After Thursday’s loss to AS Roma, AC Milan are expected to rotate heavily against Sassuolo to give themselves the best chance of turning the fixture around in the second leg, a journalist has claimed.
There can be no other way of putting it. Thursday’s loss is a huge blow, and now the response will be the most important thing, considering how much it will affect. Firstly, there is a significant financial boost available in the competition, so progression will be appreciated, given the investment plans for the summer.
Additionally, there is the impact it will have on the future. Milan have been on the fence about continuation under Stefano Pioli in recent months, and with any decision about the future on hold until the end of the season, showing his ability to effectively manage the current situation whilst remembering that the Derby della Madonnina takes place four days after the second leg is imperative.
Speaking to Sky, Emanuele Baiocchini spoke of the condition of the players and the current situation – his words have been relayed by MilanNews.
“At Milanello this morning there was a long video analysis to review the many mistakes made in yesterday’s match against Roma. Then the team took the field, those who played did differentiated work, and those who didn’t play did a proper training session, but basically, Pioli hasn’t tried anything yet.
“The indications we have is that he should change a lot, at least 5 or 6 compared to the game against Roma to have the freshest and fittest Milan possible in the return match. Because the most beautiful Milan of the last period has not been seen, and so clearly at the Olimpico next Thursday a whole different game will be needed from Stefano Pioli’s team.
“A whole different Milan with the same protagonists we appreciated in the golden period, between March and the beginning of April. And instead yesterday the cornerstones of Milan were not seen.”
On Leao’s performance…
“Yesterday Leao was one of the most inconclusive. He practically didn’t succeed in anything, only 33% of the duels he won, which means he lost all the others. He came out amidst the booing, he was disappointed, and he got into an argument in the mixed zone with a colleague. In short, at his best moment on his worst night, in probably the worst game. However, he has plenty of time to recover, after all, he is a champion.”
On the line-up changes against Sassuolo…
“Against Sassuolo Leao, Pulisic, Giroud, and Bennacer could be rested, we’ll see if Theo Hernandez will also play. Certainly Florenzi for Calabria. In short, this makes you understand that there will be a lot of changes, at least five or six.”
