Stefano Pioli will rotate in tonight’s Coppa Italia game against Torino, giving a chance to shine to several players, from Sergiño Dest to Charles De Ketelaere.
Pressure is high on Milan’s summer signings who have failed to have an impact at San Siro this season.
De Ketelaere was Milan‘s big purchase last summer but has failed to justify his €32m price tag.
However, he will have a chance to shine in a Coppa Italia match against Torino tonight, when Pioli is expected to start him as a centre forward, a role he covered at Club Brugge, but never at San Siro.
The 21-year-old scored 16 goals in 48 appearances playing as a striker in Belgium and Pioli hopes he’ll be able to offer the same at Milan.
Milan stars Theo Hernandez, Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao will initially rest tonight with Pioli going for a 3-5-1-1 formation and many reserves starting.
Barcelona loanee Dest will likely replace Theo on the left, playing in a more suitable position with fewer defensive duties. The USMNT international has collected 380 minutes across 10 appearances this term and has never been a regular starter at San Siro.
Aster Vranckx will also be given a chance in the middle of the park, starting his first match at Milan.
Ciprian Tatarusanu has been blamed for Roma‘s goals against the Rossoneri in a 2-2 draw on Sunday but will start again between the sticks, aiming to prove doubters wrong. The Romania international is expected to leave at the end of his contract in June, but remains the first-choice goalkeeper while Mike Maignan is dealing with a calf injury.
The only way young players show their worth is by playing and playing regularly. But he won’t play them.