The Thursday nights of Europa League football once again meets Milan where they will take on Serbian side Crvena Zvezda also known as Red Star. The Rossoneri will host the Belgrade side in the San Siro after facing them in the first leg which resulted in a stalemate draw where Redstar managed to find an equalizer in stoppage time. Though a draw was rather unfortunate for the red and black faithful, they managed to leave the pitch which two crucial away goals that will help them on an aggregate score should they manage to concede no more than a goal in the next fixture.
In the last fixture Milan played well but was not clinical enough to capitalize on created opportunities, the Rossoneri even had a man advantage on the pitch after a red card in the 76th minute. Milan must be clinical in this fixture if they hope to make it to the next round. Coming off a loss to rivals Inter Milan, the Rossoneri have to keep their heads high and continue to build on the ‘grinta’ mentality that we have seen instilled in the side since the arrival of Zlatan.
As Milan look to host this crucial Round of 32 2nd Leg here is how Pioli and his men’s lineup could appear:
Milan: G.Donnarumma; Calabria, Tomori, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Meïté, Kessié; Castillejo, Krunić, Çalhanoğlu; Leão
Fikayo Tomori making his way back to the starting lineup will be huge as many Rossoneri fans have missed his physical presence along with his speed on defense to help on counterattacks. Soualiho Meïté will be partnered once again with Franck Kessié looking to control the midfield in the double pivot with their physicality and ball retention. Samu Castillejo and Rade Krunić will be looking to impress once again after a good performance in the 1st leg, both players helped created opportunities for Milan and Castillejo was responsible for causing the own goal that went in Milan’s favor.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu must shake off his performance in the derby and take this one personally to help create assists and if possible grab a goal from a set-piece. Rafael Leão must step up with the given opportunity to display his quality, he is quite a talented player. This is his time to seize the opportunity to shine for Milan he must be hungry for a goal.
Milan and Pioli will be looking to make a statement to bounce back after some rough performances it is their home territory the advantage is on them they must work together to bring victory home for the red and black faithful
