Week 3: Milan – Bologna

Week 2’s 1-1 tie at Atalanta was a let down compared to the bright and open 4-2 opening week win versus Udinese. After week one hopes had also grown for Diaz’s season but he was muted versus, an admittedly different, Atalanta. Bennacer’s curled shot gave Milan the solitary point in Bergamo but questions were asked again.

After starting the first two games Diaz is set to cede his spot and allow De Ketelaere to get his Milan starting debut. Rebic is also set for the bench to let Gioud start for the first time this Serie A season. Any changes are also a due the midweek game coming up and with the Champions League fixtures and dates set the team is going to be very busy between now and the World Cup break in November and December.

The attacking line will be complemented with Messias or perhaps Saelemaekers giving the Brazilian a rest. Leao, and his uncertain Milan future, will need to make more of an impact. Bennacer and Tonali are two available pivots with Krunic injured and neither Bakayoko or Pobega convincing options. There have been a few whispers, including by Pioli himself, to try Adli in a more withdrawn role but that is to be seen. Adli has yet to get any minutes.

The back four is somewhat stable with Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori and Theo forming a solid if not spectacular line so far this young season. Maignan is of course the goalkeeper for as long as he is healthy.

Mihajlovic’s men have only one point from the first two games with Marko Arnautovic the only player to have scored so far.

There is always more about this match and others on the forums.