Olivier Giroud has received a two-match ban and will thus miss out on the games against Fiorentina and Frosinone. For Stefano Pioli, this is a huge blow especially given the Frenchman’s recent form, but the only precedent to go by is positive.
The veteran striker has been an important player for Milan this season, especially in the last few games. The timing of the suspension, therefore, certainly could have been better as Pioli now has to rely on the unsuccessful alternatives.
Luka Jovic is yet to find the back of the net for the Rossoneri, while Noah Okafor has bagged two goals. The Swiss international prefers to play on the left, but Pioli will likely use him in the No.9 role in Giroud’s absence.
The only precedent without the 37-year-old this season, in fact, is the Cagliari game and Okafor was the starting striker then. The 23-year-old scored an important goal and Milan ended up winning the game 3-1, thanks to goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori as well.
Just like against Cagliari, Samuel Chukwueze and Christian Pulisic will likely be the wingers, with the American starting on the left. Jovic will be an option off the bench and the Serbian, having been very disappointing so far, has a lot to prove.
Pulisic/Okafor/Chuk – then sub in Jovic if you REALLY have to…
The good news is that Quarta and Milenkovic are both known more for the threat they pose on set pieces, and less for their pace.
As good as Giroud has been, he’s a hold-up nine, whereas Okafor, especially with Chuk and Pulisic on his wings, is more like a sprinter. If Fiorentina dare to play the high line, we should be able to run In behind them all match long.