Losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and potentially several other players such as Kevin Prince-Boateng, Alberto Aquilani and also Maxi Lopez ahead of Ac Milan’s weekend clash against Juventus apparently won’t make Massimiliano Allegri content with getting anything other than three points.

The absentees remains a problem for the Rossoneri but with the excellent morale hanging on the players head at the moment, Allegri believes that his team can still put on an excellent performance.

However, despite being confident with his team’s quality, Allegri won’t reject the idea of getting all three points without having to play well as beating Juventus this week would give a morale boost although it might not be that decisive for Scudetto challenge as just yet. Obviously, Milan would try to continue their good performances of late as keeping a winning run would simply boosted the Rossoneri confidence even more ahead of several important games to come.

We’re ready to play a big game. We have to play well technically and we’ll have to be good defensively. It’s not yet a decisive game, but a win for either team would change the balance of the league championship. We just have to play a big game and try and get the best result we can,” Allegri explained. “If they told me we could play a bad game and still win, I’d sign for that right now. But anyway, we’ve been playing reasonably well lately and against Juventus we’ll have to play technically well.”

Moreover, regarding the failed appeal attempt on Ibrahimovic’s three match suspension, Allegri apparently has already accepted the decision and opted to focus on the match against Juventus instead by preparing other options. The tactician is expecting that Alexandre Pato will finally step up his form again after simply been losing a lot this season mostly because of his usual injury problems, which have been frequently arriving in the last few seasons.

“I have to accept the Ibrahimovic decision because there’s nothing anyone can do about it. The decision was taken and we all have to accept it and concentrate on the game. With or without him we have to try and won this game because it’s a big one and so we’ll have to try and play as well as we can,” Allegri stated. “Pato will play tomorrow. Pato, like everyone else will be really motivated for the game.”

Milan’s squad against Juventus:

Abbiati, Amelia, Abate, Antonini, Bonera, Ely, Mesbah, Mexes, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta, Yepes, Ambrosini, Emanuelson, Muntari, Nocerino, Van Bommel, El Shaarawy, Inzaghi, Pato, Robinho

photo credit: Jan S0L0

Just as it was expected after the poor result they earned in the first leg along with the chaos happening on their coaching seat simply became the hurdle that simply puts away Lazio’s chance of advancing from Atletico Madrid’s challenge in the Europa League.

Instead of getting a pay back from their 3-1 defeat in the first meeting, Edy Reja’s team went on into another defeat, this time only a slight 1-0 lose but still another addition to the Capital side’s runs of poor results.

Coming into the game from a runs of defeats and also the news about their tactician’s resignation, Lazio looked out of sort from the first minute as it was pretty much all Atletico who dominate the encounter. Despite playing without Diego and also resting Radamel Falcao on the bench, the Spaniard still trouble the Biancocelesti’s defense a lot especially from the movement of their young striker, Adrian Lopez, who constantly testing Albano Bizzarri in the visitor’s goal.

However, Atletico domination didn’t find its rewards until the early minutes of the second period when Uruguayan international defender, Diego Godin, puts his header in the back of Bizzarri’s net from Gabi’s corner. The 1-0 lead didn’t stop the Madrid based outfit from attacking their opponents, who doesn’t seem to have any motivation in playing since the Italian are facing a 4-1 aggregate which is obviously to difficult to overcome.

Until the final whistle was blown, nothing really special in attack was done by Lazio, leaving many disappointment for obviously for Italian football since there’s only Udinese left as Serie A representative in the competition. This situation could get worse once the Biancocelesti returns to the penninsula as there’s still some random doubts about the future of their tactician, Edy Reja, who handed over a resignation letter not long ago but was rejected by the club’s management.

Match Reports:
Atletico Madrid v Lazio 1-0
Goal: Godin 48 (Atletico)
Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Dominguez, Miranda (Silvio 70), Godin, Perea; Assuncao, Gabi; Juanfran (Arda Turan 58), Salvio, Koke; Adrian Lopez (Falcao 61)
Lazio: Bizzarri; Zauri, Diakite, Dias; Lulic (Rozzi 77); Matuzalem, Ledesma (Zampa 80); Mauri, Hernanes, Candreva (Gonzalez 57); Kozak

Udinese maintain Italy’s pedigree in the Europa League after successfully trashing Greece representative, PAOK 3-0 away from home and simply earned a passage to the next round for the Zebrette.

Playing without their two important players, Antonio Di Natale and Mauricio Isla, the Friuli outfit simply showed their strength and prove that they still take the competition seriously despite only picking up a 0-0 draw in the first leg at home.

