The Daily Discussion - Forza Milan?

By Simon Warner

Can we expect to see this pose in the fashion capital later?

When Silvio Berlusconi controversially courted a young, inexperienced Italian at his Milanese home last summer, more than a few eyebrows were raised. The name of his recent conquest may still not reassure everyone that this is a football discussion as the candidate arrived at San Siro without the stamp of big club on his portfolio and, even more surprisingly, no ties with the Milan family. 

After Leonardo’s brief spell in charge, Massimilano Allegri arrived at Milan with only two Serie A campaigns at Cagliari, having previously plied his trade at Sassuolo in the Italian lower tiers. Consistent mid-table finishes in the top flight on a limited budget earned Allegri the prestigious ‘manager of the year’ award but it was also the Sardinians enterprising play that saw Berlusconi calling south in the summer.

Having navigated a tricky Champion League group stage (that comprised of Real Madrid, Ajax and Auxerre), Milan are now also top of Serie A and averaging 2 goals a game so you would allow Berlusconi a smug grin inbetween entertaining clientele at his domestic Italian home. Spurs provide their next obstacle this evening in Milan and what can Harry’s men expect?

The Livornian’s recent formations certainly justify his reputation as the conductor of free flowing football. Where most versions of 4-3-3 often become 4-5-1 when defending, Allegri’s attacking trio of Ibrahimovic, Pato and Robinho certainly won’t be offering much protection to the midfield. Having scored his first goal since his arrival, in the 4-0 demolition of Parma last weekend, Antonio Cassano may have got the nod ahead of the inconsistent and often criticsied Pato but his earlier appearance in the tournament with Sampdoria makes him ineligible.

A main concern for the Rossoneri faithful has been the method of supply to the strikers where the industrious midfield has often been negated with arrowing long balls from deep. Injuries to their captain Ambrosini, KP Boateng and, more recently, Pirlo will do little to discourage this approach and Allegri must now decide whether to gamble on the creativity of Germany U19 international Alexander Merkel. With recent acquisitions Urby Emanuelson and Mark Van Bommel also ineligible, it is widely expected that Allegri will keep faith in the old heads and play Gattuso (34), Seedorf (34) and Flamini (29) in the engine room. Harry Redknapp is a big admirer of ex-gunner Mathieu Flamini and he will relish the opportunity to face his old North London rivals but he has had a poor season and his ball retention ability is being exposed in this league.

Another worry for Allegri is the lack of width and goals his midfield provides (2 goals all season) so there is a heavy reliance on the forwards to deliver in Milan tonight. Fortunately for the home side they are likely to do just that. They have scored 31 goals in 60 appearances between them and I expect them to add to that tally tonight against a porous Spurs defence. Will they be able to close the door at the other end though?

Zambrotta’s recent knee surgery has given Massimo Oddo the chance to reignite his Milan career at the age of 34 where he is expected to line up alongside Alessandro Nesta, also 34, Luca Antonini and the supremely gifted Brazilian centre back Thiago Silva. Gareth Bale is a huge loss but Aaron Lennon will target Oddo’s ageing legs which may see him switch wings at some point to ensure Spurs expose this weakness. Milan are still a formidable defensive unit, however, especially with the experienced midfield offering such solid protection ahead of them and the reliable Christian Abbiati behind them.

Expect goals though. And expect Milan to score most of them. I predict 3-1 which would set up a mouth watering reverse leg in North London next month.