AC Cesena vs AC Milan Match Preview
Cesena host Milan in what will be for them a Serie A baptism of fire. Milan have strengthened their squad with the well publicized additions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho, but also players who may not steal the limelight, but will undoubtedly prove useful. Goalkeeper Marco Amelia is one of those players, a capable deputy for Christian Abbiati. Also, new addition Sokratis will start in the center of defence, as he replaces the injured Alessandro Nesta. Milan will wait to let Robinho loose, so the formation will probably see Pato, Ronaldinho, and Ibrahimovic in attack.
Cesena emerged with a creditable 0-0 draw against Roma at the Olimpico a couple of weekends ago, so Milan will not have it easy. Schelotto will be the one to watch for Cesena after his fairly convincing performance against Roma.
Most people are expecting a crushing win for the Rossoneri, but given that they are away, and Ibrahimovic is still finding his place in the side, Milan should emerge narrow 2-1 winners.
AC Cesena vs AC Milan Match Report
If Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was hoping for continuity, then he would have been left crestfallen by his team's dismal 2-0 loss to Cesena. The Rossoneri, flying high after crushing Lecce 4-0 last week, were bettered by a team operating on a modest budget and with modest ambitions. The defeat was also a chilling reminder that Milan's problems in defence still persist.
Giaccherini and Schelotto were two players who caused Milan all sorts of problems from the wings, proving, sadly for Milan fans, that notwithstanding decent transfer activity, they still lack defensive solidity.
Yet it could all have been different had Pato's goal not been wrongly disallowed for offside in the 24th minute. It was as if Cesena felt that they had a new lease on life and took the lead shortly after. Giaccherini crossed for Schelotto, who brilliantly crossed the ball on a volley for Bogdani to head home.
It was 2-0 right before half-time. Papastathopoulos, the Greek defender purchased from Genoa, could not contain Bogdani, who crossed for Schelotto for a finish in the corner. It was a goal that came from a counter-attack, after a Milan corner had led to nothing.
The Rossoneri were stunned, and to make matters worse Thiago Silva went off with an injury, moving Daniele Bonera in the center of defence with Ignazio Abate slotting in as right-back. Milan, however, could not break through, and the fact that Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a penalty--won after Filippo Inzaghi was fouled in the box--in the dying moments encapsulated Milan's frustrating night. It was a famous win for Cesena that will enter the club's folklore. Cesena also proved that the lower reaches of Serie A can still offer tremendous competitiveness. True, Milan had two goals incorrectly ruled out, but more tellingly they looked short of ideas against a well organized team. Worrying times ahead for Allegri.