Starting the line with Antonio Floro Flores and Diego Fabbrini, Udinese looked pretty strong indeed especially since their midfield set up is simply boosted with the return of Kwando Asamoah, who didn’t play in the first leg. It took only six minutes for the Italian to take the lead and it was their Brazilian defender, Danilo, who provide the first blow after successfully heading in Giovanni Pasquale’s corner.

It doesn’t take that long for Udinese to double their lead as Floro Flores struck a thundering shot in the 15th minute and take his team comfortably leading over PAOK, who kept on trying to get level. The home team admirably continue their effort in chasing the Italian representative but things eventually went in favor of Francesco Guidolin’s team right after the second half kick off as they grabbed the third goal through Maurizio Domizzi’s spot kick.

The victory bring lots of joy for Guidolin who praises his players for being able to perform well despite playing in a difficult ground and not really having much advantage from the first leg. The tactician also stated that the win should give additional motivation and spirit for the squad ahead of their upcoming Serie A clash in the weekend against Bologna, who are in a good form i the league at the moment.

“We entered the field looking to initiate play in a difficult ground, so I must congratulate the players because they were really good. to play here was not easy, this game will remain in the album of beautiful memories of my experience in Udine. Now, the primary focus is on our next opponents, for Bologna we must prepare. The thing that reassures me is the spirit of this team, we have players who have the desire – we want to move forward in both competition,” Guidolin explained.

Match Reports:
PAOK v Udinese 0-3
Goals: Danilo 6, Floro Flores 15, Domizzi 51 pen (Udinese)

PAOK: Kresic; Sznaucner (Apostolopoulos 54), Cirllo, Malez, Stafylidis (Georgiadis 31); Lazar, Pablo Garcia; Giannou (Nimani 64), Athanasiadis, Lino; Salpingidis
Udinese: Handanovic; Benatia (Feronetti 86), Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Asamoah, Abdi (Battocchio 46), Pazienza, Pasquale; Fabbrini (Armero 69); Floro Flores

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss out this weekend’s potential title decider against Juventus after having his three-match suspension up-held.

Ibra had been suspended for three matches for slapping an opponent against Napoli earlier this month, but Milan had appealed against the length of the suspension in Iin order to be eligible for Saturday’s meeting at the San Siro.

AC Milan have not wasted any time slamming the decision releasing an official statement to the press saying:

“The decision of the Federal Court of Justice is unfair, because they have applied a sentence intended for violent conduct to an action that was by no means violent. This is a serious judicial error.”

 

Inter Milan carried their poor league form into the Champions League as the Italian outfit were defeated by Marseille with a late goal from Andrew Ayew at Vellodrome.

The result was obviously disappointing for the Nerazzurri who were actually very close in earning a pretty precious point if not for defensive mistake right at the dead which allowed the home team to knick a goal.

Coming into the game carrying consecutive defeats in Serie A, Claudio Ranieri, opted a rather cautious approach to the game by fielding a single striker formation supported by an attacking midfielder in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Moreover, the tactician also picked experienced players to handle the pressure as Inter reportedly fielded an averagely the oldest side in this year’s Champions League, with 32 years old in total.

Playing a cautious game, things seemingly looking pretty well for Inter as they managed to hold down the home side’s aggressiveness while creating some chances through the likes of Diego Forlan and Wesley Sneijder. It was a pretty even match as the result of the first half pretty much represents the equality as both sides are forced to end the period with a 0-0 draw without much special goal mouth action happening.

Marseille improved their attacking play in the second period though as they poured down the pressure towards the Nerazzurri flanks, forcing Ranieri to make a more defensive move by taking off Zarate for Joel Obi. Things seemingly looked solid for Inter until the final 90 as the draw result could be taken home but Ayew simply blew all of the plan away after his glancing header slotted into Julio Cesar’s net without any problem.

The result simply left a bitter taste for Inter, mainly Ranieri who was opting for the cautious approach in order to get away with something positive so his players can eventually rebuilt their current mental problem. However, things looking even more difficult at the moment for the Nerazzurri especially since they will be facing Napoli in Serie A this weekend, a rather difficult task in their attempt to simply break away from the current bad spell.

Match Reports

Marseille v Inter 1-0
Goal: Ayew 93 (Marseille)

Olympique Marseille: Mandanda; Azpilicueta (Fanni 80), Diawara, N’Koulou, Morel; Diarra, Cheyrou (Kabore 83); Amalfitano, Valbuena, A Ayew; Brandao (J Ayew 72)
Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon (Nagatomo 46), Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Stankovic, Cambiasso, Zarate (Obi 63); Sneijder; Forlan

 
photo credit: batrax

Receiving some criticism ahead of Napoli’s Champions League clash against Chelsea, Ezequiel Lavezzi puts down all the doubters after his two goals helped the Southern Italian side defeated Andre Villas-Boas team.

