AC Milan continue to mix convincing UEFA Champions League form
with disappointing results – especially at home – in Serie A. However, Ronaldo's
expected return from injury at Cagliari Calcio on Sunday could give Carlo
Ancelotti's side the impetus needed to revive their Scudetto challenge.
'I'm ready'
"I'm ready, but it's up to the coach to decide whether I play or not," said
Ronaldo. "I really want to play. I have been training hard, but a game is a
different matter." The 31-year-old Brazilian striker suffered what looked like a
minor injury on 31 July, but a series of complications since have kept him out
for nearly four months.
Poor home form
Ronaldo, who arrived from Real Madrid CF last January, scored seven goals in 14
league appearances last term. In his subsequent absence, the Rossoneri have won
three of their five away games, scoring 15 goals, yet have earned only four
points from six matches at San Siro, scoring three goals. "I'm sure this
campaign can still change very much," Ronaldo added.
Falling behind
Milan, however, require a quick recovery as they are eleven points behind Serie
A leaders FC Internazionale Milano. "Inter are playing well," said the former
Nerazzurri forward. "However, the season is still very long. I think there are
several sides who are more less on the same level. We have big ambitions."
Although they lie eleventh in Italy, Ancelotti's men continue to set the pace in
UEFA Champions League Group D.
Inter boost
Meanwhile Inter, who host Atalanta BC on Saturday, may also welcome back a key
man from a thigh injury as defender Marco Materazzi seems ready for his first
league outing of the campaign. "It was a very painful injury," the Italian
international said. "I could hardly sleep for a month because of the pain. But I
have overcome the problem and am ready to finish the season strongly with Inter
and Italy." |