Milan vs Sampdoria

**Filipez** · 19th March 2008, 19:00

MILAN: Kalac; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kakà, Seedorf; Pato.
SAMPDORIA: Castellazzi; Lucchini, Gastaldello, Accardi; Maggio, Sammarco, Volpi, Palombo, Pieri; Delvecchio, Bonazzoli.

Serie A Week 29 - 19/3/08 (19.30 UK)

Milan - Sampdoria
San Siro

This tie could surprisingly have a big impact on who plays in next season’s UEFA Cup, with hosts Milan currently in fifth place in Serie A and visitors Sampdoria just two points behind in sixth.

Of course, the Rossoneri’s sights are set on the bigger stage of the Champions League and they will be desperate to grab all three points at San Siro to keep the pressure on Fiorentina and the rest of the top four. Last week’s disappointing defeat at Roma means they are now four points behind the Viola and set the alarm bells ringing as they threw away a 1-0 lead in the closing stages. With just one win in four League games and their European exit, they will need to regroup quickly if they are stay in contention for a top four finish at the end of a busy week.

There are no suspensions for Diavolo Coach Carlo Ancelotti to worry about, which is just as well given Milan’s injury list at the moment. Youngster Alexandre Pato is again expected to start as a lone striker given Alberto Gilardino’s loss of form and the continued absence of injured forwards Ronaldo and Filippo Inzaghi. Two more young attackers, Alberto Paloschi and Willy Aubameyang could find a place on the bench. Elsewhere, Brazilian full-backs Marcos Cafu and Serginho are also out, as is French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

The biggest problem for Sampdoria is obviously the suspension to Antonio Cassano. The fiery forward was handed a five-match ban for his tantrum against Torino and still has three games to go before he can return to action. Daniele Franceschini is also suspended after picking up one too many yellow cards. Veteran striker Vincenzo Montella and Argentine defender Hugo Campagnaro are both unavailable due to their injury problems.

The good news for Samp boss Walter Mazzarri is that his team has coped very well without Cassano so far. In their two matches without Il Talentino they have recorded two victories, with Parma and Catania their victims. The 3-1 victory over the Sicilians on Sunday was especially impressive and the Blucerchiati will be hoping to build on that performance to secure their place in Europe for next season. They are only one point ahead of UEFA Cup rivals Udinese, so Mazzarri knows they can’t afford to drop points at this stage of the season.

Keep an eye on: Gennaro Delvecchio (Sampdoria) – The battling midfielder has had to adapt to a new role since the suspension to Antonio Cassano and Delvecchio should be starting to feel at home as a support striker.

Last season: Milan 1-0 Sampdoria

Form guide: Milan (W D D W L) Sampdoria (D L D W W)