Milan-Cagliari

By: Jeremy | November 20th, 2009

BiondiniJeda

When we last left our boys for the international break they were riding high on momentum after winning four games in a row. These wins took the club from a relegation leader and possibly looking for a new coach to an 8th place position and just two points from the Champions League spots.

Probably not a good time for a break as it levels off the momentum and allows our upcoming opponent, Milan, some extra rest which can only help a team with their age. The break was not without positivity however as we got to see a player who has quietly emerged make his full international debut for the Azzurri in his hometown. Davide Biondini played well and dont rule him out for a final spot the on the roster.

While Cagliaris weakness is still its defense, as evidenced by the increased attempts to finalize the loan of Juve defensive starlet Ariaundo come January, its midfield depth, a strength of the club, will be severely tested this weekend.

Milan, like Cagliari, are one of the in form teams in Serie A right now. They have also gone from almost firing Leonardo, their chosen replacement for Ancellotti, to being unbeaten in 8 games and now in third place with 22 points and convinced they can now win the Scudetto. The fortunes of Serie A clubs can change in a matter of weeks and both of these teams are on the good end of the momentum.

Cagliari comes into the game in Milan this weekend without its best player, Andrea Cossu, who will sit out a suspension. As a result some of its midfield depth will be tested. Look for Jeda to drop back into Cossu’s attacking midfielder role with Nene and Matri paired up front. It could be worse but this is where some depth helps and Matri will want to show his former team that he will make them pay more for Cagliari taking him off their hands. With Dessena, Conte, and an amped up Biondini ready to control the midfield, Cagliari will do as well as possible without their best player.

Milan is still old but their talent is undeniable and are still fun to watch. They will be a little less fun on Sunday though as Ronaldinho will see little to no action in this game as he has had the flu recently and will likely sit out to prepare for next weeks Champions League match. While their players might be looking forward to that game, they will be prepared to beat Cagliari and if the Scudetto is really a serious idea, they have to beat midtable teams at home coming off a rest week. It will not help that they wont have Gattuso, Bonera, and even Nesta will miss the game from suspension. Their depth will be tested, but it all comes down to how Pato feels and whether he shows up to score or pout. With his place in the Selecao not finalized, he needs to produce so it should be a game where he plays well.

Both teams are strong and Cagliari has to be wondering what if regarding their games against Catania, Siena, and Livorno where they managed one point against the three worst teams in Serie A. Even on the road, Cagliari is not a huge underdog in this game and could very easily win it.

It will all come down to which striker emerges and whether its Pato, Nene, or Matri, they will each be hurt by having their quarterback missing. Someone in midfield will have to step up and provide some surprise leadership for their team. This is Cagliaris time for its midfield depth to earn its praise. I think they will do it and earn atleast a draw.

Prediction
Milan 1-1 Cagliari

Prediction record to date:
5-7