Champions, you take care of it! The lackluster Milan of recent times asks for help from the European spirit to face (and, above all, overcome) Atletico Madrid. Hostile opponent, leading the Spanish Liga together with Barcelona and Real Madrid, undoubtedly favorite for the passage to the quarter-finals. Yet Champions League AC Milan believe it, as if that little tune composed by Tony Britten in 1992 had so-called magical powers. “It's a special atmosphere, you will see a different team – explained Seedorf in the press conference. – In Europe nothing is impossible, do you remember what happened in 2007?”. Impossible to forget it, given that that year Milan won the cup in the final-rematch against Liverpool. It is unlikely that the scenario will repeat itself, but not for the Dutch coach, who obviously has a lot of faith in his team. “Defining her as mine is a big word – replied the Dutchman. – I'm trying to find the best condition, we're working to improve the tactical and mental part". And right here there are two aspects to underline. The first concerns the game system, which will remain unchanged despite the requests of Silvio Berlusconi, who visited Milanello yesterday just like on every important eve. “We have a president who supports us a lot but doesn't impose anything – revealed Seedorf. – He knows that no big team in Europe plays with two strikers, and then in the future I will try to have 4 or 5… ”. On the mental aspect, however, Balotelli's presence at the press conference should be noted, a nice injection of responsibility in view of the most important match of the season.
“Clarence is like a teammate, a brother – thought Supermario. – Things come easier with him, I'm more serene. I want to help the group win the match, in order to win the Champions League I would also play in goal..." In short, the spirit seems to be the right one, but objectively the difficulties remain. In fact, the current Milan has many problems and the results, slightly better than those of the recent past, are not enough to hide them. And then there are the usual training problems, which between disqualifications (Montolivo, Muntari) regulations (Honda) and injuries (Zapata) create many problems for the Dutchman. The central couple in front of Abbiati should be made up of Rami and Bonera (the advantage over Mexes), De Sciglio and Emanuelson will be on the flanks. In midfield, De Jong-Essien was forced to play a three-quarter line with Poli, Kakà (the Brazilian recovered and will start from the first minute) and Taarabt. In attack Balotelli, with Pazzini first change. On the Atletico Madrid front, trust, but above all respect for the Rossoneri. “We don't feel like favourites, we'll have to prove it on the pitch – explained Diego Pablo Simeone. – We will find ourselves facing the best Milan, they have great players in attack, we will have to pay attention to their counterattacks". The colchoneros (literally "mattresses") will line up with the usual 4-4-2: Courtois in goal, Juanfran, Mirando, Godin, Insua in defense, Arda Turan, Gabi, Suarez, Koke in midfield, Diego Costa and Raul Garcia in attack . There won't be a full house at San Siro, but the overview is still impressive. In fact, the expected spectators are around 65/70 thousand, of which 2.500 are Spanish. A large crowd for a great game, hoping that the spirit of the Champions League will once again be able to transform Milan.
