Simplicio or Nocerino for Milan?

This weekends match against Palermo is another chance for us to show that we are real challengers for the Scudetto this season. With Inter playing away to Atalanta, a fixture they lost convincingly last term, there is some hope that we can make more ground on them this weekend.

Our last competitive loss was in September against Zurich. Since then we really have enjoyed a sensational run of results especially in the Serie A. The problem with exceptionally positive winning streaks is that sooner or later they will come to an end for one reason or another. Complacency is quite often the downfall of teams in such a situation but for us I do not think this is a problem. We still have a team of players that still have much to prove. Sure they have been doing great of late, but we have not won anything yet. This is one point Leo really needs to make sure the players understand.

With the UCL group stage all but over, we can now concentrate on the important and difficult ties ahead in the Serie A. This weekend’s match marks the beginning of a string of tough encounters that continues with Fiorentina next week, Genoa the following and then Juventus. It will be a telling time for the team and there are a few injury concerns that we have to overcome.

Most significantly, we have lost Silva until the new year and with Bonera not expected to be back by the new year also, we are left with Kaladze to fill in at centre half. Kaladze is a real liability at the back and apart from still having the ability to play one or two great games here and there, he is error prone. At this level, errors, especially those committed by centre halfs are costly. But lets hope for the best for that is all we can do.

In other team news, Flamini and Seedorf are fighting to be fit for the match. It may come as a blessing in disguise if Seedorf is ruled out. For this will force Leo to play Pirlo in a more advanced role. I say this for it has become evident in recent weeks that now our biggest problem is in midfield where we simply do not have sufficient battling qualities in the midfield. Pirlo seriously lacks the tackling ability required of his current role. Lippi has identified this and for the Azzurri he has deployed Pirlo in a more advanced role and it has proven a masterstroke. After all, Pirlo’s real strengths is his ability to create and dictate play.

I recognise Seedorf’s importance to the side, but it was Pirlo’s absence that we really missed in the match against Catania. Having seen the result of not playing Pirlo, we now need to see how the team performs without Seedorf.

But, the likelihood is that Leo will stick with what has worked in the league so far. Fair enough. The upcoming tie against Novara in the Italian Cup may be a better practising ground.

As the rumours gather pace regarding the possible transfer of Simplicio to Milan, it will be interesting to see how he fairs. Indeed, this match will be very much a trial and if he impresses do not be surprised if Milan do make a move for him. I would prefer Nocerino however, and for him the match will also be effectively a trial.

I am pleased that, despite the rumour of a possible Milan move for Cicinho, it is a midfielder that at the moment we really are gunning for. Ideally, we need a player who can play the ball and defend just as well. Such a player would help us strike the right balance. For this reason I do not believe Simplicio is the player we need. In Gattuso, Ambrosini and Flamini we have enough defensive minded players. We need a real footballer, one who can play the ball, keep things moving and every now and then open up defences. Hernanes comes to mind but even Nocerino could be an option and if the Italian impresses tomorrow night, Galliani may just become a little more serious in his interest. This is what I hope transpires but we will have to wait and see.