Week 8: Napoli – Milan
The international break felt longer than normal. The cross border travel increased the chances of spreading the coronavirus and news of new cases continue to be in the headlines. As far as Milan goes the cases are not travel related as the stricken and Pioli and his assistant Giacomo Murelli. In what feels like a surreal case Bonera will take charge of the team for at least this Napoli game. Bonera, of course, has been part of the coaching team since July 2019 and now gets a chance to be the main man on the sidelines.
On the injury front the team has returned to a healthy state but Leao got injured on international duty. The Portuguese winger will be out for at least 10 days but everybody, including Musacchio, are ready and on the squad. A now healthy Rebic is the leading candidte to reclaim his spot the left attacking side. The rest of the 11 remain predictable for now. Ibra up front for as long as he is ready. Calhanoglu and Saelemaekers beside him. The former remains the subject of exist rumours but is just as likely to sign an improved extension and stay. Bennacer and Kessie’s forms dictate that they start. Calabria, Kjaer, Romagnoli and Theo will form the defensive line in front of Donnarumma. Romagnoli’s questionable form has been justifiably questioned and recent injury or not the captain needs to get up to speed to make sure the team’s run of form continues intact.
Napoli’s big summer signing was another international break casualty and will miss two or three weeks of action. Nevertheless Milan’s defense will have to deal with dangerous and fast attacking line that includes Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne. The other fascinating part of Gattuso and Napoli’s line up with be Bakayoko. The French player was almost perpetually close to a Milan return but ended up on loan at Napoli. His midfield form will be of interest to all Milan fans.
Folow the match as it happens, on the forum.