AC Milan ended their last game before the international break with Olivier Giroud in net against Genoa, and they will start their first game back with Antonio Mirante between the posts.
As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) write this morning, the news of the injury to Marco Sportiello has reshuffled all the cards on the table because the 40-year-old Mirante is now expected to start his first Serie A game in two years.
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He made his Milan debut in the closing stages of the win against Verona to end last season but it was nothing more than a ceremonial gesture and he has no more than a few appearances in friendly matches.
As mentioned, the last match he played in the league as a starter dates back to two and a half years ago: it was 18 April 2021 and Roma lost against Torino 3-1 away from home.
Autumn has not been a very fortunate period for Rossoneri goalkeepers in recent history: after Maignan’s three consecutive injuries, Sportiello now has one too and it came one year to the day since the Frenchman’s second calf issue.
Mirante, a veteran with over 300 matches in Serie A, will have to take on the role of the superhero against Juve in the hope of continuing the Rossoneri’s good defensive record.
After Mirante, the oldest in the squad is Giroud and he will also be on the pitch at the centre of the attacking trident. He turned 37 less than a month ago and remains a key element of Stefano Pioli’s squad.
After starting the season great with four goals in the first three rounds of Serie A, the Frenchman has not scored since his penalty against Roma. Sometimes he provided good performances, even without getting a goal, as the assists against Inter and Verona show.
However, the fact remains that he hasn’t scored since September 1st meaning nine games have passed. Giroud has always shown that he is present on big occasions, like against Juve last season, so Pioli hopes that trend will continue.
Have no fear that man Olivier Giroud is here .
With Giroud/ pulisic / and Rafeo leao up front we will win this match ….Yes it’s Oliviers time to score ..
Great news is that we will win the scuddeto this season ….This surely must be our main priority,.
I have complete confidence in our team , and one of the best managers in the world ..pioli ..
It’s a little unfortunate with the injuries once again but this effects other teams and not just us ..
All these international fixtures do take their toll .
But any way all you fans ,,please remain optimistic we are doing well at the moment ..