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Analysis
The Rossoneri are gradually finding back their groove. They played with confidence, pace and creativity in last weekend’s 1-0 victory against Juventus. Looking at the performance Milan put in that encounter, it would be hard for anyone to accept that they are only 10th in the Italian Serie A table.
However, statistics tell that Allegri’s men have a lot of room for improvement. In their latest Serie A fixture, the Rossoneri had a pass success below the 80 per cent mark whereas they had no more than 39 per cent of ball possession.
What they had, in particular, was zeal and luck to keep Juventus out of their way. Beating Catania is a must for Milan who are currently 10 points adrift the UEFA Champions League zone.
Meanwhile, Catania have huge ambitions this season. They currently hold a one-point advantage which could increase to four over their upcoming opponents. They will be hoping to make full use of their home advantage. In fact, Milan’s players may struggle with fatigue on Friday due to their 1,000 kilometre trip.
Team News
Catania’s probable starting XI: Andujar; Marchesse, Spolli, Legrottaglie, Alvarez; Izco, Lodi, Almiron; Barrientos, Bergessio, Gomez
Milan’s probable starting XI: Abbiati; Di Sciglio, Mexes, Yepes, Constant; Montolivo, De Jong, Boateng; Bojan, Robinho, El Shaarawy
Facts
• The last time Catania lost on home soil was against the side Milan recently defeated, Juventus.
• Catania enter Friday’s fixture having scored a total of six goals and conceded only one in their last two home games.
• Milan have won only two of their last four matches in the Italian Serie A.
• Catania have failed to defeat Milan in their last 10 attempts in all competitions.
• Milan’s El Shaarawy leads the top scorers chart with 10 goals – two more than Klose, Lamela, Di Natale and Cavani.
Head-to-head – Last five meetings (all in the Serie A)
April 11, 2010: Milan 2-2 Catania
September 18, 2010: Milan 1-1 Catania
January 29, 2011: Catania 0-2 Milan
November 6, 2011: Milan 4-0 Catania
March 31, 2012: Catania 1-1 Milan
Prediction
Result: Catania 1-2 Milan