The Partenopei went on winning 3-1 with Edinson Cavani adding Lavezzi’s brace, providing a pretty good result for Walter Mazzarri’s side, something they can hold on to ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge in around three weeks time.

Being in a better form than their opponent, Napoli tried to take full control of the match and they pretty much did so in the first 20 minutes where the home team simply dominated their opponent. However, despite creating more goal scoring chances, it was Chelsea who took the lead against the run of play as a defensive error by Paolo Cannavaro allowing Juan Mata to take full advantage and scoring the opening goal for the visitor.

Trailing a goal down, things looking difficult for Napoli as conceding a goal at home are always difficult in European tie such as the Champions League, let alone it happened against a much more experienced side. Fortunately for the home team, Lavezzi wore his scoring boots on the day as despite Chelsea’s improved confidence, the Argentinian managed to grab the equalizing goal after his curling shot beat Peter Cech all ends up.

The equalizing goal made things more interesting as both teams continue to create chances but Napoli turned the tie around in injury time as Cavani successfully chest down Gokhan Inler’s cross passed Cech. A goal which drove the crowd at San Paolo wild as they were fiercely celebrating at another potential magical night for the Southern Italian side, despite the fear in the early 30 minutes when the Blues took the lead first.

Despite leading, Napoli didn’t managed to maintain their pressure in the second half, allowing Chelsea to have the better of the match, threatening an equalizer which would obviously troubled the Italian side even more. However, it turned out to be Lavezzi’s day indeed as the Argentinian once again provide the goods for the home team as he scored his second goal in the match, receiving a nice assist from Cavani.

The Partenopei looking comfortable at 3-1, although they were visibly eying for a fourth but in the final 10 minutes it’s pretty clear that getting a two goal advantage is considered good enough for them. Mazzzarri’s boys hold up well until the final whistle, not giving another away goal for the London outfit, providing a much more confident boost for the second leg tie at Stamford Bridge.

Match Reports:

Napoli v Chelsea 3-1
Goals: Lavezzi 38, 65, Cavani 45+2 (Napoli); Mata 27 (Chelsea)

Napoli:De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Gargano, Inler, Zuniga; Hamsik (Pandev 82), Lavezzi (Dzemaili 73); Cavani
Chelsea:Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, David Luiz, Bosingwa (A Cole 11); Ramires, Raul Meireles (Essien 70), Malouda (Lampard 70); Sturridge, Drogba, Mata

photo credit: Ludo29

Roma director Franco Baldini has dismissed rumours that Roma coach Luis Enrique could soon be leaving the club to take over Barcelona.

Enrique, who was in charge of Barcelona B before he took over at Roma last summer, was earlier this week tipped as one of the possible candidates for the head job at the Nou Camp if Pep Guardiola decides to leave in the summer.

The 41-year-old tactician was also rumoured to have a clause in his contract that allows him to leave the Stadio Olimpico for free if Barca come knocking, although Baldini has moved quickly to quash these reports.

“Luis Enrique is going nowhere,” Baldini told Il Corriere dello Sport. “He is staying at Roma until 2013, and he does not have any clauses in his contract.”

Following a shaky start to the season, Enrique has guided Roma to fifth in the Serie A, and will be looking to rise further up the rankings when the Giallorossi take on Atalanta on Sunday.

Ezequiel Lavezzi considers Napoli’s round of 16 meeting with Chelsea “the most important match of the season”, and he is itching to mark the occasion with his first Champions League goal.

The Argentina winger has scored three goals in the UEFA Cup and Europa League, is certainly due a goal against the Blues, and he said:

“I really hope so. It would be pretty nice to score my first goal in the UEFA Champions League against a team like Chelsea. I know I could score more goals, but at the end of the game, if I have helped the team to get a result, I’ll be happy.”

Napoli are unbeaten at the Stadio San Paolo in 11 games since returning to continental competition in 2008 after a 13-year absence, and are eager to achieve a first-leg advantage. However, Lavezzi was in no mood to talk up their prospects in Tuesday’s match, with the former CA San Lorenzo man wary of setting his side up for a fall.

“I’m staying really quiet,” said the 26-year-old. “This is an important game but if we are not careful we risk losing. We are not the favourites because Chelsea have much experience than us, but I can promise that we are hungry and that we want to write an important page in our history. We have to respect Chelsea, otherwise we won’t go on – that is clear.

“This is the most important match of the season and we can’t make any mistakes,” he continued, batting away talk of Chelsea’s wavering form in England. “We have to play our game. I don’t care how many goals our opponents have scored or conceded. We have to focus for more than 90 minutes and then everything might be good, especially if we know we have done our best.”

 

Lazio continue their woeful form after getting themselves battered by Palermo 5-1 in Serie A making lives obviously difficult for them although Edy Reja’s team still maintain the third place spot after their rival, Udinese, only managed a draw against Cagliari.

