AC Milan v Celtic
Champions League Group F, Matchday Two
Wednesday 29th September 2004
San Siro, Milan
Kick Off 7.45pm, Live on Sky Sports Extra
Over the past few seasons, following Celtic has given us the opportunity to visit some of the world’s finest stadiums. We have travelled to Old Trafford, The Amsterdam ArenA, Stadio Delle Alpi, Olympic Stadium (Seville and Munich) and the Nou Camp to name but a few. Tomorrow night, we add another to that list; San Siro, Milan.
There is nothing better than watching The Bhoys perform in these arenas. Many fans are fulfilling personal ambitions by visiting these grounds, as I’m sure the players are too.
A 3-0 win over Dunfermline at the weekend is hardly ideal preparation for a Champions League tie in the San Siro. The jump in standards between Dunfermline and AC Milan is something that many teams would fail to compete with, and when you look at how well the team do in these circumstances, it really is amazing.
Chris Sutton and Didier Agathe both travelled out with the team today, but it is still unknown whether they will play or not. Agathe is supposed to be fit and ready but from what we hear, Sutton will be touch and go. Sutton must play if we are to get a result tomorrow. He is a world class player and the difference in the team when he plays is there for all to see.
Henri Camara has hit form and hopefully his goalscoring spree will continue in Italy. John Hartson must prove his worth in the game, he is looking for a new contract and it is games like tomorrow night that win players deals. Juninho done nothing against Barcelona a fortnight ago, but hopefully the pace will be down a bit against Milan and he can shine.
Our defence is where I worry. With Jackie McNamara out of action for several months, either Joos Valgaeren or Ulrik Laursen will play in defence. Hardly confidence building is it?
Martin O’Neill may throw in a shock and play Chris Sutton in defence. We all know he is well capable of playing there and would do a better job than any other defenders we have. Alan Thompson was also tried out at left-back against Falkirk last week, could he possibly start there tomorrow?
AC Milan need no introduction. Their latest game was a 2-1 win away to Lazio but their form has not been the greatest so far this season. Last week they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Messina at home, proving that they can be scalped at the San Siro. Their only Champions League game of the season was a 1-0 win away to ten-man Shaktar, who were unlucky to lose the game.
You could spend all day going on about Milan’s class players and what they are going to do. But I won’t. I believe that no player can be any better than a player in a Celtic jersey, trying 100%. It is the players who Celtic field we have to think about, not Milan’s.
From what I have seen this season, Milan are slow in defence. This could work in our favour with Camara’s pace up-front. They are undoubtedly a class act and I cannot see them failing to score in the game. But I believe Celtic can score as well.
The game is live on Sky Sports Extra but can only be watched through Sky Digital, using their interactive option.
Celtic fans have been warned of the threat of the AC Milan support. We will be situated behind the goal in the bottom tier, with Italian fans directly above us. The Welsh FA have today spoke of the horrors their fans faced when playing Italy at the San Siro last year. Missiles of every kind will be thrown down onto us but we need to be careful, as retaliation will result in a leathering off of an Italian cop.
We are talking about one of the most hostile and intimidating supports and stadiums in Europe, so just be careful if going over. You will be searched on the way into the ground; coins will be taken off you. I am sure everything will be fine, crazy Italian fans aren’t going to spoil our day!
To be realistic, we need at least a point tomorrow night, if we are going to progress in the Champions League or the UEFA Cup. I am sure The Bhoys won’t let us down.
Come On The Hoops!
Prediction: AC Milan 1-2 Celtic