Chievo vs AC Milan preview - Allegri looking for reaction
Posted Tuesday, April 10, 2012 by PA
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is wearing a brave face heading into Tuesday's game at Chievo.
The Rossoneri travel to Verona having endured a dismal week, in which they were knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona in the quarter-finals before losing 2-1 to Fiorentina on Saturday to relinquish top spot in Serie A to Juventus.
That result followed a 1-1 draw at Catania and left the Rossoneri one point adrift of Juve with seven games remaining.
"We must react with the character of a great side because nothing is lost," Allegri said to www.acmilan.com. "The game is not over.
"If Juventus had the chance to win the Scudetto when they trailed four points behind us, then I see no reason why we can't have the same opportunity trailing Juve by one point.
"We are capable of playing a good game in Verona and taking home a win.
"Juventus are doing well but I believe my team can remain in the race for the Scudetto until the end."
The Rossoneri must overcome the absence of defender Daniele Bonera and midfielders Alberto Aquilani and Massimo Ambrosini, all suspended.
Moreover, Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato is out injured.
The good news for Allegri is that defender Alessandro Nesta and midfielder Mark van Bommel have recovered from minor knocks and will be available.
Chievo coach Domenico Di Carlo expects a backlash from Milan on Tuesday.
"They will come to Verona very angry after their loss to Fiorentina," he said.
"We go into the encounter on the back of two straight wins and we need just one more point to secure Serie A safety.
"We will nevertheless need an extraordinary performance to come out with a positive result against Milan."
Chievo won 3-2 over Catania to climb to ninth place, 11 points clear of the drop zone with seven games remaining.
The hosts are without injured defender Bojan Jokic but welcome back defender Dario Dainelli from suspension.
Photos
More»
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich
Thursday May 09 2024
Your Say