Week 11: Milan – Parma
The very busy schedule is a strain on every team but Milan has so far endured well. December features seven matches in 20 days and Parma is the first of four in 11 eleven Serie A nights.
Milan’s injury list got shorter with the return of Leao midweek in the Europa League. Saelemaekers and Bennacer have healed from their minor issues and are available again. Ibra was pushing to be ready for this week 11 match too but took the probably wise decision to sit another few days and may return midweek versus Genoa. It is thought that Kjaer could make a return in as little as one week when Milan visit the high flying Sassuolo.
As a team Milan are breaking records now. The latest ones are a club record of 26 points in the first ten matches of the season to go along with 30 games without being held off the score sheet. The wins versus Sampdoria and Sparta Prague without the likes of Ibra, Kjaer and Bennacer are surprises for most and Pioli deserves a lot of the credit.
As last week Rebic is the likeliest option in Ibra’s space although Leao has a small chance of occupying the role from the first minute. Saelemaekers may not be risked as a starter and the improved Castillejo is the likely choice at right wing. Indications are the Pioli continues to take it slow with Hauge. The Norwegian has impressed but may find the bench again with Diaz and Calhanoglu starting. The Kessie and Bennacer tandem will start in front of Calabria, Gabbia, Romagnoli and Theo. It is notable that Kalulu had a promising debut 90 versus Sparta Prague and has raised hopes of being a dependable central defender for Milan. A center back remains high on the January market list but having one with big potential already on the squad is almost a relief. Donnarumma will return to pitch after being another of the rested midweek.
Parma have won only once in the last seven Serie A matches but remain dangerous with Gervinho in the squad.
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