MD27: Empoli - Milan 9/3/08 (14.00 UK)

[Jager]

Serie A Week 27 -
Empoli - Milan
LIVE ON FIVE
Stadio Castellani


The pressure is growing on Carlo Ancelotti to deliver a top four finish or face the sack, but it won’t be easy against an Empoli side that has already beaten them at San Siro this season.

Milan looked to be back in pole position for fourth place after they had recovered all the rounds postponed due to the Club World Cup, but with three draws in four games against the less than on form Parma, Catania and Lazio, they have slipped four points adrift of Fiorentina.

The players and club have complained repeatedly of tiredness over the past couple of weeks and it is understandable after the tour de force of intercontinental competitions, but that doesn’t excuse the fact more is expected of these stars. Especially after their midweek Champions League exit to Arsenal.

Kaka is back to full fitness after a recurring knee injury, but Clarence Seedorf, Marcos Cafu, Alessandro Nesta, Serginho, Ronaldo and the suspended Gennaro Gattuso are unlikely to feature.

This puts even more pressure on the shoulders of 18-year-old Alexandre Pato, the disappointing Yoann Gourcuff and Alberto Gilardino. At least Gila can rest easy in the knowledge that all seven of his Serie A goals this season have been scored outside San Siro, so he is the man for an away day. It has also been an emotional week for the former Parma striker, who welcomed daughter Ginevra into the world.

Empoli had looked safe and dry after three consecutive victories, but two losses on the trot to Palermo and Siena – both with a 2-0 scoreline – highlighted just how difficult it’s going to be with star striker Nicola Pozzi out for the rest of the season. They are only one point clear of the relegation zone and rumours are circulating that Alberto Malesani is on his last chance.

It’s not an ideal situation for the Coach, as Davide Moro and Milan-owned Lino Marzoratti are suspended, while Andrea Raggi is injured, so choices in defence are limited to say the least. Antonio Busce should move into a right-back slot with Felice Piccolo returning from his ban. It is upfront where the Tuscans pose the main danger, as Sebastian Giovinco has been an inspirational figure behind striker Luca Saudati and Igli Vannucchi can always hit a mean free-kick.

If Empoli want to boost their confidence, they should watch the tape of their Week 8 victory at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, when Saudati netted the only goal. Last season this fixture ended goalless, but Milan have never lost at the Castellani in Serie A, picking up four wins and as many draws.

Keep an eye on: Alexandre Pato (Milan) – The Brazilian prodigy has settled into Serie A like a Duck to water with five goals in just nine appearances.

Last season: Empoli 0-0 Milan

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


Empoli (probable): Bassi; Busce, Piccolo, Pratali, Tosto; Marianini, Marchisio, Budel; Vannucchi, Giovinco; Saudati

Milan (probable): Kalac; Oddo, Kaladze, Bonera, Jankulovski; Brocchi, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Gourcuff; Pato, Gilardino

Ref: To follow...

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[DavidMc]

Game started. Looking forward to seeing Pato. Not seen him yet but heard a lot about him.