Ahead of AC Milan’s fixture against Stade Rennais in the Europa League, a French journalist has offered some expertise and insight into the opposition and which players the Rossoneri need to be aware of.
The home leg of this fixture is huge for Milan. When the draw occurred, whilst Rennes were known to be a dangerous team, their form in Ligue 1 was abysmal, and they required a sharp upturn in form. Unfortunately for the Rossoneri, that has happened, as Stefano Pioli touched on in his pre-match press conference.
Now, the fixture looks much less favourable, and whilst the Diavolo come into this game in fine form, their opposition seems much more dangerous than they may originally have been.
As a result, the importance of a positive outcome at the San Siro is heightened.
Given the plans for investment in the squad in the summer, a deep run into the competition would be demanded due to the finances that can be earned. Given the Rossoneri have never been successful in the Europa League, there will be an additional desire to do well.
RLT France journalist Baptiste Durieux spoke to MilanNews ahead of the fixture to offer insight into where Milan needs to be careful against Rennes.
What kind of match should Milan and Rennes be?
“Rennes is a team that plays, often defensively unfocused, that leaves you and concedes space. So I expect a very open match from this point of view, with Milan that could build interesting offensive situations.”
What are the conditions of the Rennes squad ahead of this fixture?
“A little less than decent, if you had to give a judgement. They are seventh in Ligue 1 and expectations were quite different. They changed coach and this led to something more, but not much more.”
Which Rennes players will Milan have to watch out for the most?
“If I have to name names, I definitely vote Benjamin Bourigeaud, especially on set pieces. Very good right foot, a fundamental midfielder for Rennes. Then Amine Gouiri: a good winger, who can score goals, with technique and good dribbling.
“Pioli will also have to watch out for Ludovic Blas: a trequartista perhaps still ‘invisible’ this season, but unpredictable, because he likes big games like this one against Milan. Not very continuous and tactically disciplined, but very talented.”
How are Milan thought of in France?
“Milan is very popular and is spoken of with great respect, as a club with a great history, especially in Europe. In addition, the season and the performances of Giroud, Maignan and Teho Hernandez are looked at with great interest: it is agreed that, at Milan, they have had a very important growth.”
They loaned out with an option to buy the right back whole had a brilliant goal against Villa in their last game. I was worried about him vs Theo and Co.