(IN THE PHOTO: Honda and De Jong during training)MILANELLO – Yesterday's training session began with the emotional farewell of Alessandro Matri who said goodbye to his team-mates and the coaching staff. The last time a player’s departure evoked such a reaction was Alexandre Pato in January 2013. The difference is that Alessandro Matri will be going on loan to Fiorentina and in July will return to Milan, while Pato left the club for good and went to Corinthians.
Coach Mauro Tassotti spoke to the squad ahead of the training session reminding the players of the importance of today's match Milan-Spezia at 18.00. The side then took part in a practice match 11 v 11 on a full size pitch, with one side wearing green bibs and the other side in red and black. During the training session the team practiced the line-up and formation that they will use against Spezia this evening at 18.00. The chief executive Adriano Galliani was also present at the training session. Birsa and Petagna trained with the group.
Here is the 21-man squad for today's match:Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mexes, Rami, Silvestre, Zaccardo, Zapata, Birsa, Cristante, Emanuelson, Honda, Kakà, Montolivo, Nocerino, Poli, Pazzini, Petagna (N. 37), Robinho.