Manuel Lazzari expects Milan to be ‘angry’ after their Supercoppa Italiana defeat to Inter, but Maurizio Sarri’s assistant manager Giovanni Martusciello discusses losing ‘undisputed leader’ Ciro Immobile.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“It is certainly a very important game for us and for Milan. We know a win today would take us alongside the others in third place, one point from second, so a big step in the race for the Champions League,” Lazzari told DAZN.
“We are up against a team that is angry and eager to make up for the last defeat. We must be prepared, as it will be a battle from start to finish.”
Lazzari was making his return from suspension, but he is only left on the bench to begin with, as Maurizio Sarri has chosen Elseid Hysaj at right-back instead.
This is seen as a way of neutralising the lop-sided attack fuelled by Leao down the Rossoneri’s left flank, although this time Theo Hernandez is out injured too.
Sarri’s assistant manager Giovanni Martusciello also spoke to DAZN and outlined the absence of injured Ciro Immobile.
“More than signals, we expect consistency in the performances of both individuals and the team. Hopefully, we will make fewer errors than Milan in this game,” Martusciello told DAZN.
“Every match has a different story, regardless of the build-up to it. We must not forget that we are missing our undisputed leader and hitman Ciro Immobile, so if Milan have a troubled build-up to this game, we are not in great shape either. We must try to do our best without him.”