GdS: Six players for two positions – Pioli can finally call upon attacking depth

After being somewhat forced into making certain selection choices last season, AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli now has some attacking depth at his disposal.

The centre-forward role is one where Milan have struggled in recent seasons, often being forced to field a player in that position who is not a natural striker given the injuries suffered, but now there are three players fighting for the spot.

Ante Rebic scored a brace in the 4-2 win over Udinese on Saturday so he staked his claim for a place as a ‘false nine’ type centre-forward, while La Gazzetta dello Sport add that Olivier Giroud and Divock Origi will provide competition as more natural No.9s.

Then there is the attacking midfielder role where Pioli really struggled to find any consistency last season, fielding Brahim Diaz there until his drop in form and then both Franck Kessie and Rade Krunic.

Now, though, La Gazzetta believes the issues are fixed. New €32m signing Charles De Ketelaere is the most obvious choice for the playmaker position when he reaches 100% in terms of condition and integration, but Brahim – with a goal and an assist against Udinese – could well have a resurgence and another new arrival in Yacine Adli certainly impressed during preseason.