AC Milan vs Genoa

AC Milan are back at the San Siro in round 20 of Serie A to host Genoa. The reigning world club champions are coming off of back to back league wins as they look to climb back into the European qualifying spots of the league table. The visiting Genoa are winners of 3 straight matches and are looking to climb up the table in their own right.

The rossoneri have actually already played two matches this week. They were winners on the road to Udinese last week by a score of 0-1 at the Stadio Friuli to start things off. Then they lost a Coppa Italia match away to Atalanta by a score of 2-1. It was only the first leg so they still have a chance of advancing. Carlo Ancelotti’s club have been very inconsistent this season. They seem to be one club in Europe and a much more vulnerable side in the domestic tournament. They currently sit in 10^th place of the league table with 24 points on the year and sit just 1 point back of 9^th place Palermo. There continue to be a number of injury concerns this week with Pippo Inzaghi, Jankulovski, and the Brazilians Serginho, Dida, and Ronaldo all having been ruled out. AC Milan look set to go with a 4-3-2-1 featuring new signing Alexandre Pato as the lone striker with Seedorf and Kaka just behind him.

Il Grifone come into this contest have strung together 3 straight victories over Parma at home, Lazio on the road and then at home to Atalanta Bergamo in week 19.Their unbeaten run now stands at 4 matches. At this time the side managed by Gasperini are in 8^th place of Serie A with 25 points for the campaign. This has them just behind 7^th place Sampdoria on goal difference, while also just ahead of 9^th place Palermo on goal difference. Out injured this week are Leon of Honduras and Gaetano De Rosa, while Criscito will sit this one out due to suspension. The absence of De Rosa will cause manager Gasperini to alter the 3 man back line with Lucarelli come in at the left side with Bovo moving to the center. The formation with remain a 3-4-3.

While Milan are certainly the superior side on paper this could potentially be tough match for inter given that Genoa play with 3 strikers. However, Pato will be going against a side that features a 3 man back line and that could play a big factor as well. Milan’s inability to win consistently at home, just 1 win in 8 matches, doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)