Serie A 2011, Week 13: Genoa Vs. AC Milan, Match Preview

Week 13 of Serie A kicks off on Friday, just like last week, in order to accommodate midweek Champions League matches. That means AC Milan travels to Genoa, where a win could put them top in the league -- for a few days, anyway. The rossoneri "crisis" has passed and Milan are undefeated in their last seven games, winning two of their last three 4-0, and scoring 19 in their last six matches. They might need to keep up their flashy attack against Genoa, however, because once again Milan are forced to field a weaker defense, with Christian Abbiati out of goal, Mark van Bommel unable to take on the destroyer role in midfield, and Alessandro Nesta missing from the back line. But, despite scoring against Chievo, Alexandre Pato miraculously remains unhurt, and ready to lead the attack alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although Robinho could step in instead. Kevin-Prince Boateng will almost certainly play just behind, with Alberto Aquilani and Antonio Nocerino milling behind.

Genoa, however, are without top scorer Rodrigo Palacio, who picked up a yellow against Cesena last week and sits out a one-game suspension. That's all that the rossoblu picked up last weekend, however, allowing Cesena their first home win of the season, a 2-0 victory picked up on the foot of Adrian Mutu. Could we see Genoa playing for a draw at home, then? It wouldn't be surprising. This is a squad that's conceded as many goals as they've scored -- 14 -- with their biggest victory a 3-0 win over Catania in September. In other words, Week 13 could very well be kicking off with a whimper, rather than a bang.