Serie A returns after the international break and AC Milan travel to Lazio in an important match for the Champions League hopes of both teams.
Two opponents that fight for a spot in next season’s Champions League meet today at 18:00 CET, in Rome. Lazio have been in great form after the disappointing start while AC Milan have been losing parts after every match. Injuries have plagued the Rossoneri’s camp but there are no excuses. Today, Gattuso’s boys must play only for the three points.
As usual Gigio Donnarumma starts between the posts. With three centre backs out Gattuso has opted for a three man defense rather than the conventional four man back-line. Cristian Zapata is the only centre back available while Ignazio Abate and Ricardo Rodriguez have been adapted in this role. The good news is that Andrea Conti may make his official return tomorrow, perhaps in the last 10 minutes of the match.
Forced innovation even in midfield. The in form Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie form the central dam. As reported earlier Lucas Biglia will be out for four months while for Bonaventura the season has ended. Diego Laxalt and Fabio Borini challenge each-other for a starting jersey but it seems like the Italian is favorite on the left with defender Davide Calabria pushed forward in the right midfielder position. Rino’s choices are limited in every department.
The sports judge refused AC Milan’s appeal confirming Gonzalo Higuain’s absence for two rounds (vs Lazio and Parma). That leaves Patrick Cutrone as the only available striker on the team. Flamboyant winger Suso yet again must lead the attacking maneuver with Hakan Calhanoglu on the left. The Turkish winger has recovered completely from a foot injury.
Lazio-Milan, probable lineups
LAZIO (3-4-2-1): Strakosha; Wallace, Acerbi, Radu; Marusic, Parolo, Badelj, Milinkovic Savic, Lulic; Luis Alberto; Immobile
AC MILAN (3-4-3): G Donnarumma; Abate, Zapata, Rodriguez, Calabria, Bakayoko, Kessie, (Borini) Laxalt, Suso, Calahnoglu, Cutrone
