Auxerre vs AC Milan preview - Allegri wants more of the same - 7M sport

Auxerre vs AC Milan preview - Allegri wants more of the same



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Posted Tuesday, November 23, 2010 by PA

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was delighted with his team's performance against Fiorentina on Saturday and has called for more of the same in the Champions League at Auxerre.

A win in France coupled with a defeat for Ajax at Real Madrid in the other Group G game would see the Italians qualify for the knockout stages and eliminate Auxerre.

The Rossoneri are in buoyant mood after a solid display saw them beat Fiorentina 1-0 at the weekend.

The result was Milan's fourth consecutive league triumph and lifted them three points clear at the top of Serie A. Allegri hopes they can carry that through to the Champions League.

"I'm very happy because for the second league game in a row we have not given away a goal," said Allegri.

"Despite the injuries to several players (Alexandre Pato, Filippo Inzaghi), we have found balance with the players we have available.

"This is proof that my team always goes out on the pitch determined to win.

"We must pick up where we left off against Fiorentina when we take on Auxerre.

"The game against Auxerre and our final group game against Ajax are crucial in our hopes of advancing in the Champions League.

"Auxerre are also going through a good run of form and we will have to be ready."

Milan lie second in the group, five points behind leaders Real Madrid and just one point clear of Ajax.

Auxerre are bottom of the pool, two points behind Milan.

The French side go into the encounter at the Stade de l'Abbe-Deschamps on the back of a five-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw at St Etienne saw Auxerre climb to ninth in the league standings, five points adrift of leaders Lille.

Jean Fernandez's side will be eager to pick up where they left off in their 2-1 triumph over Ajax that was their first win in the competition this season.

"In one match, anything is possible at Stade de l'Abbe-Deschamps," he said.

"We showed that against Ajax.

"We almost succeeded against Real (1-0 defeat).

"So why not Milan? That's our state of mind."

Auxerre will have to keep a close eye on in-form striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic scored the only goal against Fiorentina to take his goal tally for the season to 11 in all competitions.

With attacking duo Pato and Inzaghi out of action through injury, the Sweden international will lead Milan forward alongside Robinho.

Auxerre will have to do without several key players.

Midfielder Steeven Langil, who scored the winner against Ajax, is out with a knee problem and right-back Cedric Hengbart is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Centre-back Jean-Pascal Mignot serves a one-match ban while Kenyan forward Dennis Oliech returns from suspension.



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