AC Milan still in chase for Serie A glory
Manchester United's Ji-Sung Park, left, beats the tackle of AC Milan's Massimo Ambrosini, right, to score a goal during their Champions League first knockout round second leg soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium on Wednesday.
AC Milan insists that its humbling 4-0 loss to Manchester United won't affect its performance in Serie A, where it has moved within four points of leader Inter Milan.
The shutout in England that ousted Milan from the Champions League was Milan's worst performance in Europe in six years, since getting beat 4-0 by Deportivo La Coruna in the 2004 quarterfinals.
Milan president and Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi reportedly shut off his TV after Wayne Rooney put United ahead with his second goal a minute into the second half.
The Gazzetta dello Sport's front-page headline Thursday read, "Once upon a time there was Milan."
Milan's next game is against mid-table Chievo Verona on Sunday.
"The defeat will not have repercussions on the league," Milan coach Leonardo said. "There are 11 games remaining and we've got to stay focused on those."
However, Milan has injury worries after key defender Alessandro Nesta was ruled out from playing the United game shortly before kickoff due to a right knee problem that could be another serious blow to Nesta's injury-riddled career.
Nesta's replacement, Daniele Bonera, injured his calf and was removed at halftime, prompting Leonardo to move Massimo Ambrosini back from midfield to defense. Striker Alexandre Pato also did not play in Manchester but is nearly ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Inter visits Catania on Friday ahead of its return-leg Champions League game with Chelsea on Tuesday.
With Walter Samuel suspended, Marco Materazzi could return in defense alongside Lucio, with Ivan Cordoba an option at left back. Midfielder Esteban Cambiasso is also set to return after a two-game ban.
Catania is coached by Sinisa Mihajlovic, the former Inter player and assistant coach.
Mihajlovic said he has been bombarded by so many text messages from his former teammates and players this week that he has turned his phone off.
"I'll turn it back on after the game," Mihajlovic said. - AP
Published March 11 2010
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