Milan vs Chievo at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Serie A Milan face Chievo at this 13 round on Stadio Giuseppe Meazza 27 Nov 2011 (19.45 GMT)
Milan’s incredible run of victories ground to a halt so there’s danger as they welcome plucky Chievo.
The Rossoneri had propelled themselves up the standings with five consecutive Serie A victories, but the last seven days have proved problematic. They were held to a goalless stalemate at Fiorentina and fell 3-2 at home to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday. “Regardless of the result, our performance proved we’re on the right track and further boosts our self-esteem,” insisted Massimiliano Allegri.
Chievo’s confidence certainly went up a few notches after last Sunday’s surprise victory away to Catania. It was their second consecutive win, having also beaten Fiorentina to end Sinisa Mihajlovic’s reign. These results were desperately needed, as Coach Mimmo Di Carlo had been under pressure following a run of two points and one goal from five rounds. The Flying Donkeys continued their climb back up the confidence ladder with a midweek 3-0 Coppa Italia drubbing of Modena.
However, it should be noted Chievo’s record in this fixture is dire. They have never won at San Siro in all competition, managing only two draws and seven defeats. The last six consecutive visits have resulted in zero points with three goals scored and 13 conceded.
Milan must reshuffle their defence due to the likely absence of Alessandro Nesta, who limped off during the Barcelona game with a thigh problem, so Daniele Bonera or Mario Yepes step in. Alexandre Pato should finally be fit to start after two months out with muscular injuries, sending Robinho to the bench. The long-term absentee list is unchanged with Gennaro Gattuso, Mathieu Flamini, Antonio Cassano and Philippe Mexes.
Chievo miss Santiago Morero, Cruzado and possibly Gennaro Sardo as well. Alberto Paloschi will be eager to play against the club that still owns his contract, but the Under-21 international will probably be benched in favour of Cyril Thereau.
Watch out for: Alexandre Pato (Milan) – The Duck is back in business after two months on the touchline with recurring muscular problems. He has made two substitute appearances against Fiorentina and Barcelona, but is eager to break the ice with a start and a goal. He’s got history with Chievo, having scored three in his last two meetings with the Verona side.
Form Guide: Milan (W W W W D) Chievo (L L L W W)
Last season: Milan 3-1 Chievo
Stat fact: Massimiliano Allegri has never beaten Domenico Di Carlo, picking up just two points from their four meetings. Curiously, both of their teams found the target in every game.
Milan (probable): Abbiati; Abate, Bonera, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Aquilani, Ambrosini, Nocerino; Boateng; Pato, Ibrahimovic
Chievo (probable): Sorrentino; Frey, Andreolli, Mandelli, Jokic; Luciano, Rigoni, Bradley; Sammarco; Pellissier, Thereau