Sampdoria-Milan, probable lineups
Sampdoria host AC Milan in a crucial match for the European hopes of both clubs. Three important changes are expected in the Rossoneri’s starting eleven.
Serie A football returns after the brief international break. Today at 20:30 CET, AC Milan face Sampdoria at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. For this match, coach Gennaro Gattuso is planning a different Milan compared to last outings.
Sampdoria has been a traditionally difficult opponent for the Rossoneri so maximum attention is needed for this delicate challenge. The defence is the only department without changes. Captain Romagnoli and Musacchio form the central duo with Calabria and Ricardo Rodriguez on the sides. As usual, Gigio Donnarumma between the posts.
According to recent reports by Sky Sports, Gattuso will rest both Franck Kessie and Lucas Paqueta for this match. The two are the last players to return from international duty and have played practically every match so far. It’s not clear if this decision is a sort of punishment for Kessie but Rino officially wants to keep both players fresh for the upcoming games against Udinese and Juventus.
Tiemoue Bakayoko returns to play from the first minute just like Lucas Biglia. It will be the first time the two play together this year. For Sampdoria-Milan, coach Gattuso is also deploying Hakan Calhanoglu in midfield. The Turk was author of two great performances with his national team scoring once and also providing a spectacular assist so hopefully we will see more of the same even at Milan.
In attack, Samu Castillejo takes Calhanoglu’s place as left winger. A good opportunity for the Spanish winger to show that he deserves more minutes until the end of the season. Together with Suso they will support the unstoppable Krzysztof Piatek who scored with Poland this week.
SAMPDORIA (4-3-1-2): Audero, Sala, Andersen, Colley, Murru, Jankto, Praet, Linetty, Ramirez, Quagliarella, Defrel.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Donnarumma, Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez, Bakayoko, Biglia, Calhanoglu, Suso, Piatek, Castillejo.