Conti, Strinic and Caldara: How Milan’s defence changes
In the second part of the season coach Gennaro Gattuso can count on the services of Conti, Strinic and Caldara giving Milan new choices in defence.
AC Milan’s defence in this first half of the season has often been in full emergency. Many centre backs have remained out because of injury while many times the department was saved thanks to some magnificent saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma, at times the only light in this dark period.
The Rossoneri have regularly conceded goals so far and the continued (forced) rotation of the back line did not help. Fortunately, in the second half things will change considerably, thanks in particular to the recovery of three elements that can give fresh air and more tactical choices to coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Very soon AC Milan will be able to use without hesitation three defenders who are almost fully fit. The first is Andrea Conti, who has already returned to train with the group after nearly a year and a half on the sidelines because of a knee injury. The right back played a couple of minutes against Fiorentina and Frosinone and is expected to start from the first minute against Sampdoria next Saturday in Coppa Italia.
After him it will be time to see left back Ivan Strinic for the first time representing the Red and Black colors. The Croatian international and World Cup finalist fortunately has overcome a troubling heart problem. Strinic will be a valid alternative to Ricardo Rodriguez on the left flank and should put pressure on Diego Laxalt.
Finally on February returns Mattia Caldara, a defender on which Milan have blindly bet in the summer, signing him from Juventus in exchange for Juventus. The former Atalanta gem could become the new centre back starter alongside captain Romagnoli, for a brand new defensive line full of desire for revenge and Champions.
