The first leg defeat in the Champions League semi-final and the desire to be in the next edition of the competition gives Stefano Pioli a dilemma in view of tomorrow’s game against Spezia.
According to a report from MilanNews, Pioli is expected to make some changes starting in the defensive department where Pierre Kalulu should come in to partner Fikayo Tomori, with Malick Thiaw suspended and Simon Kjaer rested. On the left of the back four should be Theo Hernandez and on the right Calabria.
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In the midfield Tommaso Pobega returns from the first minute, with one of either Sandro Tonali or Rade Krunic at his side, given Ismael Bennacer is injured and most likely out for the season.
It is also expected that Junior Messias will start on the right wing with Divock Origi on the other flank and Charles De Ketelaere as the attacking midfielder. Up front, Ante Rebic will give Olivier Giroud a rest.
Probable Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Theo; Tonali, Pobega; Messias, De Ketelaere, Origi;
Rebic.
Injured: Bennacer, Ibrahimovic, Leao.
Suspended: Thiaw
One yellow from suspension: Kalulu, Kjaer, Pobega, Rebic.
If we lose 3 points it is over…
It’s madness rotating that many players.
Madness if we had done it once. Insanity given it’s already failed.
I just don’t understand why Pioli doesn’t rest 3-4 players one game, and then 3-4 others in a different game, thus resting 7-8 players over 2 games.
But 7-8 at once???
I hope Messias starting vs Spezia means he won’t start against Inter.
Against Inter I’d want to see Alexis as RW and if Leao is not fit, Origi as LW, as he looked way better on the wing than as a striker.
I am also looking forward to Messias not starting against inter in the champions league. I also agree with Origi on the left and Alex’s on the right.
With Origi playing.. it’s up to Theo to score a goal
If we don’t win tomorrow, we are out . No need for false hope.
Not Origi and Rebic again… Just play Sale out wide.
Losing that game was a good reality check
Now, will Mr pioli sacrifice 3 points and ucl next season for an imaginary UCL final.
The joke is on pioli, no top four finish or UCL trophy- he should get sacked.