Stefano Pioli has claimed Milan will ‘show something different’ against Chelsea, so Lorenzo Bettoni looks at what the Italian coach could change against the Blues on Tuesday.
The Rossoneri want to bounce back after a 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge last week. They’ve already reacted in Serie A with a 2-0 win against Juventus but need a positive result in Europe to keep their Round of 16 qualification hopes alive.
“I have my ideas, tomorrow, we’ll show something different,” the Italian tactician said at a press conference today.
“We need a high-level performance against a strong team. We should not be worried, tomorrow is another match and we must try to be at our level.”
So what will Pioli change against Chelsea tomorrow? Let’s take a look.
Theo Hernandez
One of the most interesting tactical adjustments in the game against Juventus on Saturday concerned Theo Hernandez. Pioli played the France international almost as a central midfielder.
He explained at a post-match press conference that he slightly changed Theo’s role, playing him in a more central position, when he had the ball to help Leao be more effective in one vs. situations and let Sandro Tonali and Tommaso Pobega be more dangerous with their late runs beyond Juventus midfielders.
Theo missed the first leg against Chelsea due to an injury but is now back in the team and offered an excellent performance against Juventus on Saturday.
Defence
Sergiño Dest’s performance was far from convincing at Stamford Bridge, so the USMNT international is expected to start on the bench tomorrow.
Pioli must cope without Simon Kjaer and Davide Calabria and could again have Pierre Kalulu on the right with Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori in central defence. During today’s press conference, Pioli hinted that Dest would not start against the Blues.
“Dest was accustomed to a different style, he needs time to adapt, but I believe in his qualities. His moment will come soon.”
Brahim Diaz
The Spaniard scored a superb solo goal against Juventus on Saturday and is set to start against Chelsea in place of Charles De Ketelaere. The Belgium starlet was criticised after Milan’s defeat against the Blues last week so he rested against Juventus three days ago.
However, the 21-year-old has also suffered an injury and missed this morning’s training session at Milanello.
Junior Messias returns to action and, contrary to the game at Stamford Bridge, he will be available for Milan, boosting Pioli’s options in attack.
Pioli could confirm a 4-3-2-1 formation with Leao and Brahim behind former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, while the San Siro crowd will provide a vital push for the Serie A giants.
All good news. Now lets beat them and make some pundits eat their words.
As Serie A champion AC Milan should have done better in the group UCL which is considered easier than others.
How can you risk yourself to enter Europe League, when you are in the group with opponent like Zagreb and RB Salzburg?
@yepe
You do realise that Bayern much barley got a way with a win away against Salzburg and Zagreb is always strong especially at home who happened to win against Chelsea.