Italy: Gattuso's return comes too late for Milan

godtabh

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=646159&sec=europe&cc=5739

AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso may be back for Saturday's trip to Udinese (1830 GMT) but it probably comes too late, with rivals Inter Milan on the verge of the scudetto.

Leaders Inter will clinch their fourth successive league title if second-placed Milan lose.

Should Milan draw or win, Inter would just have to match their result when hosting Siena on Sunday (1830) to seal their triumph given they are seven points clear with three to play.

Midfielder Gattuso, out since knee ligament surgery in December, has made a speedy recovery and could make a comeback with David Beckham suspended.

His return is a boost for the Rossoneri, who have endured a difficult week with speculation about the futures of coach Carlo Ancelotti and playmaker Ronaldinho continuing to swirl.

Ronaldinho has struggled since his move from Barcelona in July and has only managed the bench of late, prompting Brazilian media to talk of a possible transfer.

Ancelotti has been constantly linked with Chelsea but Gattuso is confident the coach will remain at the San Siro.

"Ancelotti will stay, I hope I'm not wrong," he told Sky television. "From what I hear, also in the dressing room, he has a great relationship with everyone and over 90 percent of the people working at Milan want him to stay."

Gattuso is keen to get straight back into action after Italy coach Marcello Lippi said he would consider him for June's Confederations Cup if he played by the end of the season.

Jose Mourinho's Inter can not wait for the campaign to conclude having been on the brink of the title for weeks.

They won the 2007 title against Siena but wasted a chance to seal the crown last year when they draw 2-2 with the same opponents, leading to a nervy few days before the scudetto was finally theirs.

Third-bottom Bologna host second-bottom Lecce on Sunday (1300) in a big relegation clash while basement side Reggina could go down if they lose at home to Cagliari and Torino win at Napoli.

Gattuso was a massive loss to Milan. Same as Essien with Chelsea. Inter should wrap things up this weekend so it comes down to the drop zone.

I'm hoping that Bologna stay up. Should be interesting at the bottom this weekend

Raskolnikov

Roma were super-lucky to get a last minute winner at Catania. Thought that De Rossi has really matured this season. Would argue that he's become even more important than Totti in terms of creativity this season.

On the otherhand, everyone of the Roma back four need to be taken out back and shot. If they want to do anything in the Champions League, Mexes in particular needs to leave.

Jam-Fly

If Inter win 4 in a row, it's bad for the game.

(although it does prove yet again that Mourinho is the best!)

godtabh

Jam-Fly wrote: »

If Inter win 4 in a row, it's bad for the game.

(although it does prove yet again that Mourinho is the best!)

How is it bad for the league.

Nice to be champions again