Torino-Milan: Preview

After a dismal start to their Serie A campaign with a 2-1 loss to Hellas Verona, Milan have bounced back with a 3-0 against PSV to qualify for the Champions League, followed by a 3-1 victory over Cagliari in the San Siro.

The Rossoneri will not be without a fight in Turin though, as their team has been plagued by a series of successive injuries. Promising right-back Mattia De Scilgio went under the knife at the beginning of the week, and has an expected recovery time of a month. Meanwhile both Ignazio Abate and Stephan El Shaarawy seem to have muscular injuries that will keep them out for the next couple of weeks. Without De Sciglio and Abate, the Rossoneri will be faced with a defensive dilemma, especially with their already shaky back line.

Despite the worrying injuries in the squad, Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping deadline day acquistion, Kaka, can inspire the youthful team to victory. Kaka will make his second debut in a Milan jersey, as he played his trade there from 2003-2009.

"Kaka has great quality," Allegri said after the former Balon D'Or winner joined the club.

"He is a champion and his presence raises the level of self-confidence throughout the squad.

"I must do well to get the best out of him and help him reach peak fitness. You cannot expect a player, even one of his level, to be ready straight away."

Torino will be hoping to end their 12 year winless streak against the Milan based side, with their last win occuring in November 2001. Torino has an indentical record to Milan this season, one win and one draw. They suffered a 2-0 loss in the last Serie A matchday to Atalanta. With Mario Balotelli in super form, expect a 2-1 Milan win in Turin on Saturday.