Stefano Pioli explains why he has decided to give Yacine Adli his first Serie A start against Verona and insists Olivier Giroud is not ‘irreplaceable’ for Milan.
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Bentegodi.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
This is the first match since the controversial midweek defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League, which saw Fikayo Tomori sent off and an early penalty wreck the gameplan.
“It is great motivation, this is another match, another competition and it is too important to focus on this now. The Champions League can wait,” Pioli told DAZN.
Adli was perhaps the most impressive Rossoneri player in pre-season, but was given only three brief substitute appearances until being thrown into the starting XI this evening.
“It’s not that he was lacking something, but we must give these lads time to adapt to new environments, cultures, working methods, so it takes time. Yacine has always been very eager to learn and has the characteristics to be an important player for us, which is why he is playing tonight.
“He will play as an advanced midfielder. It’s true that he is a bit anomalous as he can do a bit of everything, so that is important against a Verona side that will be very aggressive and leave few spaces.”
Meanwhile, veteran Giroud starts his 14th match in a row between club and international level with France, so is he the only true irreplaceable figure in this squad?
“Nobody is irreplaceable. Oli is playing well, Giroud and Origi are improving their fitness levels and soon their moment will come too.”