AC Milan vs Catania preview - Pellegrino rises to challenge

Posted Saturday, April 12, 2014 by PA

New Catania coach Mauricio Pellegrino faces his first test on Sunday away to AC Milan but is confident he can guide the struggling club to avoid the drop this season.

Catania dismissed coach Rolando Maran after last weekend's 2-1 defeat against Torino, their fifth straight loss, and appointed the former Liverpool tactician as his replacement.

The Sicilian club are rooted to the foot of the standings, seven points from safety with six games remaining.

"It's too early to give up," said Pellegrino, who is Catania's third coach this season.

"There are six games left to play until the end of the season and we will have to give our all.

"We have the duty to end the campaign in the best possible way and this is what the club has requested.

"On Sunday we will go to the San Siro determined to take a win."

Catania will have to show a vast improvement if they are to upset Milan.

The Islanders are winless on the road this season and have struggled in every department when playing away from home - scoring just seven times in 16 games while giving away 35 goals.

The good news for Pellegrino is that the team's top scorer Gonzalo Bergessio is available for selection having shaken off a muscular problem.

Rivals Milan cannot afford to slip up if they are to remain in contention for European football next season.

The Rossoneri beat Genoa 2-1 last weekend for their third straight league win.

Clarence Seedorf's side is 11th in the standings, five points adrift of city rivals Inter Milan, who hold the last European qualifying spot.

"We are closer to the Europa League positions," Seedorf said. "But there are many teams fighting to finish in the top five and closer than us to that target.

"Right now we are not in a position worthy of Milan and we must continue to work and improve."

Milan are still without injured midfielders Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien but welcome back forward Stephan El Shaarawy, who has recovered from a foot injury.

El Shaarawy is set to start on the bench with Mario Balotelli expected to lead the Rossoneri's attack against Catania.