As the dust settles on the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 when AC Milan secured an important victory over Tottenham, the focus now shifts to Serie A.
At 6:00 PM sharp, Italy's time, the Rossoneri will grace the U-Power Stadium as they cross swords with a challenging adversary who has yet to taste defeat in the 2023 year. Brimming with confidence, Palladino's charges have already seen off the mighty Juventus and held Inter to a draw. Despite Stefano Pioli's elation at welcoming back English centre-back Fikayo Tomori, the defender's presence remains contingent on the outcome of tomorrow's trial. In a cruel twist of fate, Calabria's hip ailment has ruled him out of contention, adding to the absence of the still-recovering Bennacer and Maignan, as reported by Milan News.
Undaunted by these setbacks, the AC Milan tactician is set to persist with a 3-man defensive line, with Thiaw's Herculean efforts against Tottenham earning him another nod. The defensive trio will be rounded out by the promising Kalulu and the aforementioned Tomori, who may have to make way if his condition worsens. The midfield will see a 4-man setup, with the indefatigable Theo manning the left flank and Messias edging out Saelemaekers on the right as the latter spent considerable energy in the Tottenham clash. Italian central midfielder Sandro Tonali and Bosnian 29-year-old Rade Krunic will resume their partnership at the center of the park, while the attack is likely to see the prolific Olivier Giroud being rested in favour of Divock Origi. The Belgian will be ably supported on either flank by the fleet-footed Rafael Leao and the attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz, who is expected to get the nod over Charles De Ketelaere.
Tatarusanu; Kalulu, Tomori, Thiaw; Messias, Tonali, Krunic, Theo, Brahim Diaz, Leao; Origi
