Week 21: Udinese – Milan

Three points hosting Roma solidified a possible top three spot in the Serie A. Roma’s 3-1 loss was to be Mourinho’s last in charge of the capital team and he was watching it from the stands as he was suspended from the touchline.

The win has relieved some pressure off the team and Pioli. The coach might not at the helm come September nevertheless. For now another stretch of winnable games start with a travel to Udinese. This game is followed by hosting Bologna and then travelling to Frosinone before games against Napoli and Rennes.

The Roma win was good enough that a rare lineup repeat is very likely. The same 11 should start with the hope of repeat score, or more. Maignan and Theo who may be subject to summer transfer bids will line up with Calabria, Kjaer and Gabbia at the back. The latter was give n the start due to ongoing injury situation and did well against Lukaku and co. Adli and Reijnders may not be the first names that come to mind for pivot positions but Pioli has his ideas. Leao, Loftus-CHeek and Pulisic will be the three in the 4-2-3-1. The American has been the recipient in both Serie A and American national team departments and should be considered a relative transfer success.

Udinese are flirting with the relegation spots and that is usually not the best team for Milan to face. Giroud up front could add to his now double digit goals to prevent another anticlimax versus a weaker team.

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