Milan vs Palermo Preview

The Rossoneri will be looking to rebound from their painful midweek Champions League elimination when they entertain a struggling Palermo on Sunday.

AC Milan will have no choice but to put their devastating UEFA Champions League exit to Barcelona behind themselves when they meet lowly Palermo in Round 29 of the Italian Serie A at the San Siro stadium.

The Italian giants rated their chances of eliminating Barcelona from the Champions League after their impressive 2-0 win at the San Siro, but went crashing out following a 4-0 thumping by Lionel Messi and co. at the Camp Nou on Tuesday.

Milan, who sit in third position of the Serie A with 51 points, two points behind second-placed Napoli, and fourteen points adrift league leaders Juventus, understand that the Scudetto isn't within their reach this season, but will be hoping to secure themselves of a spot in next season's Champions League.

With Fiorentina and arch-rivals Inter Milan lurking in their shadows, the Rossoneri must regroup immediately and rack up the three points against a Palermo side who languish second from bottom, with just 21 points.

For the clash, Milan will be unable to count with the services of striker Giampaolo Pazzini, who is out injured, and the suspended Kevin Constant. While Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong continues to be sidelined after rupturing his left achilles tendon in December.

The game will call for the return of controversial Italian international Mario Balotelli, who was ineligible for the Champions League with Milan, after having participated in the competition for former club Manchester City.

Rivals Palermo, who have had to deal with five changes of coach this season, will be without no less than four players through injury, these being Edgar Barreto, Andrea Dossena, Andrea Mantovani and Uruguayan striker Abel Hernandez.

Palermo, who are destined to be relegated to the Serie B at the conclusion of the season, have failed to beat Milan in the last three fixtures between the sides, and will be absolutely desperate to pull off an unlikely upset at the San Siro on Sunday.