Mario Mandzukic is in line for his first start in an AC Milan shirt on Thursday night and he has a point to prove to the management.
As this morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews) reports, the Croatian striker should start from the first minute against the Red Star having only made generally brief substitute appearances thus far.
After ten months without official matches, Mandzukic showed up in good condition at Milanello, but of course match fitness is another thing and that is why we have seen far from the best of the veteran centre-forward thus far.
It is not yet known whether Mandzukic will play alongside or in place of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Belgrade, but in all probability the Swede will be rested for the first leg against Red Star with Sunday’s derby on the horizon.
Mandzukic hasn’t scored since 11 February 2020 in the Asian Champions League and wants to score. It would be a goal that means that he would be able to celebrate for the first time in a while but also to prove to Milan that they have made the right investment.
The paper adds how Mario therefore has a triple objective: to lead the Rossoneri on Thursday, prove the management made the right call and earn a renewal.
