Serie A: Ac Milan v Torino
17.02 Monday,20:45
probable line up:
Donnaruma, Calabria, Kjaer, Roma, Theo- Benacer,Kessie,Rebic,Hakan,Castilejo,Zlatan
Milan - Torino
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
TorinoMilan
Milan’s performances have definitely taken a turn for the better, even if not necessarily their results, as they host Moreno Longo’s new-look Torino.
The Rossoneri have been undergoing a tactical revolution since Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival in January, revitalising Samu Castillejo, Ante Rebic and Hakan Calhanoglu in new supporting roles. The 4-3-3 was scrapped in favour of 4-4-2, which is now mutating into a 4-2-3-1 with that trio providing creativity for their centre-forward.
It worked wonders in the first half of their games against Inter and Juventus, but in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia, failed to keep up the necessary intensity for 90 minutes.
Lucas Biglia, Rade Krunic and Leo Duarte are still out injured, with Andrea Conti suspended, so Davide Calabria again steps in at right-back.
Torino parted company with coach Walter Mazzarri by mutual consent after a series of disastrous results, including a 7-0 loss to Atalanta and 4-0 hammering by Lecce.
Longo made his debut in last week’s 3-1 home defeat to Sampdoria, having taken the lead only to capitulate in the closing stages. Even more than Milan, Toro have a marked tendency to fall apart in the final half-hour and fumble positive situations.
Armando Izzo sits out a ban, with Daniele Baselli, Simone Zaza and Vincenzo Millico all nursing knocks, but they could still feature. Simone Verdi finally scored his first goal in a Toro jersey last week and it seems as if Longo is ready to make tactical changes, shifting to a 3-4-3 formation with Verdi and Alex Berenguer flanking Andrea Belotti.
These teams met last month in the Coppa Italia quarter-final, ending 2-2 after 90 minutes with Calhanoglu snatching a last-gasp equaliser. That forced extra time and Milan ran riot, winning 4-2 with another Calhanoglu strike and Ibrahimovic goal.
Keep an eye on: Ante Rebic (Milan) – Nobody has benefited more from the change of system than Rebic, as the Croatian went from forgotten man heading for the exit in January to one of their most influential players. He has scored five goals in his last six appearances for the Rossoneri.
Form Guide: Milan (L D W W W) Torino (L L L L W)
Last season: Milan 0-0 Torino
Stat fact: Toro are unbeaten against Milan in Serie A since a 3-2 thriller in August 2016, managing four draws and two victories. Having won 2-1 back in September, they could win both home and away against the Rossoneri in one season for the first time since 1984-85.
Top Tip: Both teams to score, seeing as neither seem capable of a clean sheet at the moment.
Milan (probable): G Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjaer, Romagnoli, Theo Hernandez; Kessie, Bennacer; Castillejo, Calhanoglu, Rebic; Ibrahimovic
Suspended: Conti
Torino (probable): Sirigu; Djidji, Nkoulou, Lyanco; De Silvestri, Lukic, Rincon, Aina; Verdi, Belotti, Berenguer
Suspended: Izzo
football-italia.net
i wonder how it would be if we played Theo as LWF in a 442 or in a 4231. his contribution to the back is less when compared to his ability to attack, cut in or even cross from the left. he is very similar to serginho, even thou the brazilian had more technique in his legs, whereas Theo is stronger and penetrates often into the area. just an opinion...
Torino lost the past four league games in a row with 16 goals conceded. If you count the Coppa game against us that is another 4 goals. I would be surprised and extremely disappointed if we couldn't beat them this time.
aka xudong
yep, we have to beat them this time. usually they do well against us, but, this time it must be a convincing win.
This is going to be tough match. Second half of the season always is. Our players are likely a bit fatigued between our last two big games (especially Ibra I imagine). Also, Torino are going to put in extra effort to turn things around. We should get the win but you can never be certain these days.
conti-musacchio-kjaer-romagnoli
kessie-benacer
castilejo- hakan theo
zlatan