Week 15: Atalanta – Milan

Atalanta - Milan Saturday December 9 2023 18:00CET
Atalanta – Milan Saturday December 9 2023 18:00

Following a Champions League disappointment versus Borussia the Jovic first Milan goal led 3-1 win over Frosinone raised the collective moods a slight amount. Milan has managed to stay within striking distance of Serie A leaders Inter in this still young season but injuries, form and coaching have seen a decline that may require January reinforcement. Juan Miranda as Theo deputy and a striker seem to be the (obvious) priorities but Pioli’s coaching and the conditioning and the conditions of players are perhaps more worrisome.

Atalanta are not exactly the high flyers of recent seasons but the now eighth placed team can still further dampen Milan’s season. To face the Bergamo team a return to the semi abandoned 4-2-3-1 is predicted. Theo will once again play in the middle of the defence as the absentees and injuries remain on the sidelines. the two pivots are expected to be Musah and Reijnders with Loftus-Cheeks pushed up between Chukwueze and Pulisic. Giroud is set to return from suspension and needs to lead the offense well again. it is possible that Bennacer sees more minutes The Algerian saw a few minutes versus Frosinone returning from long term injury. With a more or less do or die Champions League match at Newcastle Adli is also another candidate for minutes.

Charles De Ketelaere’s loan move to Atalanta started well and there was early talk of Gasperini’s men redeeming his loan and sending €23+ million Milan’s way but the Belgian is now on the bench and may not feature much the rest of this season. Atalanta do feature Mario Pasalic as a starter however.

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