We bring you the latest team news for tonight’s Milan derby, including injury updates on Thiago Silva, Wesley Sneijder and Julio Cesar.
We bring you the latest team news for tonight’s Milan derby, including injury updates on Thiago Silva, Wesley Sneijder and Julio Cesar.
The Derby della Madonnina is a crossroads for both sides this evening, as Inter can get back into the Scudetto race and Milan aim to keep up with joint Serie A leaders Juventus” data-scaytid=”7″>Juventus.
Massimiliano Allegri is without Alberto Aquilani, Gennaro Gattuso, Mario Yepes, Taye Taiwo, Mathieu Flamini and Antonio Cassano.
Clarence Seedorf is suffering from flu symptoms, so could miss out entirely, while Thiago Silva left training early on Saturday with a thigh problem.
If the Brazilian doesn’t make it, then Philippe Mexes will probably partner Alessandro Nesta in central defence.
Much revolves around Kevin-Prince Boateng. If Massimo Ambrosini plays, then the Ghanaian will be used as a trequartista, but if Boateng takes the midfield role then Urby Emanuelson starts behind the strikers instead.
Alexandre Pato is increasingly the favourite to start alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whereas earlier in the week Robinho had been expected to play.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri hinted at using all three in a trident, but that would be a huge risk in such a big game.
Inter have their own issues to contend with, as goalkeeper Julio Cesar is expected to play with the aid of a pain-killing injection for his back pain.
The real doubt revolves around Sneijder, who has not featured at all since November 2 due to a series of injury setbacks.
Claudio Ranieri is tempted to throw the Dutchman in from the start in a 4-4-1-1 system behind lone striker Diego Milito or possibly Diego Forlan.
This would pick apart the side that has notched up five consecutive Serie A victories, sending Giampaolo Pazzini to the bench.
Ricky Alvarez is set to retain his spot on the left side of midfield, while Andrea Ranocchia is heading for the bench in favour of Lucio and Walter Samuel.
The only Nerazzurri absentees are Dejan Stankovic and Sulley Muntari, the latter on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ghana.
Probable line-ups
Milan (4-3-1-2):Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta; Boateng, Van Bommel, Nocerino; Emanuelson; Pato, Ibrahimovic
Milan bench:Amelia, Bonera, Antonini, Mexes, Ambrosini, Robinho, El Shaarawy
Inter (4-4-1-1):Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Nagatomo; Zanetti, Motta, Cambiasso, Alvarez; Sneijder; Milito
Inter bench:Castellazzi, Ranocchia, Chivu, Poli, Coutinho, Forlan, Pazzini