Resurgent Milan keen on Sicilian conquest

Serie A giants Associazione Calcio Milan FC travel to Sicily in search of a consecutive fourth league success when they take on a struggling Catania side at the Stadio Angelo Massimino.

The Rossoneri, who had a bad start to the season, lie third in the standings and will look to break into the top two, thereby increasing pressure on city-rivals and leaders Internazionale Milano FC.

However, Leonardo’s expansive attacking style could be affected by the absence of the suspended Andrea Pirlo, but the coach is confident that others can fill in.

“We go to Catania with Pirlo disqualified, but our idea of the game will always remain the same,” he said.

“Even those who do not play often are able to understand our system.”

While Pirlo serves a one-game ban, Alessandro Nesta returns.

Gennaro Gattuso, subject of transfer speculation in the past week, should not be too much of a distraction as he takes his place among the injured players in the stands, joined there by Massimo Oddo, Oguchi Onyewu and Marek Jankulovski.

Ignazio Abate could come in at right back, while Mathieu Flamini is fit again.

The 1-1 draw with Marseille in midweek means that Milan have eased the pressure on themselves considerably, with their Champions League fate in their own hands as they take on FC Zurich next week.

Marco Borriello came up with the goal, adding to the run of impressive form that has seen him bag three in seven league games.

Catania are without a win in their last five games, but spirits were boosted by the creditable 1-1 draw in the derby at Palermo last time out.

“The draw against Palermo was a very good result,” said defender Matias Silvestre.

“If we continue on this road, sooner or later the results will come. Now we have Milan, a great team, but we’re looking for revenge.”

Silvestre’s defensive colleague Giuseppe Bellusci warned the game may not be pretty.

“Considering how we played in Palermo, one point isn’t much,” he said. “Starting from the match against Milan, for us it becomes important to earn points rather than playing well.”

It is no mystery as to why the premium is put on points. Catania sit 19th in the table, three points from safety having won only once all season.

A match against Milan is just the latest installment of a tough early fixture list, which has already seen them travel to Inter and Fiorentina as well as taking on Roma, Udinese and Lazio, among others.

However, such factors do not ease the pressure on coach Gianluca Atzori, who needs to pick up some points and fast.

His cause will not be helped by the absence of Gennaro Delvecchio, Pablo Barrientos, Fabio Sciacca and Giovanni Marchese.