Palermo vs AC Milan preview - Mexes targets late push for Europe

Posted Friday, April 03, 2015 by PA

AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes is hoping a win at Palermo on Saturday triggers a late-season run that can qualify the Rossoneri for the 2015-16 Europa League.

Filippo Inzaghi's men go into this weekend's clash at La Favorita eighth in the standings and eight points behind Fiorentina, who hold the vital sixth spot.

"We have 10 games left to play and we need to give our all in order to qualify for the Europa League," Mexes said to the Italian press. "We know it's going to be difficult.

"We are Milan and this club deserves to be in the high positions of the standings."

Milan beat Cagliari 3-1 before the international break to clinch their ninth win of the campaign.

The outcome at the San Siro halted a three-match winless run and eased the pressure on coach Inzaghi.

"This is a must-win game for us," Inzaghi said. "We need to give credibility to our position in the standings.

"We turned in a solid performance against Cagliari and I hope this win will be a launchpad for a successful end to the season."

Inzaghi will be bolstered by the return of defenders Mattia De Sciglio, Cristian Zapata and Adil Rami from injury.

Palermo are three points adrift of Milan in 11th place.

The Sicilians, who have lost just two games at home this season, are in the midst of a five-match winless run.

"The international break has allowed us to regroup after two straight defeats," Palermo midfielder Luca Rigoni said. "We want to give our fans some joy by beating Milan, just as we did earlier this season at the San Siro."

Palermo, coached by Giuseppe Iachini, won 2-0 at AC Milan in November.

Paulo Dybala, who scored in that game, will lead Palermo's attack on Saturday with Franco Vazquez playing in support.