According to the daily Italian newspaper of La Gazzetta dello Sport this morning, tonight's game at the Artemio Franchi grounds will be a bit of a first for Pioli and his team. For the first time since AC Milan switched to a back three, they will be facing a Fiorentina side lined up in a four-man defence. It's hard to say how much of an impact this will have, as Pioli has always preferred dynamic and adaptable tactics, relying on the evolution of his players' positions on the field. Belgian playmaker Charles De Ketelaere and Croatian forward Ante Rebic, both starting tonight behind Olivier Giroud, will need to be on their game and redeem themselves after a season with more lows than highs.
The defence, however, is a certainty. In February, AC Milan only conceded one goal and has kept a clean sheet in four consecutive games. If they can maintain this structure tonight and against Tottenham, it will be a significant step forward for the team. Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer, a key factor in the month of February, will also need to be at his best, especially with regards to recoveries.
AC Milan have reunited with their star goalkeeper, Frenchman Mike Maignan after five months and today, Alessandro Florenzi can make his comeback too. Additionally, Davide Calabria will also return, but it is Ismael Bennacer who will likely immediately regain his starting position.
