Just as we expected, Catania made life difficult for Napoli by earning one point at San Paolo after coming from two goals behind and they now aim to put a dent into Milan’s title hopes. The Rossoneri will have one eye on the return leg against Barcelona, but Max Allegri is aware his side need to be at their best if they are to escape Angelo Massimino with all three points.

Unbeaten run goes on

Boasting a good blend of Italian and Argentine players with just several ‘foreigners’, Catania established themselves as genuine mid table side in Serie A, while becoming a real force to be reckoned with at their Angelo Massimino. Even when the team were fighting for survival, top Serie A sides would struggle to record a victory at this ground and that has not changed. However, the Elephants have really grown in stature under talented manager Vincenzo Montella, having started to bring points from difficult away games as well. After beating Siena, Catania shared spoils with Inter, Cesena and Napoli on the travels, meaning they are now unbeaten in last four away games. There are no doubts the players are brimming with confidence after coming from two goals behind to draw against mighty Napoli, so the hosts will fancy their chances against tired Milan. The Elephants could adopt a cautious approach, but they will also be looking to hurt their opponents on the break every time an opportunity arises.

Marco Motta returns to the side after recovering from injury, but Alessandro Potenza and Marco Biagianti remain unavailable.

Missed opportunity against Barcelona

AC Milan have been doing really well on all fronts this season and the team appear to be more than ready for the final push. The Rossoneri are closing in on the league title after the four-match winning run in Serie A, whereas the good performance against Barcelona proves that Max Allegri’s side can battle it out with even the best sides in Europe. Milan may have been on the back foot for large periods of the game, but they had better chances than their opponents and should have probably created an advantage before the return leg. With the second game against Barcelona due just three days after the clash at Angelo Massimino, Max Allegri is expected to rest several starters against Catania, but that shouldn’t damage team’s chances as the talented boss has a big squad of quality players to choose from. Having won last four away games in Serie A, in which they scored no less than 11 goals, the Rossoneri have every right to feel confident before the trip to the south.

Djamel Mesbah and Sulley Muntari miss out through suspension, whereas Ignazio Abate and Mark van Bommel are injury doubts. Cassano, Strasser, Pato, Flamini, Inzaghi and Thiago Silva are long-term casualties.

Verdict

Catania continue to show they can match even the best sides in the league, especially at their Massimino, and after scoring two goals at San Paolo they can be trusted to put at least one past Milan’s tired defence. However, the Rossoneri remain the favourites for the win and my advice is to bet on both teams to score.

Our prediction: Both teams to score

Odds: 1.91 (10/11)

Bookmaker: William Hill