Ahead of Saturday’s clash against Atalanta, reports have emerged suggesting they are facing similar woes to AC Milan in defensive areas.
After the loss against Torino, Gian Piero Gasperini stated in his post-match press conference that he was struggling with injuries at the back. However, in recent days, the situation does not seem to have improved, leaving him in a defensive debacle.
CalcioMercato.com has today written that Rafael Toloi, Jose Palomino, and Berat Djimsiti will not be available for the clash. This has only been worsened by the fact that Sead Kolasinac is also a risk for the fixture, having trained alone today.
This leaves Gasperini with only Giorgio Scalvini as the only fit, natural central defender available to him. As a result, the returning Davide Zappacosta, Matteo Ruggeri, or Hans Hateboer will have to play in the middle of defence.
Alternatively, there is a chance that Marten De Roon could again take place in the middle of La Dea’s back three as he did in the 3-0 loss against Torino.
Whichever solution Gasperini opts for, Milan seemingly gains an instant advantage. Using any of the four options, at least one player will play in an unnatural position. If Kolasinac does not recover, there will have to be two makeshift defenders.
Given Rafael Leao reportedly is recovering quicker than expected, and Olivier Giroud is returning, Milan will have to be predatorial and take advantage of another team’s woes, something they have been a victim of too much already this season.
