Atalanta vs AC Milan: Inzaghi's Last Stand

Not with a bang but with a whimper. We face our final game with nothing to play for but pride in what will surely be Inzaghi's final game in charge. Diego Lopez misses our final match, so one would expect Abbiati to captain the team one last time.

Mastour is absent but several youth players are present in the squad, though we're unlikely to see a short cameo unless we are in a very commanding position, as occurred last week when Mastalli got his chance.

Atalanta are a combative side across the entire pitch and have been very difficult to play since Reja took over. Pinilla has been very effective in Denis' absence and preventing him from taking the ball down and holding the play up will be pivotal. It is a pity that Alex is absent as Pinilla is the sort of opponent I feel he'd be well suited to combating but we will have to manage. The greater worry is at fullback where one of Bonera or Bocchetti are likely to be fielded, depending upon which side De Sciglio plays. Atalanta's greatest strength is their ability to take the ball up the pitch quickly through their wingers, Gomez and Moralez, who are additionally both committed in defence. We must ensure that we offer our fullbacks plenty of cover, particularly given the tendency of Zappacosta to get up the pitch on the overlap.

We should dominate the ball in the middle of the park but the greatest danger will be giving the ball away cheaply with the pace out wide Atalanta offer on the break and the manner in which their midfielders push up to support on the counter. In this sense we must watch Baselli, who does not get many touches but is often dangerous when he does get the ball.

Up front, one would expect El Shaarawy to retain his spot after an excellent outing against Torino whilst Honda has been performing well on the right wing of late. In the centre it is uncertain whether Inzaghi will play Destro or Pazzini, though I'd prefer the former. Both are unlikely to feature for us next season but I feel Mattia's more likely to put the ball in the back of the net this game.

AC Milan Squad: Abbiati, Gori, Donnarumma, Bocchetti, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mexes, Paletta, Rami, Zapata, Calabria, Bonaventura, De Jong, Poli, Suso, Van Ginkel, Mastalli, Cerci, Destro, El Shaarawy, Honda, Pazzini, Di Molfetta

Expected XI:

Abbiati
Bonera---Paletta---Mexes---De Sciglio
Poli---De Jong---Van Ginkel
Honda---Destro---El Shaarawy

Great display of youth policy from Inzaghi.

Sadly, this cycle will continue once we hire Montella, sign Vlaar and Gignac and finish 7th. The head of the snake must be cut

Half time 2-1 for us. Pazzini and Allegri with the goals.

The last 4 games without Menez: 3 wins, 1 loss, 10 goals scored and 5 conceded.

Was really pleased with El Shaarawy in the final games. Hopefully he stays injury free next season. He truly is a player who at his full form is world class.

Q. Is it a coincidence that when we give younger players a chance, we win games?

A. Absolutely not.

I missed the game , somehow i thought it was today .

sigh

this game was ok. de sciligo and bocchetti sucked in this game so bad.

baselli was good in this game but only good. lets see what he has got. i hear that he will come to milan next season.