Milan are preparing for two crucial fixtures in Serie A and Champions League and La Gazzetta dello Sport reveals Stefano Pioli’s rotations for the next two games.
The Rossoneri return to the pitch on Wednesday at 17.45 UK time, hosting Dinamo Zagreb at San Siro in the second match of the Champions League Group E.
Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Fikayo Tomori, Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer are the players expected to start against Dinamo and Napoli, according to Gazzetta.
Serginho Dest should make his Milan debut as a starter on Wednesday in the Champions League, while Davide Calabria will be picked at right-back against Napoli on Sunday night.
Simon Kjaer should also start against the Partenopei, replacing Pierre Kalulu.
Rafael Leao is suspended for the next Serie A fixture against Luciano Spalletti’s boys, so Alexis Saelemaekers or Divock Origi will replace him on the left flank.
The Belgian winger will play as a right winger in the Champions League, and Junior Messias will cover the same position against Napoli.
Brahim Diaz is expected to start in Croatia, so Charles De Ketelaere can get the nod against Napoli.
Probable Milan XI vs. Dinamo: Maignan; Theo, Tomori, Kalulu, Dest; Tonali, Bennacer; Saelemaekers, Brahim, Leao; Giroud.
Probable Milan XI vs. Napoli: Maignan; Theo, Tomori, Kjaer, Calabria; Tonali, Bennacer; Messias, De Ketelaere, Saelemaekers/Origi; Giroud.
Tonali should be rested for Pobega against Dinamo and presumably Hernandez needs a break after Napoli. If Dest can play LB he might actually be a useful signing.
Dest can play left-back very well actually. He’s done it for Barca many times.
I’m worried about Giroud. If he gets hurt we’re gonna be in trouble.
Not sure about the very well part but he can play LB, that’s partly why he was brought in. I watch a lot of Barca and playing any position very well is not something I as.sociated with him. It was plain to see why he was allowed to leave. Some clubs don’t suit some players so lets hope he does well at Milan.
Pobega impressed me on the weekend. Hope it continues.
@DB
I meant compared to how he plays as RB, he plays LB almost as well.