Concern and confidence are evenly balanced at AC Milan ahead of Wednesday’s first—leg quarter—final against Champions League holders Barcelona.
Being drawn to tackle the Spanish champions was a first source of trouble for the seven—time trophy winners, whose captain Massimo Ambrosini agreed with the many calling Barca “the strongest team in the world.”
Vice president Adriano Galliani this week provided optimism as he commented that “(Milan) certainly were not lucky in the draw, but Barcelona were not either, because they met Milan.” As it has happened for most of the season, injuries trouble coach Massimiliano Allegri, with the defence particularly hit as influential Thiago Silva is out for both matches, Ignazio Abate misses the home leg and veteran Alessandro Nesta returns from a long lay—off.
The midfield is in good shape, despite the suspension of the expert and gritty Marc van Bommel, and welcomes back the dynamic Kevin—Prince Boateng to play with veteran Clarence Seedorf.
Pato and Antonio Cassano are still unavailable upfront, leaving star Zlatan Ibrahimovic trying to hurt his former club alongside the recovered Robinho, with Maxi Lopez ready on the bench.
Ibra, who scored seven goals in the last four Serie A games, complained about the frequency of injuries, noting that “we are in a crucial month and cannot lose all these players,” but displayed coolness about the big match.
“Tackling the strongest team in the world is stimulating,” the Swede said. “We have the chance to beat Barcelona. After all, if you want to win the Champions League, sooner or later you have to play against certain opponents.” Barca beat Milan 3—2 at the Giuseppe Meazza in the group phase of the tournament, after being held to a 2—2 home draw from Silva’s injury—time goal in what were their only dropped points of the competition.
The holders would be pleased with a similar performance to advance to the semi—finals.
Lionel Messi, with 35 goals in the home league, seven more than Ibra, and 12 in the Champions League including a record five in a 7—1 drubbing of Bayer Leverkusen, is a major worry for Christian Abbiati.
“There is no point in fearing him. After all, I cannot shoot him,” the goalkeeper told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I know perfectly that he is the best in the world, but Barcelona are not just Messi.
“It is not a duel between me and him. A player like this cannot be analysed. He is unpredictable. They create 20 scoring chances per game, we will have to be clever and profit from ours.” Statistics from the home leagues see the two defences almost level — Milan conceding one more goal than Barca’s 22 from 29 games.
Upfront, Messi boasts 41 per cent of Barca’s 84 goals, while Ibra notched 37 per cent of the Devils’ 59.
Milan, however, have a supply of confidence as they lead in the Serie A, four points clear of Juventus with nine games left, while Barcelona trail Real Madrid by six points.
