AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli will make changes to his starting line-up for the game against Newcastle United compared to the team that got ripped apart by Inter.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes that there are two good reasons why Pioli will make alternatives. The first is that the starters must be given some rest and new energy is needed in Europe, and the second is more psychological because clear minds are needed after the 5-1 derby loss.
One of the three changes will be in defence where Fikayo Tomori – suspended against Inter and replaced by Simon Kjaer – will return to partner Malick Thiaw, who had a lot of issues himself against the Nerazzurri.
In attack, there should be a chance for Samu Chukwueze and he must make up for the lost ball that led to Inter’s 5-1 goal. He would replace Pulisic, who was first to come off in the derby after a lot of travelling.
The final change could be in midfield where one of Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Tijjani Reijnders (most likely the latter) might well be replaced by Tommaso Pobega, who made eight appearances and one goal in the last edition of the Champions League.
For the first game in the group experience is needed which Yunus Musah doesn’t yet have, while Noah Okafor and Luka Jovic could come on in the second half.
Probable Milan XI (4-3-3): Maignan; Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Loftus-Cheek, Krunic, Reijnders (Pobega); Chukwueze, Giroud, Leao.
