Milan - Atalanta
Stadio Meazza
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Fresh from their derby defeat, Milan must win another local clash to continue the march on a Champions League spot.
Despite Ronaldo gaining some semblance of revenge over his old Inter teammates, Sunday still saw the Rossoneri’s 15-match unbeaten run come to an end against their most hated rivals. That left them six points adrift of fourth place, so getting back on track immediately is essential to maintain any hope of reaching the Champions League.
Il Fenomeno is again expected to start upfront, although Kaka could be aided by a second striker such as Alberto Gilardino or Ricardo Oliveira. Pippo Inzaghi, left in the stands for the derby, is further down the pecking order in Carlo Ancelotti’s mind.
The big changes will be in midfield, as the absence of the suspended Andrea Pirlo and Marco Borriello – as well as long-term injuries for Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Kakha Kaladze and Serginho – could see Yoann Gourcuff given a creative role with Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso out wide.
Hailing from nearby Bergamo, Atalanta have caused a few problems for the Rossoneri in recent years, drawing three of their last four visits to San Siro, including the epic 3-3 result on March 2, 2003 – a game the Orobici had been winning 3-0. Earlier this season they were defeated 2-0 at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia with Nicola Ventola and Andrea Soncin on target. It was their first victory in that fixture since 1985 and remains Milan’s only away loss to date this year.
However, Stefano Colantuono’s boys are in shaky form at the moment, without a win in seven and sliding down the standings. As Christian Vieri is yet to make his first appearance for the club, there are serious problems upfront. Both Nicola Ventola and Riccardo Zampagna are major doubts, so Marino Defendi could be given a chance after his debut Serie A goal in the 1-1 with Parma last week. Adriano and Simone Loria return from a ban.
Man on fire: Ronaldo (Milan) – Some thought he was finished, but there is still life left in Ronaldo. Although not yet physically at his best, he’s already scored three goals since his Real switch and came back to haunt Inter last week.
Last season: Not Played
Form guide: Milan (W W D W L) Atalanta (D D L L D)
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Milan (probable): Dida; Oddo, Bonera, Simic, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Gourcuff, Seedorf; Kaka; Ronaldo
Atalanta (probable): Calderoni; Rivalta, Talamonti, Loria, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Migliaccio, Donati, Ariatti; Doni; Defendi
playing gourcuff in pirlo's position i would like to see it but i doubt ancelotti will have the guts to try it.
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Could you just give us the names of the players?
