Preview: Milan vs. Udinese

By Isak Möller -

AC Milan will take on Udinese at the San Siro on Sunday, as they will aim to bounce back from their disappointing 4-2 loss against Napoli last time out.

The International break is over and Serie A is finally back on Sunday for Milanisti, with the San Siro side hosting Udinese, who both have grabbed three points after two rounds. With that said, it will not be an easy game; as we’ve learned no game is for the inconsistent AC Milan.

However, the stats are pointing towards one team when it comes to the clubs’ battles at the San Siro, in favour of the home side.

(Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Over the last six Serie A meetings between these two sides, the same result has never repeated for two consecutive games – in their last meeting, they drew 1-1 at the San Siro. AC Milan are also unbeaten in their last nine meetings against Udinese at the San Siro (W6, D3).

Not just that, but The Rossoneri have also found the net in each of their last 18 home games against the Friulani in Serie A (an average of 2.8 per game).

However, as said, AC Milan are known for being extremely inconsistent lately, which is an aspect that we hope Montella can improve.

THE TEAMS

Due to suspensions and injuries, it was rumoured Montella would start with a 4-4-2, with Sosa and Montolivo in the midfield. However, the latest reports suggest Montella will stick with the 4-3-3 formation, adding Andrea Poli, who has recovered from an injury, to the midfield. Sosa is also expected to start in the midfield, whilst Bonaventura will take place in the attacking trio with Bacca and Suso, as Niang is suspended. Here are the players expected to start.

AC Milan (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Abate, Paletta, Romagnoli, Antonelli; Poli, Montolivo, Sosa; Suso, Bacca, Bonaventura.

Suspensions: Kucka, Niang.
Injuries: Zapata, Bertolacci, Mati Fernandez.

Sosa in action against Napoli | Getty Images

Udinese (4-3-2-1): Karnezis; Widmer, Danilo, Felipe, Armero; Badu, Kums, Hallfredsson; Thereau, De Paul; Zapata.

Injuries: Heurtaux, Samir.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

The player I think every Milan fan should keep an extra eye on is Sosa, who looks set to start for the Rossoneri for the first time in a competitive game. Last weekend, the Argentinian played as the regista in the friendly against Bournemouth, where he did quite good. However, he is an attacking midfielder, which makes it even more exciting to see him now, playing at a position which will allow him to take a few more steps up the field.

It will of course also be interesting to see Milan’s attacking trio, which on Sunday will be without Niang, as Bonaventura will take his place, which isn’t a bad replacement at all.

Moving on to Udinese, Zapata will be a big threat for AC Milan upfront. With his ability to be at the right place at the right time, and of course his strength, the Milan defenders will have to keep an extra eye on the Colombian.

LAST TIME THEY MET

February 7, 2016, was the last time these two sides met. The game finished 1-1 after Udinese took the lead early in the first-half, despite two fantastic saves from Donnarumma, who kept the scores at 1-0 till the half time break. Milan then equalised through Niang, after a great pass from Bacca. However, Milan did not manage to find the net one more time, despite many big chances; like Bertolacci’s shot that hit the crossbar, which later on was saved on the goal-line.

Kick-off is scheduled at 15:00 CET Sunday, September 11th.

Tags AC Milan Bacca Bonaventura Carlos Bacca De Sciglio Italy Milan Montella Montolivo Niang Rossoneri Serie A Sosa Suso Udinese
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