Milan know they must beat Catania tonight or lose third place to Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”2″>Fiorentina, so Mario Balotelli’s return is perfect timing.
Milan know they must beat Catania tonight or lose third place to Fiorentina, so Mario Balotelli’s return is perfect timing.
The Viola won 3-0 at Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”4″>Sampdoria today to leapfrog into the Champions League spot. At 19.45 UK time the Rossoneri have to respond at San Siro. Click here for a match preview.
Balotelli returns from suspension, as his three-match ban was reduced to two on appeal. He even gave up the chance to attend the Time gala in New York as one of the 100 most influential people in the world so that he could best prepare for this game.
Cristian Zapata is suspended, while Christian Abbiati and Massimo Ambrosini are out of action, so Marco Amelia starts in goal.
Catania have never won at San Siro in Serie A, but still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa League.
They are still feeling the after-effects of last week’s 1-1 draw with Palermo, as the Sicilian Derby ended with a brawl.
Because of that, goalkeeper Mariano Andujar and midfielder Giuseppe Bellusci have three-match bans, while Nicolas Spolli is out for one.
Pablo Alvarez also misses out due to injury, so Alberto Frison and Alexis Rolin have rare starts.
Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez and Gonzalo Bergessio aim to use their pace to frighten the Milan back line.
Milan: Amelia; Abate, Mexes, Bonera, De Sciglio; Flamini, Montolivo, Nocerino; Boateng, Balotelli, El Shaarawy
Catania: Frison; Izco, Legrottaglie, Rolin, Marchese; Lodi, Almiron, Barrientos; Castro, Gomez, Bergessio.