Week 10: Milan – Sampdoria

Follow the game as it happens, on the forum.

A defensive, lackluster game in the derby culminated in a last minute loss courtesy of a Mauro Icardi goal. The manner of the game, especially the tame second half and even worse subs, added questions marks for the team right after a few wins in the weeks preceding it had alleviated the pressure. Amid calls for Gattuso’s dismissal and rumblings of a rift between Leonardo and the coach the team hosted Real Betis for Europa League’s third matchday.

The Spanish team almost embarrassed Milan in the first half and the visitor’s Antonio Sanabria could have had more than the lone goal in the first 45 minutes. The subs came at half time and Cutrone and Suso’s arrival in place of Borini and Bakayoko had some but not enough effect. Betis scored again before Cutrone further solidified his claim for a starting spot by scoring the consolation.

With all that has happened in the last week the team is seeking tangible change and it seems Gattuso has realized he should attempt a different formation. The 4-3-3 that isolated and has recently frustrated Higuain looks to be out for week 10 vs Sampdoria. Cutrone seems certain to start with Higuain up front. The midfield will therefore look different. Suso, Kessie, Biglia and Laxalt lead the starting odds. At the back Caldara is still missing in action so Musacchio, Romagnoli, Calabria and Rodriguez will keep their spots.

Sampdoria led by Gregoire Defrel and Fabio Quagliarella sit in the 6th spot with only four goals allowed after nine weeks. The busy fixture list continues unabated as Gattuso and Milan will make up the week 1 postponed game on Halloween. These next two games vs the Genoa teams may decide Gattuso’s fate, but who may come next? Conte? Stay tuned.