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#2492
Ancelotti: We've everything to lose
Saturday 24 September, 2005
Milan’s win may have taken them out of their tailspin, but Carlo Ancelotti warns that Treviso could provide another costly banana skin.
“Against Treviso we have an awful lot to lose and not much to gain,” said the Coach ahead of Sunday’s match. “People expect us to win here and that increases the pressure. It would be a mistake to consider this an easy game.”
The Rossoneri beat Lazio 2-0 on Wednesday evening, keeping their first clean sheet for 11 official games, but failure to earn all three points against rock bottom Treviso will only intensify criticism.
“We have done well so far on our travels,” insisted Ancelotti despite earning one point from two away ties. “The Ascoli encounter was ruined by the muddy pitch and we played well at Sampdoria, even if we lost 2-1.”
With the Champions League visit to Schalke 04 coming up and the strains of the midweek Serie A round taking their toll, Ancelotti would be forgiven for resting his stars to face newly promoted Treviso. Unusually, he is not about to keep his tactics hidden.
“Massimo Ambrosini has suffered a knock to the ankle and will stay at home, just like Dario Simic and Marek Jankulovski. Kakha Kaladze, Marcos Cafu and Christian Vieri will rest. Alberto Gilardino returns, while Jaap Stam is at right-back, Serginho on the left and Paolo Maldini in the centre. Andrea Pirlo will also play.”
Milan are already five points behind leaders Juventus, though Ancelotti is not about to give up on the Scudetto.
“It is still far too early to say anything. Juve and Inter will be our main rivals for the title and right now I can’t see any weaknesses in the Bianconeri squad. Nonetheless, we have nothing to envy them for.”
Pippo Inzaghi returned to Milanello this weekend after spending several months under specialist treatment in Belgium.
“Pippo is finally healthy, but to risk him would be a major gamble,” said the Coach. “We found him in great form and his return has given a boost of enthusiasm to everyone. We have missed him, both as a player and a friend.”
Milan squad:
Dida, Fiori, Kalac; Cafu, Maldini, Kaladze, Costacurta, Nesta, Stam, Marzoratti; Gattuso, Rui Costa, Vogel, Seedorf, Pirlo, Kakà, Serginho; Shevchenko, Inzaghi, Vieri, Gilardino