AC Milan vs Atalanta

AC Milan were able to bounce back in Round 30 of Serie A and got back to their winning ways on the road. This week they will be hosting an Atalanta outfit that dropped 2 very disappointing points at home in their last match.

The Rossoneri are in 5^th place of the league table at this time with 49 points. They are 4 points back of 4^th place Fiorentina and 2 points up on Udinese. In their last match the side managed by Carlo Ancelotti were able to secure a 0-1 win away to Torino at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. The result allowed AC Milan to snap a 2 match losing spell and they have now won 2 of their last 5 matches to go with 1 draw and 2 losses. There were some questions earlier this week as to what type of condition the players that had participated in the various international this week would return to the club but is has been confirmed that both Seedorf and Pato are ready to play. Kaka’ remains injured this week along with Ronaldo, Emerson, Serginho and Pippo Inzaghi. Therefore, look for AC Milan to go with a 4-3-1-2 with Seedorf playing just behind the strikers Gilardino and Pato.

Atalanta were held to a frustrating draw at home in week 30 by Catania in their match at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri D’Italia which ended 0-0. It was the second consecutive match in which the club managed by Gigi Del Neri have failed to score a goal. In fact, the bergamaschi have failed to score in 4 of their last 5 games during which time they have compiled a record of 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses. They have 38 points for the year which leave them 1 point back of 8^th place Genoa and 1 point ahead of 10^th place Lazio. The injured list this week consists of Costinha, Capelli and Mulimovic with Carrozzieri out suspended for 2 games. Atalanta will travel to the San Siro with a 4-4-1-1 formation featuring Doni playing just behind Floccari.

While AC Milan will certainly be the favorite on paper this week, their troubles at home have been well documented. In 14 home matches this season the rossoneri have compiled 4 wins and 7 draws with 3 losses. Meanwhile, Atalanta have 3 wins and 4 draws with 8 losses away from home. AC Milan are a different club without Kaka’ on the pitch and if the visitors are able to hold Pato in check they will have a chance.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)