Week 6: Sampdoria – Milan

A big statement win in the derby brought on more expectations and optimism. In the process Leao’s star rose higher, the Portuguese scored twice and assisted in the come from behind 3-2 game. The midweek Champions League tie at Salzburg tempered those same hopes.

The busy schedule will continue to weigh on the team without the most quality depth. Playing this week 6 Sampdoria match four days before hosting Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League’s match day 2 and then another four days before hosting Napoli will test this young Milan. The team’s positive attitude has endured from early on in Pioli’s reign and needs to be sustained for a successful Serie A and Champions League season.

The aforementioned means that the starting 11 will look different versus the low lying Sampdoria. Marco Giampaolo’s men are in the 18th spot so far in the 2022-2023 Serie A season and have scored only two goals in its first five league games.

Origi, Pobega and Kjaer are likely to start in Giroud, Bennacer and Tomori’s place. Diaz or De Ketelaere could also be a rotating spot. Calabria, Kalulu, Theo, Tonali, Leao and Messias are the likely more regular starters for the time being. Of course the latter may be rotated with Saelemaekers and possibly even Dest. Maignan will start in goal whenever available as well.

Other news of the week include Tonali extending his contract by one year to 2027 while getting a more than 50% raise in reported salary.

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