Siena-Milan
15.03 15:00
With the distraction of the David Beckham saga finally resolved, Milan can get back to fighting to secure their place in the top four – and next season’s Champions League. Since the Englishman arrived from MLS side LA Galaxy in January the Rossoneri have won just five of their 10 League matches and have been eliminated from the UEFA Cup, some steady form in the Serie A run-in is crucial.
Pippo Inzaghi’s treble last week against Atalanta and Alexandre Pato’s sensational form make Carlo Ancelotti’s forward line an ominous threat for Siena to handle. However, they have been in fine defensive form recently – conceding just seven goals in their last nine. The win against Catania last weekend brought to an end a six-match run without a win for the Bianconeri.
The Robur will also have every right to feel like they owe Milan after the encounter back in Week 9. At San Siro the Artemio Franchi side were eventually defeated thanks to a softly conceded penalty. Inzaghi had given the home side the lead and Simone Vergassola equalised before referee Domenico Celi judged that Daniele Portanova had pushed over Inzaghi in the area. Kaka converted the spot-kick.
Last season Siena’s hearts were broken by a 91st minute equaliser from defender Alessandro Nesta. The Tuscan side had led that encounter since the 25th minute after a comical blunder between Rossoneri goalkeeper Dida and full-back Kakha Kaladze – the mix-up allowed Massimo Maccarone to slip in and net a shock opener for the home side.
Since landing in Serie A back in 2003 Siena have only recorded one win over Milan on their home turf. That was back in 2005 when they sneaked a 2-1 win. Their form is not too bad though as they also have a 1-1 draw on their record and a closely contested 4-3 loss – both in 2007. They certainly fare better at home than at San Siro – where they have collected just one point from a possible 18.
The home side have few squad worries. Defender Luca Rossettini is injured while creative midfielder Daniele Galloppa serves a one-match ban. That suspension may restrict the black and white shirts’ offensive verve, but the three-man midfield of Vergassola-Paul Codrea-Lukas Jarolim and trequartista role of Houssine Kharja are all experienced and will be confident of hurting Milan.
You could almost make a competitive team just from the players that Milan have on the sidelines. ‘Keeper Zeljko Kalac, defenders Nesta and Kaladze, midfielders Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Beckham as well as attacking threats Ronaldinho, Kaka and Marco Boriello are all unfit to make the journey to Siena.
Keep an eye on: Alexandre Pato (Milan) – With 10 goals in his last 15 matches the Brazilian boy wonder has blossomed this season. It’s just a shame that his coming of age has been overshadowed by the Beckham media circus. If he keeps netting at the current rate though people will soon start to take notice.
Tip: Milan, Odds 2.0
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