Crotone vs AC Milan
2016/17 Italian Serie A
Date: Sunday, 30th April 2017
Kick-off at 14:00 UK / 15:00 CET
Venue: Stadio Ezio Scida (Crotone)
Crotone have burst in to life in the last few weeks, picking up 10 points from 12 to keep their survival hopes alive. However, their form has inspired 18th placed Empoli, who have managed to stay five points clear of the drop after an upturn in form. That win includes a 2-1 victory over AC Milan for the Azzurri last weekend, meaning the Rossoneri are still searching for a first win under their new Chinese ownership. Will this weekend see the visitors get back to winning ways?
There were plenty of eyes raised by Milan’s defeat, especially as it put their place in the top six at risk. They’re facing competition from Inter and Fiorentina for the last Europa League spot in the final stages of the campaign. Could the July start for the qualifiers have put the Rossoneri off securing a top six finish?
A loss at Crotone would severely dent Milan’s hopes of making the top six, but the hosts come in to this game in strong form. After racking up seven goals in their last four matches, the Calabrians should be confident of more success this weekend. They pulled off an impressive win at Sampdoria last weekend, but Crotone have still claimed 62% of their points and 57% of their goals at their own ground. Their last match at this ground saw them beat Inter 2-1, and they’ll be hoping to claim another shock this weekend.
The hosts’ strong form should see them hit the target on Sunday, especially as Milan have conceded in 75% of their away trips. After shipping two goals at home to a poor Empoli side, the Calabrians should be confident of causing problems. However, the Rossoneri have scored in 11 straight league games, and their last eight on the road. We see them adding to that run, since Crotone have conceded in 94% of their Serie A outings.
These two teams have only met twice in recent years, but both those matches saw both teams score. Crotone almost caused a shock at the San Siro earlier this season, after scoring the opener, and hanging on at 1-1 until the 86th minute. We see these two teams sharing more goals on Sunday, so we’re backing both teams to score at 4/6 with bet365.
Crotone vs AC Milan: Head-to-head statistics
Milan have a record of W9-D6-L5 in their last 20 away games against teams ranked below them in the table.
Crotone have gained more points in their last four games (10) than in the previous 18 (nine).
The reverse fixture is one of the only two games Milan have won from a losing position this season.
Crotone have scored seven goals in their last four games
Crotone vs AC Milan: Prediction
Crotone will be brimming with confidence as they chase a fifth straight game sans a loss. Even better, they are playing at home, where they defeated Milan’s cross-town rivals Inter and surely will want to do the same on Sunday. Although Milan managed to win the past two meetings, they nonetheless required extra time to beat Crotone in the Coppa Italia in 2015.
Milan will be wise not to take Crotone lightly. The Squali are in good form, and supported by their home crowd can certainly cause their share of problems for the visitors on Sunday.
Crotone vs AC Milan: Betting tips
BTTS – YES at 4/6 (1.67).
Double Chance – Crotone to WIN or DRAW at 17/20 (1.85).
