Stefano Pioli explains the many changes to the Milan line-up against Cagliari, including a new role for Yacine Adli, and hails ‘gentleman’ Claudio Ranieri.
It kicks off at the Unipol Domus at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT).
The Rossoneri got back on track by squeezing past Verona 1-0 with an early Rafael Leao goal, but it was another far from convincing performance.
Leao is among several players rested today for an all-new trident attack against Cagliari, while six of the starting XI this evening are summer signings.
“We need to be a team, this is the fourth game in 10 days, there will be another three over the next 10 days. These are the players in the best shape, who give me the most guarantees. There are changes that can help us to grow and more that can be made during the match too,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
With both Ismael Bennacer and Rade Krunic injured, Milan are reinventing Yacine Adli as a playmaker, as he makes his season debut in a new position.
“We tested him there over two months, he is a very intelligent player and I think he has the quality to play in this role.”
Cagliari are back in Serie A after earning promotion through the play-offs with Ranieri at the helm.
“Ranieri is a colleague I admire so much, both professionally and personally. I think no greater definition is to say he is a great coach and a gentleman,” added Pioli.
“This is a particularly tough game that we must try to approach in the right way.”