Due to many absences, Stefano Pioli has been forced to go with a makeshift XI for tonight’s big clash between AC Milan and Roma. It’s far from ideal for the Rossoneri, in other words.
The likes of Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori and Alessio Romagnoli will miss the game, as was revealed last night, and they aren’t the only ones. Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie are on international duty and Simon Kjaer is, of course, injured.
The defence and midfield departments are thus decimated to the bare bones this evening. Matteo Gabbia and Pierre Kalulu will team up in the heart of the defence for the first time, while Rade Krunic will start alongside Sandro Tonali.
Official Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Florenzi, Gabbia, Kalulu, Hernandez (captain); Tonali, Krunic; Messias, Diaz, Saelemaekers; Giroud.
Bench: Mirante, Nava Lapo, Ibrahimovic, Rebic, Conti, Leao, Maldini, Bakayoko, Stanga
Roma also have a few Covid-19 cases, three to be specific, but they can still field a very strong XI. They are slight favourites for the game tonight, given the three Milan absences that were announced yesterday.
Official Roma XI (3-5-2): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Veretout, Pellegrini, Mihitaryan, Vina; Zaniolo, Abraham
❗ OFFICIAL: #ACMilan's starting XI for #MilanRoma…
🤔 Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/hH0e5HMdey
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) January 6, 2022
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I hope Kalulu shows up today.
I think there’s about 7 players that have something to prove in that starting 11, a lot of players need to step up today.
Jesus H, that is serious bare bones…. we’ll need a bit of luck!
Why bench Rebic, Ibrahimovic, Leao when they are fit to play. Unreaasonable reasons why we lose points.
Believe me, Pioli will cost us more with this unrasonable team selection.