Leo out to show his credentials

Milan take on Inter on Saturday in what will be an intriguing encounter. Milan go into the clash confident after a good performance last week in Siena where the team collected all three points. Milan will also be boosted with the inclusion of KJH in the squad though the player is expected to start on the bench.

The derby will provide Leonardo with his first real test. Milan suffered a terrible preseason but considering the changes that occurred at Milan over the summer this was to be expected, to an extent. With preseason behind and with the start of the season last weekend against Siena, this match against Inter will be a good measure of Leo’s capability.

Leonardo will be buoyed by having Huntelaar at his disposal. A great concern for Leo will be Milan’s failure to sign a full back during the week. Leo will somehow have to get the best out of Zambrotta and Jankulovski. The presence of Jankulovski at left back is worrisome. Against quality opposition, as was the case against Bayern in preseason, Jankulovski is completely out of his depth. Against Maicon, one of the best attacking right backs in the world, it should be no different as the Brazilian will pose a great threat to Milan down that left flank.

Thiago Silva, in his first official home match for Milan, will have the task of containing none other than Samuel Eto’o. The young Brazilian defender has been impressive so far this season and this match will provide an insight as to what exactly his potential may be. Playing alongside Nesta in defense, the Inter strikers will have their work cut out for them.

Aside from Leo, another key figure for Milan in this match will be, not for the last time this season, Ronaldinho. The Brazilian was pivotal in Milan’s victory last weekend and will have to provide another such performance this time against much better opposition. Cambiasso, the player that completely nullified Ronnie in preseason, is thankfully injured.

Ronnie scoring in the Milan derby of last season

This match will provide much insight into what this Milan team under our new coach can offer. It will really be a learning experience.

Briefly in other news, the UCL groups have been named. Milan have been paired with Marseille, Zurich and of course Real Madrid. We just had to face Kaka. Next thing we will have to play Chelsea in the knockout stages.

Team news

Dida, Abbiati and Bonera are all out injured as the team that looks set to lineup remains unchanged from the team that accounted for Siena last week. Borriello is expected to start with Huntelaar on the bench.

Expected lineup: Storari; Zambrotta, Thiago, Nesta, Marek; Gattuso, Flamini, Pirlo; Ronaldinho; Pato, Borriello