Week 35: Sassuolo – Milan
Milan keep on surprising. The team’s form since the restart remains a source of optimism and has led to calls for Pioli to stay. The not so secret Rangnick take over is questioned daily and every additional point makes a stronger case for Pioli. However it is perhaps wise to remember that the reason Milan needs a real revolution goes beyond current form and dates back to as far back as 2007.
Beating Bologna 5-1 at the San Siro is another step towards the Europa League and some form of respectability. Five different players scored in the win including Calabria and Bennacer, his first at Milan. The tactics and the flow of the game were refreshing. The attitude of the team after being up was even better. Rebic continued his goal scoring form and Calhanoglu had another good game. Saelemaekers opened the scoring and did well too. The Belgian is playing in a spot that would be Suso’s. The Spaniard converted his Sevilla loan to a permanent five year deal and Milan gained a very FFP valuable €24 million in the process. The table has Milan at 7th and more is needed from the last four games to avoid the qualifying stages of the Europa League.
There is little surprise expected in the starting 11 as Donnarumma – who happens to be close to a contract extension – will start in goal with Conti, Kjaer, Romagnoli and Hernandez in front of him. Kessie and Bennacer will sit in front of the back four. The former’s value has risen a lot in recent weeks as he keeps playing well without rest. The front four looks to remain unchanged with Saelemaekers, Calhanoglu, Rebic and Ibra starting. Five starters are one yellow away from suspension. Romagnoli, Kjaer, Bennacer, Rebic and Hernandez all risk missing the match versus Atalanta.
Sassuolo haven’t lost since the first post resumption game and sit one place and eight points behind Milan. Domenico Berardi, Jeremie Boga and co are in good form and can stall Milan’s winning form.
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