AC Milan need a response against Juventus after having failed in their last two big tests against Napoli and Chelsea, with Theo Hernandez back to help the team.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) reports this morning, Milan had quite a hard start to the season given that this will be their fourth ‘big’ match in nine league games after having played Atalanta, Inter, Napoli and now Juve, perhaps fifth if you consider where Udinese are.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
A home defeat against Napoli before the break and one in the Champions League against Chelsea came amid a long list of injuries but there is the opportunity against the Bianconeri – in front of a sold out crowd – to get a momentum-boosting win. If they were to lose, they could slip six points behind Napoli and/or Atalanta.
Pioli has one of his best players back available in Theo Hernandez. The French full-back has disposed of the strain that kept him out against Empoli and Chelsea and is ready to start the game with captain’s armband on.
At Stamford Bridge his absence was felt, while there could be more changes in defence as Matteo Gabbia could play alongside Fikayo Tomori and as such Pierre Kalulu would move to the right in place of Sergino Dest. Behind the striker there could be room for Brahim Diaz, to let De Ketelaere catch his breath.
Kalulu will need to be careful against Kostic
Kalulu Gabbia Tomori Theo
I think I would line up with those 4 if I was in charge. Not convinced by Dest and Kalulu has proven to be quality in both phases on the right last season before moving central… having said that… I trust Mr Pioli to make the right decision.