since I've seen another player scoring in Bochum that I don't remember the regular goal music (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)
Yes....he should! FORZA OLI!

and if he doesn't he can always go to madrid (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)