AC Milan vs Sampdoria preview - Pato wants fan support
Posted Saturday, April 16, 2011 by PA
AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has urged the Rossoneri fans to come out in numbers this weekend as they look to take another step toward clinching their first scudetto in seven years.
Milan host relegation-threatened Sampdoria at the San Siro desperate to maintain their three-point lead over Napoli at the top of the Serie A table.
"It's a difficult game and I would like to see a similar atmosphere that we had at the derby," Pato said.
"I want 80,000 fans supporting us. For us it's important to feel the warmth of our fans.
"We need their help, they are our 12th man.
"I am convinced that with their support, we will win the league title."
With Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic serving the first part of a three-match ban this weekend, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping Pato can maintain his goalscoring run.
The Brazilian striker has been in excellent form, scoring three goals in Milan's last two games to join Ibrahimovic as the team's joint top scorer with 14 goals apiece.
Milan followed their 3-0 triumph over city rivals Inter with a 2-1 victory at Fiorentina last weekend.
The Rossoneri will fancy their chances of extending their unbeaten run to three games as they have lost just twice at home this season - their last a 1-0 defeat to Roma on December 18 - while Sampdoria's last triumph on the road dates back to November 18.
Since then, the Blucerchiati have mustered just two points away from home.
Ahead of Saturday's match, Sampdoria coach Alberto Cavasin is starting to feel the pressure with his team still far from assured of their top-flight status.
Since replacing sacked Domenico Di Carlo back in March, Cavasin has yet to lead Samp to victory.
Under Cavasin, Samp have mustered two points in eight matches while the Genoa outfit have won just one of their previous 14 games.
Last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Lecce left Samp just one place and one point clear of the relegation zone.
Despite their dismal run, Cavasin is convinced his side will avoid the drop.
"Results are not going our way," Cavasin said.
"But I'm convinced that if we continue to play as we have done in recent weeks, we will defend our Serie A status."
Cavasin will have all of his players available with the exception of midfielder Daniele Mannini, who serves a one-match ban.
AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano will face his former club this weekend as he returns from suspension.
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