On September 16, AC Milan will face Simone Inzaghi's Inter in what will be matchday 4. It's a much anticipated derby. However, Stefano Pioli will have to do without the services of Fikayo Tomori (due to being sent off against Roma) and Pierre Kalulu (who is currently injured).
Who will play next to Malick Thiaw for AC Milan in the coming derby challenge?
The answer is clear for Stefano Pioli. The one who will be the German player's partner is Simon Kjaer. The Danish defender will, by necessity, have to feel comfortable with Thiaw. It won't be easy: the two have never played together, except for two occasions: against Cremonese in November 2022 (the final result was 0-0) and against Tottenham at San Siro last February (the final result was 1-0); no goals conceded on both occasions, but with a 3-man defence and never with a 4-man defense, the formation they will be lined up in for Saturday's derby.
Therefore, an absolute novelty: Kjaer's experience could be crucial, even though he will have to deal with the speed of the Inter attackers.
