Week 25: Fiorentina – Milan

After a disappointing period losing to Inter and tying Juventus in typically controversial circumstances the week 24 1-0 win versus Torino was a good result. The team could have done better and taken advantage of the numerous attacking moves to score more but the in form Rebic scored the game’s only goal. Castillejo provided the assist for the first half goal and his movement and energy is serving the team well. A late first half injury had Kjaer limping off to be replaced with Gabbia and not Musacchio who although on the bench was not fully fit. Gabbia was given his Serie A debut and did ok, nerves seemed evident but he came out of the game with passing grades.

The Argentinian is available for this week 25 game however and may start, Gabbia may need to wait for further chances. The right back spot is still a problem position. Conti and Calabria may never become the permanent starters. For now Conti seems slightly ahead for the starting spot. Paqueta started versus Torino but the injured Calhanoglu is almost ready and looks to start again. Bennacer keeps accumulating yellows and needs to learn to control his tackles and challenges but remains a valuable player in the middle. The Algerian will play alongside Kessie. Rebic has earned the right to start in Leao’s spot and Ibra will look to continue to lift the team.

News off the pitch once again dominated the week with the continued rumour that former Leipzig coach and current head of sports development at Red Bull will take over at Milan in the summer. Ralf Rangnick is said to be Gazidis’ choice for all encompassing role at Milan. This of course means Maldini and Boban won’t be around and this has, as expected, triggered a lot of debate. What this all means is unknown but further changes seem likely once again.

Fiorentina crushed Sampdoria 5-1 last week but have otherwise been underwhelming. Giuseppe Iachini replaced Montella in December and has mostly failed to improve his team so far. The 5-1 win featured two goals each by Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa but Fiorentina now feature Cutrone as well. The ex-Milan forward returned to Italy in the January window and has a chance to play against his former beloved team.

Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.