Stefano Pioli will put his trust in Matteo Gabbia once again as he hopes for a better defensive effort from his side this time around against Chelsea.
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Calciomercato.com write how Gabbia did a good job in keeping Dusan Vlahovic quiet in Saturday’s win against Juventus and he will called upon to repeat himself against another centre-forward of international standing in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The 23-year-old was actually close to leaving in the summer window after a 2021-22 campaign with just 10 appearances (7 starts), with Sampdoria coming forward to ask about a loan, but the fact Milan extended his contract until 2026 shows faith from the leadership.
The injury problems in defence plus the acclimatisation that new signing Malick Thiaw needs has given a new opportunity for Gabbia to showcase his development, with the Italy U21 international called upon to repeat his confident display against Juve in a game against arguably a much better opponent.
He will be partnered with Fikayo Tomori so Pierre Kalulu remains on the right side of the defence relegating Sergino Dest to the bench. It should be a fluid 4-3-3 ready to transform into 4-2-3-1 according to the game situations, with Bennacer, Tonali and Krunic in midfield plus Brahim Diaz, Giroud and Leao in attack.
Probable Milan XI (4-3-3): Tatarusanu; Kalulu, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo; Tonali, Bennacer, Krunic; Brahim Diaz, Giroud, Leao.
