AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is reportedly thinking about making as many as 10 changes to the line-up to face Bologna tomorrow, in view of Tuesday’s return leg against Napoli.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport writes, the match against Bologna is crucial in the top four race, which in turn has a lot of prestige and of course prize money at stake. However, there is a real chance to make the Champions League semi-finals too, where Inter or Benfica would await.
Pros: Protection is the main plus side from rotating lots of players, because even though it would further complicate an already tough game against a resurgent Bologna side it would also guarantee that the main stars are at 100% on Tuesday.
It is not just about ensuring they are all in top condition in terms of not getting injured but also in terms of condition, because on Wednesday – when Milan found themselves with a numerical advantage – they still didn’t have the strength mentally or physically to hammer home the advantage
Cons: With that being said, we know by now that the ‘alternatives’ give less guarantees than the regular starters. For some of the reserves this could actually be an opportunity to show off, while certain protagonists ahead of Tuesday could play with the handbrake on.
However, it is at the stage of the season now where wins are needed to keep pace in the top four race and after the rotated side failed to beat Empoli at home, a trip to face eighth in the table – who will be fired up to beat the Rossoneri – with more changes threatens to further derail the push to secure participation in the big European competition next season.
