Milan have only one striker at their disposal again for the tricky trip to Chievo, but there is also the danger concentration could slip.
“We’ll need the best Milan side to get a victory out of the Stadio Bentegodi,” said Carlo Ancelotti. “Chievo play good football and have more attacking options than last season.”
With Andriy Shevchenko and Jon Dahl Tomasson not even making the journey, Hernan Crespo is again the lone hitman supported by Manuel Rui Costa and Kaka.
“With this system we have greater possession but perhaps less piercing attacks,” explained the Coach who has often been criticised by President Silvio Berlusconi for adopting this tactic. “The risk is centring our moves too much, so the fullbacks will be crucial.
This system was used very successfully against Shakhtar Donetsk midweek with a 4-0 victory and it’s hoped that confidence will carry on into Serie A.
“I have a few doubts in midfield and it’s likely I’ll introduce some fresh legs, while Kakha Kaladze should replace Giuseppe Pancaro. The best medicine for a striker is to score goals, but Crespo isn’t 100 per cent fit yet, so he can do a lot better.”
Milan will be pushing for the points against Chievo, but keeping an eye out for tonight’s result in the Derby d’Italia.
“For one night only I’ll be supporting Inter,” smiled the ex-Juve boss. “I expect it to be an entertaining match, but even if the Bianconeri win, it won’t be the end of the title race.”
Ancelotti’s Turin past also came up when he was asked about the doping trial that found club doctor Riccardo Agricola guilty of administering substances to Juventus players even when they weren’t suffering from injuries.
“This whole investigation was clutching at straws,” insisted the tactician. “They were searching for a guilty party that in my view doesn’t exist. At the end of the appeals process, I am sure that Agricola will emerge without a stain on his character.”
Milan squad:
Gk: Abbiati, Dida, Fiori
D: Cafu, Coloccini, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Pancaro
M: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Dhorasoo, Gattuso, Kakà, Pirlo, Rui Costa, Seedorf, Serginho
F: Crespo
(channel4.com/sport/football_italia).
