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Milan might be doing poorly in Serie A -- they're sitting 10th and have just one win in their last seven matches -- but Massimiliano Allegri has a chance to rescue his side's season. All it takes is a draw against Ajax at the San Siro on Wednesday night, and the rossoneri are on their way to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
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Ajax, meanwhile, are two points behind Vitesse in the Eredivisie, but have won their last four matches by a combined scoreline of 14-0. And the Dutch side haven't done that poorly in the tournament, either. Last time out, they beat Barcelona 2-1, with Barcelona's only goal a penalty. They would've beaten Milan in the first leg had it not been for a Mario Balotelli penalty in stoppage time. In fact, one of the goals scored in their 2-1 loss to Celtic was off a penalty. Perhaps a lesson to be learned here, Ajax?
The point is, despite being in the comforting environs of the San Siro, this isn't necessarily an easy task for Milan. Allegri's switch to a Christmas tree formation may have produced more goals for the rossoneri (or perhaps it was just the involvement of Balotelli) but it's done nothing to protect the aging and frail backline. A couple of set pieces for Ajax and Milan's dreams of advancement are finished.
AC Milan injuries and suspensions
Ignazio Abate, Marco Amelia, Valter Birsa, Giampaolo Pazzini, Robinho, Matías Silvestre (injured)
Ajax injuries and suspensions
Nicolai Boilesen, Siem de Jong, Lerin Duarte (injured); Joël Veltman (suspended)
Projected Lineups
Milan (4-3-2-1): Christian Abbiati; Mattia De Sciglio, Philippe Mexès, Cristian Zapata, Urby Emanuelson; Riccardo Montolivo, Nigel de Jong, Andrea Poli; Stephan El Shaarawy,
Kakà; Mario Balotelli
Ajax (4-3-3): Jasper Cillessen; Ricardo van Rhijn, Niklas Moisander, Stefano Denswil, Ruben Ligeon; Thulani Serero, Daley Blind, Davy Klaassen; Lasse Schöne, Danny Hoesen, Viktor Fischer
Match Date / Time
Wednesday, December 11 at 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue
San Siro, Milan
Watch
TV: Sky Calcio 1, Sky Sport 1 Italia (Italy); Fox Sports 2 (USA); Mediaset Italia, Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: Fox Soccer2Go (USA); Sportsnet World Online (Canada)
