Philippe Mexes is set for his first start in a Milan shirt in midweek as Massimiliano Allegri rings the changes but warns ‘Milan want a good result’.
Philippe Mexes is set for his first start in a Milan shirt in midweek as Massimiliano Allegri rings the changes but warns ‘Milan want a good result’.
The Rossoneri are away to Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday night in their final Champions League group stage match already aware that they will finish second in the group. However, Plzen need just a point to secure third spot in the group.
With this in mind, Allegri promised the Press upon arrival in Prague on Monday that Milan will remain motivated for the tie.
“The stimulus for the team will be strong, because we are playing in the Champions League. We all want a good game and a good result. We are also keen to do well in the last three League games before Christmas.
“Tomorrow will be difficult because they want to qualify for the Europa League and need just a point. To clarify, we ought to give our best because they also played well at San Siro.”
Allegri has also confirmed the starting line-up that he intends to deploy in the game. While Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva drop to the bench, Allegri hopes to bring in Philippe Mexes for his first start for Il Diavolo and also keep faith with Robinho in attack.
“Ibra will start from the bench and I will then decide whether to use him or rest him completely. Tomorrow Thiago Silva will also only start from the bench.
“It is true that there are some young players with us, but above all I want to evaluate the return of Mexes after so long.
“Robinho has different characteristics than Ibra and [Alexandre] Pato, he is a player of great movement and despite what everyone says, he is good enough in front of goal. Last year he scored 15 goals.”
Whilst Plzen are without a home win in the competition proper yet, Milan have not won away to Czech opposition in European competition since 1972-73.
“The Champions League and Serie A are two different competitions, especially when the Champions League reaches the knockout stages, because from that moment you face the best in Europe. Undoubtedly it has a different charm to the League.”
Allegri then finished the Press conference on a light-hearted note.
“[Viktoria] are an organised team, I barely remember the names [smiling], but they are good and fast and in the reverse fixture caused us some problems.”
Intended Milan starting line-up to face Viktoria Plzen: Amelia; De Sciglio, Bonera, Mexes, Taiwo; Nocerino, Ambrosini, Emanuelson; Seedorf; Pato, Robinho