Serie A Preview: AC Milan – CFC Genoa
AC Milan’s poor run continues: AC Milan’s disappointing start to the campaign continued on the weekend when they were held to a 1 – 1 draw by a Hernanes inspired Lazio. It was Milan’s second draw on the trot and the result saw them languishing
in the 8th spot in the Serie A rankings after 4 rounds of football. AC Milan is already 5 points adrift the league leaders Inter Milan, and sporting Director Adriano Galliani has expressed his disappointment with the disappointing run of results.
Pressure is already mounting on the new coach Massimiliano Allegri to perform.
Allegri decided to continue with Leonardo’s 4-3-3 formation that worked so well last season but the move has failed to pay dividends so far. The coach has been criticised for his team selections and a change of tactics going in to this fixture cannot be
ruled out.
Genoa’s denting Champions League ambitions: Genoa spent lavishly in the transfer market and the club is expected to challenge the top four of Milan, Inter, Juventus and Roma this season for a Champions league spot. Genoa was handed an easy
run of matches at the start of the campaign but the club only managed a meagre 5 points from a possible 12. Their match day 2 defeat to relegation candidates Chievo Verona in particular would have hurt them dearly.
The fixture against Milan comes at an ideal time as a victory at San Siro might act as the necessary catalyst that will put their campaign back on track.
Team News
AC Milan: Skipper Massimo Ambrosini and Pato are still out for Milan. Both the players trained separately with their respective trainers at the Milanello gym. The absence of Pato has been haunting Milan as they have failed to find a suitable replacement
for the Brazilian on the right wing. Mathieu Flamini made his return from injury against Lazio but it’s unlikely that he will feature from the start.
Expected Formation: Despite the criticism, the coach is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation. Brazilian livewire Robinho might make the right wing berth as his own after his recent troubles with physical fitness. Luca Antonini will slot back to his
usual left wing back position. Ignazio Abate’s poor performance against Lazio will see him relegated to the bench; Zambrotta will replace the youngster at right back. Kevin-Prince Boateng will move in to a more central position and is expected to replace the
old legs of Gattuso.
Probable Line-up: Christian Abbiati, Gianluca Zambrotta, Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Luca Antonini, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Robinho, Ronaldinho, Ibrahimovic
CFC Genoa: Gian Piero Gasperini will not look to make too many changes to a squad that drew 1 – 1 against Fiorentina on the weekend. Genoa was deserving of a victory but the brilliance of Sebastian Frey in the Fiorentina goal meant the team had
to go home with a single point. Mattia Destro is the only injury concern for Gasperini. The youngster might not feature in the starting line up even though he made the trip to Milan.
Expected Formation: Genoa will line up in an offensive 4-3-3 formation with Luca Toni leading the line. The bulky forward will be flanked by Palacio and Sculli. Marco Rossi and co will look to overshadow an old, yet a talented Milan midfield. Andrea
Ranocchia’s fledging career continues as the youngster will lead the Genoa defence against the superstar that is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The rest of the squad will stay the same that featured against Fiorentina.
Probable line-up: Eduardo, Emiliano Moretti , Andrea Ranocchia, Dario Dainelli, Rafinha, Marco Rossi, Miguel Veloso, Domenico Criscito, Rodrigo Palacio, Luca Toni, Giuseppe Sculli
Key Players
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Zlatan Ibrahimovic will lead the line for the Rossoneri. In the absence of Pato, much of the scoring burden rests with the supremely talented Swede. Ibrahimovic’s scoring form will be of critical importance for Milan, not just
in this fixture but throughout the season.
Andrea Ranocchia: The young Serie A sensation has a World class career ahead of him. His graceful presence on the pitch is reminiscent of a young Alessandro Nesta. The Genoa centre back will face a daunting task lining up against Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Provided Ranocchia handles the lanky forward, Genoa has every chance of winning the tie.
Prediction
Genoa is a force to reckon with in Serie A this season, but a wounded AC Milan will look to bounce back at home. The tie can go either way as a moment of genius from a single player on the pitch will be the difference. Milan to edge the fixture 2 - 1
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