In other match, Roma previously picked up an important three points that keeps their chance in chasing the final Champions League spot after winning 1-0 against Parma.

In Sicily, Lazio’s make shift squad apparently wasn’t a match at all for Palermo who only needed 9 minutes before taking the lead through Edgar Baretto daisy cutter right in front of the penalty area. Massimo Donati extended the Rossanero’s lead after 20 minutes with a wonderful right footed shot that simply beaten Federico Marchetti all ends up as the midfield player’s strike was simply out of the goalie’s reach.

Mathias Silvestre closed the first half with Palermo’s third goal after his header found the net just few minutes before the half time whistle was blown. Things got even more depressing for the visitor early in the second half as the home team grabbed two early goals from Igor Budan and also Fabrizio Micolli, while Reja’s team only managed to pull one back with Libor Kozak’s late strike.

Luckily for Lazio, their third place spot remain in tack as Udinese only managed to level the Capital side’s point after Francesco Guidolin’s men only managed a draw at home against Cagliari. The absence of Antonio Di Natale along with Mauricio Isla apparently reduced the Friulani’s strength as they weren’t able to break down the Sardinian’s defense, despite getting several good goal scoring chances.

Meanwhile, Lazio’s city rival were victorious against Parma thanks to the goal from Fabio Borini, who is actually a player that is currently being loaned by the capital club from their opponent that Sunday. Borini’s goal arrived midway in the first period after his drilled shot beat Antonio Mirante on Parma’s goal, providing a pretty disappointing day for the Gialloblu, having their net being rattled by a youngster they actually owned.

Complete Results for Week 24 of Serie A:

Inter v Bologna 0-3; Fiorentina v Napoli 0-3; Juventus v Catania 3-1; Cesena v Milan 1-3; Lecce v Siena 4-1; Genoa v Chievo 0-1; Novara v Atalanta 0-0; Palermo v Lazio 5-1; Udinese v Cagliari 0-0

photo credit: batrax

Ac Milan regain their lead in the top of Serie A table after picking up a pretty convincing 3-1 victory over home team Cesena, in a game that saw Sulley Muntari opened his goal account with the Rossoneri.

Urby Emanuelson and Robinho also joins on the score sheet but giving much security for the Rossoneri despite the home team’s ability in pulling one back through Pudil, which didn’t really affect the outcome of the game.

Coming into the match from a convincing victory in the Champions League, Milan were looking very confident from the start as they immediately create several goal scoring chances mainly through new signing, Muntari and also captain Massimo Ambrosini. After almost half hour played, the Rossoneri finally got the goal they deserved and it was the new boy from Ghana who cracked his debut after pouncing on Thiago Silva’s spilled free kick shot.

Shortly after Muntari’s opener, Milan doubled their advantage as this time it was Emanuelson’s turn to bag his first goal this season with a sensational long range effort after receiving Robinho’s pass. The Dutchman who has been impressing a lot in recent matches, has obviously win more supports with his long range screamer, something that he usually did during the player’s time at Ajax Amsterdam.

Trailing two goals down, Cesena were trying to improve their game in the second period as they were proving more physical pressure for the Rossoneri, resulting in several goal scoring chances after a very dull first period. However, it was still Milan’s match as they grabbed the third through Robinho who was ridiculously left unmarked in the penalty area, simply being allowed to add his tally and showed his renewed confidence after previously netting a double against Arsenal.

Milan players showed their bad habit though after securing the victory as they allowed Cesena to play more football and eventually the home team did managed to pull one back through their January signing Daniel Pudil. The goal arrived after a bad clearance from Daniele Bonera, giving the chance for Pudil to pounce on the loose ball and beat Christian Abbiati with a long range shot which from the replay actually looked pretty savable.

Both teams created some more chances in the final minutes but the final score didn’t change and obviously a deserved victory for Massimiliano Allegri’s side as they remain top of Serie A just before next weekend big match against Juventus. An important victory from Milan considering once again they were playing without many important players as injury issues remains a big problem for the Red and Black squad.

Match Reports:

Cesena V Ac Milan 1-3

Goals: Pudil 64 (Cesena); Muntari 29, Emanuelson 31, Robinho 55 (Milan)

Cesena: Antonioli; Rossi, Benalouane, Rodriguez; Comotto, Santana (Martinez 82), Colucci (Guana 71), Parolo, Pudil; Mutu, Iaquinta
Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Bonera, Thiago Silva, Mesbah; Nocerino, Ambrosini (Van Bommel 51), Muntari; Emanuelson; Maxi Lopez (Inzaghi 91), Robinho (El Shaarawy 77)

photo credit: VanDammeMaarten.be