AC Milan vs Napoli Preview: Can a Depleted Milan Continue Serie A Title Push?

There is no mistaking that the Milan squad is becoming seriously depleted. Milan are going to seriously miss the services Nesta who is out for the remainder of the season, whilst the loss of Beckham is also a significant setback. The absence of Antonini in recent weeks has been a major blow and the Italian is still a major doubt to be fit for this weekend’s match.

But what has been a greater blow to Milan in recent weeks has been the absence of Pato. The Brazilian prodigy is Milan’s main source of goals but he remains doubtful for this weekend’s fixture against Napoli. Along with Pato, Abate, who pulled up with an injury last weekend against Chievo, remains a doubt also.

The real trouble for Milan is that the players in reserve who will be likely called upon to fill in for the numerous injured absentees are simply not good enough. Across the board they are all far too old and way beyond their best. Namely, the players referred to are Zambrotta, Oddo, Jankulovski, Gattuso, Favalli, and Kaladze.

For Milan it would be best if the aforementioned players moved on. For none of these players have much to offer any more and more than anything, are increasingly becoming liabilities to the club.

The main question for Milan is that with a squad significantly depleted by injuries to key players, can they still continue their push for the title?

If last weekend’s performance against Chievo is anything to go by, then the answer to this question is a resounding NO.

The Rossoneri’s performance last week against Chievo was very unconvincing and it took a late wonder goal by the super-sub Seedorf to see Milan through. Against the Flying Donkeys, Milan seemed to lack ideas and failed to play with any pace whatsoever. It was a dire performance and one that definitely was not akin to a team aspiring to win the Scudetto.

This weekend Milan will face Napoli at home and for Milan to attain all three points, to keep the pressure on Inter, it will be a difficult task indeed. Though unpredictable at times, Napoli are a strong side and are capable of taking something away from the San Siro.

The Neapolitans are currently in eight position in the table but are only five points from the last Champions League spot. Despite a recent poor show of results, Napoli will be desperate to finally get a win and start their push for fourth spot.

As previously mentioned, Milan’s injury concerns currently run deep. At the back, Antonini is still unlikely to feature and Abate is racing to be fit.

The real concern for Milan is that either Jankulovski, Zambrotta, or Oddo will be called upon to take the spots vacated by Abate and Antonini. But all these three players, as previously alluded to, offer little if anything. They all seriously lack pace and simply are far beyond their peak.

For Milan, there are concerns across the backline. Nesta’s absence is the biggest setback to Milan’s title hopes and with Bonera out injured also, it will be either Kaladze or Favalli that are called upon to slot in alongside Thiago at centre back.

Such options do little to inspire confidence. Rather, the thought of Kaladze or Favalli playing at centre back can only mean that it is a matter of time before disaster strikes. For these two players are prone to making costly errors and they will make errors. In addition, their lack of pace is a serious concern.

The situation in midfield is slightly better, though not ideal. Beckham’s injury is a significant setback to a Milan side that has few options in midfield.

With Gattuso being finished as a player, as his performances to date this year have proven this beyond any doubt, it is almost certain that Leo will revert to the midfield trio he favoured before the Christmas break. Seedorf will be included again in the starting lineup alongside Pirlo and Ambrosini.

Though this is the most sensible move Leo can make, it is not without its problems too. Seedorf deserves his starting birth, for his wonder goal last week kept Milan in the title race whilst his strike against United had kept Milan’s Champions League hopes alive if only just.

But the inclusion of Seedorf alongside Pirlo and Ambrosini makes for a midfield largely out of balance. For Seedorf and Pirlo offer little defensive cover which will leave Ambrosini with a greater responsibility to be the midfield battler for Milan.

Up front for Milan, the fitness of Pato is the major concern. Without Pato playing in the last three matches, Milan have only scored one goal which came from a midfielder. It is vital that Pato plays if Milan are to continue their push for the title.

Borriello is not expected to play after having come down with a sickness. However, Borriello’s absence will not be greatly missed. The Italian international has been poor of late, having only scored two goals in his last 10 matches. In his absence, Huntelaar may get another chance, though it is Inzaghi that is tipped to start instead.

So can Milan continue their push for the title? Given the issues riddled through the squad, one cannot be certain they can. Much will depend on Pato, for if he can stay fit from here on out then Milan have a chance, at least.