Week 14: Milan – Sassuolo
Milan have retained their second spot tied with Napoli. The form has held up for the most part despite an ugly perpetual and revolving injury list. Pioli has gotten a deserved contract extension that still would be preferably dealt with in the offseason but it is norm as it is. Milan also got a deserved win over Atletico in the Champions League. The win gives the team a small chance to qualify for the knockout rounds. Liverpool and indeed Porto and Atletico stand in way.
The aforementioned revolving and extensive injury list now includes Calabria, Rebic, Giroud and Castillejo. The former three will be out well into December if not January. Miraculously Maignan has rejoined the team and his mentioned January return is well ahead of schedule. Tomori is struggling with injury and tiredness and may not feature at all. Romagnoli and Kjear will be the central defenders with Hernandez on the left and Florenzi on the right. There are calls for the improving Kalulu to be give the right back spot but Pioli may have other thoughts. The historically busy fixture list may have something to do with the coach’s choices as the midfield could feature Bakayoko but will likely remain Kessie and Bannacer. Leao, much like the rest of his team mates, must be exhausted but there are little other options and he is set to start with Diaz and Saelemaekers behind Ibra. Junior Messias chose the big stage – A Champions League night at the San Siro vs Atletico – to score his first Milan goal and may earn the right to start in the Belgian’s place.
The struggling Sassuolo are led by Domenico Berardi, once again. The team has not fared poorly against Milan but that has shifted in recent meetings.
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