Week 8: Milan – Chievo

Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.

With whispers that Gattuso’s job is on the line after several lackluster games and points dropped the team responded with two important wins in beating formerly high flying Sassuolo 4-1 away and coming from behind to beat Olympiacos at home 3-1. The manner of the two wins were not overly convincing but provide a glimmer of hope for a team despeprate to make the Champions league places.

The game versus Olympiacos proved that Cutrone is still a very exciting prospect, the injured 20 years old returned and scored twice in less than a half of play. It is rather ironic that a team that features only two real center forwards – Higuain and Cutrone – has no space for the young Italian. The 4-3-3 doesn’t include a place for both, at least on paper. The team also has little quality in the midfield area and 4-3-3 doesn’t always convince.

In somewhat related news to the aforementioned formation and number of center forwards rumours of an Ibra loan return have surfaced. Could the 37 years old make a difference in a six month stint at the San Siro? The answer is probably yes…partly depending on the formation.

For now however the team will remain familiar. Caldara carries an injury and is not available, Calabria is likely to be rested so Donnarumma, Abate, Musacchio, Romagnoli and Laxalt or Rodriguez will be the back line. Kessie, Biglia and Bonaventura will be the middle three with no space for the so far disappointing Bakayoko. Calhanoglu, Higuain and Suso will start while Cutrone and Castillejo battle for time from the bench.

Chievo sit 20th with -1 point and only two ties in seven games and a 3 point deduction for false accounting to create fake profits.