Tuttosport: Pioli wants Christmas at the top – assists from the schedule and three returning players

By Oliver Fisher -

Tonight in Prague there are important points at stake, but not for the qualification from the group as AC Milan have already obtained that.

A victory against Sparta Praha and a defeat or draw for Lille in Scotland against Celtic would mean that Milan top the group and – in theory – have an easier game awaiting them in the Round of 32.

As Tuttosport reports (via MilanNews), Pioli will rely on fringe players for the came in the Czech capital. The Europa League is important, but arriving at Christmas still top of the Serie A standings is more important.

Gianluigi Donnarumma and Calhanoglu remained in Milan, as did the injured Kjaer and Ibrahimovic plus Bennacer. Calabria, Theo Hernandez and Kessie have embarked on the trip but are unlikely to be used.

The paper adds how no one has set limits at Milanello, but recovery of the injured players will be essential. Bennacer should be back on the pitch against Parma, Ibra hopes for the same, while Kjaer will be out for some time.

The calendar reads Parma, Genoa, Sassuolo and Lazio – games that are not easy but not impossible – especially if Pioli has Ibra, Leao and Bennacer back. The plan is simple and flawless: recover the top players to continue dreaming.

Tags AC Milan
Serie A Standings

Live football scores . Current table, fixtures & results.