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Euro Preview -
24 October 2007
Lucarelli to
heap more misery on Milan.
A home fixture against Ukranian opposition would normally be
considered easy-pickings for the defending champions, however Carlo
Ancelotti's side have looked anything but Kings of Europe so far
this season.
Shakhtar Donetsk travel to the San Siro full of confidence after
opening victories against Celtic and Benfica, and will be looking to
cement their place at the top of Group D.
AC Milan's San Siro woes were compounded on Sunday, as they were
humbled by Empoli. It was a lethargic attacking performance without
their talisman Kaka. With Ronaldo still sidelined it was left to
Gilardino and Inzaghi to produce the goods, and they proved once
again that they're about the least effective double-act since Evans
and Houllier.
Defensively, the problems appear even greater for the Rossoneri.
Legendary stopper Paolo Maldini is now past his best, and Alessandro
Nesta is anything but a defensive lynchpin. Maldini cannot manage
two games in a week these days, so his place will be taken by Kakha
Kaladze, with 35 year old Favalli replacing the injured Jankulovski.
Empoli, Catania and Parma have all exposed one specific weakness
in recent games - poor marking. Crosses from wide areas are just not
being dealt with effectively. This is an area which Shakhtar should
be able to exploit through the pace of Ilsinho and Fernandinho, and
the predatory instincts of Cristiano Lucarelli.
There have been rumours this week about Lucarelli and Ilsinho
being lined up for a move to Milan in the transfer window, which
would provide an added incentive, should any extra motivation be
needed, to perform in such a game. Second-top scorer in Serie A last
season, Lucarelli has always enjoyed playing at the San Siro, having
notched three times in his last three visits.
Brazilian Goalkeeper Dida is preparing for the Oscars, sorry
serving a ban, so ex-Leicester flop Kalac will line-up between the
sticks. Ancelotti's main concern will be the condition of Kaka - a
player who almost single-handedly took Milan to last year's
Champions League Final. The Brazilian playmaker is still listed as
doubtful, so it's fair to assume he may not be in the best shape
should he be rushed back for what really is a make-or-break fixture
for Milan.
Take Mircea Lucescu's vastly improving side to match their more
illustrious opponents, and exploit obvious weaknesses in an ageing
Milan rearguard. Lucarelli can once again be a thorn in the side of
old foe Silvio Berlusconi.
AC Milan v Shakhtar Donetsk. Wednesday 19:45.
Recommendation:
3pts
Shakhtar +1 (three-way handicap) @ 2/1 Betfred,
Sportingbet. 1.5pts Lucarelli to score
@ 4/1. Hills, Bet365.
Ilunga
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