What: Italian Serie A
Who: Atalanta (18 pts., 6th) vs. AC Milan (14 pts., 9th)
When: Sunday November 11, 15:00 (CET)
Where: Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, Bergamo
When attempting to analyze these clubs, I’m reminded of major themes from Greek mythology; which, typically, is not a good thing.
Flying Too Close To the Sun
In the case of the home side, Atalanta, I can’t help but think of the mythological figure Icarus, who could have flown like a bird all he wanted to had he only heeded his father Daedalus’ simple instructions—don’t fly too close to the sun, for fear of the wax which held his wings together melting, and don’t fly too close to the sea, or the moisture from the water would also damage his wings.
Coming into this season, everyone would have told you that in this comparison, Atalanta surely would need to keep in mind the second warning given to Daedalus, that of not flying too low.
However, Atalanta, really quite amazingly, are rubbing shoulders with some pretty impressive company at the moment, as they sit in sixth place, with only seven points separating them from leaders Inter. An undefeated record at home, along with some positive away results (a draw at Fiorentina, and wins away to Empoli and Catania), have seen the Oribici become one of the most surprising sides in Italy. Although, more consistent play would have put them in an even higher position in the table, as they have not won at home since September 23 (2-1 over Lazio).
It remains to be seen if the pressure of staying near the top of the standings, and most importantly in the European qualification places, ends up forcing Atalanta to melt under the intense heat of expectations from supporters and press alike.
As Good As Gold
The perplexing form of Milan this season, in which they have played splendidly on their travels, yet have allowed results at home to slip away, resembles the latter stages of the Roman Empire rather than the Greeks. Nevertheless, the comparisons with Greek mythology do not escape the Rossoneri.
In this instance, the legend of King Midas comes to mind. Midas was granted the ability to turn into gold anything he touched. At first this seemed to be quite a gift indeed, as he was overjoyed to find that any simple object was instantly made into a valuable addition to his wealth. But, in a cruel turn of fate, he quickly discovered that even his food and drink became golden, thereby causing starvation.
Comparatively, it could be said that Milan are suffering from the same plight as Midas. Having a star such as Kakà (rumored to be the favorite for the Ballon d’Or) gives you the ability to win matches even when the cause seems lost. At the same time, you begin to rely on such a player much too heavily, and it can then become very troublesome.
Milan’s failure to buy a star striker in the summer, due in part to their reliance on Kakà, has seen them struggle to score at home, with their last domestic goal at the ‘San Siro’ coming at the end of September.
This inability to score at their usually fortress-like home ground has left Milan to labor around mid-table for some time now. The return of Ronaldo from injury, who should finally make his season debut this weekend, will go a long way toward getting Milan back into the upper echelon of Serie A.
FORM GUIDE (last five fixtures)
Atalanta
10/6 Atalanta 0-0 Udinese Serie A
10/21 Atalanta 2-2 Torino Serie A
10/28 Empoli 0-1 Atalanta Serie A
10/31 Atalanta 2-2 Cagliari Serie A
11/4 Catania 1-2 Atalanta Serie A
Milan
10/24 Milan 4-1 Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League
10/28 Milan 0-1 Roma Serie A
10/31 Sampdoria 0-5 Serie A
11/3 Milan 0-0 Torino Serie A
11/6 Shakhtar 0-3 Milan Champions League
TEAM NEWS
Atalanta must do without many of their first team regulars. Diego De Ascentis and Riccardo Zampagna are both suspended, while the injury dock is full up. Francisco Costinha and Leonardo Talamonti are certain to miss out, and Giampaolo Bellini is very doubtful.
Milan will definitely be missing Marek Jankulovski, who has not recovered from knee surgery. Elsewhere in the defense, Paolo Maldini and Massimo Oddo will probably be rested. Ronaldo may finally make his first appearance of the season in this fixture.
With his terrific display against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, Filippo Inzaghi may get the starting nod over Alberto Gilardino, who came off the pitch in the Champions League game with what appeared to be a minor injury.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cristiano Doni (Atalanta) – He has experienced a bit of a rebirth this term (6 goals), after having suffered through long injury spells for the past few seasons. Still one of the best attacking players in Italy, he can pick apart any defense.
Kakà (Milan) – Against a shorthanded Atalanta backline, he will find plenty of space to place his Midas touch all over the pitch.
POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s
Atalanta (4-4-1-1): Coppola; Rivalta, Carrozzieri, Capelli, Manfredini; Ferreira Pinto, Guarente, Tissone, Langella; Doni; Floccari
Milan (4-3-2-1): Dida; Bonera, Nesta, Kaladze, Serginho; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kakà, Seedorf; Inzaghi
