Champions League: Milan Facing Striker Crisis, Or: “Inzaghi Incubus of Ancelotti”

By: Martha | April 11th, 2007

Take that, Kahn! Since Ronaldo is cup-tied and Gila is ~~and Borriello are~~ suspended, Milan arrived in Germany yesterday with a grand total of two strikers: The utterly useless Ricardo Oliveira and poor, broken Pippo Inzaghi. I’m sure Bayern are quaking in their boots at the thought of facing those two — really, if it wasn’t so sad it’d be utterly hilarious. And, to make thing worse? Inzaghi’s, er, not exactly fit, according to Carlo Ancelotti. Super.

Given little choice, one imagines Milan will start their single-striker Christmas tree formation, with Inzaghi — described in today’s Bild as “dive king” and in La Gazetta dello Sport as “warmth,” whatever that means — playing ahead of a slew of midfielders and, were one of those midfielders not Ricky Kaka, this could potentially be reason for concern. But, since Kaka is not only aways a threat but also the leading scorer in Champions League this year, there’s no need for panic. Plus, if Ancelotti is willing to take a chance (unlikely, I know) and throw Gourcuff — who looking magnificent alongside Kaka last Saturday — out there, Milan’s movement could potentially give Bayern some problems. (Yes, I’m clinging to my optimism, despite being utterly shell-shocked by yesterday’s match.)

Bayern, meanwhile, are dealing with some injury problems, with Mehmet Scholl and Willy Sagnol out long-term, and Bastian Schweinsteiger struggling to a recover from an injury picked up over the weekend. Owen Hargreaves, Lucio and Hasan Salihamidzic all have minor knocks but, after resting on the weekend, are expected to be available, while Mark van Bommel and ~~He-Man~~ Oliver Kahn are returning from first-leg suspensions. Despite the absences, however, they’re surely feel confident: Playing at home with two away goals in their pockets, Bayern are understandably the overwhelming favorites in both the betting books and the minds of most of the media. And, honestly, I’m scared. I think Milan can keep Bayern from scoring for the first 75 minutes, but whether they can keep from falling apart again in the last 15 is a serious question, as is whether they can break through and get that crucial single goal. My head (the same head, I must remind you, that was sure Roma would hold Man U) says 0-0 with Bayern going through; my heart hopes for 2-1 to Milan.

*30 bonus points to anyone who can explain why La Gazzetta dello Sport is calling Clarence Seedorf “PROPHET OUTSIDE NATIVE LAND.” It’s because he’s black, isn’t it?