Forbidden to dream. Or at least for now, waiting for times to really get better. After the victories in Glasgow and Catania, Milan visits Livorno with morale restored, starting with the management. Adriano Galliani spoke openly of an encore comeback, towards a third place in the Champions League that would truly seem miraculous. However, optimism does not dwell in Milanello, where Massimiliano Allegri prefers to keep his feet on the ground. “The positive signs are those of the last few matches – explained the coach. – Now, however, we don't need to think about third place, we have to take one small step at a time. I expect the boys to line up good results between now and Christmas. Taking long steps hurts us”. The message is clear, Milan must avoid programs and think about scoring points from time to time.
Starting with Livorno, Allegri's native land, where the Rossoneri will find an opponent with water at their throats. “It's always nice to come home, especially to find Livorno in Serie A – explained the Tuscan coach. – It will be a very difficult game, they have all the credentials to save themselves. They allow little space and have good counter-attacks, they must be faced with respect, intensity and good ball management. But we are behind in the standings, we must follow up on the results to reverse the trend". The positive signs are all there, starting with the infirmary. Which after months of perennial sold out is finally emptying, as demonstrated by the recoveries of Mexes and De Sciglio, in addition to what has already happened in Catania of El Shaarawy. “Pharaoh is better, after a two-month break he played 20 minutes – admitted the coach. – I don't know if he will start, but he will be in the game. Mexes and De Sciglio are recovered, Muntari, Abate and Constant will be back on Wednesday against Ajax”. No doubts instead for Balotelli and Kakà, finally 100% recovered (in every sense) and ready to drag Milan out of the abyss. “Mario never left – Allegri defended him. – He was just a bit unlucky but he has to improve because he has great potential. They are so huge that maybe he doesn't even realize it, but I think he has taken the right path. Ricky on the other hand can still improve in terms of condition, but even so he is an important player. A coach who has him in his team can consider himself lucky." The coach will confirm the 4-3-2-1 already seen in Glasgow and Catania, with the returning Abbiati in goal, De Sciglio, Mexes, Zapata and Emanuelson in defence, Montolivo, De Jong, Poli in midfield, Birsa, Kakà and Balotelli in attack. El Shaarawy is expected to start on the bench, ready to take over in the second half.
