Modric Will Be Managed. De Winter-Pavlovic: Milan’s Defensive Wall...
An October-November period with nine matches in twenty-seven days and the number of injured players reaching eight is forcing Amorim to manage his players’ minutes on the pitch. Because there will be no players returning from injury tomorrow against Bologna, and inevitably some of the Rossoneri will have to work overtime. In other words, take to the pitch again just seventy-two hours later in the city derby.
Indispensable Players
Maignan will miss the first official match against Ferencvaros in the Europa League due to suspension. Against Bologna and Inter, however, he will be in his place. The same goes for De Winter and Pavlovic: the Serbian has played all eleven matches and was substituted only in the closing stages in Salzburg; the Belgian had initially been given a breather against Sassuolo, but in the 20th minute he came onto the pitch in place of the injured Gabbia.
It is precisely the unavailability of the product of the Rossoneri youth academy that is pushing Amorim not to rest Strahinja and Koni: Diawara has shown himself to be reliable, even in a role that is not his own, such as left-back, but it is difficult to imagine that either De Winter or Pavlovic could be rested against Bologna.
Perhaps the former United coach will spring another surprise tomorrow evening, but against Bologna it is difficult to imagine that the defensive solidity seen at the Bluenergy Stadium will be put into question.
At right-back, in fact, there will once again be Tomori because Gila will once again be unavailable due to inflammation in his left ankle, as pointed out via La Gazzetta dello Sport today. In fact, he hopes to be there against Inter. Meanwhile, the Englishman was substituted in the closing stages in Udine to spare him the final 17 minutes. Better to be cautious.
At left-back, meanwhile, Estupinan is likely to be used tomorrow and can also play in the derby. It was he who decided last season’s second city derby.
Modric Gets a Breather
Without Loftus-Cheek and Rabiot, Modric will probably be rested against Bologna, and Musah will return in midfield alongside Jashari, now ready for two matches within the space of 72 hours.
For the derby, there is hope (not certainty) of having Rabiot back. The Croatian, in any case, will have his minutes managed.
And in attack? Moreira would be useful against Inter, but as with Rabiot, his involvement will be assessed between Thursday and Friday. Rabiot will work overtime.
Cisse could start tomorrow, either as a centre-forward or as a winger; one of Hutchinson, Bartesaghi or Ramos will be left out.
Because the derby is on the horizon, and even though Bologna must be beaten, the Rossoneri must not be pushed too hard.
From Barella to Bastoni. Chivu Has Two Inters, but Six Will Play Both Matches.
There will be an Inter lineup against Venezia that will bring with it certain indications ahead of the derby. Some will work overtime, while others will be managed differently, and it will be difficult to see them start in both matches this week.
Then, however, there are also those who, between the trip to the Lagoon and the most eagerly awaited match, might simply change position on the pitch.
Yes, because there are a few pieces who, while remaining starters, will allow Chivu to make every lineup a tailor-made outfit for each match.
Two Teams
The first rotation that appears set to be confirmed is in goal. Provedel is heading towards his second consecutive match in the starting lineup, while there are few doubts that Martinez will return to face Milan.
The defence is chameleon-like. Bastoni is certain to provide continuity between Venezia and Milan – helped by his Champions League suspension, which will force him to miss next Tuesday’s trip to Rotterdam – and at the same time he is the one who can change the face of the defensive department, even now that Inter have two centre-backs sidelined.
When the Italian international plays as the left-sided centre-back, he leaves room for Akanji in the middle and Bisseck on the right (as will happen at the Penzo). When he moves into the centre, he allows the Swiss player to catch his breath and Carlos Augusto to express himself.
In this way, there is no need to give up Dimarco in the five-man midfield line. The wing-back could play both matches, without obviously being pushed for the full 180 minutes, but the Brazilian left-footer, who is in such good form, will make Chivu’s choices less predictable.
And in the playmaking role? Zielinski is warming up for Venezia, having been decisive against Fiorentina, and he could also be seen again in the derby, but as a central midfielder (the position could be occupied by Sucic tomorrow).
On Saturday, the Pole will move to the left of Calha, the great former player who will rest in Veneto.
Barella is another player who is difficult to leave out, and as things stand today, he is one of those who, wearing the captain’s armband, could play both tomorrow and Saturday.
On the right, we will see whether and how many opportunities Spence will be able to carve out for himself; the certainty there at the moment is Diouf.
Up front, the rotation of strikers will demand an extra effort from Pio, tomorrow in tandem with Bonny and at San Siro with Thuram (the only one who rested yesterday and who has already booked himself a starring role in the derby).
Today it is already time to get moving: departure for Venezia in the afternoon, the match tomorrow, and then two morning training sessions before the big day.
But no training camp: the team will meet for breakfast at Appiano on Saturday. All together until departure for the stadium.
