betting
Milan
By David, BettingExpert.com | Edited
Berlusconi’s political investment
With trouble looming in his political party Berlusconi has sought to make amends by strengthening his position and Milan at the same time. The arrivals of Ibrahimovic and Robinho make the Rossoneri’s attacking line-up the best on paper, not only in the Serie A but also on an international level. This team is made for winning …or is it? Can the defence and midfield support the attack well to get the three points often enough to claim the ultimate price?
Coach: Allegri
Tactics: 4-3-3
Players In: Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Yepes, Amelia, Papastathopoulos, Boateng
Players Out: Borriello, Kaladze, Huntelaar, Favalli, Dida, Storari, Zigoni, Aubameyang, Adiyah
Current Probable Formation: Abbiati, Papastathopoulos, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini, Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf, Pato, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho
The coach is new and so are the faces of Boateng, Yepes, Papastathopoulos and Amelia but the headlines are all for Ibrahimovic and Robinho. Berlusconi has finally immersed his hand into his deep pockets and dug out more than the usual handful of spare change this time. The Swedish and the Brazilian stars have cost the club quite a sum but never as much as Barcelona and Manchester City had spent to acquire their services a few months ago. Galliani and Braida have managed to at least match some of their more successful market achievements in the past years. Seedorf, Pirlo and Kaka come to mind. Hats off to them for having brought two bright stars to the Serie A but most of all it is the situation that has spurred Berlusconi to reinvest money in his most precious of toys that Milan fans have to be grateful to.
The passion has been reignited in Berlusconi but it is now
up to Allegri to figure out a way of how to field his team. Will we be able to
enjoy an attack which showcases Milan’s four aces at the same time – Ronaldinho
– Ibrahimovic – Pato – Robinho? Most probably no. Neither of them does help
much when the 
ball is in the opponents’ feet. Perhaps Ibrahimovic does run down
to apply some pressure but he is not consistent on that front and often results
in him getting shown the odd yellow card. A three-pronged attack supported by a
three-man midfield composed of Pirlo, Ambrosini and Seedorf will be the more
likely option. The creativity of Pirlo will not be sacrificed and putting
Seedorf aside will not be wise either. He can go forward and help in defence at
the same time but he can stumble on that off day way too often as well. A true
defensive midfielder like Ambrosini will also be required. Boateng and Gattuso
are valid alternatives with the Ghanaian international also capable of
replacing Seedorf when required. This is his great chance at shining on the big
stage after having had to live in the shadows at Portsmouth, Tottenham and
Hertha Berlin so he should be making the very best out of it. Flamini will be
another luxury alternative in the middle of the park, capable of defending and
supporting the attack in a similar way as Boateng.
This does not leave much space for Abate in midfield where the places available are only three. He may therefore be directed towards a full-back role, just like the other youngster who is already making a name for himself at Milan, Antonini. The latter should be a starter with Zambrotta the preferred choice for the other side.
Goalkeeping options are plentiful with Abbiati and Amelia
the contenders for the number one shirt. The veteran should be the one starting
as the guardian for Milan at the back but Amelia does have the necessary talent
to win the battle. Third keeper Roma is a valid alternative. The true Achilles
heel for this Milan, however, is their central 
defence. Thiago Silva and Nesta
are world class defenders and their affinity has been instantaneous with each
boasting good speed, positioning and marking. With the two or any one of them
missing, however, the replacements will not be able to guarantee the same form
of cover for Milan. Papastathopoulos may need time to get used to the big step
up from Genoa whilst Yepes is also a poor replacement, although perhaps the
best option for the Rossoneri. Onyewu should be the emergency choice and Bonera
has not proven to be the solid defender which his early exploits with Parma had
promised. The American will not be seeing much of the pitch unless it is a
Coppa Italia game and Bonera will serve as a gap-filler on the right side of
defence mostly.
With the striking force Allegri has at his disposal Milan will not be sweating much to find the net, although I still suspect that Ronaldinho will be the most instrumental player for them in terms of supply. Robinho is still to be evaluated in terms of both his ideal position, which is usually the one currently occupied by Ronaldinho at Milan, and the impact with a tactical game as the Italian one. He did suffer the defenders’ physical approach in the Premier League. His talent, however, is not questionable and at Milan is the best place in Italy where players like him are appreciated.
Ibrahimovic will not be having any problems to deal with
either finding the goals or with the criticism that will be coming his way from
hurt Inter fans. His role should, however, be different from that he was used
to at either Inter or Barcelona where he was a sole central striker expected to
score more than anything else. He did help with playing the ball at Barca more
than he was used to at Inter but in this kind of Milan he should be seen moving
down the pitch to get and play the ball towards the quick forwards much more
often. Pato should take advantage of this and he should, bar any long term
injuries, become top scorer for his side. The tactics in Allegri’s Milan point
towards a reliance on Pato’s runs from the right and into the box. He can
easily claim the top scorer award in the league as well if things work out fine
for him and for Milan.
Predicted finishing position: 2nd
Goals will be the least of Milan’s problems although Pato is still the major threat for opponents. He will be missed whenever he is sidelined and judging by last year’s records he will be sitting out a lot of games. It is, however, the defensive line-up that should be taken care of mostly. With Milan not having invested in a reliable central defender who can guarantee cover for the fantastic Nesta – Thiago Silva duo in the heart of their defence they should be in for some blunders when any of the two breaks down due to their propensity for injuries. It is this and their allure for the European stage which may ultimately cost them the title and a ticket to the Wembley final.
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