As the international break is over for this time, AC Milan will once again get back to business as they take on Hellas Verona on Sunday evening at the Bentegodi stadium. After beating Brescia last time out, they will look to continue on the same path ahead of the derby next week.
As with any game, three important points are at stake. Furthermore, it will be good opportunity for Giampaolo’s men to strengthen their confidence ahead of the Derby Della Madonnina, which takes place on Saturday evening next week. The manager is expected to make a few changes to the lineup, according to the latest reports from Sky Italia.
THE TEAM
In goal, as per usual, Donnarumma will start. Furthermore, the back four will remain intact, as Rodriguez keeps his spot on the left flank despite speculation of a possible debut for Hernandez, who has returned from his ankle injury. In other words, Giampaolo opts for consistency at the back.
Further up the pitch, Biglia is expected to be thrown into action straight away, after recently recovering from a muscle injury which kept him out for the first two games. Therefore, the new signing Bennacer will be sent to the bench. Other than that, the midfield remains intact, as Kessie and Calhanoglu start on the flanks.
Just like against Brescia, Giampaolo will field a 4-3-2-1 formation. However, instead of playing Castillejo as one of the players behind the striker, Sky Italia reports that Paqueta will start instead, in addition to Suso of course. Up front, after starting on the bench last time out, Piatek has won back his position.
Likely AC Milan XI (4-3-2-1): Donnarumma; Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Kessie, Biglia, Calhanoglu; Suso, Paqueta; Piatek.
STATS
The Rossoneri are considered as favourites heading into the game. However, the stats certainly tell a different story, hinting that there might be an upset on Sunday evening. In the last five games between the sides, Milan have only managed to claim three points once (2D, 2L). Furthermore, Verona have scored 39 goals at home against the San Siro side, which is a record for the club in home matches against a single opponent in Serie A.
In other words, the newly-promoted side certainly shouldn’t be underestimated. Then again, these stats hardly matter when it comes down to business, although they are a perfectly valid way of painting some sort of picture of how the game might look. Hopefully, the Rossoneri will be able to break the bad trend.
PREDICTION
It wasn’t pretty against Brescia, but Giampaolo’s men got the job done in the end. Against Hellas Verona, I expect the same outcome, even though the Rossoneri have previously struggled against the Bentegodi side. If the reported starting eleven ends up being the official one, then the team should return to Milan with three points in the bag.
Hellas Verona 0-2 AC Milan
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