After Glasgow, there's Samp next Sunday night. Flacchi, their best player is suspended for doping (cocaine).

Predictions? I'll go for 2-0.

Forza Milan!

Ronaldo must play next to Oli again. I think Gila lost all his sharpness that he had re-discovered before the winter brake and after that bad tackle on him in the Lazio match.

Although I don't want us to rely too much on Ronaldo since he won't be there to bail us out in the CL

I think Ronaldo should be used as much as possible in league matches. He is productive, he can score and assist, therefore Gila can rest sometimes and be more fresh in CH.L.
wow it's also at night - the time when Milan play better.
Prediction: 3-1 (Ronnie, Kaka, Pirlo-free kick)

Milan - Sampdoria

A re-born Milan will be trying to add three more vital points in their chase for a top four spot when they host an in-form Sampdoria in Week 25 on Sunday night. The Blucerchiati travel to Lombardy hoping to repeat their Week 6 display, when they unexpectedly stopped the Rossoneri 1-1.

In Week 24, Milan won 4-3 at Siena thanks to an injury-time goal by Massimo Ambrosini, while Sampdoria won 1-0 at Parma despite missing a penalty with Sergio Volpi. The Rossoneri are just two points behind Empoli, who are holding on to fourth place with 35. Doria with 30 points are aiming for a UEFA Cup position at the end of the season.

Milan visited Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday and tactician Carlo Ancelotti is likely to make some changes to the starting XI. Former Messina goalkeeper Marco Storari should take the gloves after Ancelotti opted for Zeljko Kalac against Celtic. New-boy Massimo Oddo and Brazilian veteran Marcos Cafu are both right-back options, while Kakha Kaladze and Milan legend Paolo Maldini should play as central defenders.

French youngster Yoann Gourcuff should step in to replace playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who will be given a break by Ancelotti. After his winning goal against Siena, Ambrosini should be reconfirmed. Cristian Brocchi is suspended and Ancelotti may decide to leave Dutch attacking midfielder Clarence Seedorf on the bench give his knee problems.

Milan may have a ‘Made in Brazil’ attack with Kakà, Ronaldo – fresh from his brace at Siena – and Ricardo Oliveira up front.

Sampdoria’s Walter Novellino is satisfied with the team’s recent performances, but the injury list may concern the Coach. Winger Davide Franceschini will be out after getting a muscle injury against Parma. Uruguayan ace Ruben Olivera, veteran Gianluca Berti, towering defender Christian Terlizzi and tireless midfielder Gennaro Delvecchio will also be missing. Emiliano Bonazzoli and Francesco Flachi are not 100 per cent fit and may sit on the bench. Striker Fabio Bazzani should start with Doria’s top scorer Fabio Quagliarella.

Man on fire: Ronaldo (Milan) – The Brazilian ace was impressive against Siena, he scored twice and set up another for Ricardo Oliveira. The Milan No 99 has shown to both the fans and the pundits that he still has plenty to give. Il Fenomeno is back!

Last season: Milan 1-1 Sampdoria

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

Milan (probable): Storari; Oddo, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Gourcuff, Ambrosini; Kakà; Oliveira, Ronaldo

Sampdoria (probable): Castellazzi; Maggio, Falcone, Accardi, C.Zenoni; Quagliarella, Volpi, Palombo, Ziegler; Flachi, Bazzani

Football Italia

What I say is, let R99 and Oli play in Italy, score and get us through.

In CL, let Gila and Pippo play on 4-4-2 formation and thats it.

I think a lone striker is better, but maybe put Pippo in there witht he performance that Milan played against Celtic at Celtic Park, Pippo will deffinately score

But in this match, yeah R99 and Oliviera would be good

Let the fat boy work his magic and then practice the sad, CL-lone choice, 1 striker (Gila) when and if the game is secured!

My line up:

-----------Kalac--------------
Oddo Bonera Maldini Janku
------------Pirlo--------------
-----Gattuso Gourcuff-------
-----------Kaka--------------
------Ronaldo Gilardino-----

yeah nice.. i like that, even though i don't think Carlo will leave either Brocchi or Ambro out of his line-ups

and maybe Oli could come on for Gila near the 60th mark.

Brocchi is suspended anyway but I think Ambro is going to play.

ah yes, i forgot. then Ambro is starter!

I like too see that formation this weekend,Yoann should start efter that great perfomance he showed against Celtic.

Amen!

I would like to see Oli next to Ronaldo again, Gila seems to have lost all his sharpness again and doesn't look like scoring anytime soon

where is pipo ? can he play sunday ?

i think he is not fit, still!

I agree cause they worked well together against Siena.

