AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli must do without Rafael Leao and Rade Krunic for the trip to face Fiorentina on Sunday, and no doubt will already be thinking about how to replace them.
The Portuguese forward was booked by the referee Mariani in the first half for protesting about a potential missed red card after Toloi’s handball, while the Bosnian got a yellow near the end of the match for a foul on Boga.
La Gazzetta dello Sport write how the game against Fiorentina will be a dress rehearsal for the return leg of the Champions League match against Tottenham, and during the middle of the week Ismael Bennacer should return to training with the rest of his team-mates.
He should be able to play from the start if he does return to full training on Wednesday (the team have two days off) but if not then the alternative options are Tommaso Pobega and Aster Vranckx, with Sandro Tonali virtually guaranteed to start.
In terms of replacing Leao, the most logical replacement would be Ante Rebic but another option is Divock Origi, who however continues to struggle. Finally, the third hypothesis is the use of Charles De Ketelaere and Brahim Diaz together in a more narrow 3-4-2-1.
Put Ibra and Giroud first half. And second put Origi and Rebic no matter of result.
If Bennacer isn’t ready to play vs Fiorentina, the bigger miss will actually be Krunic than Leao.
We need Krunic physicality to go vs Amrabat.
The game is won or lost in the trenches, in the midfield
I get the feeling Messias will play on the pivot for Krunic. Rebic will probably replace Leao.
Diaz to the left,messias upfront on the right,saelemakers right winger,remember this will happen,pobega will play instead of krunic if bennacer doesnt come back
Ibra and Giroud together or Ibra and Rebic. Give Giroud a rest.
How about Vranckx in the Midfield. For all we know he could be just as good as Thiaw if he gets the chance.
It’s going to be a difficult game. Fiorentina have smashed Braga and Verona. Hopefully they’re distracted by their EC next Friday.
pobega to replace krunic and adli/ CDK to replace leao
IKWYDLS how can Pioli plays Messias as a pivot??? Do you ever watch football?? Maybe you do, but don’t understand it…
Messias does not possess any characteristics to play as a pivot! But I’m sure he can replace Leao as a AM …
I totally agree with K, Pioli should rest Giroud for the away game against spurs!
I think Pioli should start Saelemakers as the RWB and put Messias in Leao’ s place and Pobega should replace Krunic , if Bennacer is not fit to start!
Or Pioli could start CDK in Leao’s place..
CDK will shine in the Milan shirt, I think we need to be patient and let him finish this season and see how he performs next season!