Things can only get better. Over the years, Milanisti have been treated to some of the most talented squads assembled in football history. We have seen gifted tacticians pass through Milanello, while witnessing some of the finest footballers ever to grace a pitch. From the brilliance of Marco Van Basten, to the sight of Kaka gliding across the San Siro turf, the time has come to end this ‘San Zero’ talk and kick-start the season, starting against Cagliari.



From the early days of my love affair with Serie A to the current day, Milan remain one of the most illustrious clubs in football. From settling down in front of the television on a Sunday afternoon ahead of James Richardson hosting ‘Football Italia’ (for those outside the UK, a YouTube search is a necessity), to now having the privilege to channel my thoughts through blogging. Times may well be tough in this period of austerity and financial hardship, but the memories will never fade. From being left in awe watching George Weah’s legendary goal, to seeing one of the most complete midfield quartets in history at their peak for almost a decade, there has been enough doom and gloom in previous blog posts, it’s time to be positive.

After enduring intense pressure since the opening-day defeat to Sampdoria, Massimiliano Allegri will be missing from the touchline on Wednesday night. Having been reproached for insulting the referee during the loss at Udinese, his appeal was later rejected thus paving the way for Mauro Tassotti to deputise. Tassotti’s presence is perhaps a pre-cursor of things to come should results not improve in the forthcoming weeks. Also absent are suspended duo Kevin-Prince Boateng and Cristian Zapata, while Mathieu Flamini is missing through injury (see full squad below).

Much has been made of the home results so far this season, with both Milan and I***r failing to secure a win between them at San Siro in all competitions. The newly laid, partly synthetic, pitch has faced the brunt of accusations, with Milan’s opponents benefiting from the improved playing surface. However, there were signs of progress against Udinese, and with that in mind one can only hope the end to this barren run is near. The Rossoneri have won the last seven meetings between the two sides, with their last defeat to Cagliari coming over 14 years ago in October 1998. Talk of the Scudetto has rapidly declined, in its place is the question over whether Milan can mount a serious challenge for a top-three finish. Three defeats in four, just four goals scored and five conceded, things can only get better… can’t they?

Milan squad to face Cagliari: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel, Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mesbah, Mexes, Yepes, Ambrosini, De Jong, Constant, Emanuelson, Montolivo, Nocerino, Traorè, Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini, Robinho

What would your preferred formation and line-up be? Confident Milan can finally end their dismal home form?

For all the latest Milan and Serie A news, you can follow me on Twitter @italiafooty

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