La Gazzetta dello Sport in today's print edition, AC Milan can try to win the Europa League. The Bookmakers, in fact, consider the Rossoneri team the third favourite and Pioli has already made it clear that he wants to give it his all.
There are two problems, and the first is that the most in-form team in France is Rennes. They are the next opponent.
A small problem in defence though appears: Simon Kjaer has a minor muscular issue. No complications, but he's not at a 100% level. Theo Hernandez, therefore, could play as a centre-back with Filippo Terracciano taking the role of the left-back.
Alessandro Florenzi on the right considering Calabria, as reported, will also miss the AC Monza game.
Tijjani Reijnders, however, will be there in midfield with Yunus Musah (or Yacine Adli or also Ismael Bennacer) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Up front, the usual Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud, and Rafael Leao.
Milan needs to rediscover the best of Rafael Leao. The Portuguese star is the only one who can take Milan and carry the team to a higher level, as the game at San Siro with PSG demonstrated to believers and agnostics alike.
The clear impression is that Europe triggers something in his mind, and Pioli has legitimate hopes that the cup will erase the 'goal allergy' developed in recent weeks.
Leao has taken on the mirror only 10 times in 24 matchdays, no more than twice in the new year, and the number honestly isn't acceptable for a talent like him.
On the other hand, Rafa these days finds a way to decide with an assist... and that's not to be discarded either.
READ MORE | AC Milan eyeing up second place in Serie A standings and Europa League glory
👀 As per @Gazzetta_it 🗞️, Theo Hernandez could start as a centre-back vs Rennes instead of Kjaer who is not at 100% level. #ForzaMilan 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/nVbSX28pv5
— MilanReports (@MilanReportscom) February 13, 2024
