Week 25: Monza – Milan

Fifty two points after 24 rounds is a very good return yet Milan sit in third place with a poor defensive record and questionable tactics from a coach who might not survive beyond the summer. Beating Napoli 1-0 propelled Milan to within striking distance of second place, and with Juventus’ week 25 tie versus Verona a chance to jump one place higher. A convincing European win albeit in the less respected and not as highly viewed Europa League also highlighted the week before travelling to Monza.

Thiaw returned from injury versus Rennes and is a candidate to start. Kjaer had stepped in the last few week but the aging Dane should not be risked with too many games and had momentarily lapses in his recent starts. There are some indications that with another European night coming four days after meeting Monza there might be a small rotation in the squad with Okafor and Jovic getting starts. The latter certainly deserves the chance as the unofficial Giroud backup has done well. Bennacer could hop back to a starting position as well. Gabbia has impressed since his loan return and will keep playing while Tomori (and Kalulu) are out. Calabria came off with a knock versus Napoli with Florenzi ready to step in.

Monza have hovered midtable and have just one win in last five.

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