Milan are forced into numerous changes, including debutant goalkeeper Gabriel, as they host Antonio Di Natale’s Udinese” data-scaytid=”3″>Udinese.
This Serie A fixture kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Milan are forced into numerous changes, including debutant goalkeeper Gabriel, as they host Antonio Di Natale’s Udinese.
This Serie A fixture kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri is under a great deal of pressure after slipping down to 12th place, especially as his men will face Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Mario Balotelli suffered a muscular problem and could well miss the Barca game too, joining Stephan El Shaarawy, Giampaolo Pazzini, Daniele Bonera and Mattia De Sciglio.
Christian Abbiati was due to start, but picked up a calf injury during training and Allegri opted for Brazilian Gabriel rather than Marco Amelia. This is his Serie A debut, though the 21-year-old has impressed a great deal in friendlies.
Philippe Mexes and Nigel De Jong are suspended, though Kaka, Valter Birsa and Matias Silvestre return from long injury lay-offs. The Brazilian starts from the bench.
Udinese are without Maurizio Domizzi and Zeljko Brkic, but Di Natale hopes to continue his extraordinary record against Milan.
The 36-year-old hitman has put 11 goals past the Rossoneri in 20 encounters, including eight in their last nine Serie A games.
He is supported by Roberto Pereyra, benching both Luis Muriel and Maicosuel.
Last season Milan won here 2-1 thanks to a 93rd-minute Balotelli penalty.
Milan: Gabriel; Abate, Silvestre, Zapata, Constant; Poli, Montolivo, Muntari; Birsa; Robinho, Matri
Udinese: Kelava; Heurtaux, Danilo, Naldo; Basta, Pinzi, Allan, Lazzari, Gabriel Silva; Pereyra, Di Natale