The Malta Independent 12 May 2024, Sunday
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Adriano Galliani Happy Milan’s match brought forward

Malta Independent Saturday, 4 February 2012, 00:00 Last update: about 12 years ago

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is delighted with the league’s decision to bring forward tomorrow’s Serie A match with Napoli because of the adverse weather affecting northern Italy.

Galliani had earlier called for the game to be postponed in an open letter to league president Maurizio Beretta, but says now “it’s the right choice.”

The league announced the game will be played at 3pm instead of 8.45pm.

Milan - and indeed Italy in general - is experiencing some of its worst weather in nearly 30 years.

Inter’s game at San Siro against Palermo went ahead midweek - albeit with the lines painted pink - and president Massimo Moratti claims that had a direct impact on the 4-4 result.

“The pitch was better than it has been at other times,” Moratti said. “It was a bit of a crazy game, one to remember. The weather certainly influenced it and the result was spectacular for those who don’t support Palermo or Inter.”

Inter face another match in icy conditions away at Roma today, and the region’s vice president for sport has already called for the game to be postponed with temperatures below freezing predicted for today.

More of a worry to the Inter fans will be the fitness of playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who limped off against Palermo. Moratti said he was worried about the Dutch star on Thursday, but Sneijder wrote on Twitter that the injury is not serious and he hopes to play against Roma.

Milan missed the chance to go above Juventus at the top of the Serie A standings after losing 2-0 at Lazio on Wednesday. Juventus could move four points clear when they host Siena and it will be somewhat of a new-look team that takes to the pitch tomorrow.

Marco Borriello has already played two games for the Bianconeri, but fellow new signings Martin Caceres and Simone Padoin could make their debuts.

Udinese are currently three points behind Juve, albeit having played a game more, and theywill be looking to keep in touch with the leaders when they travel to Fiorentina.

Elsewhere, rock-bottom Novara will hope to give themselves a fighting chance of escaping relegation when they face Cagliari.

The other two teams in the drop zone, Lecce and Cesena, are level on 16 points, three from safety.

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