The importance of AC Milan’s clash against Slavia Praha in the Europa League Round of 16 cannot be understated. As a result, it is pivotal that Stefano Pioli gets his team selection spot on, and decisions are already being made.
So much relies on the first leg of this fixture, but this cannot show in any way on Thursday evening.
The situation is worryingly clear. Inter are almost guaranteed to win the Scudetto at this point, and Milan’s failure to enter the Champions League knockout stages soured the season. However, losing the first leg of the fixture against Slavia Praha would be monumental.
Reports have suggested that Pioli’s job will be decided by European performances, therefore, every game has to be coached perfectly from here on, starting with the team selections. As MilanNews reports, there are some decisions to make.
The defence looks likely to change once again. Mike Maignan will start in goal, and Theo Hernandez and Matteo Gabbia will retain their places on the left of defence. However, on the right, Malick Thiaw will be welcomed back into the defence. Furthermore, Davide Calabria could be welcomed to the bench to be rested for Alessandro Florenzi, given he is suspended for Sunday’s fixture.
In the midfield, Yacine Adli will start, but it remains to be seen who will partner him, with Tijjani Reijnders and Ismael Bennacer battling to partner him.
The attacking four will not change. Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao will operate on the wings, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will look to influence the game from behind Olivier Giroud.
