There are three factors that AC Milan are hoping to use in their favour as they attempt to overhaul the eight point deficit to Serie A leaders Napoli, a report claims.
Corriere dello Sport (via PianetaMilan) writes that the returns of Theo Hernández and Olivier Giroud will be crucial for the Rossoneri. Their personal participation in the World Cup in Qatar was of the highest level, and while more will needed from the whole team Pioli needs his champions to show up.
The second factor will be Rafael Leão. The Serie A MVP had a good first part of the season but a repeat of the second part of the last campaign is needed, with the Portuguese winger scoring many crucial goals.
Thirdly, it will take a greater contribution from the attacking midfielder role, above all the relaunch of Charles De Ketelaere. He was at the World Cup in Qatar but only played for 15 minutes, so Pioli will make it his mission to get him in form.
The three factors are:
1 Napoli dropping points
2. Milan gaining points
3. 1&2
4. Milan NOT dropping points vs Salernitana et co.
I might get completely lambasted and ridiculed for what im gonna say but i wouldnt be too surprised if milan has almost equalled napolis points in early to mid february.
Very optomistic. I will be watching and wish the same.
1. Sort out player contracts
2. re-evaluate current formation, ie best solution imo being 4-3-3.
3. re-interprete player positions, ie Kalulu back to RB, Gabbia should be given more time, Krunic/Pobega/Adli will all do better in a 3 man midfield, Diaz/CDK play inside right, Saele to LW (yep) and Rebic to CF.
3 factors needed:
1) Milan sign better starting players for key attacking positions
2) Napoli has a bunch of injuries and Milan magically recovers theirs
3) Giroud at his age stays healthy the entire season because the rest of our strikers blow sack.
So….. not happening
2nd place with only 7 starting players.. kalulu, tomori, theo, bennacer, tonali, leao & giroud