Monthly Archive: November 2023

An international break ends with a Milan in crisis mode and Milan Lab as busy as ever. While Pioli’s training methods are under severe scrutiny for the number of (muscular) injuries it should also be noted that Milan’s injury troubles predate Pioli. However, as it stands Milan are on the verge of trouble with Champions League spot is still at risk despite the win against PSG. Pioli’s job is under threat as well and wins are needed.

As mentioned Milan are in an injury crisis with all of Sportiello, Kalulu, Kjaer, Pellegrino, Bennacer, Leao and Okafor out short or long term. Leao and Okafor returned injured from international duty to add yet more pressure on Pioli and Milan and severely test any offensive depth Milan have. Add to that Giroud’s suspension and it falls on Jovic to start in attack. The Serbian has featured little so far and done even less. Chukwueze has some fans uttering the flop word and Pulisic has cooled off from his strong start. Loftus-Cheek struggling with illness means the unimpressive Pobega will start. Back in defense the only options available are Thiaw and Tomori with Kjaer, Pellegrino and Kalulu out in order of short to long term. as one other illustration of the personnel problems facing the team highly rated 15 year old forward Francesco Camarda has been called up for the bench and has some fans calling for the player to get minutes.

Giacomo Bonaventura’s Fiorentina are somehow in sixth place despite losing three of the last four in the Serie A. As much as ever the fight for the top four spot is a hard one and of course Milan can not afford to lose to Vincenzo Italiano’s men nor can they afford to lose three days later to Dortmund.

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A 2-2 tie at Napoli felt like a loss. Giroud had finished two headed goals but Napoli were allowed back into the game. The hosts’ two second half goals extended Milan’s winless streak. As is seemingly customary a number of injuries were added to the list for Milan Lab.

Kalulu will be out for four month after rupturing tendon and going under the knife. Pellegrino who had come on as Kalulu’s sub also left the game and will miss many weeks. Add to the Pulisic was subbed out at half time but should be out only a few days. However, Kjaer could be ready for the bench after missing time.

Romero, or possibly Okafor, will start in Pulisic’s spot. The subpar Leao will need to follow Giroud and snap out of his goal scoring drought. In the middle Krunic will, as often the case, be preferred and start with Musah and Reijnders. At the back the options are even more limited. Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori and Theo will start with Maignan in goal. The January market will have Milan searching for a left back and central defender. For the former spot Real Betis’ Juan Miranda continues to be linked.

The struggling Udinese have rehired Gabriele Cioffi for a second stint as coach after sacking Andrea Sottil.

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