Milan v Messina 25th November 19:30pm

In this topsy-turvy season Messina will face Milan at the San Siro as equals – at the very least. Between the Calciopoli deductions and the Rossoneri’s disappointing start to the season they currently find themselves six points behind their Sicilian opponents going into this game.

Unfortunately for Milan, and in particular Alberto Gilardino, Ricardo Oliveira and Filippo Inzaghi, it has been their inability to hit the back of the net that has landed them in trouble and their Coach’s job in jeopardy. They have scored just once in their last four matches – and that was during the 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Roma.

Add to that the losses to Atalanta, AEK Athens in the Champions League and Inter in the all-important Derby della Madonnina, and the Diavoli have managed to earn just one point in five matches. While it is hardly championship form, under-pressure boss Carlo Ancelotti was quick to take the positives when they finally earned that point against Empoli last week.

However, on top of all his other worries Ancelotti also has an injury crisis to contend with. Massimo Ambrosini, Serginho, Kakha Kaladze, Gennaro Gattuso, Giuseppe Favalli and Alessandro Nesta will all miss out through their ailments, meaning the likes of Cristian Brocchi and Daniele Bonera should get another chance to prove their worth for the Rossoneri. There are also doubts over goalkeeper Nelson Dida, Marcos Cafu and Dario Simic after their Greek fitness issues in midweek.

Messina’s injury problems are much less severe with only Mathew Olorunleke out, but defender Marco Zanchi is still suspended after his red card against Torino. Veteran Mark Iuliano should continue in his place, but their 4-1 thrashing by Lazio last week showed that his presence is sorely missed at the back.

The Giallorossi have already seen their excellent start to the season begin to be erased in recent weeks. Their slight loss in form has made the difference between a win and a draw and as a result they now find themselves slipping down the table. A win over Milan at the San Siro would be a huge confidence boost whatever their form and they won’t be afraid to push forward with the Rossoneri’s poor recent strike record.

Man on fire: Christian Rigano (Messina) – With nine goals in 12 games Rigano is Serie A’s surprise top scorer. It may have taken him a while to prove he is up to the task of playing in the top flight, but he’s showing no signs of letting up just yet.

Last season: Milan 4-0 Messina

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


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Milan (probable): Dida (Kalac); Simic, Costacurta, Maldini, Jankulovski; Brocchi, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kaka; Oliveira, Gilardino

Messina (probable): Storari; Zoro, Iuliano, Rea, Parisi; Alvarez, De Vezze, Cordova, Coppola, Masiello; Rigano




So we go up against Rigano, one of the surprise on form strikers of this season. We need to be extra alert although that'll be tough considring our defensive injuries.

But we will win, i'm sure of that ... 2-1 i think

you couldn't help starting yet another thread, could you?

Dida seems to be out for at least for a month, so Kalac is it for the next several games - now I am sure everyone appreciates the value of early CL qualification
Simic is also injured, that's why he didn't play vs AEK. Billy left at HT for the exact same reason - injury. Doubt if any of these two would be ready for Messina. Kaladze is also out for sure, Marek is slightly injured but will most probably be ready to play.
I think there is a chance that Nesta and Cafu could be back as their injuries were not that serious. If so, I am guessing the backline would be something like:
Cafu/Bonera - Nesta/Bonera - Maldini - Bonera/Janku

If none of them is coming back, then probbaly Bonera takes the CB, Brocchi will drop at RB and Gorky or Ambro will take his place in midfield.

Ambrosini could be back too - most probably on the bench - as there was even a chance that he might play vs AEK.

Other than that, in midfield and attack, it's gonna be the usual suspects, I think.

I'm praying that for this one match Ancelotti tries to avoid including Seedorf in the starting lineup. Just for once I'd like to see how the team operates without him.

FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by ACMILAN1983

I'm praying that for this one match Ancelotti tries to avoid including Seedorf in the starting lineup. Just for once I'd like to see how the team operates without him.

FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As much of a Seedorf supporter as I am, I would echo ur sentiments Dev..

Gourcuff needs more opportunities in the starting 11...but watch, I am willing to bet that Clarence starts...

Oh...the Italian media report as follows:

(channel4.com)

Corriere dello Sport
Ok Inter! Sporting defeated, they progress in the Champions League, as promised by Mancini
Roma KO, now they need a point with Valencia
Milan, what a mess: Dida KO – The goalkeeper out for a month, it’s Kalac’s turn.

Now we are really and truly in deep deep trouble. Up the proverbial creek...and not a paddle in sight...

Carlo: What? Amelia? We dont need him!...famous last words?

Kalac is the single worst keeper I have seen in the top flight...we cant score, and now we have "Mr Butterfingers" himself in goal. Sheesh!

Just as I thought it couldn't get worse, Dida out for a month lol, prepare for relegation battle.

Pireloke..what is funny about us facing a relegation battle? Either you are being sarcastic, or u r an inter fan...either way...a bit tasteless, dont cha think?

Originally Posted by zlatanov

you couldn't help starting yet another thread, could you?

I only started it because it seemed like everyone else had forgotten! With about 2 days to go until this match, i felt it important to get a thread in

Don't worry Warro, i'm sure Dida's injury will force us into immediate action regarding the gk position. Hopefully on January 1st Amelia will be wearing our colours

I sure hope so Jim....I mean really...do we only sign geriatric goalies or something?

I am actually glad u started the thread Jim..maybe we will win as a result?

Originally Posted by Warro Bantan

I am actually glad u started the thread Jim..maybe we will win as a result?

well, he did start the AEK-Milan thread too ... what a surprise, ha?

If Kalac will be on the goal...we ll lose with whatever amount of goals we ll be able to score (I honestly dont think that we ll be able to score more than 2 goals, if not 1) to at least 5 goals scored by Messina. So 2:5 is a possible score then. Pleeeeeeaaaase Dida..be OK!!!!
At such moments you start realizing that Dida is actually not that bad, huh? I dont think any attacks on Dida will happen later, if we lose the match with Messina, because of Kalac being a goalkeeper.
OK..enough dark thoughts..I think we have a chance to win this game. Possible wiining factors for Milan in this game:
1. Kaka, having a good day
2. I ll eventually manage to bewitch Gila's leg on scoring many goals
3. Inzaghi ll suddenly understand the offside rule
4. Pirlo ll sart scoring from free kicks
Did you guys, by any chance, already see our probable magic line-up for this match? I was shocked! So here it is, according to Gazzetta:

----------------Dida--------------------
--Bonera - Costacurta - Maldini - Junku--
---------Brocchi ------ Pirlo-------------
-----OLIVEIRA -- Kaka -- Seedorf-------
------------------Gila-------------------

Can anyone please tell me...what does RO do on the right hand side from Kaka? Why not Gourcuff there then?

Please Gila score a hattrick and i ll even put your statue in the center of Saint-Petersburg (as soon as i earn enough money)!

Originally Posted by Warro Bantan

I am actually glad u started the thread Jim..maybe we will win as a result?

Originally Posted by Zlatanov

well, he did start the AEK-Milan thread too ... what a surprise, ha?

If i was some lucky charm i'd start every thread, but i've lost a few matches Warro as Zlat just pointed out

I don't mean to brag or anything, but we're undefeated when I open match threads. The Coppa Italia victory over Brescia and the 2nd leg over Red Star Belgrade

BTW Jamie, I think mzk has finally found his dream woman

Originally Posted by Vadim

BTW Jamie, I think mzk has finally found his dream woman

hahaha When i saw the red text i thought the worst ... so i was relieved when it turned out to be Oksana

Originally Posted by Jim_UK

hahaha When i saw the red text i thought the worst ... so i was relieved when it turned out to be Oksana

OK, I ll change the colour. Ehhh, Milan supporters...dont like red colour. Isn't that strange?