Air of Europe, problems of all time. Milan's trip to Holland began under the banner of an emergency, just like in the last few league games. It should have been Montolivo and El Shaarawy's day, instead only the former will walk the grass at the Amsterdam Arena. In fact, the Pharaoh had to throw in the towel just when he was about to return, due to a blow he received in Sunday training which caused him a micro-fracture in the metatarsal of his left foot. Bad deal, which will cost him a further 20-30 day break, and the fact that the break for the national teams is in the way is only a small consolation. “It's a shame because he was back in shape after the muscle problem and we were counting on having him for this away match – sighed Massimiliano Allegri. – We will still have both Montolivo and Balotelli at our disposal. We have to grit our teeth this week because then, after the break, many of the injured players will return and I will be able to rest some players and have more choices available".
In short, it is better to think about who is there, and in fact, given the moment in Milan, having the captain and Super Mario at your disposal is already a lot. They will be the backbone at the Amsterdam Arena, with particular attention (as always, after all) to the attacker from Brescia. "I think this disqualification has made him understand that a different attitude is needed on the pitch, in the Champions League he will play and he will have to give his all for himself and for the team" commented Allegri, who expects a big hand from his best player. On the other hand, today's match is rather important. A victory against Ajax would be worth a big step towards the round of 6, vice versa a negative result would complicate things, because the next two rounds foresee the terrible Barcelona. In short, three points not to be missed, also by virtue of the consistency of the opponent, far from irresistible. Of the great Ajax of the past only the name has remained, and the 4 goals scored in the Eredivisie by poor Go Ahed Eagles must certainly not deceive. Coached by a former champion like Frank De Boer, the Dutch play with the 3-3-4 (true trademark) and, above the stars, prefer the community. Fischer (attacking midfielder turned winger) and Sighthorsson (center forward) are in fact certainly not top international players, but talented youngsters with class but no experience. A good team, but nothing more, that Barça quietly buried with goals (0-XNUMX) in the last round.
“There are no easy matches in Europe – Allegri cautioned, however. – Ajax play good football and have an excellent tradition. We'll have to be very careful and good at recovering the ball, trying to give the Dutch a little. However, we know that we will find great difficulties and we should try to put in an important and very careful performance". Therefore attention and solidity, to then strike at the right time. It is no coincidence that the Rossoneri coach will prefer Robinho to Matri, who will also be kept in view of the match in Turin, when Balotelli will return to the stands. Behind the forwards there will once again be Birsa, who has now become a regular starter, who will thus allow Allegri to re-propose yet another version of the 4-3-1-2. There is no doubt about the rest of the line-up as well: Abbiati in goal, Abate, Zapata, Mexes and Emanuelson in defence, Montolivo, De Jong and Muntari in midfield. The best Milan possible in these gray times, for a match not to be missed.
Attachments: Everyone's crazy about Mario: the new FIRSTonline and goWare ebook on Mario Balotelli
