Preview: Serie A Round 26 – Sassuolo vs. AC Milan

By SempreMilan -

Following a huge victory in the San Siro last Sunday against Fiorentina, Milan are facing a tricky away game against Sassuolo who have been Milan’s “Bogey” side in recent years. 

Milan came away with all three points against Fiorentina thanks to two first-half goals from Kucka and Deulofeu. The second half performance was slightly disappointing, however, as Milan sat back and invited on pressure from Fiorentina. Despite this Milan came away with a much-needed win in the race for Europe.

Sassuolo are also going into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory. The Neroverdi did well to come back from a goal down last week to beat Udinese. Sassuolo have had an indifferent season but they have picked up their form with three wins in their last five games. Sassuolo will be feeling a win is on the cards against Milan as the Rossoneri have never won at the Mapei Stadium.

THE TEAMS

Milan are still going through an injury crisis with Romagnoli, De Sciglio, Antonelli, Montolivo and Bonaventura (whose season is over), all still unavailable against Sassuolo.

The backline will more than likely stay the same with Gomez (or Zapata) and Paletta starting in the centre of defence with Abate and Vangioni as the fullbacks. Although there have been some rumours that Calabria may start in place of Vangioni.

In midfield, Sosa is set to keep his place as Regista after another good performance against Fiorentina. Kucka and Pasalic will also most likely keep their places alongside Sosa.

Bacca is expected to keep his place up front despite coming under heavy criticism for his recent poor performances. Suso and Deulofeu will both keep their places on the wings and will try to help Bacca end his goal scoring drought.

Likely AC Milan XI (4-3-3):

Donnarumma; Abate, Gomez, Paletta, Vangioni (Calabria); Sosa, Kucka, Pasalic (Bertolacci); Suso, Bacca (Lapadula), Deulofeu.

Likely Sassuolo XI (4-3-3):

Consigli; Gazzola, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Peluso; Pellegrini, Aquilani, Duncan; Berardi, Matri, Politano.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jose Sosa is starting to make the Regista spot his own and he was arguably man of the match against Fiorentina. With two assists in his last two matches, Sosa will be looking to further add to that tally and he will be expected to put in another good performance against Sassuolo.

For Sassuolo, Domenico Berardi will undoubtedly be the one to watch. Berardi will look to continue his remarkable form against Milan. With eight goals in his last seven matches against the Rossoneri, he will certainly be Sassuolo’s danger man on Sunday.

LAST TIME THEY MET

The last game between the two was a 4-3 thriller with Milan coming from 3-1 down to perform a remarkable comeback. The reverse of this fixture last season was a 2-0 win for the Neroverdi.

Tags AC Milan Carlos Bacca De Sciglio Deulofeu Italy Kucka Lapadula Locatelli Milan Montella News Rossoneri Sassuolo Serie A Sosa Suso
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