Lucas Paqueta is now in line to start AC Milan’s opening game of the season against Udinese, according to a report.
Head coach Marco Giampaolo had been intending to use a midfield three of Fabio Borini, Lucas Biglia and Hakan Calhanoglu, but has had to completely change his plans.
This is due to the fact that Biglia will reportedly miss the trip to the Stadio Friuli on Sunday evening with an adductor muscle injury.
New signing Ismael Bennacer seemed the most obvious replacement to play in the regista position, but Giampaolo is apparently gong to try Hakan Calhanoglu at the base of the midfield.
This is something that was tried in preseason and looked as if it could function, and is mainly due to the fact that Bennacer has not yet had enough time to integrate with the group after the African Cup of Nations.
With Calhanoglu shifting across a gap in the left of the midfield has been opened, and Sky Italia claims that Paqueta will now start there.
The Brazilian was originally going to start on the bench as he – similarly to Bennacer – returned late to preseason due to international commitments. He has however had more time training with the group than the Algeria international.
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