AC Milan vs Chievo
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Saturday, 4 March 2017
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio San Siro (Milan).
Milan fans will be hoping that some off the pitch issues will not prove to be distracting at the team take on Chievo at the Stadio San Siro on Saturday evening.
The saga involving the sale of the club to some Chinese investors appears to be dragging on yet again. All was supposed to be completed this Friday, but there is yet another delay from the prospective buyers, who have not managed to come up with the funds. Reportedly, current president Silvio Berlusconi is growing impatient and just may scupper the whole deal, throwing the club’s plans to re-establish themselves in Europe in jeopardy.
What is certain, however, is that Vincenzo Montella’s side need to start stringing together some wins if they want to qualify for the Europa League. In December, the Rossoneri were flying high and were actually in contention for Champions League football, but that ship now has long sailed. Having won three out of their last four games, they are catching up to cross-town rivals Inter, who suffered a setback as they lost 3-1 to Roma last weekend.
Still, Lazio and a surprising high-flying Atalanta lie ahead of them, and they will need a victory here in order to keep up pressure on those two sides. Chievo, meanwhile, have won three out of their last five games, and will be very satisfied with their standing. The Flying Donkeys simply aim for safety each season, and with 35 points, are just five short of the so-called magical number of 40 that usually guarantees a side a spot in the top flight for the next season. With 12 rounds to go, Rolando Maran’s side are well on their way and so will be under no pressure for this upcoming tie.
AC Milan vs Chievo: Head-to-head statistics
Milan have a record of W10-D8-L2 in their last 20 home games against teams ranked below them in the table.
Chievo have a record of W3-D3-L14 in their last 20 away games against teams ranked above them in the table.
The last time the Flying Donkeys beat the Rossoneri was in December 2005.
Milan have won 17 out of their last 20 meetings with Chievo (whilst drawing the other three).
Chievo have scored only two goals in their last 11 Serie A meetings against Milan.
Milan have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 home matches against Chievo in all competitions.
The Rossoneri have won their last 11 home matches against Chievo in all competitions.
AC Milan vs Chievo: Prediction
Having won three out of their last four games, Milan’s European ambitions appear to have been revived. However, Chievo have seen some improvements of their own, and have won their last two away fixtures. The Flying Donkeys will be very happy with a draw here as they are well ahead of schedule in terms of racking up points. Meanwhile, the Rossoneri have conceded in their last four home games, whilst Chievo have managed to score in their last six away fixtures.
With seven out of Milan’s last ten games having both sides score, expect goals at both ends here. Milan will be the team under pressure, and Chievo will be happy to dig in their heels to grind out a point. This will likely not be an easy fixture for the hosts, but they will need all three points in order to keep their European dreams intact.
AC Milan vs Chievo: Betting tips
BTTS – YES at 19/20 (1.95)
Draw at 3/1 (4.00).
