Monza coach Raffaele Palladino explains why Roberto Gagliardini is playing in central defence against Inter. ‘We can cause them problems.’
It kicks off at the U-Power Stadium at 19.45 GMT.
“We need the performance, to do what we’ve always done throughout our journey starting from last season,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“When we face these big teams with great players, both on the pitch and the bench, we have to put in our performance and play our game.
“We need to defend and attack well, then we can cause problems for Inter.”
Former Inter midfielder Gagliardini has seemingly found a new niche in his career as a centre-back for Monza and is in that role this evening too, despite the injury crisis in defence calming down.
“Gagliardini was an emergency choice against Napoli, because we had no more central defenders, while Roberto is very intelligent and can play anywhere. He convinced me with his work in training and during the last two matches.
“I wanted to confirm the line-up that beat Frosinone and build consistency from that. We also have defenders like Pablo Mari ready to come off the bench.”
Inter-owned Valentin Carboni starts again with Andrea Colpani and Dany Mota Carvalho upfront, while new signing Daniel Maldini is on the bench.
“We need everyone to grow and get stronger. Valentin Carboni is maturing and Colpani had a difficult moment, but I already saw him recovering over the last few days. We also have players like Colombo, Vignato and Maldini who can come off the bench and do well.”
Maldini has arrived on loan from Milan, having interrupted his spell with Empoli, and his father Paolo is in the stands of the U-Power Stadium this evening.
Monza, Palladino: "Diamo continuità alle ultime prestazioni. Gagliardini può giocare ovunque" https://t.co/tuZAAb4zMg
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