AC Milan vs Udinese

AC Milan close out their 2007-2008 campaign at home to Udinese needing a victory and some help in order to finish in 4^th place of Serie A and qualify for the Champions League. This is a direct confrontation between two clubs that are coming off of losses in week 37.

AC Milan were beaten on the road in week 37 when they fell to SS Napoli by a score of 3-1 at the Stadio San Paolo. The loss, coupled with Fiorentina’s victory over Parma, dropped Milan out of 4^th place and into 5^th place where they now sit with 61 points, 2 points behind them. In order to qualify for the first round of the Champions League the rossoneri will need to win and hope that Fiorentina lose their match. The loss to Napoli snapped a 3 game win streak for the side managed by Carlo Ancelotti. At this time Ronaldo, Maldini, Dida and Emerson have been ruled out because of injury, while Nesta and Gattuso are out suspended. Milan are expected to feature a 4-3-2-1 with Seedorf and Kaka’ just behind Pippo Inzaghi.

Udinese are in 7^th place of the league table and are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Cup for next season. They have 57 points which leaves them 2 points back of 6^th place Sampdoria and 7 ahead of 8^th place Napoli. Last week they fell at home to Cagliari by a score of 0-2 at the Stadio Friuli. The loss snapped a 2 match win streak for the side managed by Marino. On the injury front Udinese will be missing a significant number of players as Obodo, Asamoah, D’Agostino, Felipe, Ferronetti, Isla and Siqueira have been ruled out. Pinzi is set to replace D’Agostino in midfield with Di Natale, Quagliarella and Pepe starting upfront in 4-3-3.

While AC Milan have not exactly played like world beaters at home- having won just 7 matches from 18 with 7 draws and 4 losses- they have to be favored this week as they have something to play for. Win or lose, Udinese are playing the UEFA Cup next season. If AC Milan win this week, they have a chance at the Champions League. Look for the rossoneri to take care of business at home.

Prediction: AC Milan (1-0)