Europa League: at 18.55
Milan-Sparta Prague 0-0 LIVE
, match of group H of the group stage
Milan aims to extend their streak of positive results, will find a team capable of winning 6 games out of 6 in their championship, scoring 20 goals (Julis with 6 goals and Hlozek with 4 the best) and conceding six, finding themselves with two points ahead of Slavia.
Forward, Milan cannot give up on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Serie A top scorer with 6 goals in 3 games.
Probable formations
MILAN (4-2-3-1)
: 1 Tatarusanu;
5 Dalot, 24 Kjaer, 13 Romagnoli, 19 Theo Hernández;
33 Krunic, 8 Tonali;
7 Castillejo, 21 Brahim Díaz, 17 Leao;
21 Ibrahimovic (90 Donnarumma A., 96 Jungdal, 2 Calabria, 4 Bennacer, 10 Calhanoglu, 56 Saelemaekers, 79 Kessie, 14 Conti, 20 Kalulu, 27 Maldini, 29 Colombo, 43 Duarte).
Herds
Pioli
SPARTA PRAGUE (4-2-3-1)
: 29 Heca;
16 Sacek, 13 Lischka, 3 Celutska, 15 Hanousek;
8 Pavelka, 25 Travnik;
32 Vindheim, 10 Dockal, 7 Moberg;
18 Kozak (1 Nita, 5 Plechaty, 11 Mincev, 20 Hlozek, 24 Polidar, 36 Karabec, 40 Kotek, 41 Vitik, 52 Patrak).
Herds
Kotal
Referee: Halis Özkahya (Tur)
Milan, three days away from equal with Roma, the first half misstep of the season, returns to focus on the Europa League where it aims to maintain the clear path and also to establish itself against Sparta Prague.
Pioli will have to manage the energies of the group, make changes to give some players a bit of rest who have been called to overtime, without ever underestimating the opponent.
"It is a tough and difficult group. A group - explains the coach on the eve - that will test us and will have to see us confirm high level performances. Sparta Prague have always won in the league and in eleven against eleven against Lille they stood playing a good game. They play modern football, it won't be easy to overcome. How is Ibra? If I ask him if he feels like playing he will always say yes, like all my players. "
On paper, however, Milan shouldn't have a difficult life.
Sparta, with full points in the league and first in the standings, lost 4-1 against Lille and are an opponent within the reach of the Rossoneri.
"There will be strong and competitive Milan. I don't like it when it comes to turnover. I have many owners", assures Pioli who could relaunch Diaz and give Theo Hernandez a rest.
In goal there will always be Tatarusanu, given the positivity of Donnarumma at Covid.
An opportunity for redemption for the Romanian goalkeeper after the performance against Roma.
"I talked to him - says Pioli - as I did with the whole team with whom I analyzed the game. I have full confidence in him and also his teammates. The players must always help each other, we must continue like this."
And the goal is to transform the regret for the draw against Roma into energy to face Sparta Prague: "It is normal that my players were not completely satisfied with the result against Roma. We wanted to win and we also had the opportunity to do so. . We always try to get the most out of ourselves ".
And the best this year is the return to the Champions League.
There are two ways: either fourth place in the league or victory in the Europa League.
The return to the Champions League is essential for blazon and to restore the finances of the club which approved the financial statements at 30 June 2020 with a loss of 195 million.
An assembly in which Massimo Ferrari was also announced as the new member of the board of directors and above all Franco Baresi appointed honorary vice president of Milan.
"I am very happy with this decision. Franco - comments Pioli - is a legend of Milan and will be able to convey the right values. I can't wait for him to come here to Milanello to talk to me and the team. It is important to have in society. so many people who know what Milan is ".
And the CEO Gazidis assures that Pioli will be able to have important reinforcements also from the January market to hit the seasonal objectives.
"The club has a strong ownership behind it who has faith in programming. We have a clear strategy: to hire some of the best talents in the world and make them grow with us. The summer transfer window has just closed and we are very satisfied. led by Paolo Maldini is already gearing up for the winter window and we are confident ".