Hard to discuss this past weekend's match after what happened to Fabrice Muamba. Milan fans may not know him, or even where plays, but if you consider that the very same thing could have happened to Antonio Cassano, it makes you stop and think for a moment how scary such a tragedy can be. In some odd way it is comforting to know that Muamba is recovering even though he is under hospital care, but more importantly is a reminder that the game we love is played by humans. Best of luck to Fabrice Muamba and thoughts go out to his family and teammates.
Milan continued to roll this weekend and the blip in London seems like a historic memory. It was Urby Emanuelson who helped put Parma to rest, despite the fact that Parma tactician and former Milan man, Roberto Donadoni, felt that Parma deserved more. Sure Parma hit the woodwork twice and were the better team for the first 15 minutes, playing livelier and more direct than Milan, but the unfortunate hand ball for Zaccardo gave Milan upperhand and the match seemed to get away. The shot came from Urby that led to the handball, but the more incredible play was his goal that was scored in shades of Diego Maradona and George Weah as he slalomed down the pitch to score. Parma continued to attack and Milan took the pressure, but it was two attacks that seemed to be Parma's undoing and kept Milan at the top of the table.
The match also gave Allegri a chance to get minutes for Zambrotta and Rino, two players who have veteran leadership and now fresh legs, who may prove crucial down the stretch. The first of a many crucial matches is tomorrow was Milan go to Torino with the intent and goal of qualifying for the Coppa Italia final. It won't be easy as Milan need to overturn a one goal lead and two away goals. Last season against Palermo it seemed this was a simpler task and it things didn't go Milan's way, but you have to believe momentum is our favor despite Juventus' thrashing of a ten-man Fiorentina.
Allegri's lineup will be a tricky call because Roma loom on the weekend and some of Milan's strongest players have not rested in weeks. You have to believe that some players will get a chance to shine tomorrow as the fixture list has Barcelona on it merely a week away, but you can't make the final unless you win tomorrow so it would appear this match has a lot riding it. So it becomes an issue of balance and where you can rest certain players, so here goes nothing, but don't be surprised if it isn't even close!
Abbiati; Zambrotta, Silva, Mexes, Mesbah; Muntari, Van Bommel, Aquilani; Urby; Zlatan, El Sharaawi
Zambro will probably start again as Abate continues to find fitness. Mexes is not suspended so I suspect him to play and Antonini will most likely be rested, though Mesbah may struggle. Van Bommel is fresh from the weekend and Muntari can't play CL so he should play everything. Aquilani should be fit to play and in turn rests Nocerino and Urby and Zlatan are in form so should continue play. Again, your guess is as good as mine, but considering who is fit and the two matches on deck you can see where work needs to be done in midfield choices.