The international break is now over and the Rossoneri faithful prepare for their last 10 games of the season. After recently bowing out of the Europa League in the Round of 16, the red and black's are now determined to focus on capitalizing on as many points as possible until the final matchday of the season. Milan's injury list consists of Mario Mandžukić, Rafael Leão, and Alessio Romagnoli.
Milan sits in 2nd place with 59 points trailing rivals Inter who lead the Serie A with 65 points at the top of the table. Milan's record consists of 18 wins, 5 losses, and 5 draws from 28 total games. On matchday 29 they will host Sampdoria at the San Siro. Though the recent run of matches at home does not favor the Rossoneri unable to win in their last 5 games at home with 2 draws and 3 losses, Milan has not lost to Sampdoria in the last 7 matches between the two sides. Pioli must get it right the battle for top 4 is heating up and here is how his team could appear:
Milan 4-2-3-1: G.Donnarumma; Saelemaekers, Tomori, Kjaer, Herandez; Bennacer, Kessié; Castillejo,, Çalhanoğlu, Rebić; Ibrahimović
Ante Rebić makes his way back into the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card against Napoli which saw him miss Fiorentina. Hakan Çalhanoğlu had an amazing international break grabbing an assist in every game he played and also grabbing two goals over the break. He must continue his hot form against Sampdoria and must find a way to facilitate Milan with either a goal or an assist, the international break should've been a massive confidence booster with the performance he displayed and could potentially help aid the contract renewal that he is seeking from Milan. Zlatan Ibrahimović who came out of retirement and featured for Sweeden over the break will be vital in the game in his leadership role and also attacking output he will be a target man for Milan to provide service to in this game as he will look to add to his goal tally this season that sits at 15. Ismaël Bennacer is hungry to play after his latest interview with Milan where he expressed his desire to win with Milan. Should Milan manage to be victorious against Sampdoria this would be the first time Milan has beaten Sampdoria in both matches in a season since the 2015/16 calendar year. Victory is a must to keep up the pressure on Inter and also keep the Rossoneri's hope for staying in the top 4 race.
