The Rossoneri look to bounce back after Derby della Madonnina defeat, while Attilio Tesser’s men eager to bag a win to climb out of relegation zone
Relegation strugglers, Novara, will take on Italian Champions, A.C Milan, in matchday 19 encounter of the 2011/12 Serie at Stadio Silvio Piola on Sunday, January 22, 2012.
The two teams locked horns in the last 16 round game of the Coppa Italia three days back. The Rossoneri emerging victorious by 2-1 after a hard fought battle at San Siro. Alexandre Pato scored a 100th minute winner to send the visitors packing.
Milan tasted their first defeat in last 13 league matches last weekend against Inter Milan, while Novara were crushed 3-1 by Cesena in a battle of relegation contenders.
Novara
The Biancoazzurri’s home form has been less than impressive, as they have won only two of the nine matches played at Silvio Piola this season. However, their performances against the top six have been extremely impressive, as they defeated http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003 to a draw at home. Attilio Tesser’s men have gone winless in their last seven matches in all competitions.
The White-Blues have faced the Rossoneri only two times until now, having tasted defeat on both occasions.
A.C Milan
Massimiliano Allegri’s men will be looking to bounce back strongly after the defeat in Derby della Madonnina last weekend. The Champions slipped down to second spot in the league table, drifting Juventus by one point. The Rossoneri have enjoyed an impressive away form this season, as they have won five of the nine games played on their travels.
The Champions have been miserly in defence this season, having conceded only four goals in their last 10 matches.
Team News
Novara
The hosts will be without the services of defensive duo, Paolo Dellafiore and Massimo Paci, who are both suspended for the game. Andrea Lisuzzo is still nursing an injury, while Carlalberto Ludi and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Pinardi will undergo fitness tests before the game.
New signing, Andrea Caracciolo, is expected to be partnered upfront by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giuseppe-Mascara-c15024 in a 5-3-2 setup.
Novara (probable): Ujkani; Morganella, Rinaudo, Centurioni, Garcia, Gemiti; Jensen, Radovanovic, Rigoni; Caracciolo, Mascara
A.C Milan
The visitors face host of injury concerns ahead of their visit to Piedmont. Alexandre Pato, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alessandro-Nesta-c4735, is suspended for the game after picking up a yellow card against Inter Milan last weekend.
New signings, Alexander Merkel and Djamel Mesbah, are expected to feature for the Rossoneri.
Milan (probable): Amelia; Abate, Mexes, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thiago-Silva-c34903, Antonini; Ambrosini, Van Bommel, Nocerino; Seedorf; Ibrahimovic, Robinho
Players to Watch
Marco Rigoni (Novara)
The veteran midfielder has been responsible for majority of the good work done by the promoted team so far this season. The 32-year-old has scored six goals in 17 matches played so far, and has chipped in with several assists too. The former Juventus star will have to play a huge role if his team needs to get something against the Champions.
Robinho (A.C Milan)
The Brazilian started the Milan derby from bench, as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robinho-c31382 is expected to be back in the starting line-up. The former Manchester City star has been criticised for missing clear goal-scoring opportunities in the recent past. He will be looking to silence his doubters with an impressive showing against Novara.
Prediction
Milan have emerged victorious by 2-1 in the two matches played between the teams till date. The Rossoneri will have some difficulties in adapting to the artificial pitch of Silvio Piola, but they have enough quality in their team to collect all three points from the game. Verdict: 0-2
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