[D-Kin]

Viola tie vital, says Ancelotti Saturday 2 February, 2008

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Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that they will be playing for a Champions League spot against Fiorentina on Sunday night.

The Rossoneri are currently playing catch-up in the League after a sluggish start to the season left them well off the top-four pace.

However, the San Siro giants are finally living up to their potential and a win in Florence would see them move to within just four points of fourth-placed Fiorentina – with the rearranged Livorno tie still to play.

“It’s a game against a direct rival,” noted Ancelotti on Saturday. “They are the team who are in the best position to finish fourth.

“The game could prove very significant when it comes to who actually finishes in the Champions League spots and that’s why we are going there to win.

“With a victory we would be right back in the European Cup race. But even if we lose, it wouldn’t be the end for us.

“[Third-placed] Juventus? They have more points than us and Fiorentina. Juve also have just the League to play for which is a massive advantage for them – even if the season is still long.”

Although Ancelotti is hoping for a victory, he is well aware of the threat which the Viola will pose at the Franchi.

“I expect a lively and mature Fiorentina side,” he predicted. “The youngsters in their squad are growing and they have Adrian Mutu. He attacks space and is very dangerous.”

Milan will be without the injured Serginho, Pippo Inzaghi, Ronaldo and Gennaro Gattuso for the Serie A showdown.

“Ronaldo’s recurring problems are not nice or positive,” the Coach accepted. “More than worried, we are disappointed.

“Gattuso? He’ll be out for at least a month, but Emerson is doing well and getting fitter even if he’s still not at 100 per cent.”

Nelson Dida and Alexandre Pato are both named in the squad after a few fitness issues, but the Brazilian pair are set to start on the bench.

“Kalac will again begin in goal. He’s shown that he can handle things well and has underlined his professionalism.”

Milan probable: Kalac; Bonera, Kaladze, Nesta, Maldini; Emerson, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kaka, Seedorf; Gilardino

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