Pato could return for possible Milan party
Reuters - Friday 06 May 2011, 12:00
MILAN - Brief news ahead of this weekend's
Serie A matches.
AC Milan's Brazil striker Alexandre Pato could return from
a three-week layoff with a thigh injury for the trip to AS Roma
on Saturday, where a point will clinch the Serie A
title.
Milan said Pato had returned to training along with
midfielder Gennaro Gattuso. Forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also
back from a ban.
Roma, a point behind fourth-placed Lazio in the Champions
League qualifying round spot, have midfielders Daniele De Rossi
and Simone Perrotta suspended so Simplicio and Matteo Brighi are
expected to come in.
Second-placed Inter Milan host Fiorentina on Sunday
having already given up on the scudetto after five straight
years of title success.
"We absolutely shouldn't write off this season. We are world
champions and we added the Italian Super Cup. Now we are
targeting the Italian Cup," captain Javier Zanetti told
reporters.
Udinese, pushing for the Champions League qualifying spot
with Lazio, have forward Alexis Sanchez back from injury and the
Chilean is set to revive his explosive partnership with Antonio
Di Natale for Sunday's clash at home to the Romans.
Lazio have Brazilian midfielder Matuzalem fit after a knee
injury but Giuseppe Sculli remains a doubt.
Second-bottom Brescia could be relegated this weekend if
they fail to win at home to Catania on Sunday.