Recently we have had bad luck in facing sampdoria, but it seems like fate is favoring us nowadays

2-0 i say

These last matches have made me realize Oli is not a player for Serie A. He's way too weak physically, and loses the ball every time he's being close-marked. His movements and class are something to admire, yes. But there's more than that that makes a player great. I think Oli fits in La Liga perfectly, that's where he should play and show everybody what he can really do. I don't think Serie A can be his home, it's too much for him. I know he's been improving a lot lately, but I highly doubt we'll see him with the Milan jersey for much longer. I wouldn't actually be surprised if we swapped him with Ronaldinho or Torres (+ cash) for next season. As for Gila, you can say whatever your hearts feels like saying, but I think he's a complete player, and in a couple of years, after he'll had gained the sufficient experience, he's going to be one hell of a striker. I personally wouldn't trade him with anybody in the world. I just love his chemistry with Kakà, it feels like they've been playing together since they were kids. Maybe you're angry at him for the goal occasions he wastes once in a while, but I think that's just part of the game. Gila is a team player, he plays for the team, he sacrifices his self for the team, unlike some needless dumbells like Messi, which all they want to do is show the world how great they are. He's also a great person, and that's another thing that counts a lot nowdays. This is my personal opinion, so feel free to contest me anytime.

You have been officially contested by Max.

GREAT GREAT post. On both the points you made, both are spot on imo.

About Oli, I think he can improve though, I think he's just accumstomed too much to playing in Spain, but Brazilians normally adjust to their serroundings quite well, not matter where they play (unless it's the EPL) I personally think that even R10 would struggle in Serie A if we ever bought him. You could see him against Liverpool the other day, he was finding it hard to free himself because Liverpool where playing a pressing game and where not allowing him space and time on the ball, just like every team would do to him, week in, week out in the Seria A.

Kaka for example doesn't have a very strong physical build, apart from being tall he is light weight also, but he got used to playing in the Serie A because that's where he is playing in his developing stage, Oli and R10 have played in the La Liga and French league during this time, so it will take time to adjust.

I think Oli can make it. He should work on his physique more then anything else, so as not to get knocked off the ball quite easily

@han maybe X-Off can get you his phone number.

And it looks like it's continuing...



Typical!

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!

Aaaaaaargh!! Cr@p..just when Pirlo is finding his feet back from his outer space trip. Just what we need.

And Rino too? And no Ambro? And no Brocchi either. And Yoann's sick too. Picture Perfect. We have no midfield.

WOOOAHHHH.. DAMN!!

Serie A Preview: Milan-Sampdoria

BACKGROUND

Things just continue to get worse and worse for Italian football—the Calciopoli scandal, the horrifying violence in Catania which resulted in the death of a police officer, and now the suspension of Sampdoria striker Francesco Flachi after he tested positive for cocaine. This is just the latest in a long line of doping and drug scandals in Italy, but is nonetheless cause for concern.

He has long been a player admired by supporters of clubs around Italy. His work rate is good, and he displays quality skill against even the loftiest of opponents. Now, however, his skill set will not be what is critiqued, but the choices he makes in his personal life.

The Italian Serie A has been the standard bearer, unfortunately so, in recent seasons for what is wrong with football in general. Mass tossing of flares onto the pitch has become a problem of late, but other issues have for quite some time stained one of the top leagues in all of Europe. The club-wide doping scandal of Juventus in the 1990’s comes to mind, and individual suspensions of big-name players such as Fernando Couto (who was Lazio captain at the time) also dishearten those who enjoy calcio. Not to be forgotten, or course, is the case of Milan striker Marco Borriello, who has also been suspended for banned substances.

This is something which must be dealt with by the ruling bodies, as it continues to hurt the Italian game.

CURRENT FORM

Milan (W W W, 33 points, 6th place in Serie A) The Rossoneri are playing better right now than they have all season. Without having lost since November, they are beginning to show the form which was expected of them this term.

Sampdoria (L W W, 30 points, 9th place in Serie A)

‘Doria are also playing well at the moment, but will be hurt by the loss of Francesco Flachi for an as yet undetermined amount of time. They are only three points shy of a spot for the UEFA Cup next season, and that must remain their goal toward the end of the season.

TEAM NEWS

Milan again have numerous players out of the lineup, but not all through injury as is usually the case. Following the scoreless draw in Champions League play on Tuesday against Celtic in Glasgow, Scotland, there was a bit of a power shortage, which cut off the hot water supply to the locker rooms. As a result, four of Milan’s first-team players are suffering from flu-like symptoms. They are Yoann Gourcuff, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini, and Gennaro Gattuso. All four of these players are midfielders, and this is a huge hit to Milan. As far as injuries go, Serginho and Alessandro Nesta remain out, with Cristian Brocchi suspended. Filippo Inzaghi and Clarence Seedorf appear to have recovered for this encounter.

Sampdoria are also facing the prospect of fielding a less than full strength team. Emiliano Bonazzoli is not quite fit, while Ruben Olivera, Christian Terlizzi, Gianluca Berti, Gennaro Delvecchio, and Davide Franceschini are out.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ronaldo (Milan) – After his brace last weekend against Siena, he will be expected to keep banging in the goals. The trio of Ronaldo, Oliveira and Kakà is beginning to really look like something special.

Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria) – He is the club’s leading scorer this season, and was even a rumored transfer target for Milan during January. He will partner well up front with Fabio Bazzani, and they will give the Milan defense a stern test.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s

Milan (4-3-1-2): Storari; Oddo, Bonera, Maldini, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kakà; Oliveira, Ronaldo

Sampdoria (4-4-2): Castellazzi; Zenoni, Falcone, Accardi, Bastrini; Maggio, Volpi, Palombo, Zeigler; Quagliarella, Bazzani

PREDICTION

Milan will struggle with the sickness of their midfield players, and as a result, the attacking onus will be left up to Kakà. He should be up to the task, but Sampdoria have some weapons of their own.

Milan 2-1 Sampdoria


goal.com

Why does that goal preview say that Pirlo, Ambro and Gattuso will most likely miss the game, yet include them in the starting 11 anyway?

So... we have no midfield??

I mean... WE HAVE NO MIDFIELD!!!!! NOTHING... 5 players out!! Arghh!!!!!!!!

Let's say none of those 5 gets to play... Should we expect this??

Oddo-XX-XX-Grimi
Cafu--Seedorf ( also not a certainty ) -- Janku
-------Kaka--------
--2R99-----Gila----

I say we'll concede 5 goals... I hope we can go for 6!!


That 3 year old again!

Coach Ancelotti Press Conference

He says Simic and Bonera are going to play in defence (I've been waiting for this and think it's gonna be good!). Ronaldo will certainly play and but he's not sure who will be his partner in attack. Seedorf and Dida are available but Kalac will play if Dida is not 100% fit. Rino and Yoann have recovered (thank Paolo), Pirlo and Ambro not fully.

...

MILAN SQUAD FOR SAMPDORIA
2/24/2007
KEEPERS: Dida, Kalac, Storari;
DEFENDERS: Bonera, Cafu, Costacurta, Favalli, Grimi, Jankulovski, Oddo, Simic; MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Pirlo, Seedorf;
STRIKERS: Gilardino, Inzaghi, Ricardo Oliveira, Ronaldo

My team for tomorrow

Kalac If Dida is not ready in goal.

Oddo--Bonera--Simic--Janku
---Rino--Seedorf--Gourcuff--
-------------Kaka--------------
------Ronaldo--Oliveira-------

Now this formation is assuming Pirlo and Ambro are not ready (damn cold showers)

But if they are then I would play Pirlo inplace of the recovering Seedorf, and still leave Yoann there, he was great against Celtic and he will be great tomorrow also

I don't know... A cold takes a lot out of a person...

Amen to that.
Wish those guys will get warm showers lest of the season, cause we don't need any more sick people.

It was probably a really mild one since Carlo said that they are fine now.

@han: Gila instead of Oli... and Seedord WILL play if he's fit, no doubt, no Yoann.

Gila played agains Celtic and didn't look too sharp, especially his first touch which was way off the other night.

Yeah I guess Seedorf will play, but if Pirlo and Ambro are still not 100% after the cold then I would expect Seedorf to play in the middle and Yoan next to him

That would be interesting to see...

I like the lineup, Pirlo should be rested since there is a wednesday game coming up too.

No PAOLO!!

Yeah, what happened?

Pain in his knees again

nah the probable line up will be


Dida or kalac- oddo-simic-bonera-janku-gattuso-seedorf-pirlo-kaka-inzaghi-ronaldo


he will most likely not play gila or oli for the entire match.

Gazzetta's probable line up

Oddo--Bonera--Simic--Janku
----Rino---Pirlo---Seedorf----
------------Kaka---------------
-----------Oli---R9-------------

Official lineup:

MILAN-SAMPDORIA: LE FORMAZIONI UFFICIALI
25/02/2007
Milan (4-3-1-2): Dida; Oddo, Bonera, Simic, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf; Kakà; Ronaldo, Ricardo Oliveira.

I guess Pirlo didn't recover in time, and since the back 2 are untested next to eachother, it's smart to play Ambro in the middle

why no Gila?? why are we persisting with oli because of the Brazilian connection?
And no pirlo just as he was finding some form again!!
Got a bad feeling about this game my friends!

Gila has been playing bad again ever since the Lazio game. On the contrary Oli seems to be finally settling in and picking form back up.

Him Kaka and Ronaldo where amazing with eachother last week. Gile shouldn't have even started against Celtic imo

I think Pirlo is still recovering from the cold

Well we always struggle against Sampdoria so it's not just you that has a bad feeling about the game, last season they where the only team that held us to a draw at home

i respect your opinion my friend and i hope your correct.
Coach Carlo has obviously something there to perhaps another Brazilian has helped Oli settle in and find some form

And i respect yours, but Gila this season has been given a lot of chances and just as he was finally finding his best form again he got injured twice in a row, you could see that he lacked a lot of sharpness against Celtic. But the same cannot be said for Oli, out of him, Gila and Pippo, he has been given the least ammount of chances, and now that he seems to be finding hif feet Carlo will go for him.