AC Milan 2-2 Catania

The Rossoneri had big injury problems as Beckham, Onyewu, Nesta, Bonera, Pato, and Jankulovski were out. Leonardo unleashed an attacking 4-2-1-3, though, with Ronaldinho, Marco Borriello and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in attack just as I had predicted.

Catania raced into a 2-0 lead in the first half through Maxi Lopez and Adrian Ricchiuti which lead to my heart attack! Only for thankfully, Borri to score a great double and salvage Milan's pride.

Milan played a very poor first half and only through Silva,Ronaldinho,Inzaghi & Borriellos combined great efforts were they able to get anything from the match.



Player Ratings
Dida: Played really well but didn't have to make any real noteworthy saves, both goals he was NOT at fault with. 6
Abate: Was very impressive workhorse who ran all day and helped provided the cross for Borriello.Is rapidly improving with everygame. 7.5
Thiago Silva: Very average game for him this afternoon and at times looked like he was sleeping. At fault for one goal. 5.3
Favalli: Struggled against the pace and movement of the oppositions forward partnership and has big question marks on his ability to still compete at the highest level . 4.7
Antonini: Poor day from Luca as he was caught out of defence one to many times. Also led to some stray passes. Redeemded himself in the second half with a few key tackles and good movement. 5
Pirlo: Some very nice passes today but to few tackles and not much of an influence on the tempo of the game today.Needs to improve if he wants World Cup spot. 6
Seedorf: As usual, only a good super impact sub or can only play one good first half of football before disapearing like so many of his teammates today. Gets a 6.2 only because of his impact in the first half.
Huntelaar: He played today? He barley touched the ball! 3.5
Borriello: Loves to bully little teams and was back against Catania!Borriello exploded after the break with two excellent finishes. Was a real handful in the second 45. 8.3
Ronaldinho: Got no protection from the referee today, but still did all he could to create for Milan. Finished impressively. 7.5
Substitutes:
Flamini: Helped win the midfield after his introduction. 7.3
Inzaghi: Involved in second goal and a real handful. 7.2
Mancini: Contributed little. 5.1

Azzmilan

Leonardo To Leave Milan - Report + Catania Match Up

Leonardo To Leave Milan - Report
Milan and Leonardo are on course to split at the end of the season because the coach cannot take Silvio Berlusconi's pressure, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

Berlusconi has expressed his displeasure with the way Milan have struggled to match Inter this season, and often the buck has stopped with Leonardo.

Berlusconi has also accused the Brazilian of dragging his feet, something that has led him to reconsider his future.

"If only those in charge of the team allowed it to play..." the Italian supremo said back in February.

However, on Friday Adriano Galliani rejected previous reports claiming his coach would quit the Rossoneri for Brazil.

"Leonardo is staying here," the Italian told the press.

I honestly believe this is disgraceful and a spit in the face to all Leonardo has done with a deplorable Milan squad this season. His has exceeded my execations and has got the full support from myself.



Also regarding tonights game with Catania I believe we will win 2-0 as we are currently on a roll. We are fighting to keep our title hopes alive while Catania are just middle table club but are not to be underestimated. A great side on their day.

Alexandre Pato, Amantino Mancini, David Beckham, Alessandro Nesta and Oguchi Onyewu are all unavailable, but Mathieu Flamini returns from suspension.
Here is the available squad:

Goalkeepers: Abbiati, Dida, Roma

Defenders: Abate, Bonera, Thiago Silva, Favalli, Jankulovski, Oddo, Zambrotta, Antonini, Kaladze.

Midfielders: Ambrosini, Seedorf, Gattuso, Pirlo, Flamini.

Strikers: Inzaghi, Huntelaar, Adiyah, Zigoni, Borriello, Ronaldinho.

I think it will be ;
Dida
Abate Silva Favalli Antonini

Ambrosini Flamini
Seedorf

Huntelaar Borri Dinho


Azzmilan