Catania v AC Milan – Preview, Team News

3 points on the road against Catania would do a world of good for AC Milan who will climb up to 8th spot. Already 14 points adrift of leaders Juventus and title hopes almost ended, the Rossoneri desperately need three points in this game if they are to make any kind of surge. After last week’s win over Juventus, Milan will certainly look to add up to the tally and manager Massimiliano Allegri is demanding a positive result

Allegri told acmilan.com: “This match will be difficult. We face a Catania side that has picked up almost all of its points at home and, on the back of losing a derby, it will be a hostile environment.

“It is crucial for our league campaign. We can’t underestimate anyone so we have to play good football with intensity and focus. We need to stay focused on picking up as many points as possible in the league.

“Catania are one point ahead of us and we have two away games now so we need to pick up some points. We have to get something from them.

“The team still believe in themselves, we are only in November and we’ll try to go on a run and see where we end up in May.”

Unlike last week, Berlusconi left Milanello without delivering a rousing speech, but Allegri appreciates the former Italian prime minister’s involvement.

“President Berlusconi’s presence at Milanello is always positive,” Allegri added. “I talked with him about the team and the games that lie ahead.

“I would not say that the worst is behind us. By February we will be much better than we are now and we will be in a better position in the league.”

After finishing eleventh in the Serie A last season, Catania have been impressive this season and have shown even further improvement this term. Currently they’re eighth, with five wins, four draws and five losses through their 14 league fixtures so far. With a heartbreaking derby defeat to Palermo last weekend, the hosts will be trying to put that behind them and go all out for maximum points.

Team News

Team news does not look good for AC Milan as they have a host of injury concern. The list of absentees include Alexandre Pato, Ignazio Abate, Daniele Bonera and Luca Antonini are just a few first-team players currently nursing injuries, with Mario Yepes serving a one-match ban.

Catania will start the match without the services of defender Nicolas Spolli and forward Alejandro Gomez as both will be missing out on this game serving a suspension.

Key Facts

• Milan have averaged 613 passes in this campaign in comparison to 495.5 of Catania.
• Catania have clocked 9.18 minutes in the opposition’s penalty area whereas Milan beat them on that count too with 12.37 minutes.
• Catania have only lost once at home this season while Milan have only one away win to their name.

*Stats courtesy acmilan.com

Starting Line-ups

Catania – Andujar; Alvarez, Bellusci, Legrottaglie, Marchese; Almiron, Lodi, Ricchiuti; Barrientos, Doukara, Castro

AC Milan – Amelia; De Sciglio, Acerbi, Zapata, Constant; Montolivo, De Jong, Nocerino; Robinho, Boateng, El Shaarawy

Prediction: 1-2