Massimo Ambrosini has outlined the potential positive and negative aspects of Stefano Pioli’s decision to heavily rotate the starting line-up for the game against Bologna.
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Some eyebrows have been raised by Pioli opting to make 10 changes to the XI from the game against Napoli in midweek, with everyone but Mike Maignan starting the match from the bench meaning some reserve players will get an opportunity.
However, the issue is that Milan have not yet secured Champions League football for next season – far from it in fact – so the decision to overhaul the team so drastically could further jeopardise a top four sport.
Ambrosini spoke to DAZN before the game and he was asked what he thought of Pioli’s decision to make so many changes in a big game, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“The benefit is physical: let those who’ll in Naples on Tuesday rest. The risk is that the team has fewer points of reference,” he began.
“The benefit is only physical for those who have played more. The risk is that the team has fewer points of reference. It’s different to play with those who haven’t seen the field recently,” he said.
“All the players have changed like against Piacenza before Manchester. But then it didn’t count for anything. Milan only have six days from one leg to the next and this influences. Of course, changing 10 is a lot.”
On the formation: “The solution of the three-man defence didn’t convince me in general, then they found Kjaer and Maignan… There aren’t many stronger than him around.
“He has been needed few times, but decisive when he was. Milan’s defensive phase has improved because they have regained more possession in the game, and Maignan lends a hand in this.”
On De Ketelaere: “We hope it happen be for him. It’s not simple in these guys’ minds: they have to go above everything. We can give them alibis, but they play for Milan. Today, no alibis, you have to go out there and do well.”
