For over twenty years, Milan has been unable to win the Coppa Italia. It may not be the most glamorous or coveted trophy in the world, but in a historical phase where it will be challenging to get hold of the Scudetto or win the Champions League, there aren’t many options left if the goal is to update the trophy cabinet.
And so, here we are, caught between those who hope to exit the competition early to conserve energy (a minority) and those who hope to lift at least one trophy by the end of the season (the other possibility being the Supercoppa).
Milan must go as far as possible in the cup.
The second option is decidedly more appealing, and tonight the Rossoneri team will need to beat Sassuolo with the right mentality and organization. This competition should not be underestimated, as it offers a chance to win something—a mistake that has been made far too often in the past.
For the occasion, there will be a major shake-up. Fonseca is aware that the team must advance, but at the same time, he is wary of injuries and fatigue due to the packed schedule.
Who will start for Milan vs Sassuolo?
Therefore, players who have seen little action so far will get a chance, such as Sportiello, Terracciano, Calabria, Chukwueze, Tomori, Pavlovic, and even Abraham. There’s a toss-up on the left between Okafor and Leao.
In midfield, Fofana and Reijnders, or at least one of them, might play again. There’s that risk. Why? It’s simple: there are no other players. Fonseca has no alternatives. Unfortunately, these two will be pushed to their limits because there’s no one to replace them.
This brings us back to a fundamental point: it is impossible not to enter the January transfer market. The winter window exists and must be used. Not taking advantage of it to strengthen an area of the field with limited options would be wasteful and foolish, writes Antonio Vitiello in his editorial for Milannews.it.
This is despite Ismael Bennacer's expected return tomorrow to the club's sports centre, where he will begin his reconditioning phase.
