AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has already had to do without Theo Hernandez for three games this season due to suspension, but he will welcome him back into the starting line-up on Saturday.
Calciomercato.com recalls how it took a goal from Pierre Kalulu to earn three points against Empoli, and they did not see the same usual explosive performance from Rafael Leao, the man most capable of creating opportunities.
The Portuguese winger had 5 dribbles but just one shot in 83 minutes before being replaced by Ante Rebic, and though there were a couple of nice bits of link-up play with Alessandro Florenzi, the feeling is that the return of Theo Hernandez is key to getting Leao at full speed again.
Having Theo on the left makes it hard for Cagliari to double team Leao as Andreazzoli’s side did. It will be a tough examination for Raoul Bellanova, who spent his entire youth career with Milan and is now in a relegation battle with Walter Mazzarri’s Cagliari.
Leao needs to quit throwing up his hands, and moping around when he loses the ball, Theo can very well win it back quickly and pass, but only if Rafie has his head in the game.