Mystik

Mystik · 23-04-2008, 16:38

Indeed it is in the preview. Doubt those people really know anything though

Quote:

Milan travel to the Stadio Picchi for a must-win encounter against a Livorno side battling to avoid relegation to Serie B.

It’s been a tough campaign for the Rossoneri, as they have failed to do themselves justice in the Champions League or Serie A and are currently trailing fourth-place Fiorentina by four points in the fight to earn a qualifying berth for next season’s European Cup. Reports continue to link the San Siro outfit with Barcelona ace Ronaldinho, but would the Brazilian settle for a season in the UEFA Cup? Carlo Ancelotti and Co will be hoping that they don’t need to find out the answer.

Thankfully, one Samba Boy seems to be back on form in red and black. After a season in which he was the best player in Europe, Kaka has struggled to live up to that reputation for much of the campaign. However, against Reggina last weekend he was the star of the show and ended up with the match ball after netting hat-trick.

But while the Gift from God is firing once more, it looks likely that compatriot Alexandre Pato won’t be able to take his place in the starting XI again. Although he was able to come off the bench to net against the Amaranto, a mysterious muscular injury continues to plague the youngster and Pippo Inzaghi will lead the line. In other team news, Daniele Bonera and Massimo Ambrosini are both available for selection after serving bans – expect the latter to return in place of Cristian Brocchi.

It wasn’t long ago that Livorno looked like they would comfortably avoid the drop, but a combination of poor results – particularly at home – and the resurgence of sides like Cagliari and Siena has seen the Tuscan minnows drop into the relegation zone. They would be bottom of the table but for Alessandro Diamanti’s wonderful goal against Scudetto chasing Roma to earn Giancarlo Camolese’s men an unlikely point in the Italian capital. It’s a strike which is likely to earn the former Prato player a starting berth at the expense of Martin Bergvold.

As if Livorno’s dire home form this term wasn’t bad enough, the Amaranto also have a terrible record against the Rossoneri since being promoted to the top flight back in 2004. Their only victory in that time came in January 2005 courtesy of a Corrado Colombo goal. Milan, on the other hand, have emerged with all the points on three occasions, including a 3-0 at the Stadio Picchi in December 2005. However, this game brings back bad memories for the Diavolo, as earlier this term Ronaldo suffered a horrific knee injury which will keep him out of action until 2009.

Keep an eye on: Kaka (Milan) – The Brazilian was back to his best against Reggina and he will need to continue that way against Livorno if Milan are to stand any chance of catching Fiorentina.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...8/liv-mil.html