GdS: Pioli and his ‘mission impossible’ in attack amid heavy absences

Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao will both miss out on AC Milan’s clash against Fiorentina after the break. A huge blow for Stefano Pioli, who is under great pressure to turn things around with the Rossosneri. 

The two-match ban was confirmed for Giroud yesterday and this means that he will be out against Fiorentina as well as Frosinone. Not the biggest of games, but still a big blow for Milan as they are lacking a proper replacement.

The Frenchman has scored seven this season, as highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), and this puts him second in the capocannoniere race. His deputies, Luka Jovic and Noah Okafor, have just two goals between them and this is an issue.

For Stefano Pioli, replacing Giroud is more or less a ‘mission impossible’ and a lot of thinking will have to be done during the break. Especially since Leao will miss out on the clash as well, struggling with an injury which also could keep him out against Borussia Dortmund.

Okafor will likely be the starting left-winger, which means Jovic is the only choice left for the No.9 role. That is, of course, unless the manager decides to change the formation. Now is not really the time to do the latter, though.