Matchday 36 is here and AC Milan have an important trip to the Northern part of Italy as they face Hellas Verona at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium.
The talks about the possible change of ownership for the Rossoneri at the end of the season does not make the fans distracted at such a crucial stage as the team needs the support from the fans.
In fact, the team of Stefano Pioli could feel at home tonight as around 16 thousand fans will be present to cheer for them. The supporters are pushing as hard as they can so they can see their beloved club get the victory tonight and also make a step forward to grabbing the Scudetto at the end of the campaign. In the three games that remain, 7 points are needed.
AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli knows that this will be a very tough fixture as the last game, played in the San Siro, ended in a difficult and narrow 3-2 victory for the red and black faithful. After being down 2-0 at half-time, Milan found the next gear thanks to goals by Olivier Giroud, Franck Kessié and a good contribution from Samu Castillejo who caused an own goal to the opposing team.
The Rossoneri tactician has told the media that it will be a difficult match again. Here are his words in yesterday's press conference:
"The last game against Verona being difficult? From a tactical point of view, it will be similar: there will be many suffocating man-markings. Finding space will be important for us."
AC Milan key players
The usual stars will be important as Stefano Pioli always relies on them to be in a top form and condition to unlock the games. The midfield, especially, will have to be very attentive. Sandro Tonali and Franck Kessié who are set to start together must fight for every loose ball in every situation. The Rossoneri should always try to keep posession of the ball. Hellas Verona are the type of team that likes to make passes forward once they have the ball and get to the goal area quickly.
This is why Il Diavolo squad must stay 'awake' for 90 minutes and not get too carried away in attacking scenarios. The team of Igor Tudor play really well on counter-attacks and have scored 61 goals so far this season.
For AC Milan, coach Pioli will also be expecting a great contribution from Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez. The two make a great attacking combination on the left flank. Hellas Verona's coach, though, knows how important they are and knows that the left side of the red and black faithful has more quality and decisiveness to it than the right one which is occupied by Alexis Saelemaekers (or Junior Messias) and Davide Calabria at the back. Therefore, the Portuguese left-winger and the French left-back will be tightly marked and it will be up to their teammates to find extra solutions to open the scoring sheet of the game.
Olivier Giroud will not have an easy game either in the attack. He should not be isolated and Pioli's hope and vision is that the French centre-forward will find a good support from Rade Krunic who will start instead of Brahim Diaz.
Probable lineups:
Possible formation of Hellas Verona:
Montipò; Ceccherini, Günter, Casale; Faraoni, Tamez, Ilic, Lazovic; Barak, Caprari; Simeone
Possible choices of AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli:
