Milan stars Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud haven’t scored at San Siro since September and August respectively, while Sassuolo ace Domenico Berardi has 18 goal contributions against the Rossoneri.
Milan host Sassuolo in a key Serie A fixture at San Siro on Saturday. It’s believed a crucial match for Stefano Pioli’s future as the Italian tactician will likely be sacked if the Diavoli lose against the Neroverdi.
Pioli will rely on Giroud and Leao in an attacking trident, but the French and Portuguese strikers haven’t scored at San Siro in Serie A for several months.
Leao’s most recent goal in a home league fixture came against Hellas Verona on September 23. It’s been nearly 100 days since. The Portuguese has netted three Serie A goals this term. A year ago he had scored six in the opening 14 rounds, registering 50 shots against this season’s 25.
Giroud’s latest goal at San Siro dates back to August 26, the first game of the season against Torino, when the 2018 France World Cup winner contributed to Milan’s victory with a brace. However, the experienced forward has already scored eight Serie A goals this term.
The Diavoli will need goals from their stars against Sassuolo but should also keep a close eye on Berardi, especially with Simon Kjaer as the only fit first-team centre-back available against the Neroverdi.
Berardi has scored 11 goals and registered seven assists against Milan in Serie A. Considering players who haven’t yet retired, only Paulo Dybala has more goal contributions against a single team in Serie A: 19 against Udinese.