Preview: Milan kick start life without Allegri
The Italian tactician was relieved of his duties after weeks of speculation. The 4-3 loss at the hands of 17th placed Sassuolo sealed the 46 year olds fate who within 24 hours of the defeat was sacked. Mauro Tassotti is expected to take charge of Milan for his first and last match, as the appointment of former Milan player Clarence Seedorf as head coach of the Rossoneri seems imminent.
The Dutchman who spent 10 years at AC Milan announced retirement from his playing career upon Milan’s interest in appointing him as their new manager. In a statement the former Botafogo midfielder revealed:
"I am here to announce that I will retire from playing after 22 years.”
"Milan? We will meet again. This experience of the last year and a half has made me grow up a lot and will help me in my next step, as coach of Milan, who have hired me in both an elegant and correct manner.”
"I like challenges and coaching Milan will be another challenge in my career. I couldn't say no to Milan after having spent 10 years there.”
"I made the decision to join Milan today but last night was a difficult night for me. But I made the right choice. I'm very happy about the opportunity Milan have given me and I'm very motivated.”
However the Milan players will have to keep all of this at the back of their minds and concentrate on the match on Wednesday if they are to avoid being at the receiving end of another upset.
The Diavolo were in for a comfortable night when Robinho gave them the lead in the 9th minute against Sassuolo which was doubled in the 13th minute by Mario Balotelli. However a 26 minute hat-trick by Domenico Berardi gave Eusebio Di Francesco’s men the lead in the first half only which was further extended when Berardi scored his fourth goal of the match.
However a match against Spezia, who are currently 12th in Serie B will provide Milan an ideal opportunity to bounce back. The Aquilotti have lost two of their last five matches which also includes a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Latina in their last outing.
The Rossoneri on the other hand have been on an even worse run having won just a single match in their last five. Milan are expected to make some changes as they look to rest key players with both Kaka and Mario Balotelli likely to be demoted to the bench. Keisuke Honda will get his first taste of the Italian Cup and is likely to play in the hole behind the striker.
Milan will welcome back Ignazio Abate from injury and the 27 year old is expected to fill in the right back position, whereas Mexes and Bonera are likely to partner in the middle with Emanuelson positioned at left back.
Spezia on the other hands do not have any major injury concerns and will be looking to field their strongest eleven. It is likely that manager Giovanni Stroppa will make use of a 4-4-2 formation with Sansovini and Ciurria leading the attack for the Little Eagles.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch AC Milan vs Spezia live on Wednesday, January 15, 2014:
In Canada at 12:00 ET on beIN Sports Play Canada
In US at 12:00 ET on beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports Play
The match can also be internationally viewed on bwin.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the AC Milan vs Spezia match page.
