Milan vs Spal, probable lineups
Coach Stefano Pioli will make considerable changes in the starting eleven for the debut match in Coppa Italia AC Milan vs Spal.
AC Milan make their Coppa Italia debut today at 18:00 against Spal. The winner of Milan vs Spal will face the already qualified Torino. The Rossoneri, in a disappointing season so far, aim strongly on the Italian Cup both for a spot in European competitions but also to revive a year poor in emotions.
Against a struggling Spal but eager for redemption, Stefano Pioli will not change anything regarding formation used (4-4-2 like with Cagliari) but there will be many changes of players in all departments starting from the goalkeeper. Nevertheless, in the pre-match press conference Pioli declared: “I will field my strongest eleven. Milan vs Spal is a big game for us and winning the Coppa Italia is an objective”
DEFENCE – Among the most revolutionized departments for the match against Spal, surely, there is the defence. At the basis of Pioli’s choices, however, there is no expected turnover but forced choices dictated by some physical problems of the last few days. In place of Gigio Donnarumma between the posts there will be his brother Antonio who could make his seasonal debut. Pioli will use new arrival Simon Kjaer alongside Romagnoli with Theo Hernandez on Andrea Conti on the right. Davide Calabria is injured.
MIDFIELD – The 2-0 victory against Cagliari has convinced Pioli to continue with a midfield of four. Castillejo and Bennacer will start again from the first minute in their respective positions with Giacomo Bonaventura taking the place of Calhanoglu and Rade Krunic replacing Kessie. Again Lucas Paqueta and Suso will remain on the bench.
ATTACK – Zlatan Ibrahimovic dominated in the last match giving Milan a well deserved win but it’s clear that the Swedish striker needs some time to find his best physical form. That’s why for Milan vs Spal he will be on the bench with Piatek leading the attacking duo alongside Rafael Leao. A great chance for the Polish striker to redeem himself after the recent disappointing games.
AC MILAN (4-4-2): A. Donnarumma; Conti; Kjaer; Romagnoli; Hernandez; Castillejo; Krunic; Bennacer; Bonaventura; Piatek; Leao.
SPAL (3-5-2): Berisha; Tomovic, Vicari, Igor; Strefezza, Murgia, Valdifiori, Dabo, Jankovic; Paloschi, Floccari.
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