So I have to go to Boston unexpectedly today which basically negates the time I had set aside to write this preview, so I need your help.
A few quick questions that I was planning on asking myself prior to writing this preview, instead you answer them:
1. Seedorf or Dinho against Bologna, why?
2. Would you be upset if Pippo and Seedorf were used exclusively in CL play while Dinho and KJH were used only in Serie A?
3. Should Abate get the start?
4. How long before we try Abate at RB?
I do want to add that with the dropped points at Livorno the next three home games are most certainly must wins. Is it early, of course it is, but with a three game home stretch against average competition nine points now will go a long way in making this season one above the Mason Dixon Line of Serie A Clubs.
Here is Calcio-Italia's Preview...
Milan will be out to settle a score when they invite Bologna to San Siro this weekend. Cast your mind back to August 2008 and the corresponding Week 1 encounter last term. The Rossoblu caused a massive shock as they upstaged Ronaldinho’s Rossoneri debut. Marco Di Vaio and Francesco Valiani netted the goals to secure a surprise 2-1 victory.
Granted the Diavolo did earn a quantum of vengeance in January when they thumped Bologna 4-1 at the Dall’Ara. However, they were affronted on their home turf by the Bolognese outfit and need to avenge that slip-up.
In truth though Milan just need a win, regardless of scores they may want to settle. Since their opening day win at Siena they have suffered the indignity of a crushing by rivals Inter and an underwhelming draw against Livorno. If ever a confidence boosting League win was needed it is now.
With just two goals from their first three Serie A games there needs to be more clinical finishing, and when you have just brought in a highly-rated new striker you can feel justified in expecting him to deliver.
New boy Klaas-Jan Huntelaar needs to break his duck. With veteran attacker Pippo Inzaghi netting a brace midweek against Marseille, will he get a chance against the Rossoblu?
If the Milan tactician had any thoughts of turning his plans back to the aging Inzaghi he need only observe the visitor’s top target man – Di Vaio. After making his first start of the season in the loss to Chievo last week he will be eager to remind one of the big guns that he is still a threat.
And you would not bet against Bologna causing an upset. Not only did they win at San Siro last year but they also won the meeting before that in 2004-05. Consequently they are looking for a hat-trick of wins over Milan at the Scala del Calcio. However, they shouldn’t forget that back in 1990-91 the Rossoneri hammered them 6-0.
Milan’s injured list contains goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, midfielder Gennaro Gattuso and homegrown strikers Marco Borriello and Davide Di Gennaro. Bologna miss Greek defender Vangelis Moras for this fixture due to injury.
Keep an eye on: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Milan) – No debut heroics from Huntelaar, to match that of strike partner Pato. No second game goal either, or even third. If he fails to net against Bologna questions will start to be asked of the Rossoneri’s new Dutch bomber.
Last five in Serie A: Milan (- - W L D) Bologna (- - D D L)
Oh and one more thing, a little revenge never hurt anyone!