Week 20 Preview: Milan – Fiorentina

The first half of the season ended with a tie at Roma. The second half of the tie featured an improved Milan that turned the game into a deserving of win one. It is perhaps debatable that much of that improved look was due to Roma’s poor form. The match ended Rudi Garcia’s reign at Roma as the team’s management decided to act on the near collapse of the team. Mihajlovic’s reign at Milan continues with a cloud of uncertainty, the midweek Coppa win supposedly eased the pressure on him but that is not likely to be much use if Fiorentina win.

The Tuscan team come into this game having somewhat surprisingly lost to Lazio at home but have won 6 of last 10 games. Milan sprang a surprise by shipping off Luiz Adriano to China. Though not official it is said that Milan have made a 6 million euros profit, having signed the Brazilian for 8 million euros just last year.

With Adriano not available and Menez and Balotelli still on the sidelines Niang and Bacca will have to start again. The midfield looks to feature Honda, Kucka, Bertolacci and Bonaventura meaning Montolivo remains on the bench again. The defense could feature Antonelli gain but De Sciglio, Romagnoli, Zapata and Abate look more likely. Mexes has been near a Milan exit if recurring rumours are to be believed so that could be one reason Zapata starts. Little is known as to why Zapata would be preferred to Alex though and Mihajlovic is quickly acquiring a tinkerman approach.

Follow the game on the forum.

Also check the winter mercato thread for more rumours including one of the sillier ones suggesting a Ranocchia Jose Mauri swap with Inter!