Milan, after the home defeat suffered at the hands of Atalanta which has almost definitively compromised their hopes of playing in Europe's top competition next season, are preparing to face Inter in the return leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals, which also marks the fifth city derby of the 2024/25 season.
A crucial match that could give Milan the chance to win a trophy that has been missing from their cabinet for as many as 23 years, as well as provide the fastest and most concrete opportunity to play at least in the Europa League next season.
Sergio Conceicao recovers two players for his Milan team...
The best version of the Rossoneri will be needed to secure access to the final and keep their unbeaten record in this season's derbies intact, where the Rossoneri have yet to suffer a defeat (two wins, including the triumph in the Italian Super Cup, and two draws, including the first leg of these semifinals). Coach Sergio Conceicao will have two more weapons at his disposal for the clash with Inzaghi's Nerazzurri, as both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kyle Walker took part in the full training session with the group today at Milanello. The only player still unavailable remains Emerson Royal, who is continuing his recovery program from injury. The two Englishmen are thus recovered respectively from appendicitis and an elbow fracture. Their chances of starting differ, with the former City full-back in contention for a starting spot.
Who plays and who doesn't for Milan against Inter?
Conceicao is studying the best possible lineup to play against Inter and, in all likelihood, will once again rely on a back three. In front of Maignan, Tomori and Gabbia will again feature, with Thiaw ready to take Pavlovic’s place in the Rossoneri’s defense. In midfield, Fofana and Reijnders are confirmed in the center, with Theo on the left flank and a decision to be made between Jimenez (for a more offensive team) and Walker (to provide more balance). In attack, there is no doubt about Pulisic and Leao on the wings, while the uncertainty remains over the number 9 role: Jovic started against Atalanta to allow Abraham to start the derby in the Coppa, but he gave important answers on all fronts. The Englishman, whose card is owned by Roma, is revving up and has an excellent feeling against the Nerazzurri – see the Super Cup and the first leg –, while Santiago Gimenez has fully recovered from the knock suffered against Fiorentina, but seems to have slipped down in the pecking order of the Portuguese coach. The Mexican striker will be a valuable weapon over the course of the match.
Probable lineup – MILAN (3-4-3):
Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Thiaw; Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, Theo Hernandez; Pulisic, Abraham, Leao. Coach: Conceicao.
Source: Calciomercato.com
