AC Milan vs. US Palermo - Coppa Italia second-leg Preview; Pastore and Ibrahimovic they key players
US Palermo prepare for a second stunner
US Palermo were wildly expected to be outgunned by AC Milan in the first leg of the semi-final, but the Rosanero showed great consistency on the field and managed to keep the Italian giants to a draw on their home turf. With the aggregate score delicately poised at 2-2, the pressure is on the newly crowned Serie A Champions ahead of the all important second leg.
Palermo have had an average season in the Italian top flight and with just two games remaining in the season, chances of improvement are slim if any. Currently placed eighth in the league with 53 points, the Pink-Blacks are 4 points behind Juventus, who occupy the last UEFA Europa League berth. Despite the not-so-outstanding results, the Rosanero have lost just 4 games at home turf this season, winning 11 and finishing the remaining three tied with the opposition. Going into this game, the home form is a good omen for the Sicilian outfit.
Coppa Italia remains an unanticipated chance of winning silverware for the Aquile and a victory will bring a much needed confidence boost ahead of the 2011/12 season. Milan will be running on sheer confidence of winning the Italian top flight and it will be a hard job for the Eagles to make an impact in this game.
AC Milan eyeing a domestic double
AC Milan were held back by Palermo in the first leg of the semi-final at San Siro as the score line read 2-2 at the final whistle. The result was unexpected for most, as the Rossoneri, with the home advantage, were being tipped the favourites to record an emphatic win.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the opener in the 4th minute, but Javier Pastore restored parity ten minutes later. Abel Hernandez earned visitors the lead in the second-half but the Diavolo levelled the scoring through Urby Emanuelson to seal the score line.
AC Milan have been in great form lately and have been consistent in the Italian top flight, winning their 18th title only recently. Massimiliano Allegri is keen on returning the glory days back to the club and a domestic double would be a step in the right direction.
The men in the red and black jerseys travel to Stadio Renzo Barbera on Tuesday, May 10, to play the return leg. The Casciavit will want to take the game to the hosts, and emerge victorious to seal a Coppa Italia final berth.
Team News
US Palermo
The home side will be without the services of Giacomo Brichetto and Michele Paolucci as the aforementioned players are injured. Fabrizio Miccoli is likely to return to the squad.
Javier Pastore (11 goals, 7 assists), Fabrizio Miccoli (8 goals) and Josip Ilicic (8 goals, 6 assists) will be the key players for the home side.
AC Milan
Max Allegri will be going to Palermo without Marek Jankulovski and Filippo Inzaghi as both are sidelined with injuries. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Gennaro Gattuso are unlikely to be available for selection, while Alexandre Pato returns to the squad.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (14 goals, 11 assists), Pato (14 goals) and Robinho (12 goals, 3 assists) would play a vital role for the visitors.
Prediction
Palermo have been exceptionally good performers at home turf but it might not be enough to hold back the Rossoneri squad, who are running on pure adrenaline rush of their 18th Serie A title. AC Milan are expected to land the game with a final score line of 2-1.