AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has put his faith in a youthful line-up for tonight’s game against Cagliari in the Coppa Italia, starting numerous Primavera products.
Given the lack of depth available in several areas due to injuries, Pioli has called upon Jan-Carlo Simic to partner Theo Hernandez at centre-back, with Davide Calabria and right-back and Alex Jimenez getting a debut at left-back. Antonio Mirante starts in goal.
Yacine Adli and Tijjani Reijnders will form a double pivot in midfield allowing rest for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and with Ismael Bennacer away on African Cup of Nations duty.
Speaking of AFCON, Samuel Chukwueze starts on the right in what will be his last game before departing, while Chaka Traore is on the other flank and Luka Romero is the playmaker behind Luka Jovic.
The bench features some firepower that can be called upon with Loftus-Cheek joined by the likes of Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao.
Official Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Mirante; Calabria, Simic, Hernandez, Jimenez; Reijnders, Adli; Chukwueze, Romero, Chaka Traore; Jovic.
Bench: Nava, Maignan; Kjaer, Bartesaghi, Florenzi, Nsiala; Loftus-Cheek, Krunic, Zeroli; Pulisic, Giroud, Leao.
Official Cagliari (4-3-1-2): Radunovic; Di Pardo, Hatzidiakos, Wieteska, Azzi; Deiola, Makoumbou, Jankto; Mancosu; Petagna, Luvumbo.
Bench: Aresti, Scuffet; Azzi, Capradossi, Goldaniga, Zappa; Sulemana, Viola; Oristanio, Pereiro.
