"A polar bear in the savannah. This is what Milan risks being on Sunday evening: let's say, out of their comfort zone... Please answer three simple questions. What is the big advantage under construction for Milan? Maignan's feet, a play disguised as a goalkeeper. Who is the offensive wild card, the player that other teams don't have? Theo Hernandez, a fullback with the acceleration of an F1 car. And who was chosen at the beginning of the season as the team's great balancer? Rade Krunic", This is how La Gazzetta dello Sport spoke about AC Milan's key players in view of Juventus game.
Maignan and Theo won't be there against Juve, and even Krunic doesn't feel very well he hasn't trained fully with the team yet. Plus, Wednesday's news revealed only yesterday, Marco Sportiello won't be there due to an injury to the medial twin of his left calf. An injury that recalls the autumn 2022 curse of Mike Maignan. Let's try to understand how Pioli will react.
In the goalkeeper position, Mirante will make his debut against the Bianconeri. He is 40 years old and the third choice of Stefano Pioli. His last start in a Serie A match was on April 18, 2021: that is two and a half years ago, and in the last friendly, in Eindhoven on Dcember 30, 2022, he conceded three goals and almost scored an own goal with a horror exit from his position between the posts.
There are encouraging notes, however. Mirante has over 350 Serie A appearances and lately, Milan hasn't been giving away much to opponents. But, the change will be greater than one might think because it is not limited to the very wide gap in quality between Maignan and Mirante.
In fact, a goalkeeper today is crucial for coaches who want to build their attacks and organise the team's transitions. Maignan has the composure for short plays and the foot to launch 40 meters. When the Frenchman plays, he tries to make important passes to Rafael Leao and that can always cause a threat.
Mirante isn't bad with his feet, but much will depend on Allegri: he can take a risk and press higher than expected, hoping to regain possession in Milan's half, or play his classic conservative game. Also, keep an eye on set pieces. Milan has changed how they defend on free-kicks this season: unlike many teams, they keep the defensive line close to the goal line, a choice born from Maignan's preferences. We'll have to see if anything changes with Mirante.
As added by La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition, the Rossoneri's second goalkeeper in the squad against Juventus will be the 19-year-old Lapo Nava.
