ROME (AFP)
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri on Friday told his players to
forget about the Champions League, saying the best preparation
for the quarter-final second leg against Barcelona was a good
result this weekend at Catania.
"We have to forget about the Champions League. Playing at the
Camp Nou comes second to tomorrow's match (Saturday)," he told a
news conference. "We have to think about one match at a time.
"We have to come away from Catania with a good result because
that will also have an effect on the Barcelona match."
AC Milan are four points ahead of Juventus at the top of Serie A
and take on the Catalan giants in Barcelona on Tuesday after a
0-0 draw in the first leg at the San Siro.
Defender Alessandro Nesta and midfielder Clarence Seedorf are
both being rested for the game against Catania, who are currently
seventh in the Italian league.
Allegri said he had plenty of midfielders to choose from and was
waiting to see whther Mark van Bommel would be available for the
Barca match.
The Milan coach said that Pato may be ready for a return for
Tuesday's match. The 22-year-old forward is now back from the
United States where he underwent medical tests to determine why
he has been repeatedly injured over the last two years.
"Pato's health is good, if not perfect. We have to assess at what
intensity he'll be able to play. I'll make a decision the day
after tomorrow (Sunday)" whether he will make the trip to Spain.
