AC Milan will face Genoa tonight and Junior Messias will be ready to play against his former team. The Brazilian was cleared to start by Gilardino yesterday ("Yes, he can start, he can play as a wing-back or as a second striker, he is very versatile, he has unique characteristics"), after a forced slow start due to the injury he sustained in a match for Milan against Real Madrid on July 24th, as pointed out by La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
Malinovskyi, on the other hand, had already earned his starting spot in Udine - a match that was both joyful and sorrowful - with a beautiful pass for the goal that doubled Genoa's lead, scored by Gudmundsson. In the first match without the injured Retegui (and also without the midfield duo of Badelj and Strootman), the Ukrainian could play behind the Icelander.
Messias, considered as a wild card for Gilardino due to his versatility, could play in support, unless he starts in a more advanced position in the pitch, as has been tried in practice, with his teammate behind him. Malinovskyi will also have to contribute in the midfield, using his technical skills, and occupying a position that he has already played in for the national team.
Gilardino's goal is to repeat the performances he has given so far at the Ferraris stadium against Napoli and Roma, "with courage and passion". In a packed Ferraris stadium, it will be easier for them to perform than at a packed San Siro.
