Catania have made their name as giant-killers this season, but Vincenzo Montella warns “people act as if we're the favourites against Milan.”
Catania have made their name as giant-killers this season, but Vincenzo Montella warns “people act as if we're the favourites against Milan.”
The Elefantini have beaten Inter and Napoli in recent weeks, while they also took points off Juventus and Lazio.
“It seems to me as if some have forgotten tomorrow we're facing the reigning champions of Italy,” said the Coach.
“Over the last few days I've heard people act as if we're the favourites against Milan. It makes me smile, but at the same time we all have to be concentrated and keep our feet on the ground. We can't have any arrogance in thinking this could be an easy game for us.”
The Rossoneri do certainly have problems at San Siro, missing the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alessandro Nesta, Antonio Nocerino, Alexandre Pato and Antonio Cassano.
“It's still 11 players on the field and, despite the absentees, Milan will have a world class line-up. I wish Cassano a speedy recovery, but if he is out then Robinho steps in. If Nocerino is suspended, then Clarence Seedorf comes back.
“Plus they have Thiago Silva, who I don't think has any weak points. He is so strong in the air, when sprinting and knows how to start attacking moves. He is the perfect defender.”
Catania must also do without some of their stars, as Mariano Izco is unavailable, though Maxi Lopez is again likely to start from the bench.
“If we had faced a team on our level, I won't deny we might've felt a slight drop in concentration levels, but facing Milan at San Siro fires up the team automatically. There's no need for me to motivate them.”
Catania squad: Andujar, Campagnolo, Kosicky; Bellusci, Capuano, Legrottaglie, Marchese, Potenza, Spolli; Almiron, Barrientos, Delvecchio, Lodi, Ricchiuti, Sciacca; Bergessio, Catellani, Gomez, Lanzafame, Maxi Lopez