Serie A' MD21: Fiorentina - Milan [03-02-08]

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 21 - 3/2/08 (19.30 UK)
Fiorentina - Milan

Stadio Franchi

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It will be a classic clash between Fiorentina and Milan at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Week 21. Both teams are aiming for a Champions League position and this could be a turning point in their season.

The Viola have proved to be a solid side, but the Rossoneri cannot afford to drop anymore points. Last Sunday the Tuscans were successful against Empoli thanks to a 2-0, while the Lombardi won against Genoa with the same score. Historically, the Diavolo have always struggled against the Gigliati and they were held 2-2 in their last visit to the Franchi.

Fiorentina are currently fourth in the table with 36 points, while Milan are in 7th position. The Viola have enjoyed a good run of four consecutive wins recently. Milan, meanwhile, have lost two in the last five - before the midweek Reggina clash.

Cesare Prandelli should be able to count on all his players apart from Marco Donadel and Manuel Da Costa. The Italian midfielder is suspended while the Portuguese has just been signed from PSV Eindhoven and needs time to settle.

Prandelli should confirm his favourite 4-3-3 formation. French ‘keeper Sebastian Frey has been linked to the Rossoneri recently, but that shouldn’t be a problem for him. Fabio Liverani could play in the midfield next to Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Riccardo Montolivo.

Mario Alberto Santana will once again be preferred to Franco Semioli while Giampaolo Pazzini should be at the centre of the trident instead of former Rossoneri man Christian Vieri. Adrian Mutu will complete the Viola attacking package.

Pippo Inzaghi, Serginho, Marek Jankulovski and Ronaldo are all out injured. Captain Paolo Maldini should be playing on the left. Nelson Dida, who was out injured for several weeks, may also take the gloves instead of Zeljko Kalac. Massimo Oddo could be replaced by Marcos Cafu.

Ancelotti will have to decide whether to play Alberto Gilardino up-front or keep him out. If the Rossoneri play with their classic Christmas tree formation, then there won’t be any space for Gila. Alexandre Pato should be the lone striker with Kaka and Clarence Seedorf playing just behind him.

Keep an eye on: Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina) – The 22-year-old striker was impressive against Empoli last week. He netted one and will be looking to add some more on Sunday night.

Last season: Fiorentina 2-2 Milan

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


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Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Ujfalusi, Dainelli, Gamberini, Pasqual; Kuzmanovic, Liverani, Montolivo; Santana, Pazzini, Mutu

Milan (probable): Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Maldini; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kaka, Seedorf; Pato

Ref: To follow...

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[D-Kin]

No Rino or Ronnie for Milan Friday 1 February, 2008

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Milan face an injury crisis as Ronaldo and Gennaro Gattuso are both out of this weekend’s crunch match against Fiorentina.

The world champions travel to the Stadio Artemio Franchi to take on one of their direct rivals in the battle for Champions League qualification, but Carlo Ancelotti has lost some key men.

Inzaghi is nearing recovery from a long-term problem, but isn’t set to return to action until Milan host Siena on February 10.

Ronaldo had been expected to step in, but the Brazilian is still suffering from the thigh complaint that forced him out of the Rossoneri’s 2-0 win over Genoa.

While El Fenomeno started the week positively and hoped to be ready to take on the Viola, he is now out of the reckoning and Ancelotti will turn to Alberto Gilardino and Alexandre Pato.

There was another serious injury blow for Milan today as it was confirmed that key midfielder Gattuso will be out of action for around 50 days with a serious muscle strain.

The news may mean that Cristian Brocchi faces the side he spent last season on loan to.

Brocchi has made no secret of his affection for Florence and was even tipped to make a permanent switch to the Gigliati during the January transfer window.

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[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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[D-Kin]

Prandelli expects Franchi fireworks Sunday 3 February, 2008

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Cesare Prandelli predicts a spectacular fourth place play-off between Fiorentina and Milan this evening.

“This is an important match and we will try to cause a lot of problems for a great side,” said the Viola boss.

“We are coming into this tie in a good period of form. It will be an open game, but we have to reflect on how to approach it. We’ve got to stay compact, be ready to burst forward with pace and not allow our opponents too much space.”

Fiorentina have been on splendid Serie A form, but were eliminated from the Coppa Italia midweek by Lazio.

“We have already analysed that game and I saw a lack of confidence in my players’ faces. This will be another match entirely. Although Milan are superior in terms of quality, we can fight them with our own strengths.”

One of these is grit, even more so now that the Rossoneri are without injured midfield terrier Gennaro Gattuso.

“I am disappointed that he won’t be there, but in any case Milan are not weakened, seeing as they have Emerson ready to step in.”

The Viola have quality of their own to count on, including Under-21 international Riccardo Montolivo, but Fabio Liverani is out injured.

“Montolivo needs to get accustomed to taking on more responsibility, seeking out areas of the field where he can make the difference,” warned Prandelli.

The club unveiled January signing Manuel Da Costa from Portugal and he is already in the squad for the big match with Milan.

“I was not expecting any reinforcements in January, but we signed an interesting player and will have time to let him grow. It is a choice in line with our long-term strategy for the side.”

Fiorentina squad: Avramov, Cacia, Da Costa, Dainelli, Frey, Gamberni, Gobbi, Jorgensen, Kroldrup, Kuzmanovic, Lupatelli, Montolivo, Mutu, Osvaldo, Pasqual, Pazzini, Potenza, Santana, Semioli, Ujfalusi, Vieri.

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[LAF]

This should be a good game.

Hopefully it's a draw as that's best for us.

Anybody else watching this?

[Jager]

I'm watching it now, and it looks like nobody is taking charge. Feeling out game so far.

[Jager]

You bring up an excellent point laff about points, but really Milan have to win this game or else they really will miss CL next season, and that is a complete DISASTER for them.

[Jager]

Its still 0-0, slight edge in play to Fiorentina. Milan have not done much.

[sinoy1]

LOL at Gila's face at 70th minute.Looked like he was going to cry.

Kinda of an upbeat match for a 0-0 scoreline.

[sinoy1]

Emerson just had a run of 10 seconds and has done 3 nutmegs

[sinoy1]

PATO WITH ANOTHER GOAL!!! Great goal.

[Jager]

Against the run of play on a counter, Pato scores. Not highlight reel type, but a good one nonetheless.

[sinoy1]

Pato is injured...ive somehow lost interest now

[sinoy1]

HUGE SAVE KALAC.

[sinoy1]

GAME OVER!! Kalac saves the day at the end from a Gamberini header!Great drama.Poor finishing by Florentia Viola.