With some of his defenders absent due to suspension or injury, Stefano Pioli will have to alternate his lineup for AC Milan’s fixture against AS Roma. Today, a Sky journalist has offered an insight into who the 58-year-old may select to fill the gaps.
There is a substantial amount of pressure on the first leg of Milan’s Europa League clash against Roma, given what lies ahead for the successful team. Additionally, given the fixture is an all-Italian tie, both sides will want the bragging rights of knocking a rival side out of the competition.
However, with Fikayo Tomori suspended and Pierre Kalulu injured, Pioli has some important decisions to make about who starts in the middle of defence on Thursday evening.
Manuele Baiocchini spoke to Sky about those who could be named in the defensive lineup that Pioli could choose on Thursday night, and his words have been relayed by Radio Rossonera.
Composition of the defensive line…
“Thiaw is recovered, he was in the group. There’s little time. So, since Pioli has given Sunday off, those who played against Lecce on Monday trained separately. All the more so Thiaw, who came back from plantar fasciitis and had two days to work it off. He was kept out as a precaution against Lecce and so he will be called up.
“We’ll see if, as we think, he’ll be a starter alongside Gabbia or if Pioli will surprisingly rely on Simon Kjaer. With him, Gabbia has spent much longer, while with Thiaw, they have only played eight together.”
Milan have to be wary of cautions…
“Also, there is the issue of cautioned players to keep in mind. Milan have Maignan, Leao, Calabria and Musah cautioned.”
Tough choices.
I’d go with Gabbia and Kjaer. Thiaw hasn’t played well since he’s returned from injury, he needs more time. I feel like Kjaer has lost a step and he already wasn’t the fastest or mobile defender but hopefully his experience can cover. Thiaw off the bench for Kjaer.
As for the yellows:
– Maignan – not worried, but even if he does Sportiello is a really solid GK. He’s played against Roma many times in the past.
– Calabria – Capt will hopefully be smart enough not to get carded but if he does, Florenzi can cover.
– Musah – Loss of depth but manageable.
– Leao – Only real worry. He would be a huge loss. Pulisic would move to LW (his natural position, btw), Chuk on RW – but still, missing Leao would hurt.
I agree with you in every respect. It’s tough avoiding yellows among defensive players, but Leao getting a yellow in this match would be a coaching fail.