AC Milan will look to build on their first win of the season vs. Roma, as the Rossoneri will face Cagliari away from home on Sunday evening.
The team had a very impressive first half against Roma, absolutely suffocating the opposition with pinpoint passing and ability to retain possession. A drop in the second half was to be expected, but a last-second Cutrone winner gave the Rossoneri the three points and the confidence coming into this game.
THE TEAM
Reports suggest that Gennaro Gattuso is set to name the same lineup that got the job done against Roma. In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma remains after having an outstanding international break with Italy. The backline of Calabria, Romagnoli, Musacchio and Rodriguez is expected to remain intact, although some reports have suggested that Laxalt may be the favourite over Rodriguez.
In the midfield, the trio of Kessie, Biglia and Bonaventura will continue to run the show, while Suso, Higuain and Calhanoglu will start up front. Youngster Patrick Cutrone, who as said was crucial against Roma, is injured and will miss the game.
Likely AC Milan XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Kessie, Biglia, Bonaventura; Suso, Higuain, Calhanoglu.
THE OPPONENTS
Cagliari have started the season in relatively good form under new head coach Rolando Maran. Although they were convincingly beaten on the opening day by Empoli, they looked to have bounced back against Sassuolo only to concede a 97th-minute penalty equalizer and have to settle for the point. In week three they had a shock result, beating Atalanta 1-0 away from home and doing it quite convincingly.
New signing, striker Leonardo Pavoletti has started the season in red-hot form with two goals in the first three games. New signings Lucas Castro and Ragnar Klavan from Chievo and Liverpool respectively are also expected to feature from the start for the Rossoblu.
Likely Cagliari XI (4-3-1-2): Cragno; Srna, Klavan, Romagna, Padoin; Castro, Bradaric; Barella, Ionita; Sau, Pavoletti.
LAST TIME OUT
As previously mentioned the Rossoneri got their first win of the season in an emphatic heart-stopping fashion against Roma, with goals from Franck Kessie and Patrick Cutrone sealing the game.
Cagliari also got their first win of the season with a shocking result after a comfortable win away at Atalanta, thanks to a goal from their young midfield starlet Nicolo Barella.
KEY PLAYERS
Gonzalo Higuain will be the key to everything for Milan up front. His ability to not only be a consistent goal scoring threat but also his immaculate link-up play has been vital to Gattuso’s playing style. His assist to Cutrone vs. Roma was a perfect representation of his abilities both in front of goal and his composure to set up his teammates.
Cagliari are historically his favourite Serie A opponents, having scored six goals in his seven career games against them, and he’s never been on the losing side (5W, 2D). Therefore, hopefully, we’ll get to see Pipita score his first goal in the red and black colours.
PREDICTION
Going away to Cagliari is never easy but I expect Gattuso’s men to be up for the task, especially with a couple players fighting for their respective place in the team.
Cagliari vs. Milan: 0-2
