Preview: Serie A Round 5 – AC Milan vs. SPAL

By Nikita Fesyukov -

After responding to criticism with two consecutive wins against Austria Vienna and Udinese, Milan will look to add a third in a row at home against Serie A new boys SPAL.


Date: Wednesday, September 20
Time: 20:45 CET
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) 
TV Info: Sky Calcio 3 (IT), Bein Sports MAX 8 (FR), Bein Sports 6 HD (AR). 


Milan have collected 9 points from their four opening fixtures in Serie A and are 3 points away from the top of the table. On Wednesday evening, Vincenzo Montella’s men will look to add another win to a stellar beginning of the campaign.

THE TEAMS

As mentioned, except for the blackout in Rome, Milan have so far collected all points available, beating Crotone, Cagliari and Udinese. SPAL, meanwhile, have collected only four points for a win against Udinese and draw at the Stadio Olimpico against Lazio. 

Vincenzo Montella will have almost every player available, except for Andre Conti. The young fullback has suffered a serious knee injury and will be out for about six months.

Compared to the match against Udinese, the coach is expected to make several changes in the lineup, with Ignazio Abate replacing Davide Calabria, Andre Silva replacing Nikola Kalinic and Hakan Calhanoglu playing in Giacomo Bonaventura’s spot in the midfield. Montella is expected to go forward with the 3-5-2 formation used in the last two successful matches.

Rossoneri

The Ferrara-based club secured Serie A promotion for the first time in 49 years last season and are looking to secure salvation in the top tier of Italian football, despite the odds being against them.

Probable lineup (3-5-1-1): G. Donnarumma; Musacchio (Zapata), Bonucci, Romagnoli; Abate, Kessie, Biglia, Calhanoglu, Ricardo Rodriguez; Suso; Andre Silva

LAST TIME OUT

Milan defeated Udinese at home in their last Serie A match, with newcomer Nikola Kalinic securing the win with his two first goals for the club. Meanwhile, SPAL suffered a 0-2 defeat to Cagliari at home and will be hungry for redemption in front of 40,000 people at the San Siro.

KEY PLAYERS

Players to keep an eye on from Milan most definitely ones, with Suso expected to be the point of reference. However, there are two players who I think could make a difference as well – Andre Silva and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Both had a fantastic display in Vienna and will have a big chance to show off in an important Serie A game. Andre could cause a lot of trouble with his speed, technique and brilliant finishing, while Calhanoglu has that much-needed effect of surprise that makes him an extremely unpredictable and talented player to look out for.

On the side of the visitors, the obvious name is Marco Borriello, who despite his older age is still a very dangerous striker. In fact, he managed to score 16 league goals for Cagliari last season.

Tags AC Milan Andre Silva Calhanoglu Italy Milan Montella News Rossoneri Serie A SPAL Suso
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