Italian Serie A Match Preview: AC Milan vs. SS Lazio
The Rossoneri continue to fly
After a somewhat disappointing start to 2011, AC Milan have overcome the slump with four consecutive victories. The return to form was only complemented by a perfect transfer campaign where Adriano Galliani brought in four new players to the club.
As things stand, the Rossoneri will walk onto the pitch, leading the Calcio table by four points over closest rivals SSC http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003. A victory tonight will extend their lead even further at the top and the pressure will increase on the sides chasing to catch up.
However, AC Milan’s never ending list of injuries will have Massimiliano Allegri sweating in anticipation. With as many as 13 players sidelined due to injuries, the former Cagliari tactician had to field a makeshift midfield. It will be no different this time, as Allegri will be looking to make most of the attacking talent at his disposal.
Aquile stuttering in 2011
SS Lazio finished 2010 on a high as Edoardo Reja’s men defeated high-flying Udinese by a 3–2 scoreline. In the five games that Lazio have played into the New Year, Aquile have only managed two victories. Reja’s troops were handed embarrassing defeats by UC Lecce and Bologna FC. Aquile should be winning encounters against such inferior oppositions if they wish to land a Champions League berth, come the end of season.
Going into Serie A round 23, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 are just two points behind with games to spare. A defeat coupled with the other results going against them will kick them out of Serie A Top 4. Owing much to the competitive nature of Italian game, a return to the heights of Serie A table will be an uphill task.
Team News
AC Milan
Massimiliano Allegri will have to do without the services of 13 players. Marco Amelia, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mark-van-Bommel-c24148 will miss the game, as he was red-carded on his league debut for the Rossoneri.
Allegri will deploy a 4-3-1-2 formation that will see http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alexandre-Pato-c4901 and Zlatan Ibrahimovic lead the lines while Robinho will retain his trequartista role.
SS Lazio
Reja have travelled to Milan without five key players. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tommaso-Rocchi-c35374 all injured. Worst still, mercurial Mauro Zarate will miss the game due to suspension.
The Aquile tactician will deploy his own version of 4-3-1-2 formation with young Libor Kozak and Giuseppe Sculli leading the lines. Brazilian playmaker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hernanes-c16150 will look to rediscover his top form in the trequartista role.
Key Players
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-c38029
The lanky Swede has scored in five games on a trot. With the entire AC Milan midfield injured, the Rossoneri will need his goal scoring exploits more than ever.
Libor Kozak
SS Lazio were on the lookout for a forward this January, but they failed to land a striker. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the club were forced to rely on young Kozak. The 21-year-old has repaid their faith with four critical goals in nine league appearances.
Prediction
Both the teams will be missing key first team players for this game, but AC Milan’s newly discovered winning mentality will make the difference. A depleted Diavolo will grind out a 3-1 victory at San Siro.
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