8-11-8. No, that is not a random collection of numbers or some kind of security code, but rather it represents AC Milan's record so far this season. Currently out of European competition due to their dismal showings last campaign, at one point, some more optimistic Rossoneri fans thought that perhaps the team might just make amends and secure Champions League football for the upcoming season.
Once that became an impossible task, it was then on to the Europa League - which, despite being the continent's second-tier competition was certainly better than missing out entirely for a second straight year.
With 35 points, Filippo Inzaghi's side are now 10 behind Fiorentina, to whom they lost 2-1 after trying to hold on to a slim one goal lead for nearly the entire game. That loss, of course, has the former striker's future again up in the air as it is becoming readily apparent that Milan not only will not be featuring in Europe but could possibly end up finishing even lower than under Clarence Seedorf.
The former Dutch international who also happened to be a teammate of Inzaghi's, was jettisoned last summer by the impatient Silvio Berlusconi after leaving the team in an eighth placed spot.
For now, though, Inzaghi's focus naturally will be on the task ahead: welcoming relegation candidates Cagliari to the San Siro this evening. The Rossoblu have had a nightmare of a season, but with 21 points are not entirely done for as Atalanta sits just four points ahead in 17th place. And witl the Diavolo's inconsistent form, one would not blame them for perhaps fancying their chances at an upset on the road.
Milan are currently in the midst of an injury crisis, with several key players, including Mattia De Sciglio, Stephan El Shaarawy, Adil Rami, and Riccardo Montolivo all out on the treatment table. Nonetheless, statistically, the Rossoneri have fared well against their opponents. Out of their 67 past meetings, the hosts have won 35, drawn 25, and lost just seven against Cagliari.
Additionally, the Isolani have not been able to beat the Diavolo in nearly two decades, meaning that Zdenek Zeman's men have quite a bit of history against them given that they have since lost 18 out of their 24 meetings. And at the San Siro, the numbers look even more in favor of the home side, as they have won all ten of their last home meetings, with the corresponding fixture during the 2013/2014 campaign ending as a 3-1 win.
Given this, it should represent a good opportunity for Inzaghi's squad to redeem themselves somewhat, although if reports are to be believed, the coach's fate may have been already decided with the international break looming, thus giving Milan the time to make yet another chance on the tactician's bench.
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AC Milan vs Cagliari team sheets
AC Milan's lineup:Diego Lopez; Abate, Paletta, Mexes, Antonelli; Poli, De Jong, Van Ginkel; Honda, Destro, Menez.
Cagliari's lineup: Brkic, Gonzalez, Ceppitelli, Diakité, Avelar, Donsah, Crisetig, Ekdal, Farias, Sau, Mpoku.
AC Milan's subs: Abbiati, Gori, Albertazzi, Alex, Bonera, Bocchetti, Muntari, Essien, Mastalli, Suso, Cerci, Pazzini.
Cagliari's subs: to follow.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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