AC Milan will be expected to provide a response tonight when they host Hellas Verona after Thursday’s 3-0 defeat to Lille.
Sunday’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanLive) notes how Milan’s 24-game unbeaten run in all competitions was not just ended by Lille but obliterated, as the Ligue 1 side outclassed Milan in every department, something many didn’t think was possible given the fantastic recent run.
The paper asks the following questions: is this defeat only an isolated case? Or is it the wake-up call of something more dangerous and worrying?
The answer lies in the performance that Pioli’s Milan will show against Hellas Verona, in which a reaction is expected from the whole team, who will have to demonstrate maturity and character and could see themselves move four points clear at the top of the table.
There have been signs that Milan are perhaps struggling with the effects of tiredness, as before being beaten by Lille they scraped past Udinese with a poor performance and let a lead slip three times against Roma.
Ibrahimovic and his team-mates will have to overcome the Gialloblu to keep top spot ahead of the international break, which will provide the chance for a much-needed rest.
