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As Vincenzo Montella said earlier this week, Milan need to step up their game if they want to have any hope of making European competition. With new ownership looking more likely than ever, and with the likelihood of a new contract for Montella rising - it’d be a good start for the new era of AC Milan to qualify for the Europa League.
️@VMontella to @MilanTV: "In the last 8 games we recorded 17 points, probably we need to do a bit better to make it into Europe"
— AC Milan (@acmilan) April 8, 2017
There are 24 points left to play for in the current Serie A season, meaning Milan have every chance of surging up the table - they just need to win games - especially so against Inter, Roma and Atalanta who all have a lead on Milan. The foundation of those statement wins, if they are to happen, will be wins in the remaining games.
Ideally, that starts today against Palermo. Palermo sit above Pescara at the bottom of the Serie A table in 19th place. Position means nothing on gameday though, as proved by Milan’s last outing when Pescara pulled the rug from under the Rossoneri. It was Milan who had to steal the draw on that occasion.
Palermo are going through a transition as well. As the Rosanero struggle against relegation to Serie B, their president Maurizio Zamparini stepped down to allow new leadership.
Palermo? They will be inspired by Pescara’s ability to shut down Milan. Milan? They’ll be looking to right the wrongs this time around.
When And Where: San Siro, Sunday 9th of April 2017, 2:00 p.m. GMT
Italy: Sky Calcio 2, Premium Calcio 2, Premium Play, SKY Go Italia
United States: fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A.,
Prediction: Milan 2 - 1 Palermo
Milan need to shut down Palermo and there will be a big spotlight on Gigio Donnarumma, who may have cost Milan three points last time out. Expect a gutsy game from both sides.