Fonseca explains decision to start Terracciano in midfield: “A very intelligent player”

Paulo Fonseca spoke to the media ahead of AC Milan’s clash against Hellas Verona at Stadio Bentegodi. In addition to the choices up front, he explained Filippo Terracciano’s role in the midfield tandem. 

The manager has made just one change to the starting XI, replacing Mattia Liberali with Filippo Terracciano and moving Tijjani Reijnders to the No.10 role. Terracciano, who has played as a left-back and a right-back this season, is a bit of a surprise.

Speaking to DAZN ahead of the game, as cited by MilanNews, Fonseca explained why he has opted for the youngster in midfield. He was also asked about Theo Hernandez and made it clear that Alex Jimenez deserves to play after the game against Genoa.

Why aren’t you playing with two strikers tonight?

“I think Morata is the only striker who can help defensively and act almost as an attacking midfielder. Abraham and Camarda are another type of striker. Furthermore, we wouldn’t have had anyone as a substitute.”

Is Theo ready to come on?

“Theo is with us. I think Jimenez played a great game. He has to continue playing, that’s right for me. Theo, who has worked well, has to wait to return. It’s a physical issue.”

Explain Terracciano’s role in midfield…

“He trains a lot as a midfielder. He is a very intelligent player, he understands the role very well. Now we have the option of Liberali as well as Zeroli, who has only trained for two days… It is a different game, with an aggressive team that marks individually. I think Pippo is the right solution to start the game.”

Milan desperately need to come away with all three points as they currently sit in eight place and with a decent gap up to top four. In fact, without a win tonight, Fonseca’s position will be under heavy scrutiny.